Lawler discusses prices and record on ‘Face the Nation’

Lawler defends his record

Rep. Mike Lawler, a New York Republican, said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that he expected to win reelection Tuesday. Host Margaret Brennan noted that House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries had identified Lawler’s district as a priority.

Lawler said his office had closed more than 10,000 constituent cases and brought more than back to the district during his four years in Congress. He also said more than two dozen of his bills had passed and 17 had become law.

Jared Golden and said his work had been rated bipartisan and effective. He also criticized his opponent’s ties to the district.

Questions about prices

Brennan pressed Lawler on affordability, saying wages had not kept pace with inflation during the previous six months even as the economy grew and consumers continued spending.

Lawler attributed recent inflation in part to oil-market volatility caused by war in the Middle East. He cited 3.4% economic growth in the third quarter and said more than 1 million private-sector jobs had been created over the past year.

He argued that federal tax changes and a housing bill would help households by increasing housing supply and access to capital. He also said Congress would complete a permitting measure before the end of its term to expand domestic energy supplies.

Lawler blamed New York’s rising utility costs on state decisions involving nuclear power, natural gas and pipelines. He said changing those policies would reduce energy prices, which affect manufacturing, transportation and groceries.

Health care subsidies

Brennan then turned to health care. She noted that Lawler had sought a short-term extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies that expired at the end of the year and said Democrats were campaigning on restoring some of those benefits if they gained the House majority.