Are Republicans being respectful enough of, A, how much the American people are hurting, and B, that they feel that there actually has to be structural changes to the economy to make it fair again?

Look, I think, Leland, in your, uh, opening monologue, you raised a lot of critically important points, and I think both parties need to acknowledge, uh, dogma is not our way out of this.

Uh, we saw under the prior administration cumulative inflation of 21%.

It raised the base price of everything.

Inflation is still a problem.

It was coming down.

Obviously, the situation in the Middle East and, uh, the, uh, volatility in the oil markets has driven it back up.

this is the opportunity-

Who should voters blame for that when they vote in 19 days?

Look, when you, uh, are focused on economic news, you can't cherry-pick it.

There are a lot of factors, uh, happening right now.

We delivered the largest tax cut in American history, putting on average over $4,000 back in the pockets of my constituents across my district.

We also passed, uh, the largest bipartisan housing bill, uh, to pass Congress in 36 years that became law to increase supply, to cut red tape, to increase access to capital, and ultimately start to bring down prices.

Uh, right now we're in the process of passing permitting reform.

When we get back after the election, that will come to fruition.

Is that something that is acceptable in your view?

But, um, you tell me, are you proud of Blakeman's performance last night, and what do you think so far about his campaign?

campaign?Oh yeah, of course.

Look, uh, Kathy Hochul is a disaster, uh, and she has run this state into the ground.

We have the highest tax burden, the worst business climate.

We lead the nation in out-migration.

In my district, she has a 60% disapproval.

I mean, my opponent, Kate Conley, can't run away from her fast enough.

So what is the latest in your race against Kate Conley up there in Rockland County?

Terrible.

Terrible? She's a fucking moron, Sid.

Look, Kathy Hochul is the most inept, incompetent, feckless governor in America.

She has bent the knee to Zoran Mamdani and the radical socialists.

All she cares about is being re-elected.

She doesn't care one iota the impact of her policies on New Yorkers.

whether it's the cost of utilities, which have risen 58% in six years because she shut down nuclear power, she banned natural gas extraction, she blocked pipelines, she required all electric construction, and then she shocked that utility rates went up.

So what is the latest in your race against Kate Conley up there in Rockland County?

But as I heard from some Republicans over the weekend, they said, look, this is a president that's just trying to do what he can for the american people how do you see it

well of course there's domestic politics and and uh... economics that of course we want to bring down diesel and uh... fuel prices across the country there's also foreign policy that is the exclusive purview of the federal government uh... and when i look at the conflicts around the globe I've said repeatedly this all stems from the unholy alliance from Russia, China and Iran.

And the decisions that have been made both during the Biden administration and the Trump administration are centered around combating this malign influence.

I fundamentally am opposed to any deal with Russia that would put money in their pockets, especially as they continue this war of aggression against Ukraine.

The fact is that Vladimir Putin is a vile dictator and thug who has committed numerous acts of war crimes during this conflict in Ukraine.

The number of people dying on the battlefield, as the president rightly points out, is outrageous.

And the war should come to an end.

To your point on Europeans, can we ask Europeans to stop buying oil if we're taking part in a deal like this? Does this compromise our view?

What say you?

Well, look, we suffered under 21% cumulative inflation under the Biden administration.

The price of everything went up, and we have been working diligently to bring that down and put more money back in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers and American families.

We delivered the largest tax cut in American history.

We passed the largest bipartisan housing bill in 36 years.

We've secured the border and stopped the massive influx of illegal immigration into the country, which was costing our country billions upon billions upon billions of dollars on free housing, clothing, food, education, healthcare.

And so we are continuing to claw our way through it.

under President Biden, it was over 90, $100 a barrel for the entire four years.

In your area of New York, what, what is something that you hear about as a member of Congress is on the mind of your voters that might maybe surprise people?

Look, living in the state of New York, where Democrats control everything, uh, the cost of living obviously is, is top of mind.

Uh, New York has the highest tax burden, the worst business climate.

We lead the nation in outmigration.

Uh, so folks are obviously very focused on the cost of living.

It's why I led on the issue of lifting the cap on SALT, the state and local tax deduction, delivering real r- tax relief to my constituents.

Uh, they care about housing costs.

Do you get the credit that you deserve right now, but p- people realize what battle, what hill you climbed?

In your area of New York, what, what is something that you hear about as a member of Congress is on the mind of your voters that might maybe surprise people?

people?Look, living in the state of New York, where Democrats control everything, uh, the cost of living obviously is, is top of mind.

Uh, New York has the highest tax burden, the worst business climate.

We lead the nation in outmigration.

Uh, so folks are obviously very focused on the cost of living.

It's why I led on the issue of lifting the cap on SALT, the state and local tax deduction, delivering real re- tax relief to my constituents.

Uh, they care about housing costs.

Do you get the credit that you deserve right now, but pe- people realize what battle, what hill you climbed?

What say you?

Well, look, we, we suffered under 21% cumulative inflation under the Biden administration.

The price of everything went up.

Uh, and we have been working diligently to bring that down and put more money back in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers and American families.

We delivered the largest tax cut in American history.

We passed the largest bipartisan housing bill in 36 years.

We've secured the border and stopped the massive influx of illegal immigration into the country, which was costing our country billions upon billions upon billions of dollars, uh, on free housing, clothing, food, education, healthcare.

And, a- and I believe, I bel- personally believe that this problem is being created to try to affect, to try to affect the American people in the American elections.

And Congressman, give us the pulse of the situation and what's going on in your area and what's going on in New York State.

Well, I was just in Chappaqua yesterday, John, and we held a press conference, myself and Bruce Blakeman, uh, calling out Kathy Hochul over her disastrous sanctuary state policies, uh, which do nothing to make our state safe.

Uh, and in fact, we've seen multiple, uh, criminal illegal immigrants released back out onto the street under Kathy Hochul's watch.

In fact, over 7,000, uh, convicted illegal immigrants have been released, including murderers, rapists, drug dealers, gang bangers, gun traffickers.

And just this, uh, past week in Chappaqua, uh, a gentleman who was deported, uh, previously, uh, came back into the country under Joe Biden's disastrous open border policies, uh, was stalking a, a woman and was on her rooftop, pants down, committing a lewd act, filming her in her bathroom.

Uh, and he was arrested and, of course, released.

And this is, this is the fundamental problem with Kathy Hochul's disastrous leadership.

You know, remember, I, I had former Vice President Pence in my, uh, office a couple weeks ago, and he says, "Look, the Republicans might not be doing everything right, but the Democrats have lost their mind." Listen, I don't know a better way to describe that than the way he said it.

And Congressman, give us the pulse of the situation and what's going on in your area and what's going on in New York State.

Well, I was just in Chappaqua yesterday, John, and we held a press conference, myself and Bruce Blakeman, uh, calling out Kathy Hochul over her disastrous sanctuary state policies, uh, which do nothing to make our state safe.

Uh, and in fact, we've seen multiple, uh, criminal illegal immigrants released back out onto the street under Kathy Hochul's watch.

In fact, over 7,000, uh, convicted illegal immigrants have been released, including murderers, rapists, drug dealers, gang bangers, gun traffickers.

And just this, uh, past week in Chappaqua, uh, a gentleman who was deported, uh, previously, uh, came back into the country under Joe Biden's disastrous open border policies, uh, was stalking a, a woman, and was on her rooftop, pants down, committing a lewd act, filming her in her bathroom.

Uh, and he was arrested and, of course, released.

And this is, this is the fundamental problem with Kathy Hochul's disastrous leadership.

You know, remember, I, I had former Vice President Pence in my, uh, office a couple weeks ago, and he says, "Look, the Republicans might not be doing everything right, but the Democrats have lost their mind." Listen, I don't know a better way to describe that than the way he said it.

And Congressman, give us the pulse of the situation and what's going on in your area and what's going on in New York State.

Well, I was just in Chappaqua yesterday, John, and we held a press conference, myself and Bruce Blakeman, calling out Kathy Hochul over her disastrous sanctuary state policies, which... do nothing to make our state safe.

And in fact, we've seen multiple criminal illegal immigrants released back out onto the street under Kathy Hochul's watch.

In fact, over 7,000 convicted illegal immigrants have been released, including murderers, rapists, drug dealers, gang bangers, gun traffickers.

And just this past week in Chappaqua, a gentleman who was deported previously came back into the country under Joe Biden's disastrous open border policies, was stalking a woman and was on her rooftop, pants down, committing a lewd act, filming her in her bathroom.

And he was arrested and, of course, released.

And this is the fundamental problem with Kathy Hochul's disastrous leadership.

Listen, I don't know a better way to describe that than the way he said it.

Hmm.

Uh, the fact is that Democrats have run the state of New York into the ground.

Uh, and I'm the only thing standing in the way of, uh, all-out socialism, uh, from Mamdani to Hochul, uh, up the Hudson River.

And I think voters appreciate the fact that, uh, I, I say what's on my mind.

I say what I believe.

Uh, whether I agree or disagree with the president, I'm not afraid to say it.

Whether I agree or disagree with my party, I'm not afraid to say it.

Explain that.

It's one of the clearest contrasts, uh, in the midterms, I think.

No question.

And Scott, when you talk about affordability, think about the fact that it has cost us tens of billions of dollars to provide free housing, clothing, food, education, and healthcare to illegal immigrants who have come into our country under Joe Biden.

Democrats want to shield them from deportation, uh, and want to use taxpayer money to provide all of these benefits.

Uh, so when they talk about affordability, they fail to mention the fact that, you know, when you're housing illegal immigrants and Americans can't find a home, that drives up the cost.

When you are using taxpayer money to provide free health benefits to illegal immigrants, it makes it harder for Americans to access healthcare and be able to afford it.

And so, you know, they, they don't want to actually address the issue of affordability.

Uh, talk to us about what you did on that issue and what it means in dollars and cents, uh, for a family in Westchester or Rockland.

It's one of the clearest contrasts, uh, in the midterms, I think.

No question.

And Scott, when you talk about affordability, think about the fact that it has cost us tens of billions of dollars to provide free housing, clothing, food, education, and healthcare to illegal immigrants who have come into our country under Joe Biden.

Democrats want to shield them from deportation, uh, and want to use taxpayer money to provide all of these benefits.

Uh, so when they talk about affordability, they fail to mention the fact that, you know, when you're housing illegal immigrants and Americans can't find a home, that drives up the cost.

When you are using taxpayer money to provide free health benefits to illegal immigrants, it makes it harder for Americans to access healthcare and be able to afford it.

And so, you know, they, they don't want to actually address the issue of affordability.

Uh, talk to us about what you did on that issue and what it means in dollars and cents, uh, for a family in Westchester or Rockland.

[laughs]

I mean, she has come out in favor of impeachment.

She's not even a member of Congress, and she has come out in favor of impeachment.

If she wins, we will have two years of absolutely nothing.

It'll be straight up gridlock.

There will be no ability to get anything done on behalf of the district because she will waste everybody's time on impeachment.

And the fact is that we need to deal with real challenges facing the American people, from healthcare costs to energy costs to housing costs, all of which are exponentially higher in the state of New York than anywhere else in the country.

He's a Democrat from New Jersey." I think you did a very good job last night of pointing out you're not just there for Republicans.

It could work for me.

I think there's a few things.

Number one, we do the actual work on the ground.

You know, my office and I have closed over 10,000 constituent cases in less than four years.

We've brought back over 120 million dollars to the district.

I show up in every community.

I've done well over 2000 cases.

Congressman, what do you say to your colleagues who are struggling with those issues, with the cost of things like diesel and the war? Should they be separating themselves from the president? Should they be trying to convince people it's not so bad? Because those two issues, they don't seem to be dragging you down, but they're dragging a lot of your colleagues down currently.

Is he right?

Yeah, unfortunately.

And I see it in my own district.

People do not feel safe.

They don't feel safe to go into New York City.

They don't feel safe to send their children into New York City.

The fact that people are afraid during this Jewish holiday to be able to go to synagogue and pray or to openly wear a Star of David in the city of New York is shameful.

What does that mean for your race against Kate Connolly?

You know, this is politics of the past, what it used to be where a Republican and a Democrat could actually talk.

No question.

And you know, this mattered to him to be able to move this bill and in the final months of his term in Congress.

And certainly he had been working hard on it and his own party wasn't willing to help him move it.

And so, You know, he needed a Republican to sponsor the bill and put it forward.

And so I did that and I was happy to do it.

You know, obviously, you know, it's a perfect example of Republicans and Democrats being able to work together and find ways to help the American people and to help in his district constituents that rely heavily on this industry.

What do you think are the major harms the Democrats would inflict upon the people if they took control of the House?

You know, this is politics of the past, what it used to be, where a Republican and a Democrat could actually talk.

No question.

And, you know, this mattered to him to be able to move this bill in the final months of his term in Congress.

And certainly he had been working hard on it, and his own party wasn't willing to help him move it.

And so...

He needed a Republican to sponsor the bill and put it forward, and so I did that.

And I was happy to do it.

Just basically eliminating our

But at what point do we get tough with them? Where does that happen?

Well, Secretary Rubio is absolutely correct.

You need to have dialogue.

You need to engage diplomatically.

But I think what you are seeing is actions by the administration that recognizes the threat posed by China, whether it is the tariffs regime that was put in place during the first term that the Biden administration, by the way, kept in place.

And certainly the president has sought to expand, whether it is what the president and the administration are doing to cut off the oil supply to China from Venezuela and Iran.

I've been one of the leading voices in going after the illicit oil trade between China and Iran.

Is that affecting universities in your state?

Congressman Lawler, what are you hearing from your colleagues in Republican leadership about the bill? Do you think there's broad support for this or AI regulation in general?

I do.

I think many of my colleagues recognize this requires a bipartisan approach and frankly, an all of government approach.

Uh, to Josh's point, uh, you know, AI is here, we know that, uh, but there needs to be, uh, guardrails put in place.

Uh, and you know, uh, from my vantage point, I look at it very simply as, as AI becomes more prevalent in our everyday lives, as it, uh, has the power to impact our national security, our capital markets, uh, one of the things that I think the point Josh is making about testing, uh, I don't view it any differently than the FDA, for instance, and, uh, drugs that come on the marketplace.

There are, there are always going to be tests, and that is a, a collaborative appo- approach between the private sector and government to make sure that there is not a negative impact, uh, on the American people.

And so, you know, sitting on financial services and foreign affairs, Josh is on financial services and the intelligence committee, one of my biggest concerns with AI from the beginning has been the use of AI by foreign bad actors, specifically China, uh, to undermine our capital markets, to undermine our financial institutions.

Then given your concerns about China, what do you think or hope realistically will come from the meeting with the President and Xi tomorrow?

New York Republican Congressman Mike Lawler.

And certainly, uh, with respect to rogue agents or bots, uh, that are, you know, self-multiplying here and kind of attacking, uh, the, the back end of these systems and, uh, websites, hacking, uh, and creating, frankly, a, a, a cyber threat.

And, you know, from my vantage point sitting on financial services and foreign affairs, my number one concern has always been about China and foreign bad actors using AI for the sole purpose of undermining our financial markets and our institutions.

And so I think what they're saying is, "Look, we may have to throttle it back a bit and make sure that, you know, we have our I's dotted and T's crossed." I think from a congressional standpoint, we need to be looking at what type of legislation, uh, is necessary, uh, to keep pace with, uh, the development of AI.

We all understand we're in a competition with China, and we do not want China to leapfrog us.

We want America to be the innovators in this space.

Uh, but there needs to be greater transparency and cooperation between the AI companies and the federal government so that we can get this right, uh, as we look to, uh, implement regulations.

Where do you stand on these data centers, and how does it tie into this overall AI argument heading into the midterms? It seems like AI and these data centers really are now moving up to the forefront of what voters care about.

So are you winning all these races? Are you this valued congressman from Rockland County, Mike, because of dark, evil APAC money? No,

you know, it's Tucker Carlson's a blubbering idiot at this point.

You know, this is a guy bought and paid for by foreign governments, which is why it's so rich.

Listening to him lecture everybody about, you know, Jewish influence in American politics.

The fact is organizations like APAC are comprised of Jewish Americans.

They are American citizens exercising their First Amendment rights to participate in our democracy, to participate in our electoral process, and to make sure that their voice is heard on issues that matter to them.

And it's always fascinating to me how every other group that's okay But the Jewish group, no, that's a problem.

Well, you and I have great chemistry too, Mike Lawler, Lawler and Rosenberg, but how about President Trump saying, I don't think Tucker Carlson ever liked me.

Do you pledge your allegiance to Donald Trump?

I pledge my allegiance to my constituents, which I always have.

It's why I've been rated among the most bipartisan and effective members of Congress.

I've been praised by presidents of both parties, including Joe Biden and Donald Trump, because I work to get things done.

My best friend in Congress is a Democrat, Josh Gottheimer.

And we work tirelessly on issues that matter to our constituents and the American people, including AI, where we are leading on Stop Rogue AI Agents Act and the CHAT Act to protect children and require age verification.

And it's funny, Hakeem Jeffries brought up the housing bill.

Do you support this $5,000 dividend that the president talked about this weekend? If so, why haven't Republicans already passed it?