During a Thursday interview, Punchbowl News founder Jake Sherman accused Rep. Mike Lawler and other House Republicans of having "been like doormats" as the conference moved right. Lawler disputed the claim, arguing moderates have blocked bills and won concessions—citing SALT as an example. He also blasted GOP inaction on healthcare as "political malpractice," underscoring growing intraparty tensions over direction and strategy.
“You Guys Have Been Like Doormats”: Jake Sherman Challenges Rep. Mike Lawler Over GOP Direction
In a pointed on-camera exchange Thursday, Punchbowl News founder Jake Sherman accused Rep. Mike Lawler (R‑N.Y.) and other House Republicans of having "been like doormats" as the conference has shifted to the right.
Sherman opened by faulting moderates for being pushed into votes that, he said, don't reflect their districts: "Now, moderates, you guys have been forced to vote on all sorts of stuff over the last year that is, I would say, I've said this to you before, that is not the stuff you would choose if you were for your district." He argued the conference has moved rightward and that moderates have endured that shift without enough resistance.
"You know what I think, I think you guys have been like doormats for the last couple of years, and you've let the conference go to the right without much of a fight. Do you think this is going to be a new phase for you guys?" Sherman asked.
Lawler pushed back, rejecting the characterization: "First, I disagree with that assessment." He argued that moderates routinely stop proposals from ever reaching the House floor by voting no and negotiating concessions. As an example, he pointed to the push to preserve the SALT (state and local tax) deduction during tax negotiations: "There were only five of us pushing for SALT and we got that done." Sherman acknowledged the accomplishment.
Later in the interview, Lawler openly criticized fellow House Republicans for failing to act on healthcare, using blunt language to express his frustration: "I am pissed for the American people. This is bulls**t. It is political malpractice."
Why it matters: The exchange highlights growing tensions within the House Republican conference between moderates and more conservative members over legislative strategy and priorities. The public push-and-pull signals internal pressure as lawmakers prepare for future negotiations and votes.
Watch the full exchange on Punchbowl News for additional context and follow-up comments from both sides.
