In a blistering exchange during a House Oversight Committee hearing on June 12, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) took New York’s far-left Governor Kathy Hochul to task—exposing the glaring hypocrisy and fiscal recklessness at the core of her sanctuary state policies.
Lawler, who represents New Yorkers who are fed up with sky-high taxes, rising crime, and the endless handouts to non-citizens, held nothing back as he grilled Hochul over her administration’s decision to provide free healthcare and other taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants.
“Governor Hochul,” Lawler began, “under your watch, New York has spent billions of taxpayer dollars on free housing, clothing, food, education, and health care for illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, you’re charging hard-working New Yorkers \$2,500 a year just for the privilege of driving to work.”
It was a devastating contrast—and Hochul had no real defense.
Lawler didn’t let up. He pressed her on her past opposition to driver’s licenses for illegals—a position she conveniently abandoned once it no longer suited her political ambitions. “Did you oppose giving driver’s licenses to illegals when you were running for Congress? Yes or no?”
Caught off guard, Hochul admitted, “At the time I did, yes,” and launched into a deflection-filled answer about rural voters. Lawler wasn’t buying it. “Governor, yes or no—do you support illegal immigrants getting taxpayer funding?”
Instead of answering directly, Hochul tried to muddy the waters. “We provide health care to people in need, including moms with new babies,” she said. But Lawler zeroed in: “Do you support giving illegal immigrants taxpayer-funded health care? Yes or no?”
The governor stammered through a vague response, prompting Lawler to cut to the chase: “The answer is yes. You expanded health care access in 2024 under Medicaid.”
Indeed, under Hochul’s leadership, New York expanded taxpayer-funded Medicaid coverage to illegal immigrants—while law-abiding citizens struggle with skyrocketing insurance premiums and overburdened emergency rooms. It’s a slap in the face to every New Yorker who plays by the rules and pays their taxes.
Hochul, trying desperately to recover, claimed she also supports health care for “senior citizens and babies.” But the damage was done. Lawler’s line of questioning revealed exactly what many in the state already suspect: Governor Hochul prioritizes illegal immigrants over her own citizens.
In a final jab, Hochul claimed her administration cooperates “in all criminal cases” involving illegal immigrants—a claim Lawler immediately rebuked. “You’re not doing that. That’s the reality, Governor.”
This hearing was a much-needed dose of accountability. Hochul may be used to softball interviews from liberal media and nodding heads in Albany, but Rep. Lawler made it clear: the days of dodging tough questions are over.
As Americans grapple with inflation, a broken healthcare system, and a wide-open southern border, leaders like Lawler are standing up and saying what millions are thinking: American tax dollars should go to American citizens—period.
