Every year, Chuck commits to traveling to all62 counties in New York to meet with constituents.
On April 4, 2023, standing at Fulton Junior High School, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer revealed that a new #1 and disposable made-in-China e-cig, the “Elf Bar,” is spreading in Fulton schools and across Central NY and will likely continue to rise if federal action is not taken. Schumer said, “If left unchecked, this highly-addictive and health-damaging Elf Bar, that is targeting teens and kids, could become the next Juul, but even worse — because of its shoddy manufacturing and its commonly mislabeled nicotine levels.” Schumer pointed out that the product is manufactured in China, which has lower product safety and consumer protection standards. In response to this escalating regional epidemic, Schumer said the FDA must immediately investigate Elf Bar, its advertising model and the ‘workaround’ disposable e-cigs have found to evade federal rules and stay on shelves. Schumer said he has given the FDA the tools it needs to take on Elf Bar over the years, including last year, passing a law enabling the FDA to regulate synthetic nicotine. He said that the FDA must use its full authority to investigate and take action against Elf Bar and be prepared to ban it from the market. Schumer also detailed other Central NY data as he made his case for immediate action on Elf Bar and its health dangers to kids.