Every year, Chuck commits to traveling to all62 counties in New York to meet with constituents.
On December 6th, 2024, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer toured Lowville’s Kraft Heinz dairy plant to meet with workers and management after saving the facility in 2015, protecting hundreds of jobs in the North Country. Schumer highlighted that earlier this year Kraft Heinz in Lewis County was awarded an estimated $22 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Industrial Demonstrations Program (IDP) to upgrade and decarbonize its heating process to significantly reduce carbon emissions in pursuit of the company’s zero carbon by 2050 goal. Today, the Senator proudly announced that Kraft Heinz has successfully completed award negotiations with the Department of Energy on Phase I of the planned four-phase project.
On December 6th, 2024, Standing at Casler Family Farm in Little Falls, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer revealed how the vital Dairy Margin Coverage Program (DMC) Mohawk Valley dairy farmers rely on is in limbo as the program is set to expire, which could have farmers facing a “dairy cliff,’ – an outcome that could double wallop farmers and consumers.
Schumer explained the DMC, which offers monthly price support payments from the feds to dairy farmers, will end this month and if no action is taken would lead to less support for our farmers, severe supply chain disruptions, and an increase in the price of milk. Schumer said it is imperative we protect this program to ensure Upstate New York dairy farmers have the support and safety net they need.
Standing at the Schoharie Bridge St. Bridge, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced, after months of advocacy he has successfully gotten Schoharie County added to the Senate legislation reauthorizing the Northern Border Regional Commission, which delivers millions to counties included to it in NY every year. Schumer said he is now launching his push to pass this bill which would unlock federal funding for Schoharie County to address critical needs across the region, including to build infrastructure, invest in workforce training, childcare and health care, supporting new and existing businesses, and more.
After this announcement, Senator Schumer met with local officials and firefighters to hold a roundtable discussion at Niagara Engine 6 Firehouse.
Senator Charles Schumer visited Wells, NY to meet with Wells Town Supervisor Beth Hunt and town council members at the Wells Town Hall where they discussed a range of local issues to see how Senator Schumer may be able to assist.
Senator Charles Schumer visited the Beech-Nut plant in Florida, NY for the first time since the groundbreaking in June, 2010. Senator Schumer met with the senior management team, toured the food testing lab and production line.
Standing at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Fulton County, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer launched his push to protect Medicare’s telehealth program, which could expire at the end of next month without Congressional action. Schumer said it is critical we avoid the upcoming telehealth cliff for Capital Region and Mohawk Valley seniors, which is especially important to rural areas like Fulton County, to maintain this vital lifeline for accessible healthcare.
On November 27, 2024, standing at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee’s Eastern Orleans Community and Senior Center in Orleans County, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer launched his push to protect Medicare’s telehealth program, which could expire at the end of next month without Congressional action.
Schumer said it is critical we avoid the upcoming telehealth cliff for Rochester-Finger Lakes seniors, which is especially important to rural areas like Orleans County, to maintain this vital lifeline for accessible healthcare.
Standing at Community Memorial Hospital in Madison County, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer launched his push to protect Medicare’s telehealth program, which could expire at the end of next month without Congressional action.
Schumer said it is critical we avoid the upcoming telehealth cliff for Central NY and Mohawk Valley seniors, which is especially important to rural areas like Madison County, to maintain this vital lifeline for accessible healthcare.
On November 26, 2024, standing at UR Medicine | Jones Memorial Hospital in Allegany County, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer launched his push to protect Medicare’s telehealth program, which could expire at the end of next month without Congressional action. Schumer said it is critical we avoid the upcoming telehealth cliff for Southern Tier seniors, which is especially important to rural areas like Allegany County, to maintain this vital lifeline for accessible healthcare. Schumer said that it is important for Congress to extend these flexibilities for the approximately 11,091 seniors in Allegany County and 176,692 seniors across the Southern Tier with Medicare who will lose access to telehealth services
On November 26, 2024, standing at Breezyhill Dairy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed that the vital Dairy Margin Coverage Program (DMC) Western NY dairy farmers rely on is in limbo as the program is set to expire, which could have farmers facing a “dairy cliff,’ – an outcome that could double wallop farmers and consumers.
Schumer explained the DMC, which offers monthly price support payments from the feds to dairy farmers, will end in December and if no action is taken would lead to less support for our farmers, severe supply chain disruptions, and an increase in the price of milk. Schumer said it is imperative we protect this program to ensure Upstate New York dairy farmers have the support and safety net they need.
“Wyoming County is the heart of Upstate New York’s dairy industry, as one of our top milk producing counties and with more dairy cows than anywhere in the state. But by the end of this year many could be looking over a ‘dairy cliff’ that threatens lifeline payments, puts the industry in limbo, and increases the price of milk,” said Senator Schumer. “The Dairy Margin Coverage Program is essential to support our farmers, like Breezyhill Dairy, and to keep the best quality milk made from New York farms flowing to families across America. Thanksgiving tables across the country this week will have dishes that are only possible because of our hardworking Upstate NY dairy farmers and we need to make sure they have the support they need to keep doing their amazing work. I helped enact the Dairy Margin Coverage Program in the 2018 Farm Bill and it is imperative we extend it before it expires at the end of this year. I will not stop fighting to ensure this critical program and safety net for our Upstate dairy farmers is protected.”
On November 11th, 2024, standing at the Old Susquehanna Train Station in Cortland County, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced $3,961,750 in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to complete a major modernization project for New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway’s (NYSW) Main Line stretching between Cortland and Onondaga Counties. Schumer said the funding will help replace miles of near century old rail to increase safety, reliability, capacity, and sustainability, all of which are critical for major economic development in Central NY.
On November 11, 2024, standing at Olean General Hospital, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer launched his push to protect Medicare’s telehealth program, which could expire in just two months without Congressional action.
Schumer said it is critical we avoid the upcoming telehealth cliff for Western NY seniors, which is especially important to rural areas like Cattaraugus County, to maintain this vital lifeline for accessible healthcare.
On November 11th, 2024, standing at Sun River Health in Sullivan County, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer launched his push to protect Medicare’s telehealth program, which could expire in just two months without Congressional action.
Schumer said it is critical we avoid the upcoming telehealth cliff for Hudson Valley seniors, which is especially important to rural areas in Sullivan County, to maintain this vital lifeline for accessible healthcare.
On November 11, 2024, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer convened a group of local officials and small business owners at the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED) FLX WORKS Coworking Space in the Village of Watkins Glen. Attendees described small business needs, tourism, and the success of a federally funded small business lending program, administered by Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED) and provided a general outlook of the county’s economy. Senator Schumer shared information about significant legislative milestones as well as opportunities made available through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). Schumer supported the $192,500 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant SCOPED received to expand a small business microlending program which has provided loans to 11 small businesses in Schuyler County.
On November 11th, 2024, standing at the Henderson Family Farm in Penn Yan, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today launched his two-pronged plan to boost federal funding to combat toxic algae found in the Finger Lakes region. Schumer explained that the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes have been threatened by harmful blue-green algal blooms which cause a threat to humans and animals if ingested. Schumer said that, without intervention, the number of algal outbreaks could continue to grow and contaminate drinking water for New York residents, as well as damage local economies dependent on tourism, fishing and recreation.
After years of relentless advocacy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Albany NanoTech has been selected as America’s first location for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) supported by an up to $825 million federal investment from Schumer’s bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law.
With growing concern for mosquito-borne illness in the Hudson Valley and across New York State following the first human death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) in nearly a decade in the Hudson Valley and an uptick in mosquitos found to be carrying illnesses in Rockland County, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today stood at the Rockland County Department of Health and announced his two-pronged push to combat what experts fear will be an increasing trend due to climate change of later and more disease filled mosquito seasons in places like NY and the Hudson Valley.
On October 1st, 2024, with growing concern for mosquito-borne illness across New York State following the first human death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) in nearly a decade, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stood at Thangamani lab in SUNY Upstate Medical's Institute for Human Performance and announced his two-pronged push to combat what experts fear is one of the worst mosquito seasons New York State has seen in recent memory.
With growing concern for mosquito-borne illness across New York State following the first human death from Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) in nearly a decade, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stood at the Glens Falls Hospital and announced his two-pronged push to combat what experts fear is one of the worst mosquito seasons New York State has seen in recent memory.
On October 1, 2024, Senator Schumer hosted a roundtable at Walker’s Farm, Home & Tack Store with statewide Agriculture industry representatives and Washington County farmers to discuss issues they are facing and explore federal solutions.
On September 9, 2024, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer visited the Corning Museum of Glass, a crown jewel of the Southern Tier’s arts and tourism economy. Schumer has secured $820,000 in the pending fiscal year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill for the museum to expand educational initiatives at the museum for local school children in Steuben County and across New York. Schumer has a long history of fighting to support the Corning Museum of Glass. Schumer helped save the museum from closing after the pandemic by delivering $10.5 million in relief, including $5.5 million from the Save Our Stages grant program, which he created in the American Rescue Plan as his first act as Majority Leader. This helped the museum keep nearly 200 staff on payroll during the pandemic.
On September 9, 2024, following his relentless advocacy for Upstate NY, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced that Siemens Mobility has heeded his calls and will build its first-of-its-kind high-speed rail manufacturing facility in Horseheads, New York, creating approximately 300 new good-paying jobs producing America’s fastest high-speed trainsets, the American Pioneer 220, for Brightline West, that will connect Las Vegas to Southern California.
On September 9, 2024, on the heels of just announced newly negotiated, lower prices for 10 of the highest-spend drugs in Medicare, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stood with Buffalo & Western NY seniors who take these drugs to spotlight the importance of the tremendous cost-saving measures, a result of Schumer-secured provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. Schumer revealed the next phase of lowering drug costs with a $2,000 annual cap on total out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for NY seniors on Medicare starting this January as well as a new tool that allows seniors to break their drug costs into monthly payments, which they will need to opt in for if they would like to participate.
On September 5th, 2024, With growing concern for mosquito-borne illness in St. Lawrence County and the North Country, amid a surge in Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) and West Nile Virus (WNV) cases in horses and mosquitoes and fears that deadly mosquito-borne diseases may spread to humans, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer launched a new push to combat what experts fear could become one of the worst New York State mosquito seasons in recent memory.
Schumer said he is launching a two-pronged push for the feds including calling on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which works in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure coordination and outline a plan for working with New York State and local communities to survey and track mosquitoes. The CDC and EPA must make sure communities have the resources they need to deal with the new threats that the mosquito population brings, like the surges in mosquito borne illnesses we are seeing this summer and could keep seeing into the future if the trend continues. Second, Schumer is pushing for a $2 million increase for the CDC’s Vector-Borne Diseases programs, which includes EEEV and WNV.
On September 5, 2024, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer visited Unison, a GE Aerospace company, to highlight over $3.4 million in local investment to modernize the plant, purchase new machines, and make major upgrades to keep the Norwich facility on the cutting edge. Schumer said the amazing workforce represents the future of Chenango County and highlighted his continued efforts to deliver federal funding for the defense and aerospace programs that keep work flowing for these nearly 400 workers.
On the heels of just announced newly negotiated, lower prices for 10 of the highest-spend drugs in Medicare, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stood with Plattsburgh seniors who take these drugs to spotlight the importance of these tremendous cost saving measures, a result of Schumer secured provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. Schumer revealed the next phase on lowering drug costs with a $2,000 cap on total out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for NY seniors on Medicare starting this January as well as a new tool that allows seniors to break their drug costs into monthly payments which they will need to opt in for if they would like to participate.
On September 3rd, 2024, after standing at a notoriously dangerous roadway for cyclists earlier this month and calling for federal investment, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today delivered on his promise with $23.7 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) to help create a new safer network of streets for bicyclists and pedestrians in Rochester. Schumer said this will help reconstruct some of Rochester’s most dangerous intersections and roadways with pedestrian bump-outs, raised crosswalks, help build a dedicated bicycle “spine network” to link now disconnected bike lanes, add new protected bike lanes and more to give Rochester’s pedestrians and cyclists the safety they deserve.
“A whopping $23 million is on its way to make safer walkable and bikeable streets across Rochester. People in Rochester love to ride their bike to work or downtown, but ask anyone and they will tell you depending on the street you are on it can be a rough ride. Rochester has seen more pedestrian and cyclist injuries and deaths due to crashes than nearly any other midsize city in the state. Rochester families should be able to walk their dogs, people should be able to bike to work and cross the street without having to worry about traffic accidents around every corner,” said Senator Schumer. “Last year, I secured $3.2 million in federal funding for Rochester to develop this road safety plan to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe. Now, I’m proud to announce $23+ million to make that plan a reality. This funding means better crosswalks, new dedicated bike lanes, and safer more modern streets for all those who use them in Rochester. I created historic funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law and I’m grateful for Mayor Evans and the City Council’s hard work creating this blueprint and am thrilled to deliver funding to make this vision a reality.”
On September 4th, 2024, Standing at Pine Grove Middle School united with parents, teachers, students, and advocates, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on the U.S. House of Representatives to stop delays and immediately pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), which he led to overwhelming bipartisan passage in the Senate with over 90 votes.
Schumer explained these bipartisan bills represent some of the most robust federal tech reforms for children in decades, and will institute a set of safeguards, accountability, and privacy measures that shield children in New York and across the country from the harms associated with social media companies and other online platforms. Amid reports the House will not bring forward this lifesaving legislation, Schumer is leading the charge in pushing the House to act and bring forth the Senate passed bill for a vote immediately to protect the safety of our kids online.
On the heels of just announced new, lower, and fairer negotiated prices for 10 of the highest-spend drugs in Medicare, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stood with Capital Region seniors who take these drugs to spotlight the importance of these tremendous cost saving measures, a result of Schumer secured provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. Schumer said this comes amid extreme new proposals, including in Project 2025 to roll back these cost-saving measures, which could increase costs for up to 1,145,400 older New Yorkers. Schumer said we need to be moving forward not backward on lowering drug costs, and vowed to these efforts while announcing the next phase soon to come with a $2,000 cap on total out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for NY seniors on Medicare starting this January.
On August 13th, 2024, standing at a notoriously dangerous roadway for cyclists, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today launched his push for up to $23 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) to help create a new, safer network of streets for bicyclists and pedestrians in the city after a series of increasingly dangerous accidents. Schumer said Rochester had among the highest rate of fatalities per crash of any midsize city in New York State from 2017 to 2021, with a record high 15 deaths in 2023.
Last year Schumer secured $3.2 Million in federal funding for the city to develop a road safety plan to finally curb this increase in traffic fatalities. Now Schumer is pushing for the final piece of the puzzle with a major infusion of federal cash to implement it, which would allow the city to reconstruct the most dangerous intersections and roadways with pedestrian bump-outs, raised crosswalks, upgraded lighting, creation of a dedicated bicycle “spine network” to link now disconnected bike lanes, and more to give pedestrians and cyclists the safety they deserve.
On August 13, 2024, standing at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer revealed that he helped secure $17,475,512.79 in federal COVID-19 relief funding for Bassett through a provision he secured in the American Rescue Plan. This brings the total amount Schumer secured through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Bassett’s recovery to $23,859,855.80.
Schumer said the funding will cover costs associated with emergency protective measures and increased staffing, including equipment, medical supplies, and temporary staffing for their COVID responses dating back to the start of the pandemic in Spring 2020. Schumer fought hard to ensure that FEMA would deliver federal COVID-19 relief to New York’s hospitals as one of his first major acts as Majority Leader when passing the American Rescue Plan.
On August 13th, 2024, standing at Buffalo’s National Weather Service HQ, after a record-setting month of tornadoes and extreme weather ravaged Upstate NY, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer doubled down on his push to increase federal funding for the nation's weather monitoring systems and NY’s advanced regional weather early warning systems known as mesonets which help cover every single county in NY. Schumer said recent weather shows that we need to be making these investments to help keep communities like Western NY safe and prepared, especially amid new extreme proposals to dismantle and cut the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) & the National Weather Service (NWS), which would not only risk defunding the weather programs people rely on, but also critical weather data getting stuck behind a paywall.
“Everyone in Buffalo knows the power of Mother Nature whether it be from a lake effect snowstorm or the rare tornado like we saw last week. We’re seeing increasing extreme weather, and that means we need to invest in the most advanced weather tracking technology for Western NY and our national weather observation systems to keep our communities safe and prepared,” said Senator Schumer. “While some in Washington want to cut our weather programs, I am here today to say that we should be increasing funding to upgrade our nation’s weather monitoring services. Having real-time, minute-by-minute weather updates with hyper-local data like we are able to get from NY’s mesonet system and from Buffalo’s Nation Weather Service HQ is absolutely essential. As this summer of record-breaking extreme weather has shown, it is more important than ever to focus on prioritizing federal funding for the National Weather Service to ensure that our systems aren’t just running, but state-of-the-art.”
Standing at the future permanent home of the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (HVSF) in Garrison, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer revealed he has just secured a $1.5 million boost in federal funding in pending legislation to complete the expansion of the long sought new open-air Shakespeare style amphitheater overlooking the Hudson River. Schumer said this is one of the final pieces of the puzzle needed to complete this project to create a permanent home for the HVSF that brings tens of thousands of visitors every year, is one of the area’s largest employers, provides educational programing to students, and spurs millions for businesses along our Main Streets and in the Putnam County and Hudson Valley economy.
On August 6th, 2024, Standing at the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park (OCIP), U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer launched his push to secure up to $2.5 million in federal funding through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to fast-track the development of the site, which is less than 10 miles from the future home of Micron, to build the new infrastructure needed to land new companies to support the growth of the semiconductor industry and the good-paying jobs that come along with that investment. Schumer said this long-planned expansion, which would more than double the size of the park, using land they have already acquired, is critical as Oswego County is nearly out of usable space, just as investment opportunities increase for the region.
On August 6, 2024, after announcing that Edwards Vacuum chose to build a manufacturing facility in Western New York two years ago, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today celebrated the first dry pump manufacturing facility for the semiconductor industry to be located in the United States that is expected to have a $300+ million investment and create a whopping 600+ good-paying jobs.
“Thanks to my CHIPS & Science Law, which continues to deliver investment after investment for Upstate NY, we are adding another stop to our semiconductor superhighway along the booming I-90 corridor Tech Hub with Edwards Vacuum’s groundbreaking milestone celebration today. Edwards Vacuum is a major player in the semiconductor supply chain, and it’s about to power Genesee County with a $319 million facility and 600 new, good-paying jobs. I am continuing to push for landing the federal incentives from my CHIPS & Science Law to make this project a reality, boosting Genesee County’s economy and positioning Western NY as a hub for Upstate NY and the nation’s semiconductor industry\" said Senator Schumer.
On July 29th, 2024, after a record-setting 20 tornadoes in July 2024, with 10 occurring in just one day, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer launched his push for $30 million in federal funding – a $10 million increase from last year – for the nation’s network of weather monitoring systems, known as ‘mesonets,’ which NY has in every single county. Schumer said that recent severe storms, like the devastating tornado in Rome, show how in the midst of global weather changes, storms can often move, meander, and mystify meteorologists, and that a state-of-the-art ability to track, monitor and inform a forecast matters more than ever to keep Upstate NY safe and prepared for extreme storms.
Schumer said in last year’s budget he was able to secure millions for the Mesonet system and that it will be put to work right now, but he said more is needed to keep pace with the extraordinary weather changes afoot. Schumer said his latest push to increase funding is especially timely, amid new extreme right wing proposals like in Project 2025 and others to dismantle and cut the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) & the National Weather Service (NWS), saying the NWS “fully commercialize its forecasting operations,” which would not only risk funding the weather programs people rely on, but also critical weather data getting stuck behind a paywall.
After a record-setting 20+ tornadoes in Upstate NY this month, with 10 occurring in just one day, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood at the University at Albany’s New York State Mesonet Operations Center and launched his push for $30 million in federal funding – a $10 million increase from last year – for advanced regional weather early warning systems program known as ‘mesonets,’ with Albany being the central hub for all NYS. Schumer said recent severe storms show how in the midst of global weather changes, storms can often move, meander, and mystify meteorologists, and that a state-of-the-art ability to track, monitor and inform a forecast matters more than ever to keep Upstate NY safe and prepared for extreme storms.
On July 26th , 2024 , U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced more than $24 million in federal funding that he worked to secure through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. These funds are set to be used to revitalize Riverhead’s downtown, which is a project Schumer has long advocated to receive funds for. Schumer said this highly competitive national grant will provide Riverhead with a ‘rocket thrust’ towards reimagining their downtown so that it is safer and more accessible for the public. Some of the highlights of this project are reactivating the Peconic Riverfront for public use, implementing flood mitigation and a Complete Streets network, and constructing a new unit Transit-Oriented Development.
On July 17, 2024, Senator Schumer visited the WILD Center to discuss its new programming and reflect on the museum's growth. Since first meeting with its leaders in November 2000, the Senator has witnessed the Center's transformation into a premier destination in the Adirondacks.
Senator Schumer visited the Adirondak Loj & Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake to highlight its ongoing conservation efforts and the introduction of new visitor initiatives. Reflecting on his long-standing connection with the area, the Senator noted the significant role the Loj has played in promoting outdoor recreation and preserving the natural beauty of the Adirondacks since he first engaged with its community over two decades ago.
On July 2nd, 2024, standing at Monroe Community College's Economic & Workforce Development Center in Downtown Rochester, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that after years of relentless advocacy and landing the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse that he created in his CHIPS & Science Law, \"NY Smart I-Corridor Tech Hub\" was just selected as one of only 12 Tech Hub award winners in the nation, bringing a major $40 million in federal funding to further position Upstate NY as a semiconductor center for the world.
“This is a monumental victory for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region as the first major Tech Hub award in the nation, bringing a whopping $40 million from my CHIPS & Science Law. With this major investment, the feds are shining a national spotlight, and confirming what I have long known, that America’s semiconductor future runs through the heart of Upstate NY along the I-90 corridor.,” said Senator Schumer. “From the fields near Syracuse that will become Micron’s massive mega-fab to the cutting-edge research labs in Rochester and workers learning these manufacturing skills in Buffalo, this award helps connect the region to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity and establish Upstate NY as the heart of America’s semiconductor industry. I created the Tech Hubs competition with Upstate NY in mind, and pulled out all the stops to win this award –first proposing this program in my Endless Frontier Act, then passing it into law as part of my CHIPS and Science Act, making the case to bring the region together, advocating at the highest levels and delivering the transformational investment to make today possible. It’s never been more clear: the heart of America’s semiconductor industry runs along the I-90 corridor in Upstate NY!”
On July 2nd, 2024, after years of relentless advocacy and landing the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse that he created in his CHIPS & Science Law, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced the “NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub” was just selected as one of only 12 Tech Hub award winners in the nation, bringing a major $40 million in federal funding to further position Upstate NY as a semiconductor center for the world.
Schumer said this prestigious and highly competitive federal investment will supercharge Upstate NY to build out its workforce training initiatives, strengthen existing manufacturing and innovation, and help attract new supply chains from the billions in private and federal semiconductor investment the senator has helped bring to the region, helping ensure this industry that is critical to our nation’s future, and that once was being lost to overseas, now is not just made in America, but made in Upstate NY.
Standing at Samascott Orchards in Columbia County, which provides apples for Albany’s Nine Pin Cider, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer revealed how Upstate NY cideries are being hit with a convoluted federal ‘Bubble Tax’ increasing costs and hindering the production of new delicious bubblier ciders and ciders mixed with fruits that people love. Schumer is now pushing a new bill, the Bubble Tax Modernization Act, to ‘pop’ this arcane fed tax law to help cidermakers add more of the popular fruitier & bubblier ciders to their taps, boost farmers, and help grow next phase of Upstate NY’s booming craft cider industry.
On June 26, 2024, standing at Awestruck Ciders in Sidney, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer revealed how Upstate NY cideries are being hit with a convoluted federal ‘Bubble Tax’ increasing costs and hindering the production of new delicious bubblier ciders and ciders mixed with fruits that people love. Schumer is now pushing a new bill, the Bubble Tax Modernization Act, to ‘pop’ this arcane fed tax law to help cidermakers add more of the popular fruitier and bubblier ciders to their taps, boost farmers, and help grow next phase of Upstate NY’s booming craft cider industry.
On June 26, 2024, following years of relentless advocacy to bolster Upstate New York’s wine industry, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that thanks to a massive $68.9 million federal investment he secured, Cornell and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have officially broken ground to construct America’s new, state-of-the-art National Grape Improvement Center in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Schumer said this new 70,000+ square foot facility will help establish Geneva, NY and the Finger Lakes as the center of innovation and R&D for wine and viticulture bringing new technology and top scientists to ensure New York’s and America’s wine grapes are the highest quality, hardy against diseases, and thrive in diverse climate conditions in order to produce wines that will be renowned worldwide.
On June 26, 2024, Senator Schumer visited the Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls to receive updates on two economic development projects he secured for Seneca County. Earlier this year Senator Schumer secured $500,000 to complete the renovation of the historic Knitting Mill's third and fourth floors as well as $3.5 million to complete the construction of Sewer District No. 1 along the Seneca Lake Shoreline.
On May 29, 2024, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer visited Lockheed Martin in Owego, on the heels of delivering $400 million for its vital Combat Rescue Helicopter (CHR) program, which had faced major potential cuts in the last appropriations cycle to highlight the facility’s critical work to national security. During the visit, Senator Schumer announced a new federally-funded partnership between Lockheed Martin and Intel to bolster the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R, which are made in Owego with cutting edge semiconductor technology, bringing critical new work to the facility as the feds make major investments thanks to his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law.
On May 28, 2024, Standing at a decrepit former laundromat in Geneseo, after launching his push standing at the contaminated, long-abandoned former gas station brownfield site in Seneca County last year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced Seneca County and Livingston County will each receive a $1.5 million federal Brownfields Assessment Grant through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse contaminated properties across the Finger Lakes region.
Schumer said this major funding will be used to clean up eyesores that have long plagued the area like the abandoned Buisch’s gas station, Seneca Army Depot, shuttered Willard State Asylum campus, and dozens of other hazardous sites across the Finger Lakes, revitalizing these areas for new development and economic opportunities.
On May 28, 2024, standing at the Rainbow Bridge connecting Niagara Falls in Canada and New York, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today launched a push calling on the Canadian government to crack down on the use of ‘flagpoling’ – a practice of Canadians briefly exiting and reentering Canada to renew visas and work permits to skip bureaucratic paperwork processing delays.
May 20th, 2024, On the heels of the Biden administration announcing historic, new rules to protect the U.S. steel industry from China’s unfair trade practices, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer visited Nucor in Auburn to launch his all-out push calling on the feds to “strike while the iron is hot” to stop China and other countries from laundering steel through Mexico to avoid tariffs.
Schumer explained when cheap, Chinese-made steel products flood the market through Mexico, it hurts Central New York steel producers, like Nucor in Auburn, Crucible Steel in Syracuse, and Novellis in Oswego, which cannot compete with this unfair dumping.
Standing at an active lead pipe replacement site in Troy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced Troy is set to receive $12.8 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, a major boost as the City now estimates it will need to replace nearly 2,800 thousand lead pipes. Schumer said this historic investment for Troy is only the start of federal funding beginning to flow from the Infrastructure Law to the Capital Region, and after he just delivered hundreds of millions more to NYS for communities to tap, he is pushing for communities to apply now to accelerate the removal of potentially toxic lead pipes and ensure the region’s families have the safe, reliable drinking water they deserve.
Standing at the notorious Foxhall Avenue rail crossing in midtown Kingston, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today launched a major push to secure up to $3+ million in federal funding for Kingston to help overhaul its Foxhall and Flatbush Avenues – primary corridors to the downtown – with increased safety infrastructure and walkability for residents.
Schumer explained these corridors have been the site of dozens of accidents stemming from poor pedestrian infrastructure, along with multiple individuals and vehicles hit at the CSX train crossings, and as the downtown grows, more residents are utilizing these roadways to access jobs, shops, and the waterfront.
On May 6, 2024, standing at the Great Sodus Bay Harbor with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) members and Sodus Bay residents, marina and business owners, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed that the Buffalo Army Corps will begin the major $20 million reconstruction of the deteriorating Sodus Bay East Breakwall this summer thanks to Schumer securing the $20 million last year, which is the single largest federal infrastructure investment every in Sodus Bay. Schumer said for years, Lake Ontario communities have been devastated by severe floods because the East breakwall, the only barrier protecting Lake Ontario homes and businesses from flooding, has fallen into disrepair. Schumer said today USACE has put out its solicitation bid to move ahead on hiring a contractor, the final stage in the process to repair the vital Great Sodus Bay breakwall and now he is pushing to get shovels to hit the ground ASAP to finally deliver these long-awaited repairs for the Lake Ontario community.
“The Great Sodus Bay East Breakwall is vital to protecting the Lake Ontario community from violent flood damages, but for years has been in a state of disrepair, threatening residents’ safety and livelihood. I’ve watched as community members have worried their entire homes or businesses would be flushed out by Lake Ontario as flood after flood devastated neighborhoods, local businesses, and families in the region. That’s why I said enough is enough and fought tooth and nail to secure the largest single federal infrastructure investment ever in Sodus Bay of $20 million to ensure the feds take action and repair this breakwall for good,” said Senator Schumer. “Today, we are turning a corner to hire the federal contractor and move full steam ahead and get shovels in the ground! With repairs set to start this summer, we are making sure Lake Ontario communities are protected from damaging flood waves and ensuring Sodus Bay homeowners, marinas, businesses, boaters, and visitors can benefit from all this beautiful Sodus Bay offers, all while boosting the local economy and creating a steady stream of jobs, jobs, jobs.”
On April 25th, 2024, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer welcomed President Biden to The Martin J Rubinstien Museum of Science and Technology to announce $6.1 Billion from Schumer's CHIPS & Science Bill going to Micron to help fund their microchip fab in Onondaga County.
On Aprill 22, 2044, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer visited Stratton Air National Guard Base to double down on his calls for the Air Force to prioritize the recapitalization of the 109th Airlift Wing’s polar fleet and launch his push to secure up to $290 million in the defense appropriations bills to replace the two oldest aircraft in the fleet with two LC-130Js, the newest ski-bird model. Schumer explained these planes are the only ski-equipped heavy U.S. military aircraft capable of flying to the Arctic and Antarctica, and are vital to National Science Foundation research, maintaining national security to compete with China and Russia, and also life-saving rescue missions. Among the most notable is the rescue of legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin in Antarctica, after experiencing a medical emergency.
Unfortunately, after more than three decades of year-round service in harsh environments, these planes—several of which were built in the 1970s and operate on technology developed in the 1950s—are rapidly approaching the end of their service life, jeopardizing mission success, aircrew and operator safety, and U.S. national security. Schumer is now leading the charge to help replace these aircrafts and pushing the Air Force to make this needed investment in the Capital Region’s Stratton Air National Guard Base.
On April 22nd, 2024, Standing with Fort Drum firefighters and members of IAFF Local F-105, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer launched a major push to increase funding for the Fort Drum Fire Department after years of receiving significantly lower annual budgets from Army HQ. Schumer explained that, as a federal fire department serving Fort Drum and the North Country, the Fort Drum Fire Department uniquely depends on federal funding through U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) for its yearly budget, creating a different funding structure than other nearby local fire professional and volunteer departments.
Schumer said for years Fort Drum firefighters have received significantly less than they requested, most recently only receiving 25% of its requested funding from IMCOM, leaving the department unable to purchase replacements or fund repairs to critical equipment like protective gear, thermal imaging cameras, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinders, firehoses, radios, flashlights and more. The senator personally wrote the Secretary of the Army to highlight this issue, and is launching an all-out effort to deliver the increased support they need to ensure this issue does not persist.
On April 2nd, 2024, following his personal invitation earlier this year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer brought Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), to cut the ribbon for the newly established, fed funded National AI Research Institute at the University at Buffalo (UB) and to show the NSF top brass how the region is primed to lead on AI and spur growth of this cutting-edge industry.
At the ceremony, Schumer explained his Chips & Science Act has made significant investments in Upstate NY’s AI ecosystem – including securing Buffalo the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation to build a semiconductor manufacturing hub in Upstate NY, which are the building blocks for AI technology. Now, as the feds invest in AI development and Schumer pushes Congress to begin taking the lead on AI investment and regulation, he says now is the time to be investing more in places like Buffalo and Upstate NY.
Standing at the Galleria at Crystal Run, amid a spike in large scale organized retail thefts, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to increase enforcement, and use all available measures including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which helped curtail the mafia’s organized crime spree, to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft rings in New York.
The senator explained the RICO Act is a strong federal tool for the DOJ to bust criminal, retail theft organizations – which go far beyond run-of-the-mill shoplifters – in the Hudson Valley, and across the state to stop large-scale criminal operations who are hurting local businesses, driving up prices, inconveniencing consumers and risking community safety.
On April 2, 2024, standing in front of Victor Crossing Shopping Plaza, amid a spike in large-scale organized retail thefts, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to increase enforcement, and use all available measures including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which helped curtail the mafia’s organized crime spree, to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft rings in New York.
The senator explained the RICO Act is a strong federal tool for the DOJ to bust criminal, retail theft organizations – which go far beyond run-of-the-mill shoplifters – in Rochester, Ontario County, and across the state to stop large-scale criminal operations who are hurting local businesses, driving up prices, inconveniencing consumers, and risking community safety.
Standing with Hudson Valley law enforcement, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed that, for the first time in a decade, the key federal provision that makes fully-plastic undetectable ghost guns illegal could expire at the end of this week. Last night, after weeks of negotiations, Schumer helped secure an extension to reauthorize the bipartisan Undetectable Firearms Act in the government funding bill, and plans for a vote by the end of this week.
On March 4, 2024, standing at Cayuga Health in Ithaca, following the nationwide Change Healthcare cyberattack impacting healthcare providers across NY, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer said he is calling on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to get all hands-on deck to help impacted New York hospitals recover from the impacts of this vicious ransomware attack. First, Senator Schumer said it is imperative federal law enforcement make this case a top priority, as it is a calculated attack on our nation’s critical healthcare system, and we must hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Second, Senator Schumer pushed for CMS to use its authority under the Accelerated and Advance Payment Program to make payments to hospitals in advance of receiving claims from them and to alleviate the financial burden healthcare providers are facing from this terrible cyberattack.
Standing at Rome Health in the Mohawk Valley following the nationwide Change Healthcare cyberattack last week impacting healthcare providers across NY, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today said he is calling on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to get all hands on deck to help impacted New York hospitals – like Rome Health – recover from the impacts of this vicious ransomware attack. Schumer explained that right now NY healthcare providers are struggling to get paid, process insurance claims, and fill prescriptions, with some seeing millions lost every day as result of this breach. The senator said if this cash-flow interruption continues, ripping larger holes on already strained budgets, it could lead to serious financial consequences for our most vulnerable hospitals.
After years of relentless advocacy to help GlobalFoundries grow in the Capital Region and to position Upstate NY as a global hub for semiconductor R&D and manufacturing, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced on Tuesday, February 20, that GlobalFoundries has reached a $1.5 billion preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) funding agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce under the CHIPS & Science Law. This is the first agreement for a New York company and is the largest potential award yet from the CHIPS Incentives Program funded by Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law.
On February 19th, 2024, standing at Rochester Regional Health’s Riedman Health Center with doctors, who like many across the country have faced shortages of the brand new, potentially lifesaving Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) immunization for kids that was released just last year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer continued his two-pronged push in Rochester calling on the feds and medicine manufacturers to get all hands-on deck to ensure doctors across New York and America have the support they need to keep our kids safe.
On February 19th, 2024, standing with Onondaga County criminal prosecutors, Onondaga County Sheriffs, City of Syracuse police officers and local public officials, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed that, for the first time in a decade, the key federal provision that makes fully-plastic undetectable ghost guns illegal is set to expire next month.
Schumer is now launching his push to reauthorize the bipartisan Undetectable Firearms Act to ensure undetectable, fully-plastic guns remain illegal and stop a potential influx of these weapons on the streets of New York. Schumer said that allowing this law to lapse would create a terrifying new reality of legally-made plastic firearms that could slip through metal detectors and other security, putting law enforcement and communities across America at risk.
On February 19, 2024, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer revealed he secured $7.5 million in the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations bills to make long overdue repairs to Barcelona Harbor. Now, with final budget negotiations underway, he is launching his push to protect this vital funding in the final spending bills to deliver these much-needed dollars to Chautauqua County. The senator said the funding he secured will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to help restore the Harbor to full functionality by repairing the west breakwater, evaluating sediment management measures, and dredging the harbor, critical for the local tourism and jobs that rely on the harbor in Westfield.
On January 29, 2024, standing with Albany police officers, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer revealed that, for the first time in a decade, the key federal provision that makes fully-plastic undetectable ghost guns illegal is set to expire next month.
On January 29th, 2024, standing at SUNY Upstate Medical University with doctors, who like many across the country have faced shortages of the brand new, potentially lifesaving Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) immunization for kids that was released just last year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer has launched his two-pronged push in Syracuse calling on the feds and medicine manufacturers to get all hands-on deck to ensure doctors across New York and America have the support they need to keep our kids safe.
In a letter to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Schumer said it is imperative that with new doses being distributed, those vaccines get to pediatric clinics on the frontlines ASAP, like those in Central NY, who have been seeing vaccine shortages. Schumer said it is especially important to get these doses to pediatricians because they are the first line of defense in protecting children and most often where parents go first. Secondly, the senator said it is vital the drug manufacturers work with all levels of the federal government to ramp up supply now, fix supply chain issues so that all those who need the vaccines are able to get it.
On January 29, 2024, after delivering a historic $113+ million in 2022 for Binghamton to establish its battery manufacturing & innovation hub, and then securing for the Southern Tier the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation late last year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer visited Binghamton University to announce that the Binghamton University-led Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine has won the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional “Innovation Engines” Competition. Binghamton was one of only 10 projects across the country chosen to receive $15 million for the next two years, with up to $160 million total over the life of the program from the NSF to supercharge growth and cutting-edge research in battery development and manufacturing in Upstate NY.
On January 22, 2024, standing at Western New York Pediatrics with doctors, who like many across the country have faced shortages of the brand new, potentially lifesaving Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) immunization for kids that was released last year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer launched his two-pronged push calling on the feds and medicine manufacturers to get all hands on deck to ensure doctors across New York and America have the support they need to keep our kids safe.
On January 22nd, 2024, standing at the Gillett Road Bridge in Monroe County, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today called on CSX Transportation to immediately make critical repairs to restore this major crossing, which has been closed since December due to structural deficiencies which pose a public safety threat to vehicle traffic. Schumer explained while CSX has had a year to take action, they have refused to make necessary repairs, leaving a major travel obstruction in place for far too long. The Senator said it’s vital CSX fix this bridge promptly so it can safely be re-opened to travelers and once again serve the community.
“CSX knew about this bridge’s structural issues for over a year and still has failed to make the necessary repairs that will reopen this vital passageway for the Greater Rochester community. They refuse to even claim ownership of the bridge despite records showing CSX made bridge repairs as recently as 2009, and instead think the burden should fall on the local taxpayer for their failure to maintain their own bridge, that is unacceptable. Ensuring the community is safe to cross should be CSX’s highest priority and there is no excuse for idleness when residents and families can’t easily head out of town, commuters can’t get to work, and kids can’t get to school,”,” said Senator Schumer. “CSX needs to stop railroading the community with excuses and make the repairs needed to restore this bridge for the Town of Ogden and Monroe County.”
Senator Charles Schumer visited Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, NY to congratulate Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard on her re-election.