New York Congressman Mike Lawler called for Republican unity and meaningful immigration reform during an appearance on ABC’s This Week on Sunday. He cautioned against internal squabbles over House leadership, urging his colleagues to avoid what he termed a “nonsensical intramural food fight.”
Lawler endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson for re-election, despite some Republican infighting over his handling of government funding negotiations. “Removing Mike Johnson would be just as foolish as removing Kevin McCarthy,” Lawler said, referring to the 2023 ouster of McCarthy by a faction of Republicans led by former Congressman Matt Gaetz.
“Without a speaker, we can’t get anything done—including certifying Donald Trump’s presidential victory in January,” Lawler warned, emphasizing the need for stability in the upcoming Congress.
Lawler also addressed immigration reform, an issue that has divided Republicans. While some ultra-conservative voices, like activist Laura Loomer, oppose immigration, tech leaders such as Elon Musk and David Sacks have advocated for a more merit-based system to meet the nation’s economic needs.
“We need an immigration system that works,” said Lawler, noting his personal connection to the issue through his immigrant wife. He highlighted the limitations of current programs like the H-1B visa, which provides 65,000 visas annually for skilled workers, with an additional 20,000 for those holding advanced degrees.
“This program is vital to our economy,” Lawler said, adding that even former President Trump has utilized it for his businesses. He called for a system that aligns immigration with the country’s economic priorities while maintaining legality and fairness.
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna echoed some of Lawler’s concerns about the H-1B visa system, arguing that while it benefits the economy, it also creates challenges for foreign workers who face unfair labor conditions and limited bargaining power.
“The H-1B system needs major reform,” Khanna said on Fox News, adding that America should focus on reindustrialization to bring back jobs lost to foreign competition.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also weighed in, supporting a balanced approach to immigration. “Hardworking immigrants—from farm workers to CEOs—should continue to be part of our great nation,” Newsom said, applauding Trump’s apparent alignment with Elon Musk’s merit-based vision.
As Congress prepares to convene in 2025 under a Trump-led administration, Republicans must navigate both leadership challenges and divisive policy debates. Lawler’s comments signal a call for pragmatism and unity, emphasizing the need to address pressing issues like immigration reform without losing focus on the broader legislative agenda.
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