DALLAS – Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17) addressed the Republican Party’s midterm convention Thursday in Dallas, highlighting his work on federal tax policy and immigration while introducing the parents of an 18-year-old Yorktown Heights woman who was fatally shot in Chicago in March.
Lawler said he has not always agreed with President Donald Trump but described their relationship as one in which he can make his case directly to the president.
“The truth is that the President and I don’t always agree. And that’s ok. After all, we’re New Yorkers. We argue,” Lawler said.
Lawler pointed to his efforts to increase the federal deduction for state and local taxes, known as SALT, saying the changes resulted in tax savings for residents in his district.
He also criticized sanctuary policies and what he described as lax immigration policies before introducing Jess and Tom Gorman of Yorktown Heights. Their daughter, Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old freshman at Loyola University Chicago, was fatally shot March 19 while walking with friends near the university’s lakefront campus. Loyola confirmed her death at the time.
Lawler described Sheridan’s death as an example of what he considers the consequences of sanctuary and immigration policies.
“There is nothing compassionate about prioritizing illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens,” Lawler said.
Jess Gorman spoke about her daughter’s personality and described her as a child who looked out for classmates who felt isolated. She also unveiled the concept of a “Buddy Bench for Congress” in Sheridan’s memory, calling it a place for lawmakers to listen and work together.
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