Press Releases
SCHUMER-RECOMMENDED ATTORNEY BILL KUNTZ OFFICIALLY NOMINATED TO SERVE ON UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (DNY) announced that Bill Kuntz, who Schumer recommended to President Obama in September, has been officially nominated by the President to serve as a judge on the prestigious United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. If confirmed, Kuntz would become the second African American judge on the court. "I am pleased that the President has nominated Bill to serve as a federal judge from New York on the Eastern District bench," said Schumer. "Wi… Continue Reading
03.09.11
AT SCHUMERS URGING, DHS SECRETARY NAPOLITANO AGREES TO DEPLOY MILITARY-GRADE RADAR TECHNOLOGY ALONG THE NORTHERN BORDER; MOVE PUSHED BY SCHUMER WILL COMBAT GROWING DRUG SMUGGLING PROBLEM
Today, United States Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano will deploy militarygrade radar technology to the Northern Border to combat rampant drug smuggling. This comes at Senator Schumer's urging, after a February Government Accountability Office (GAO) report showed that only 32 of the nearly 4,000 miles that make up the USCanada border are considered secure. In conjunction with President Barack Obama's and Prime Minister Ste… Continue Reading
03.08.11
SCHUMER TO VA: APPOINT A REGIONAL OMBUDSMAN TO HELP COMPLETE VETS CEMETERY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE; CALLS ON VA TO ESTABLISH LIAISON WITH LOCAL VETERANS GROUPS TO GET THE JOB DONE
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that he is urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a firm timeline for completion of the long overdue veterans' cemetery in Western New York. Due to repeated delays and indecision, the VA has yet to acquire the necessary land for the cemetery, further delaying the design and building phase that will ultimately lead to a suitable resting place for Western New York veterans. Schumer is also urging the VA to establish a liaison… Continue Reading
02.24.11
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION PROTECTING GRAND ISLANDS RESIDENTIAL TOLL DISCOUNTS ON GRAND ISLAND BRIDGES
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that he is reintroducing legislation protecting the residential discount programs for Grand Island residents on the Grand Island bridges. The Residential and Commuter Toll Fairness Act of 2011 provides express Congressional authorization for local governments to issue or grant transportation toll, user fee or fare discount programs based on residential status. The legislation, which was originally introduced in 2009 and passed the House by a unani… Continue Reading
02.23.11
AS THE SENATE PREPARES ITS BUDGET PROPOSAL:SCHUMER VOWS TO FIGHT HOUSE CUTS THAT THREATEN TAYLOR BIOMASS PLANT; GROUND-BREAKING PROJECT ALREADY UNDERWAY, JOBS AND INVESTMENTS MUST BE PROTECTED
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that he will oppose House Republicans' attempts to end renewable energy project loan guarantees, which would pose a major threat to the jobcreating Taylor Biomass Energy project. The Republican budget proposal that passed the House last week would ultimately kill funding for the Taylor Biomass Energy project underway in Montgomery, NY and cost hundreds of current jobs, and more than 400 future jobs. In December, Schumer joined Jim Taylor of… Continue Reading
02.23.11
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES PLATTSBURGH FIRE DEPT. WILL RECEIVE OVER $38,000 IN A FEDERAL FIRE GRANT FOR EQUIPMENT IMPROVEMENTS
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Plattsburgh Fire Department has received a federal grant totaling $38,760 as part of Round 13 of the FY10 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding will be used to replace fire hoses and water supply lines. "This essential grant ensures that the fire departments in Clinton County will continue to have the basic resources required to do their jobs, improve sa… Continue Reading
02.22.11
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR BILL THAT WOULD CUT EXCISE TAX ON SMALL BREWERIES ACROSS UPSTATE NEW YORK BY 50% - BILL WILL ALLOW BROWNS BREWING COMPANY TO CREATE JOBS
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that he is joining more than 20 bipartisan colleagues to introduce legislation that will cut the excise tax on small breweries in half, helping small brewers across New York reinvest in their business, hire new employees, and revitalize downtown communities. Currently, brewers pay a $7 excise tax for the first 60,000 barrels they brew per year. Under the BEER Act that Schumer will introduce, that rate is slashed to $3.50 per barrel, resulting in p… Continue Reading
02.17.11
SCHUMER, BISHOP REVEAL: HOUSE BUDGET CUTS COULD CRIPPLE BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL AND COST ALMOST ONE THOUSAND JOBS, SHUTTING DOORS ON MAJOR RESEARCH PROGRAMS; CALL ON HOUSE LEADERSHIP TO RESTORE CUTS AND COMMIT TO FUNDING CUTTING EDGE MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (DNY) and U.S. Representative Tim Bishop (DNY) today blasted the GOPled House's continuing resolution budget proposal that could gut Brookhaven National Laboratory's (BNL) research and development and result in the potential loss of 930 employees, one third of the lab's population. It could also result in BNL shutting the doors on the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) and Realistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) machines, world class research facilities. If enacted… Continue Reading
02.17.11
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND: NOAA CATCH SHARE POLICY COULD HURT STRUGGLING LONG ISLAND FISHERMEN; SENATORS URGE AGENCY TO PROMOTE TRIED AND TRUE FISHERY MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer (DNY), and Kirsten E. Gillibrand (DNY), today called on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to promote proven fishery management tools in the wake of their decision to encourage flawed catch share programs that could hurt fishermen on Long Island and across the country. In a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Schumer and Gillibrand, joined by U.S. Senators Kay Hagan, Richard Burr (RNC),and Scott Brown (RMA), and R… Continue Reading
02.15.11
SCHUMER: PRESIDENT OBAMAS BUDGET INCLUDES $20 MILLION FOR CRITICAL TRAINING CENTER CONSTRUCTION AT ARMY RESERVE CENTER IN SCHENECTADY
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Obama Administration's Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12) budget includes $20 million in military construction funding for the Schenectady Army Reserve Center (ARC). This funding would be used to build an Army Reserve Training Building, a vehicle maintenance shop, and other facilities, all with antiterrorism security features. This funding will construct firstclass facilities at the Schenectady ARC, which will enhance training and operations and … Continue Reading
02.15.11
SCHUMER: CONGRESS SHOULD ADOPT FIVE-YEAR SPENDING FREEZE PROPOSED IN PRESIDENT OBAMA'S BUDGET
WASHINGTON, DCToday, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (DNY) announced he is endorsing President Obama's call for a fiveyear freeze on domestic discretionary spending, and urged Congress to adopt it as a needed step to reduce the deficit. Schumer said the approach is a responsible alternative to House Republicans' more extreme proposals to slash programs that would help the economy grow and that help keep Americans safe. The fiveyear freeze would reduce the deficit by more than $4… Continue Reading
02.14.11
SCHUMER REVEALS: HUDSON VALLEY FAMILIES COULD HAVE MORE THAN $100 MILLION IN UNCLAIMED COLLEGE TUITION TAX CREDITS - SUNY PURCHASE TO BEGIN NOTIFYING STUDENTS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SCHUMER-AUTHORED TAX CREDIT
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that SUNY Purchase has joined his campaign to make sure that every eligible family takes advantage of the Schumerauthored $2,500 college tuition tax credit. The credit provides middle class families with children in college with $1 back on their taxes for every $1 spent on tuition, up to $2,500 per year. But, according to the treasury, less than 50% percent of eligible families claimed the credit on their 2009 taxes. Last year's returns can still… Continue Reading
02.11.11
SCHUMER CALLS HUDSON VALLEY FBI DIRECTOR TO OFFER CONGRATULATIONS ON RAID, BUT SAYS TASK FORCE MUST REDOUBLE EFFORTS AND FINISH THE JOB
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer placed a personal phone call to FBI Special Agent James Galiano, the director of the FBI's Hudson Valley Resident Agency, and offered his congratulations on a successful raid that resulted in criminal charges for 10 members of the Latin Kings gang in Newburgh. Local, state, and federal law enforcement collaborated on yesterday's raid that comes after an aggressive effort by Schumer to focus federal law enforcement resources on the growing gang problem in th… Continue Reading
02.10.11
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES Genoa fire district WILL RECEIVE OVER $30,000 IN A FEDERAL FIRE GRANT FOR OPERATIONS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Genoa Fire District has received a federal grant totaling $30,685 as part of Round 11 of the FY10 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding will be used to purchase ten new sets of turnout gear, ten new helmets, and other equipment. Senator Schumer wrote directly to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in support of this application. "This essential g… Continue Reading
02.08.11
NELSON-SCHUMER LEGISLATION MAKING MISUSE OF TSA BODY SCAN IMAGES A FEDERAL CRIME INTRODUCED AS AMENDMENT TO FAA BILL
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska offered the Security Screening Confidential Data Privacy Act today as an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration's Reauthorization Bill that is currently under consideration in the Senate. The law would make it a federal crime to misuse images recorded from Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) full body scanners used at airports across the country. The NelsonSchumer legislation ensures that any person w… Continue Reading
02.07.11
SCHUMER REVEALS: HUDSON VALLEY FAMILIES COULD HAVE MORE THAN $100 MILLION IN UNCLAIMED COLLEGE TUITION TAX CREDITS MARIST COLLEGE TO BEGIN NOTIFYING STUDENTS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SCHUMER-AUTHORED TAX CREDIT
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that Marist College has joined his campaign to make sure that every eligible family takes advantage of the Schumerauthored $2,500 college tuition tax credit. The credit provides middle class families with children in college with $1 back on their taxes for every $1 spent on tuition, up to $2,500 per year. But, according to the treasury, less than 50% percent of eligible families claimed the credit on their 2009 taxes. Last year's returns can stil… Continue Reading
02.02.11
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES Camden Volunteer Fire dept WILL RECEIVE OVER $129,000 IN A FEDERAL FIRE GRANT FOR OPERATIONS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Camden Volunteer Fire Department has received a federal grant totaling $129,509 as part of Round 10 of the FY10 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding will be used to purchase fire protection gear, as well as provide additional training for their already highly qualified firefighters. Senator Schumer wrote directly to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano… Continue Reading
02.02.11
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES rockland paramedic services WILL RECEIVE OVER $44,000 IN A FEDERAL FIRE GRANT FOR OPERATIONS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Rockland Paramedic Services has received a federal grant totaling $44,660 as part of Round 10 of the FY10 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding will be used to purchase portable carbon monoxide detectors, which will be used during all carbon monoxide related calls, fire standbys, and other necessary emergency situations. Senator Schumer wrote directly to Homela… Continue Reading
02.01.11
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND INTRODUCE BILL TO CREATE HARRIET TUBMAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK IN AUBURN; BILL PRESERVES AND PROMOTES LOCAL LANDMARK AND TOURIST SITE
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced legislation to create a National Historical Park preserving and promoting the life of Harriet Ross Tubman, the most famous "conductor" of the antislavery resistance network known as the Underground Railroad. The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park Act would establish two parks, one in New York and one in Maryland. The National Historic Park in Auburn, N… Continue Reading
01.31.11
SCHUMER PRESENTS LONG OVERDUE PURPLE HEART: AFTER MORE THAN 60 YEARS, WORLD WAR II VET CHESTER LUBECK FINALLY AWARDED THE MEDAL HE DESERVES
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer presented a long overdue Purple Heart to Chester Lubeck, a Blauvelt resident and World War II veteran. Mr. Lubeck was captured during the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium on December 16, 1944, during one of the fiercest battles of World War II. While a prisoner of war, he and many other American prisoners were injured when U.S. military planes bombed an ammunition dump outside Nuremberg, Germany. Because this was an injury caused by friendlyfire, Mr. Lubeck w… Continue Reading
