Press Releases
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $315K IN FED FUNDING FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY AIRPORT
Federal Transportation Funding Will Be Used to Make Critical Upgrades to Airport Infrastructure U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that Westchester County Airport in White Plains will receive $315,000 in federal funding. This funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and will allow the airport to make critical upgrades to its infrastructure. Specifically, it will allow for the installat… Continue Reading
06.24.15
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND & TONKO ANNOUNCE OVER $554,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ALBANY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Department of Transportation Funding Will Be Used for Safety Measure Upgrades At Airport U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Paul Tonko today announced that Albany International Airport will receive $554,850 in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for airport upgrades. This project will fund the replacement of 134 airfield guidance signs to enhance aircraft visibility and enhance safety of aircraft movements. "Making sure our runways are… Continue Reading
06.24.15
SCHUMER: CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING CASES COULD INCREASE OR GO UNTREATED IN NEW YORK STATE IF SIGNIFICANT CUTS ARE MADE TO HOUSING SAFETY PROGRAMS; SENATOR SAYS CRITICAL PROGRAMS MEANT TO IDENTIFY AND REMEDIATE DANGEROUS LEAD-BASED PAINTS SHOULD NOT BE CUT
U.S. Department Of Housing And Urban Development's Office Of Healthy Homes And Lead Hazard Control Program Provides Vital Funding To Rid Homes Of Lead Hazards, But House Republicans Have Proposed Slashing $35 Million In Fed Funding For Key Program Childhood Lead Poisoning Can Cause Permanent Health & Developmental Disabilities - Severe Cuts Would Make It Harder For Communities To Access Fed Dollars For Anti-Poisoning Efforts; Could Result In Estimated 3,400 Additional Cases Of Lead Poisoni… Continue Reading
06.24.15
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $500K IN FED FUNDING FOR WASTE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES IN WESTERN NY COMMUNITIES
Town of Machias & Village of Arcade in Cattaraugus and Wyoming Counties Will Use Funds to Make Critical Wastewater & Sewage System Improvements U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $500,000 in federal funding for the Town of Machias in Cattaraugus County. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Grant Program and allows the Village of Arcade and Town of Machias to make crit… Continue Reading
06.23.15
SCHUMER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION, INSPIRED BY WNY TEEN AMANDA HANSEN, TO PROTECT NY FAMILIES FROM CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING; NEW BILL ENCOURAGES INSTALLATION OF MORE SAFE AND RELIABLE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Schumer Successfully Urged NY Legislators In 2009 To Pass "Amanda's Law," Which Required Carbon Monoxide Alarms In NY Homes, After Western New York Teen, Amanda Hansen, Died Due To Toxic Fume Inhalation Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Leads To Hundreds Of Deaths Each Year And Thousands Of Trips To The Emergency Room; The Legislation Allows The Consumer Product Safety Commission To Both Conduct Public Safety Education And Encourage Installation Of Safe And Reliable Carbon Monoxide Detectors Schumer:… Continue Reading
06.22.15
AMIDST HUGE AMOUNT OF HACKING, MILLIONS OF NEW YORKERS ARE ON TENTERHOOKS, WORRIED THAT THEIR FINANCES ARE AT CONSTANT RISK; SCHUMER ANNOUNCES PLAN THAT WOULD REQUIRE CONSUMERS BE NOTIFIED THE MINUTE ACCESS TO THEIR CREDIT IS REQUESTED; RIGHT NOW, NO NOTIFICATION EXISTS
Despite Rampant Hacking & Identity Theft, Consumers Aren't Notified When Access To Their Credit Is Requested To Create A New Account; Instead, Most Find Out Only When Their Credit Is Drained Or Their Score Has Tanked, Costing Them Dearly Schumer's Push Would Mean Credit Bureaus Must Notify Consumers The Moment Access To Their Credit Is Requested; Just Last Week, NYC Hospital Employees Sold Patient Info That Enabled Instant Access To Victims’ Credit Schumer: A Person’s Credit… Continue Reading
06.22.15
SCHUMER: NEWLY AVAILABLE FED MONEY WILL FINALLY MOVE UPPER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN STUDY FORWARD; SENATOR URGES U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO PROVIDE DETAILED TIMETABLE & PLAN TO LAUNCH FLOOD MITIGATION STUDY
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Has Included A Federal Investment of $600K to Identify Best Ways to Protect Flood-Prone Susquehanna River Watershed Region, But A Feasible Plan Must Be In Place To Ensure Results Schumer Has Long History of Pushing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers To Prioritize Authorizations Covering Southern Tier Watersheds And Supporting Funding for Mitigation Projects to Protect Nearby Homes And Businesses From Future Flood Damage Schumer: Outcome of this Study Should Bring Lon… Continue Reading
06.22.15
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $39,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE ELMIRA FIRE DEPARTMENT IN CHEMUNG COUNTY
Federal Funding For Elmira Fire Department Will Be Used To Purchase Protective Equipment U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $39,150 in federal funding for the Elmira Fire Department. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The Elmira Fire Department will use this federal investment to outfit active members with new protective gear. "These funds will provide essential up… Continue Reading
06.22.15
SCHUMER: AVERAGE PRICE OF EGGS UP NEARLY 50 PERCENT & WILL KEEP CLIMBING BECAUSE OF BIRD FLU EPIDEMIC—YET PROPOSED FED BUDGET SLASHES USDA EFFORTS THAT HELP BEAT BACK BIRD FLU BY $500M; AS GROCERY BILLS RISE, SCHUMER LAUNCHES EFFORT TO THWART CUTS
Worst Bird Flu Outbreak In Generation Has Killed 48 Million Birds, Constricting Egg Supply & Increasing Grocery Bills; Could Hit Other Food Products Soon, Like Condiments & Bread, Could Get Worse This Fall Impacts of Bird Flu Could Last 18-24 Months; Senator Says Slashing $500M From USDA Budget That Could Help Prevent Spread of Illness or Find Cure Makes No Sense; Schumer Demands Mindless Cuts To Programs End Schumer: Crisis Could Get Even Worse Unless Congress Acts; Consumers Will S… Continue Reading
06.19.15
SCHUMER URGES FEDS TO SWIFTLY APPROVE VILLAGE OF GOWANDA’S APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FOR REPAIRS TO RESERVOIR DAMAGED BY MASSIVE 2014 FLOODING – PROJECT WOULD REDUCE FUTURE FLOOD DAMAGE & HELP AVOID COSTLY BATTLE AGAINST FLOOD WATERS YEAR AFTER YEAR
Village Has Been Unable To Use Reservoir Since 2014 Disaster & Is Relying On A Well To Provide Water For Local Residents At A Major Cost To The Village Schumer: $1.5 Million Project Would Not Only Fix Damaged Reservoir, It Would Also Build it Back Stronger To Prevent Future Flooding Schumer To FEMA: Swiftly Review and Approve Gowanda's Proposal to Get Reservoir Back Up and Running, Implement Damage-Preventing Flood Mitigation U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the Federal Emerg… Continue Reading
06.19.15
SCHUMER RECOMMENDS LONG ISLAND’S GARY R. BROWN TO FILL ISLIP SEAT ON UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK; MOST NOTABLY, BROWN’S RULING AS A MAGISTRATE JUDGE EXPOSED FRAUDULENT PRACTICES AMONG FLOOD INSURANCE COMPANIES IN AFTERMATH OF SANDY
Brown is a Long Islander Through and Through - Raised in Elmont and Resides in Setauket - and Has Extensive Legal Experience in Private & Public Sector –Served as U.S. Magistrate Judge for EDNY, Federal Prosecutor in Islip Office; After Superstorm Sandy, Brown Ordered All Insurance Companies & Engineering Companies in Sandy Lawsuits To Provide Homeowners With Copies of Reports to Help Fight Against Unjustly Denied Claims Brown is Adjunct Professor at St. John's Law & Ha… Continue Reading
06.18.15
SCHUMER, IN PERSONAL PHONE CALL WITH HILL-ROM CEO JOHN GREISCH, URGES COMPANY TO PROTECT JOBS AFTER MERGER; CITES TOP-NOTCH WORKFORCE AS THE KEY TO WELCH ALLYN’S PROFITABILITY AND SUCCESS
Citing Large and Modern Plant and Productive Workforce, Schumer Urged Hill-Rom CEO To Maintain and Grow Welch Allyn's Presence In Skaneateles Falls Schumer To New Welch Allyn CEO: Keep Jobs in CNY U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer spoke directly to John Greisch, CEO of Hill-Rome Holdings, Inc.to strongly urge Mr. Greisch to maintain the workforce at Welch Allyn following the acquisition. Yesterday, after learning of the Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Welch Allyn merger, Schumer reiterated previo… Continue Reading
06.17.15
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES, THREE DAYS AFTER HIS PUSH, INT’L AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION GROUNDS PROPOSAL TO SHRINK CARRY-ON BAG SIZE FOR TRAVELERS; IATA PLANS TO SUSPEND & REASSESS NEW LUGGAGE POLICY
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today released the following statement after the International Air Transport Association announced it would pause the rollout of a new proposal that would reduce the size of carry-on luggage and reassess the proposal. Recently, Delta Air Lines and other major airlines announced it would not adopt the airline association's proposed policy. Earlier this week, Schumer urged major airlines to scrap the proposed policy. "I am pleased that the International Air Transpo… Continue Reading
06.17.15
SCHUMER: SERVICEMEMBERS FROM UPSTATE NY ARE AT RISK OF ABUSIVE FINANCIAL PRACTICES WHEN DEPLOYED OVERSEAS; FED REPORT FOUND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FAILED TO ABIDE BY CURRENT LAW MORE THAN 15,000 TIMES, SUCH AS FORECLOSING ON MORTGAGES OR REPOSSESSING CARS; SCHUMER BILL WILL BETTER PROTECT SERVICEMEMBERS & REIN-IN ABUSE
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Currently Lacks The Authority To Supervise & Enforce Protections For Servicemembers; Feds Have So Far Been Inconsistent In Enforcing Existing Protections New Schumer Bill, the Military Consumer Protection Act, Will Give the CFPB - Our Nation's Premier Consumer Watchdog - the Jurisdiction to Enforce Protections For Upstate NY Soldiers Schumer: Our Soldiers Protect Us Overseas, So We Should Protect Them At Home Today, on a conference call with repo… Continue Reading
06.16.15
SCHUMER URGES FEDS TO BE READY TO IMMEDIATELY APPROVE DISASTER DECLARATION FOR UP TO 14 COUNTIES IN THE SOUTHERN TIER & FINGER LAKES THAT WERE SEVERELY IMPACTED BY LAST WEEKEND’S FLASH FLOODING
Severe Flash Flooding Hit Upstate NY Over The Weekend, Damaging Public Infrastructure and Buildings - Schumer Urges FEMA To Be Ready to Help Up To 14 Southern Tier & Finger Lakes Counties That Experienced Significant Rainfall In Event Damage Hits Threshold and NYS Applies For Federal Assistance, FEMA Disaster Declaration Would Allow Communities To Claim Disaster Assistance Funds - Counties Impacted Include Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, … Continue Reading
06.16.15
FOLLOWING HIS PUSH, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES FEDS HAVE AGREED TO BEGIN THE PROCESS FOR CREATING FRENCH-LANGUAGE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR NORTHERN BORDER CUSTOMS OFFICERS – CURRENT LACK OF FRENCH PROFICIENCY AMONG OFFICERS SLOWS DOWN CROSSINGS; TRAINING WOULD SPEED UP INSPECTIONS & MAKE BORDER CROSSING MORE EFFICIENT
Following Schumer's Urging, U.S. Customs & Border Protection Has Agreed to Study The Potential for a French Language Training Program for Northern Border Customs Officers; Lack of French Speaking Border Officers Reportedly Slowing Down Inspection Times & Creating Frustrating Delays at the U.S.-Quebec Border Schumer Said Hang-ups Due To French Language Barriers Cause Delays & Irritate Businesses, Residents, Tourists; Schumer Says Southwest Border Officers Are Provided Spanish Languag… Continue Reading
06.16.15
AFTER PUSH, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES FEDS GRANT ‘TEMPROARY PROTECTED STATUS’ TO PROTECT NEPALESE FAMILIES WHOSE VISAS HAVE EXPIRED & CANNOT SAFELY RETURN BECAUSE HOMES & NEIGHBORHOODS WERE DESTROYED IN EARTHQUAKE –NEPALESE NOW PERMITTED TO STAY IN U.S. UNTIL COUNTRY RECOVERS
Temporary Benefit Helps Nepalese-Who Through No Fault Of Own-Were In Danger Of Visa Overstays And Deportation; TPS Has Been Used In Past For Countries In Wake Of Natural Disaster Schumer Announces Temporary Protected Status Has Been Granted to Nepalese Individuals; In Wake of Natural Disaster, Schumer Urged DHS to Grant TPS So Nepalese Can Stay in U.S. Until Nepal Recovers From Earthquake Schumer: As Their Homeland Struggles From Once-In-A-Lifetime Disaster, Nepalese Nationals Deserv… Continue Reading
06.15.15
SCHUMER TOURS SITE OF RAIL-GRADE CROSSINGS GATES & SIGNALS AS FEDERAL INSPECTORS ASSESS THEIR SAFETY, SENATOR ALSO ANNOUNCES NEW PUSH FOR RAIL CROSSING LEGISLATION TO SUPPLEMENT FINAL PHASES OF CURRENT INVESTIGATION
Recently a Chili, NY Man Was Killed at a Grade Crossing on King Road - Local Officials Say The Crossing Gates Were Down, But The Driver Drove Around The Gate and Was Struck By An Amtrak Train - But The Accident Prompted Many Local Rochester Residents to Report Instances Where Crossing Gates & Signals Were Not Functioning Properly 9-1-1 Dispatch Centers Had 200+ Reports in Rochester Area of Gates Dropping Down – For Up To Half-An-Hour At a Time – And Remaining Closed When No Tra… Continue Reading
06.15.15
SCHUMER VISITS DISABLED WNY VETERAN DALE DART, WHO HAS BEEN WAITING TWO YEARS FOR VA TO MAKE HIS HOME WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE; VET SUFFERS FROM SERIOUS ILLNESS SUSTAINED WHILE SERVING IN IRAQ AND KUWAIT & IS STILL CONFINED TO HIS BASEMENT – SENATOR CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION TO ENSURE VA DELAY NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN
The VA Previously Approved Home Improvements on Dart's Home To Add an Accessible Bathroom and Bedroom for Dart, But Bureaucratic Red Tape Caused Over Two Years of Delay on the Project; Now, After Much Wait & Pressure, Construction That Was Halted Due To VA Hang-ups Will Finally Begin Again After Pressure From Schumer, The VA Finally Selected a Contractor, Who Will Move The Wheelchair Accessible Addition Project Forward; This Hold Up & Lack of Coordination In The VA Resulted i… Continue Reading
06.15.15
SCHUMER DEMANDS AIRLINES GROUND THEIR PLAN TO REDUCE THE SIZE OF ALLOWABLE, CARRY-ON LUGGAGE; NEW PROPOSAL WOULD FORCE AIR TRAVELERS TO PAY MORE IN FEES OR SPEND HUNDREDS ON NEW LUGGAGE; PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT PACKING BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE
New Proposal, Made Just This Week, Would Allow Airlines To Shrink Allowable Size of Carry-Ons By 20% -- Airlines Regularly Seize These Opportunities To Hike Costs Airline Profits Are Expected to Go Through The Roof This Year, Soaring To $30B; Customers Deserve A Break Schumer To Airlines: Enough Already! U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged major air carriers to scrap a proposed policy made this week that would reduce the size of carry-on luggage for travelers. Currently, the maximu… Continue Reading
