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Rep Mike Lawler, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Introduces Bill to Strengthen Investigative Authority of Diplomatic Security Agents

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1 year ago

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has introduced the Parity in Diplomatic Security Investigations Act, a new bill aimed at modernizing the investigative powers of Diplomatic Security (DS) special agents.

The legislation seeks to grant DS agents the authority to intercept wire, oral, and electronic communications during official investigations without requiring individual preapproval from the Secretary of State for each instance—bringing their capabilities in line with other federal law enforcement agencies.

“Diplomatic Security Service agents are tasked with protecting American personnel and sensitive sites in some of the most dangerous regions of the world,” said Chairman Lawler. “But right now, they are hamstrung by an outdated process that requires case-by-case approval just to do what every other federal law enforcement agency can do. My bill ensures our agents can act swiftly and decisively in high-risk environments.”

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Department of State, is responsible for protecting American diplomats and embassies around the world. However, Lawler noted that outdated bureaucratic procedures limit the agency’s ability to act in real-time, potentially putting U.S. personnel and national security at risk.

The Parity in Diplomatic Security Investigations Act is part of a broader package of reforms Lawler is advancing as part of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s State Department reauthorization process. As Chairman of the MENA Subcommittee, Lawler has jurisdiction over the State Department’s Bureau of Management and Bureau of Counterterrorism, and is using his leadership role to push for a more agile and effective foreign policy.

The bill is expected to receive consideration in the coming weeks and has already sparked discussion among lawmakers focused on improving U.S. diplomatic security efforts amid rising global threats.

Photo by Diplomatic Security.

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Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

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5 days ago

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August 9, 2026

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CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

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Government

Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

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6 days ago

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August 8, 2026

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Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

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