Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) has praised the Trump Administration’s decision to suspend Governor Kathy Hochul’s controversial congestion pricing plan, known as the Central Business District Tolling Program.
In a statement released today, Lawler expressed gratitude for the federal intervention, calling it a victory for New Yorkers who would have been burdened by the tolls.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to President Trump and his Administration for taking swift and decisive action to suspend Kathy Hochul’s disastrous congestion pricing scheme,” said Lawler. “This is a huge win for New York families, commuters, and small businesses ruthlessly targeted by this unjust tax.”
Lawler sharply criticized the tolling plan, labeling it a “scam” and a “money grab” that reflects broader issues of government overreach and mismanagement under Hochul’s administration. Instead of imposing new taxes, he argued, the state should focus on auditing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which he called “the worst-run authority in America.”
“Instead of imposing new, crippling taxes on struggling families, we should be auditing the MTA to find savings, address its outrageous waste, and make sure that commuters are kept safe and served as well as they deserve,” Lawler added.