Press Releases
SCHUMER URGES U.S. ARMY TO RECONSIDER PHASING OUT CRITICAL SOLDIER WELLNESS PROGRAM AT RIVER HOSPITAL IN ALEXANDRIA BAY, WHICH TREATS MANY TROOPS FROM FORT DRUM FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS – SCHUMER SAYS NEW PROGRAM MAY NOT OFFER THE FULL LINE OF MENTAL HEALTH & THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
River Hospital in Northern NY's Alexandria Bay Offers Full Line of Mental Health & Wellness Treatments for Fort Drum Soldiers Seeking Treatment For Extremely Sensitive Issues Like Post-Traumatic Stress and Sexual Abuse Schumer Says Eliminating River Hospital's "Soldiers’ Wellness Program" Could Have Negative Impacts on Soldiers & Community, Which Rely on This Service to Fill Huge Treatment Gap in The Local Area - Schumer Urges Army to Reconsider Phasing Out This Critical Program;… Continue Reading
05.28.15
SCHUMER: ACROSS UPSTATE NEW YORK, OPIOID ABUSE IS UP & CRIMINALS ARE STEALING Rx DRUGS, BUT DEA RECENTLY ENDED HUGELY SUCCESSFUL DRUG TAKE-BACK PROGRAM – SCHUMER URGES DEA TO REVERSE DECISION & REINSTITUTE NATIONAL TAKE-BACK DAYS, WHICH SAFELY COLLECTED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF Rx DRUGS & HELPED SAVE LIVES
Drug Take-Back Program Get Addictive Rx Drugs Out of Medicine Cabinets And Homes - 70% of Those Addicted to Rx Drugs Get Them From Home, Family, or Friends, Yet Federal Regulators Suspended Program, Even Though Painkiller Abuse Too Often Leads to Abuse of Even More Dangerous Drugs Like Heroin Schumer: Opioid Abuse Has Wreaked Havoc Across Upstate NY, Resulting in 700+ Overdoses in 2015 Thus Far, And Year is Only Halfway Through - In Capital Region, There Have Been 79 Overdoses; In Cen… Continue Reading
05.28.15
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $57,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE PLATTSBURGH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Federal Funding For Plattsburgh Will Be Used To Purchase New Equipment U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $57,943 in federal funding for the Plattsburgh Fire Department to purchase new equipment. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The Plattsburgh Fire Department will use this federal investment to purchase a complete Air Compressor / Cascade breathing air system th… Continue Reading
05.27.15
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES, FOLLOWING HIS PUSH, FEMA HAS AGREED TO FUND $3.1 MILLION NEEDED TO REPLACE VILLAGE OF WELLSBURG FIRE DEPT. & SAVE LOCAL TAXPAYERS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS – SENATOR, WHO HAS LONG ADVOCATED FOR WELLSBURG, PREVIOUISLY URGED FEDS TO EXPEDITE & APPROVE ADDITIONAL FED FUNDS TO MAKE VILLAGE FIRE DEPT. CONSTRUCTION A REALITY
Schumer Says FEMA Initially Approved $2.3 Million for Repairs to the Wellsburg Fire Dept. in 2014, But Funds Came Up Short & Project Would Now Cost Over $3 Million - Schumer Says FEMA Has Heeded His Call And Agreed to Fund Additional Repairs For Wellsburg After Schumer's Initial Push, FEMA Agreed to Fund Replacement of Wellsburg Fire Dept., But More Was Needed According to Local Leaders - Schumer Went to Bat For Wellsburg To Secure Additional Fed Funds; Years After Tropical Strom Lee Flood… Continue Reading
05.27.15
SCHUMER CONVENES ORANGE COUNTY TOURISM SUMMIT TO ENSURE LOCAL BUSINESSES GET THE MOST OUT OF NEW SULLIVAN CASINO – SCHUMER BRINGS TOGETHER FED OFFICIALS, ORANGE COUNTY TOURISM, & ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER TO DEVELOP COMPREHENSIVE TOURISM STRATEGY
Tourism in Hudson Valley, Orange County Set To Rise As A Result of New Casino in Sullivan - Important to Take Full Advantage of What Could Be Major Boon For Local Restaurants, Hotels, Shops & Other Tourist Attractions Schumer Brings Together Fed Officials, Casino Developer, Orange County Tourism & Orange County Chamber, Economic Development Experts To Develop Tourism Strategy & Get Plan Off The Ground Schumer: Orange County Needs A Comprehensive Approach To Take Advantage of Treme… Continue Reading
05.27.15
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND URGE FERC TO EXTEND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR COMPRESSOR PROJECT IN PENDLETON; PROPOSAL SEEKS TO INSTALL A COMPRESSOR STATION NEAR RESIDENTIAL HOMES TO SUPPORT EXPANSION OF EMPIRE PIPELINE – SENATORS SAY RESIDENTS NEED MORE TIME TO RESPOND TO PROPOSAL
National Fuel Gas Seeks to Build 22,000 Horsepower Compressor Station Near Pendleton Neighborhood, However Residents Had Only Nine Days Left in FERC Public Comment Period After a May 20 Public Scoping Meeting on the Project - Now, They Only Have Less Than One Week to Voice Their Concerns Residents of Pendleton Say There Are Serious Concerns That Need to Be Addressed Before Construction of Compressor, Including Noise and Emission Pollution That Could Affect Pendleton Community; Many Residents W… Continue Reading
05.27.15
SCHUMER: ‘SWATTING’ ATTACKS ON DRAMATIC RISE ACROSS HUDSON VALLEY—RECENT ATTACK CAUSED A SCHOOL TO GO ON LOCKDOWN, AND ARE COSTING POLICE DEPTS. THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, TERRIFYING INNOCENT VICTIMS & EVEN ENDANGERING LIVES; SCHUMER INTRODUCES NEW FEDERAL BILL TO CRACK DOWN ON ‘SWATTING’ & DETER ALARMING NEW CRIME TREND THREATENING RESIDENTS & LAW ENFORCEMENT
Deliberately False Alerts in Westchester, Rockland & Putnam Are Spurring Costly & Unnecessary Deployment Of Armed SWAT Teams, Bomb Squads & Other Police Units, Causing The Evacuation Of Buildings, Closure of Streets, Businesses & Putting Communities At Risk Schumer Introduces Legislation To Increase Penalties For Swatting Perpetrators From a Max of 5 Years In Prison To 8 Years, Make Criminals Pay Restitution to Police - Also Pushes to Closes Loophole to Make it Illegal for Perp… Continue Reading
05.26.15
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES, FOLLOWING HIS PUSH, BLACK BUTTON DISTILLING IN ROCHESTER HAS RECEIVED FED APPROVALS NECESSARY TO EXPAND BUSINESS AND INCREASE PRODUCTION – SCHUMER PREVIOUSLY PUSHED FEDS TO EXPEDITE APPROVALS FOR LOCAL CRAFT DISTILLERY THAT HAD WAITED OVER 200 DAYS AS PERMIT APPLICATION LANGUISHED – SCHUMER VOWS TO CONTINUE PUSHING FOR MORE FED DISTILLERY INSPECTORS TO REDUCE THE KINDS OF BACKLOGS BLACK BUTTON HAD TO ENDURE
Schumer Says Delay in Necessary Federal Approvals Could Cause Losses to Producers - Like Black Button - Trying to Get Off The Ground or Expand, Which Had to Endure A Wait of 200 Days for Basic Approvals to Expand Business & Create Jobs; Following Schumer Push, Feds Approved Permits That Will Now Allow Rochester Distillery to Increase Production & Hire New Workers Schumer Also Says Increasing The Amount Of Federal Alcohol Inspectors Should Be A Main Priority; While Distilleries &am… Continue Reading
05.26.15
SCHUMER CUTS RIBBON WITH BOATERS AND NPS AT OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING OF STATEN ISLAND’S GREAT KILLS PARK NICHOLS MARINA; 2015 SUMMER SEASON IS THE FIRST TIME THE MARINA HAS BEEN FULLY REPAIRED AND OPERATIONAL SINCE SENATOR SECURED MAJOR VICTORY FOR LOCAL BOATERS AFTER SUPERSTORM SANDY
In the Wake of Superstorm Sandy, No Commitment Or Funding Existed to Rebuild After 350 Boats Slips at Nichols Marina Were Swept Away; After Touring Marina & Meeting With Local Boaters in 2013, Schumer Secured Commitment From NPS Director Jarvis to Rebuild Marina & Secure a 3-Year Concession Contract Schumer, Along With NPS, Boaters & Marina Operator 'Marinas of the Future,' Will Kick Off First Summer Season of New & Improved Great Kills Park Nichols Marina; Ribbon Cutting &… Continue Reading
05.26.15
ON MEMORIAL DAY: SCHUMER: AFTER SERVING THEIR COUNTRY, VETERANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO EASILY ADOPT & BRING HOME THEIR MILITARY WORKING DOGS AFTER RETIREMENT; SENATE DEFENSE BILL INCLUDES KEY PROVISION SCHUMER WILL PUSH TO ALLOW FORMER SERVICE DOGS TO ENJOY THE REST OF THEIR DAYS WITH HANDLERS ON U.S. SOIL
Military Working Dogs & Their Handlers Who Serve Several Tours Abroad As Partners Share Unique Bonds, But Red Tape During Adoption Process Often Leaves Beloved Dog & Veteran Separated For Good; Once Dogs Retire It Is Very Difficult for Many Military Members To Bring Their Dogs Home for Adoption Schumer: Every Dog Should Have Its Day and Passage of NDAA Will Be That Day for Many Retired Service Dogs Abroad Standing with Marine Captain Jason Haag, who served three tours of combat duty a… Continue Reading
05.26.15
SCHUMER: CHILDREN ACROSS NYC ARE VULNERABLE TO IDENTITY THIEVES; KIDS UNDER 18 ARE EASY TARGETS BECAUSE THEIR CREDIT REPORTS ARE OFTEN CLEAN & UNMONITORED; SENATOR TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION THAT WILL AUTOMATICALLY FREEZE CREDIT FOR KIDS – UNTIL PARENTS UNFREEZE IT —WILL PROTECT KIDS FROM SEVERAL TYPES OF ID THEFT
More Than 2 Million Children Across New York City & Millions Across New York State Could Be Victims Of Social Security Identity Theft-400K+ and Many Others Already Are & Learn Of ID-Theft When Checking Credit Report For First Time Only To Realize Credit Was Ruined By ID Thieves Schumer Plans To Introduce Bill That Would Automatically Freeze Credit For Kids Until Their Parents Decide To Un-Freeze It; Will Prevent Credit Companies From Allowing Someone to Open an Account For A Child Unle… Continue Reading
05.22.15
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES WEST POINT PROJECTS CLEAR KEY HURDLES IN CONGRESS – HOUSE AND SENATE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS BILL INCLUDE MAJOR FUNDING FOR NEW $70 MILLION WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT ON BASE & $55 MILLION TO REBUILD WEST POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Current West Point Waste Water Treatment Plant Was Built Nearly 60 Years Ago & Has Not Been Updated Since 1972; Suffers From Leaking Tanks That Are Beyond Repair And In Need Of An Upgrade - West Point Would Be Able To Replace Old, Deteriorating Water Plant West Point Elementary School Was Originally Constructed In 1963 & Fails to Meet Federal Education And Energy Regulations - Replacing School Would Ensure Students Receive Great Education In State-Of-The-Art Facility Schumer: West Poi… Continue Reading
05.22.15
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES FT. DRUM TRAINING FACILITY CLEARS KEY HURDLES IN CONGRESS – HOUSE AND SENATE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS INCLUDE MAJOR FUNDING FOR $19 MILLION STATE-OF-THE-ART FT. DRUM MILITARY TRAINING ACADEMY
Current Non-Commissioned Officers Academy Is An Old, Deteriorating Building And Poses Numerous Safety Risks; New Facility Would Reduce Operating Costs, Streamline Training Schumer: Funding For New State-of-the-Art Facility Means New Jobs & Better Training for Fort Drum Soldiers U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced today that several New York priorities were incorporated into the House and Senate Military Construction appropriations bills, which include funding for a new $19 million … Continue Reading
05.22.15
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $24K IN FED FUNDING FOR BELGIUM COLD SPRINGS VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT IN CENTRAL NEW YORK
Federal Funding For Fire District in Onondaga County Will Be Used To Purchase Gear Washer U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $23,810 in federal funding for the Belgium Cold Springs Fire District in Onondaga County. This funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The money will be used to purchase a washer for firefighters to clean their gear after fires. In many cases the fir… Continue Reading
05.22.15
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCES $68 MILLION IN FED FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER LASER LAB HAS PASSED SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
Federal Funds Will Support Critical Research At U of Rochester Lab And Support Over 300 Jobs In Rochester-Finger Lakes Region; Funding Will Avoid Drop-Off In Research And Prevent Layoffs Rochester Laser Lab Has Seen A Nearly $10 Million Increase in Funding Over Last 3 Years; Schumer Has Long Fought to Keep Lab At The Forefront Of Cutting Edge Energy Research Schumer, Gillibrand: Funding Will Help Keep Rochester at the Forefront of Laser Technology and Guarantees It Plays A Role In Solving Cri… Continue Reading
05.22.15
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES SENATE APPROPRIATIONS BILL INCLUDES $174M IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR BROOKHAVEN’S ION COLLIDER & $125M FOR NATIONAL SYNCHROTRON LIGHT SOURCE II; BNL’S COLLIDER IS ONLY REMAINING ATOM SMASHER IN THE COUNTRY
Schumer Has Long Fought to Secure Increased Federal Funds for BNL- Funding Helps The U.S. Remain On The Forefront of Nuclear Research Last Year, Senate Bill Included $165M for Ion Collider & $115M for NSLS-II; This Year's Senate Bill Provides Millions More in Federal Funds U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Senate version of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill for FY2016 will include an increase in federal funding for Brookhaven National Lab's (BNL) Relativistic… Continue Reading
05.22.15
SCHUMER: IT’S TIME TO RETIRE FEMA’S ‘WYO’ MODEL FROM THE 80’S; SENATOR URGES FEMA TO DO AWAY WITH ‘WRITE YOUR OWN’ INSURANCE COMPANIES; AS MANY AS 80 PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE SHORT-CHANGING NEW YORK SANDY VICTIMS, CHURNING PROFIT & UNFAIRLY REDUCING PAYMENTS TO HOMEOWNERS
For First Time Ever, Schumer Urges FEMA to Eliminate NFIP "Write Your Own" Insurance Model Entirely-Responsible For Confusion & Disappointing Results in NY; Schumer Proposal Will Allow Homeowners to Bring Claims Directly to Feds in Push for Justified Flood Insurance Payouts Schumer Says That Dozens Upon Dozens Of Private Companies Are Writing, Selling & Servicing Flood Insurance With Poor Track Record & Lackluster FEMA Oversight; After a Long Battle, New York Homeowners Victimized … Continue Reading
05.21.15
SCHUMER URGES FEDS TO ENSURE CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEM IS INSTALLED & IMMEDIATELY IMPLEMENTED ALONG RAIL ROUTES THROUGHOUT UPSTATE NEW YORK, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE; LESSONS FROM PHILADELPHIA DERAILMENT NEED TO BE APPLIED IN NEW YORK
Automatic Train Control, A Safety System That Could Have Lessened The Impact of The Recent Amtrak Derailment, Wasn't Turned On Along Dangerous Philadelphia Curve - Schumer Urges FRA To Ensure System Is Installed And Implemented On Other Rail Lines In Upstate NY Schumer Says FRA Must Work with Railroads to Ensure Automatic Train Control is Operational on Dangerous Curves Throughout New York and Remains In Place Until More Robust Positive Train Control is Installed Schumer: FRA Needs To Take Le… Continue Reading
05.21.15
SCHUMER CALLS ON USDA TO MEET WITH LOCALS REGARDING EXPENSIVE FLOOD REPAIR AND MITIGATION PROJECTS; VILLAGE OF AVON WAS PUMMELED BY RECENT FLOODS & NOW THE VILLIAGE COULD BE STUCK PAYING FOR EXPENSIVE PROJECTS TO UPDATE LOCAL WATER SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE
Village of Avon Residents & Businesses in Livingston County Suffered Severe Damage Following July 2014 and May 2015 Storm-Induced Flooding - Rains Tore Up Several Roads, Flooded Homes, Businesses & Overwhelmed Storm Water Infrastructure While Avon Was Able to Conduct a Study in Aftermath to Find Possible Areas For Flood Prevention to Guard Against Future Storms, The Critical Repairs to Storm Water Infrastructure That Engineers Say Are Needed Would Place Unmanageable Burden on Taxpayers… Continue Reading
05.21.15
SCHUMER: NEW YORK STATE’S $52 MILLION GRAPE CROP AT UNDUE RISK DUE TO OUTDATED FACILITY THAT PROVIDES CRITICAL RESEARCH TO LOCAL GRAPE GROWERS; SENATOR LAUNCHES PUSH TO REPLACE USDA’S OUTDATED GRAPE RESEARCH LAB IN GENEVA WITH NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY
The Federal Grape Genetic Research Lab in Geneva Provides Research For Grape Farmers On How To Enhance Their Products - Lab Is Outdated And In Need Of Significant Maintenance And Upgrades To Continue Providing Essential Research Without Upgrades to Facilities, Grape Growers Will Be Without The State-of-the-Art Resource Needed To Succeed In A Competitive Industry; Schumer Calls On USDA To Prioritize Lab Replacement In FY2016 Capital Investment Plan Schumer: Failure To Modernize And Replace La… Continue Reading
