No Labels awarded its Problem Solver Seal to U.S. Representative Mike Lawler (NY-17), recognizing his record of working across party lines and his willingness to pursue bipartisan solutions to the country’s challenges.
The Problem Solver Seal recognizes leaders committed to putting country over party, championing commonsense two-party solutions, and engaging regularly in No Labels-hosted bipartisan meetings. It reflects a belief that effective government depends on leaders who can build trust across political differences and turn common ground into action. It is a designation—not a formal party endorsement—awarded to political candidates and elected officials who commit to working across the aisle and supporting No Labels’ national agenda.
“As a former Democratic member of Congress, I know the value of working with Republicans who care about solving problems with both parties, and Congressman Lawler is one of them,” said Kurt Schrader, a No Labels cofounder and former Representative from Oregon’s 5th congressional district. “Democrats in his district have excellent representation already, and they would be wise to remember: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”
“Democrats need friends in the Republican Party like Congressman Lawler, who are willing to work across the aisle to get to yes,” said Clarine Nardi Riddle, former chief of staff to Senator Joe Lieberman. “There aren’t many opportunities in majority-deciding districts to vote for such a commonsense member, and all of his constituents should take the opportunity in NY-17.”
The Lugar Center at Georgetown University has consistently ranked Lawler highly among House members in their Bipartisan Index, including as the fourth most bipartisan member in his first year in Congress.
In January, Lawler joined Democrats and fellow Republicans in voting to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. He also signed the discharge petition that helped bring the measure to the floor, describing his actions as a commitment to reaching a bipartisan compromise on health care affordability.
Lawler’s collaborations with Democratic colleagues have also produced legislation enacted into law. He introduced the Partners in Diplomacy Act with Representative Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania. Its provisions, incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, authorize the State Department to share overseas facilities with NATO and major non-NATO allies.
As a recipient of the Problem Solver Seal, Congressman Lawler has committed to the following three criteria:
- To exhibit, in words and action, a willingness to put country over party.
- To champion commonsense two-party solutions to America’s most pressing issues.
- To engage regularly with No Labels-hosted bipartisan meetings, which bring together members of both parties to discuss legislation to solve the nation’s problems.
