Constituents, Democratic leaders call on Rep. LaLota to hold town hall during congressional recess
House members do not return to D.C. until next Monday, Feb. 24.
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For the second time in two days, Rep. Nick LaLota faced calls from constituents over a lack of public meetings.
Constituents and members of the East Hampton Town Democratic Committee rallied outside LaLota's event this morning where he provided an update on emergency dredging of Lake Montauk Inlet in Montauk.
The group expressed concerns about President Donald Trump's cuts to the federal government and Elon Musk's role in the administration.
"I feel that we have some say in our government - and right now, I don't feel like that's the truth," one protester said outside the event.
In an email to News 12, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields said, “[President Trump] received a resounding mandate from the American people and swiftly took action to deliver on his promises of restoring common sense policies, strengthening the economy, and re-establishing America’s dominance on the world stage. President Trump is a leader for all Americans, and he will continue to prioritize America’s interests in every decision.”
Tuesday's demonstration followed a large protest outside of LaLota's Hauppauge district office on President's Day. Hundreds lined the streets over similar concerns.
While holding public meetings is not a legislative requirement, many constituents feel it is the best way to advocate with their representatives.
While he did not address calls to hold a town hall, LaLota said he backed federal spending cuts as long as they protect Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and local projects like the Montauk dredging.
"I will say that at a governmental level on spending issues, we're a nation that's $36 trillion in debt with a $2 trillion deficit," he said. "I hope the question starts at we have to cut some spending."
LaLota released a statement, saying, "Since taking office two years ago, I have hosted over 20 town halls, where neither payment nor party affiliation were required. I maintain an open-door policy for all constituents and am proud to have successfully resolved more than 3,680 constituent cases, with hundreds more actively being addressed. I plan to hold our next town hall via teleconference during the first full week of March."
"In our diverse district, a variety of viewpoints is expected, yet the extreme language used by groups such as Suffolk Progressives, Progressive East End Reformers, and the LI Progressive Coalition at recent protests against my staff requires bipartisan condemnation."
"In Washington, I am committed to implementing common sense conservative strategies that bolster safety and affordability on Long Island. This commitment is critical as we address a national deficit of $2 trillion, a staggering debt of $36 trillion and rampant inflation. My approach includes reducing government expenditures to pre-pandemic levels while protecting essential services like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Additionally, I am focused on local priorities such as raising the SALT deduction limit, ensuring funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, and supporting vital initiatives like local dredging projects."
"The tactics of these extreme groups will not deter my dedication to serving Long Island. My priority remains clear: delivering tangible results that enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of our community."
Protesters said they will continue to advocate for a public meeting with the congressman.
