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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 “But right now, they are hamstrung by an outdated process that requires case-by-case approval just to do what every other federal law enforcement agency can do.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 However, Lawler noted that outdated bureaucratic procedures limit the agency’s ability to act in real-time, potentially putting U.S. personnel and national security at risk.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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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

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2 weeks ago

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October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

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2 weeks ago

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September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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