Press Releases
SCHUMER CALLS ON VA FOR IMMEDIATE UPDATE ON STUDY OF SERVICE DOGS FOR VETERANS WITH PTSD; UNTIL STUDY IS COMPLETE, CURRENT VA POLICY DEPRIVES VETS WITH PTSD OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR SERVICE DOGS THAT HELP THEM COPE AND RECOVER
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today requested an immediate status update of the study currently being conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on the policy to reimburse the cost of service dogs to veterans who have PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Service dogs are often recommended by doctors to veterans with PTSD because they have been shown to have a positive psychological impact on recovery. Last year, the VA ended its policy of reimbursement to veterans with strictly ps… Continue Reading
09.17.13
WITH CUSTOMS WAIT TIMES AT JFK THE HIGHEST IN THE NATION, SCHUMER MAKES PERSONAL APPEAL TO DHS HEAD FOR ADDITIONAL TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND MANPOWER SAYS CONTINUED DELAYS PUT REGIONAL ECONOMY AT RISK
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that he has made an appeal to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement new measures that would help alleviate incredibly long lines for travelers using customs at John F. Kennedy International Airport. A recent report revealed that customs at JFK Airport was home to the longest wait times in the country, with the average delay during peak hours this August exceeding two hours. In a personal call, Schumer asked Acting DHS Secretary R… Continue Reading
09.17.13
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $1.4 MILLION FOR GREATER ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT; DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION AWARD FOR APRON IMPROVEMENTS
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Greater Rochester International Airport is set to receive a $1,448,112 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant for airport facility upgrades. Specifically, the funding will be used to rehabilitate the apron on taxiway C, where aircraft are loaded and unloaded, boarded, parked and refueled. "This Department of Transportation grant will ensure that Greater Rochester International Airport can continue to sa… Continue Reading
09.16.13
SCHUMER: FOR FIRST TIME, CHICKEN PROCESSED IN CHINA WILL GO ON SALE IN US, POSING MAJOR HEALTH HAZARD UNLESS AGGRESSIVE AND IMMEDIATE MEASURES ARE TAKEN TAINTED FOOD FROM CHINA HAS BEEN MASSIVE SOURCE OF FOOD POISONING IN RECENT YEARS
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take dramatic and immediate measures to ensure the safety of chickens processed in China and sold in the United States. A new Department of Agriculture (USDA) rule will, for the first time, soon allow chickens raised in the United States to be processed at four plants in mainland China and then sold to U.S. consumers. Schumer said that while the plants and processing methods have been deemed initially … Continue Reading
09.16.13
SCHUMER: ACROSS CAPITAL REGION, PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE IS UP CRIMINALS ARE STEALING RX DRUGS DURING HOME BURGLARIES; URGES DEA TO CUT RED TAPE THAT NOW PREVENTS PHARMACIES COMMUNITIES FROM HOSTING DRUG TAKE-BACK EVENTS, AND TO ADD EXTRA INCENTIVE BY FUNDING BUYBACK PROGRAMS
Today, at Lindsay Drug Company in Troy, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to expeditiously amend and approve regulations that would finally allow pharmacies and community organizations the opportunity to host community prescription drug takeback events. Schumer also asked the DEA to establish a "buyback" program so that federal funds can be used to incentivize people to return their prescription drugs, to increase the takeback events' effectiveness. The Cap… Continue Reading
09.13.13
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE GRIFFISS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO RECEIVE OVER $445K IN DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FOR LIGHTING
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Griffiss International Airport is set to receive a $449,100 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant for airport facility upgrades. Specifically, this funding will allow Griffiss to install edge lighting on taxiway K and enhance airport safety by providing adequate lighting. Schumer and Gillibrand applaud DOT for their work to increase safety at all airports. "I am pleased to add this federal investment to t… Continue Reading
09.06.13
SCHUMER TO VISIT MCCADAM FARMS INTRODUCE PLAN TO DEFEND GROW CHEESE PRODUCTION IN UPSTATE NEW YORK WILL FIGHT NEW RESTRICTIONS THAT WOULD PREVENT NY CHEESE INDUSTRY FROM USING COMMONLY-USED CHEESE NAMES LIKE MUENSTER OR PARMESAN
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer visited McCadam Farms in Franklin County to announce his twopronged plan to first defend, and second to grow, Upstate New York cheese production. Specifically, Schumer is urging United States Trade Representative Froman and Secretary Vilsack to defend U.S. cheese producers in trade negotiations with the European Union (EU), which is staking a regional claim on common cheese names like "muenster", "parmesan" and "feta"-much like champagne. Through free trade… Continue Reading
09.05.13
SCHUMER SECURES COMMITMENT FROM FTA TO SAVE 50 JOBS AT BUS-MAKER COACH EQUIPMENT NEW FEDERAL REGULATOINS COULD HAVE CANCELLED MAJOR BUS CONTRACTS FOR PENN YAN COMPANY
After a personal call to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Rogoff, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the FTA has agreed to grandfatherin new regulations that will save an estimated 50 jobs at Penn Yan bus manufacturer Coach & Equipment. Coach & Equipment is a small bus manufacturer that had nearly doubled the size of its union manufacturing workforce this year by hiring 40 additional fulltime workers in order to meet the demand of new bus orders o… Continue Reading
09.05.13
SCHUMER HEATS UP DUNKIRK NRG PLANT REPOWERING PUSH VIA CALL TO NEW PSC CHAIRURGES PSC TO SWIFTLY APPROVE REPOWERING PLAN, WHICH IS THE CLEANER ENERGY OPTION, PROTECTS TAXPAYERS CREATES CONSTRUCTION JOBS
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer personally called the new chair of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Aubrey Zibelman, to urge the PSC to adopt a plan to repower the aging coalfired Dunkirk NRG Plant into a natural gaspowered plant, which is the cleaner energy option, protects taxpayers and will create hundreds of construction jobs. Zibelman's chairmanship was effective as of Tuesday, September 3rd, and Schumer called to make clear that the repowering of the NRG plant should be a top ag… Continue Reading
09.04.13
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEW YORK CITY SET TO RECEIVE OVER $4 MILLION IN DOJ GRANT; INVESTMENT WILL HELP IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY IN NYC
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced a $4,038,230 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) from the Department of Justice that will focus on making New York City safer. This investment will support a range of program areas including prosecution initiatives to target violent offenders, crime prevention and education efforts, drug treatment and alternatives to incarceration, crime victim and witness support, and planning, evaluation and technology im… Continue Reading
08.29.13
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $468K IN FED NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BINGHAMTON UNIVERISTY
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that a $468,259 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant will be awarded to Binghamton University. The Senators announced that the federal grant will fund the study of advanced datatransfer techniques and technology, including the encryption of data migration, to make cloud computing and large data centers more efficient and secure. "Binghamton University is a hub for nationallyrecognized technology research and this gran… Continue Reading
08.27.13
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $5 MILLION FOR BUFFALO NIAGARA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO EXECUTE CRITICAL NOISE MITIGATION HOUSE WORK FOR NEARLY 600 RESIDENTS LIVING NEAR AIRPORT
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that $5,169,399 in federal funding is being awarded to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) to complete noise mitigation measures on 187 homes near the BuffaloNiagara International Airport. The funding is allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program. In 2007, the FAA and Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) determ… Continue Reading
08.13.13
AS WARS DRAW DOWN, SCHUMER VOWS CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR LOCKHEED MARTIN IN OWEGO PUSHES TO PRESERVE PLANNED HELICOPTER CONTRACTS, LIKE COMBAT RESCUE, AND WILL FIGHT FOR NEXT PRESIDENTIAL MARINE ONE CONTRACT
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer visited Lockheed Martin Owego employees and executives to vow his continued support for this major regional employer, which provides topnotch aircraft for our nation's military and is an anchor for the local economy. Specifically, Schumer focused his push on preserving planned defense contracts between the Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin team and the U.S. Military in order to defend the 2,700 employees in Owego and promote the potential for expansion. One such con… Continue Reading
08.07.13
SCHUMER: RARE TICK-BORNE ILLNESS, THE POWASSAN VIRUS, FOUND IN HUDSON VALLEY TICKS SENATOR URGES CDC TO STUDY POTENTIALLY FATAL DISEASE DEVELOP PLAN TO HELP ADDRESS THREAT
On the heels of Powassan Encephalitis, an often fatal tickborne illness, being found in Hudson Valley ticks, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today called on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to immediately allocate resources towards the study, prevention and treatment of the emerging Powassan virus threat. Schumer also announced his support for federal legislation to direct more resources and attention towards fighting back against the growing problem of other tickborne illnesses like Lyme d… Continue Reading
08.01.13
SCHUMER: ELIZABETH WOLFORD CONFIRMED BY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE BY UNANIMOUS BIPARTISAN VOTE; WILL BE FIRST-EVER WOMAN TO SERVE ON FEDERAL BENCH IN WESTERN DISTRICT
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that Elizabeth Wolford was confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously by voice vote to serve as a judge in the Western District federal court. Her nomination to the federal bench now moves to the full Senate. Ms. Wolford is a historymaking pick, as she would be the first woman to serve on the federal bench in this district, and she would take the seat left vacant when District Court Judge Charles Siragusa took senior status in Decembe… Continue Reading
07.31.13
AFTER SCHUMERS PUSH, ARMY CORPS U.S. COAST GUARD TO BEGIN REPAIRS AT SANDY-DESTROYED LIGHT TOWER AND JETTY AT JONES INLET THIS SUMMER TIMELINE HAS NOW BEEN GREATLY ACCELERATED; FEDS INSTALLING BRAND NEW LIGHT FOR FUTURE PROVIDING TEMPORARY LIGHT FOR BOATERS IN THE MEANTIME
United States Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that, after his push, the U.S. Coast Guard will replace the main navigational light tower at the end of the rocky jetty at Jones Inlet that was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy in a highly expedited fashion. Originally, the Army Corps and Coast Guard hadn't been slated to start the work until next year, but after Schumer's request, they will begin the work this summer. Jones Inlet connects the Atlantic Ocean to numerous communities along the… Continue Reading
07.31.13
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $390K FOR CORNING-PAINTED POST AIRPORT FROM FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION FUNDING FOR NEW PARKING APRON
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a $394,200 federal grant to the Town of Erwin Industrial Development Agency for improvements at Corning Painted Post Airport. Specifically, this investment from the FAA via the Airport Improvement Program will allow Corning Painted Post Airport to construct an apron that is needed to provide aircraft parking at the airport. This phase of the project will provide for t… Continue Reading
07.30.13
SCHUMER REVEALS: STORES ARE TRACKING SHOPPERS MOVEMENTS THROUGH THEIR CELL PHONES WITH RAPIDLY INCREASING FREQUENCY, AND TESTING EVER MORE INVASIVE TECHNOLOGIES; CALLS FOR FTC TO REQUIRE MANDATORY OPT-OUT OPPORTUNITY BEFORE RETAILERS ARE ALLOWED TO TRACK SHOPPERS MOVEMENTS
New York, NY - U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today revealed that major national retailers are increasingly using sophisticated monitoring software to track every movement shoppers make while in their stores, and then often times save that data in perpetuity. The technology allows shoppers to be tracked, moment by moment, through signals put out through their smart phones, allowing a retailer to learn in what part of the store they spent time in, what products they've considered buying, and ho… Continue Reading
07.29.13
SCHUMER: MOHAWK VALLEY CC APPLICATION FOR DEPT. OF EDUCATION FUNDING HAS BEEN UNFAIRLY REJECTED DUE TO DATABASE ERROR URGES FEDS TO ACCEPT MVCC APPLICATION FOR ON-CAMPUS CHILD CARE FOR ADULT LEARNERS
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged that the federal Department of Education (DOE) accept the application from Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) for a federal grant which has been rejected in error. MVCC is applying for a Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant, which would help fund oncampus child care for adult community college learners. However, MVCC was rejected because the DOE database did not record that MVCC is an approved institution under its System for … Continue Reading
07.26.13
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, HANNA ANNOUNCE NEW YORKS CHOBANI YOGURT CHOSEN FOR GREEK YOGURT PILOT PROGRAM IN SCHOOL LUNCHES
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representative Richard Hanna today announced New Yorkbased Chobani yogurt will be the yogurt of choice in a USDA pilot program to serve Greek yogurt in school lunches. New York State was chosen for the pilot program earlier this month because of its burgeoning Greek yogurt manufacturing sector and the high level of interest in the program among New York State school districts. The federal officials announced today that the USDA has sel… Continue Reading
