url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-his-advocacy-schumer-announces-112-million-in-americorps-funding-for-senior-volunteers-across-new-york,"FOLLOWING HIS ADVOCACY, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $11.2+ MILLION IN AMERICORPS FUNDING FOR SENIOR VOLUNTEERS ACROSS NEW YORK",2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Earlier This Year, Trump Fired Thousands Of AmeriCorps Staff And Ripped Away Community Grants For Seniors

Schumer Revealed Impact Of The Cuts And Cancelled Grants And Demanded Trump Restore Funding For AmeriCorps Programs; Senator Now Announces Trump Backed Down And Fed Funding Is Flowing To Support 1,000+ Older NY AmeriCorps Members

Schumer: Despite Trump’s Threats To Dismantle AmeriCorps, Older AmeriCorps Volunteers Continued Their Excellent Work & Now Get The Support They Deserve

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced $11,274,471 in federal funding has flowed this year to programs across New York through AmeriCorps’ Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program, supporting more than 1,000 volunteers.

Earlier this year, President Trump took steps to dismantle AmeriCorps, firing staff and freezing federal grants. Schumer demanded that Trump and Republicans protect this vital public service agency, and now, thanks to his advocacy, organizations across New York have continued to receive the funding they needed for volunteers to serve their communities, especially through the popular Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program.

“AmeriCorps is one of the world’s greatest service programs, and more than one thousand New York seniors rely on AmeriCorps funding to volunteer in their communities every year. That’s why when I heard the Trump administration was threatening to dismantle AmeriCorps, including the popular and effective the popular Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program, I demanded answers and called on him to reverse these counterproductive and cruel cuts,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to announce that, despite Trump’s threats, New York has received $11.2+ million this year for older AmeriCorps members to continue the excellent work they do to support kids and other seniors in their communities through the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs. I will continue to fight any cuts to the excellent AmeriCorps program and support organizations that help our seniors stay active in their communities.”

Earlier this year, Trump and ‘DOGE’ placed a majority of AmeriCorps employees on leave and terminated nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants nationally. Schumer revealed the impact that slashing over $26 million in federal funding for local community projects had on over 3,600 community service members across New York State and demanded that Trump and Republicans protect this vital public service and immediately reverse these cuts. Schumer continued to demand answers about the funding freezes and called for the money to be released.

Thanks to Schumer pushing to resolve delays with the AmeriCorps Seniors Program grants, AmeriCorps was able to complete two rounds of FY2025 funding, delivering $11.2 million in Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) and Senior Companion Program (SCP) awards to organizations across New York State. A list of Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program awards for New York in FY2025 can be found below:

“The Community Place of Greater Rochester is deeply grateful for Senator Schumer’s steadfast support and for this significant AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program grant,” said Scott C. Benjamin, President & CEO of Charles Settlement House & The Community Place of Greater Rochester. “This more than $1 million investment strengthens our ability to connect older adults with meaningful opportunities to serve, mentor, and support children, families, and neighbors across our community. These programs change lives every day — not only for those receiving support, but for the seniors whose wisdom, compassion, and service make Rochester stronger.”

“The AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program is an impactful program providing opportunity for Broome County Seniors to serve their community and make positive contributions to the lives of others and have meaningful outlets to share their time and talents. The funding Broome County is receiving from this program will support opportunities for over 30 volunteers and we are grateful to Senator Schumer for his tireless efforts on behalf of this program,” said Jason Garnar, Broome County Executive.

“We are very pleased about the release of 2025 AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program funds and the continuation of this important mentorship program. The one-to-one social-emotional attention, encouragement, and support provided to the approximately 225 Syracuse City School District and Head Start children is critical in a city like Syracuse, where childhood poverty is the worst in the nation. Likewise, the more than 68 senior volunteers gain renewed purpose, companionship, and a modest stipend for their time and talents. We thank Senator Schumer for his continued support of this program,” said Carolyn D. Brown, Executive Director, People’s Equal Action and Community Effort, Inc.

""We are so thankful for the efforts of Senator Schumer to secure funding for our foster grandparent program,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president & CEO, Catholic Charities of Buffalo. “When funding for the program was cut earlier this year, it impacted more than 1,000 children with special and exceptional needs, who received added assistance to help them succeed academically, and older adults, who were given a sense of purpose and much needed social interaction in their retirement years. The extra care and attention the foster grandparents provide make a difference not only in the classroom, but in the lives of these children. During this season of giving, Senator Schumer has given Catholic Charities a gift that is so appreciated by the children, teachers and foster grandparents who can now restart this vital program in our community.”

Vernex Harding, Executive Director of Head Start of Rockland, Inc., said, “I express heartfelt gratitude for Senator Schumer's unwavering support and advocacy for AmeriCorps to allocate essential funds to programs like Foster Grandparents. This funding restores and empowers our dedicated senior volunteers' ability to continue mentoring and uplifting children, creating meaningful relationships that shape bright futures. We are deeply thankful for this assistance, which strengthens intergenerational bonds and enriches the lives of both children and volunteers in our community.”

AmeriCorps programs have long-standing bipartisan support, having been previously authorized by Congress and funded by the annual appropriations bill passed by Congress and signed into law. The FGP and SCP programs both provide grants to engage Americans 55 and older in volunteer service to their communities. FGP members support children and youth with special or exceptional needs in schools, Head Start centers, youth facilities, and other community-based settings, providing critical support such as tutoring, mentoring, and emotional reassurance. SCP members support older adults who need assistance to remain independent, offering friendship, companionship, and support with daily tasks.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-job-and-energy-killing-empire-wind-1-and-sunrise-wind-pause/,Gillibrand Statement On Job And Energy Killing Empire Wind 1 And Sunrise Wind Pause,2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the brazen attack on New York’s energy economy by Trump’s Department of the Interior:

“This announcement has nothing to do with national security and everything to do with a political agenda against energy and job creation in New York. There is no justification for a decision that destroys good-paying union jobs and drives up energy costs for hardworking New York families. I urge the Interior Secretary to reverse this reckless pause and allow these projects to power homes, job creation, and New York’s economy.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/watch-gillibrand-touts-her-law-to-protect-large-public-events-from-drone-attacks-on-cbs-saturday-morning/,Watch: Gillibrand Touts Her Law To Protect Large Public Events From Drone Attacks On CBS Saturday Morning,2025-12-20,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"***Watch the segment here***

In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee, appeared on CBS Saturday Morning with Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-AR) to discuss their legislation to protect large public events from drone attacks. Their bill, which passed earlier this week as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, authorizes state and local law enforcement who have been trained by federal authorities to disable drones that pose a credible threat to large gatherings of people. With major events like Buffalo Bills playoff games, the Super Bowl, the FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics rapidly approaching, this legislation is vital to help protect civilians from the growing threat of drone incursions.

CBS News: Police can now take down drones at public gatherings, new defense law says

TRANSCRIPT:

Anchor: This week, ahead of a series of high-profile sporting events like the Super Bowl, FIFA Men’s World Cup, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, lawmakers passed the National Defense Authorization Act. This new defense bill enables local law enforcement to take down drones at public gatherings. That’s something pro sports teams and police have been pushing for. Our Nicole Sganga has the details of how the new law made it across the finish line.

REPORTER: Drones hovering above. For years, local police could see them but not stop them. In their last two playoff seasons, the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens saw games disrupted by rogue drones flying near M&T Bank Stadium, and in 2023, a swarm of unidentified drones breached skies above Langley Air Force Base, putting the Pentagon on alert.

Gillibrand: When we had multiple, day-after-day drone incursions over Langley, it created huge concern, and it’s what got me so focused on this issue, because we didn’t have the policy in place to take them down.

REPORTER: Senators Tom Cotton and Kirsten Gillibrand, leading Republican and Democratic voices on drone threats, say the new defense bill, signed into law by President Trump Thursday night, closes a dangerous security gap, creating a pathway to train local law enforcement to disable threatening drones.

Cotton: There aren’t enough FBI agents and Homeland Security officers to protect it. So this legislation will empower state and local authorities with training from the federal government to, say, protect the airspace over Razorback Stadium or protect the airspace for a Buffalo Bills game.

REPORTER: According to the NFL, since 2017, drone incursions over football games have increased by more than 20,000 percent, inspiring companies like D-Fend Solutions.

Halachmi: Right now, these drones are accessible to everyone. In order for you to get a drone, all you need is a credit card and an internet connection.

REPORTER: CEO Zohar Halachmi gave us an inside look at the sophisticated counter-drone technology.

Halachmi: When we see drones, what we actually see is a virus—a virus with wings—and what we actually developed is an antivirus. It’s a cyber technique that enables us to detect those drones and penetrate into them.

REPORTER: That cyber technique enabling operators like [operator name] to take remote control of a rogue drone and reroute it safely.

Drone Operator: As it hits around 2.5 kilometers, we can take over the drone and actually tell the drone where to land in a safe area.

REPORTER: Disabling aircraft without shooting them down, jamming signals, or tipping off the pilot.

Drone Operator: So everything that we’re doing is invisible to the pilot. The only thing the pilot will see is that he got disconnected from his drone.

REPORTER: Lawmakers hope new counter-drone technology also won’t tip off the fans. Do you think the public will notice a difference?

Gillibrand: Hopefully not. Hopefully they will be blissfully unaware and delighted to be watching the Bills or watching some other great team.

REPORTER: When it comes to countering drones, are we at the finish line, or are we at the kickoff?

Cotton: Maybe the 40-yard line. The administration has six months to get all the training in place and then to help state and local law enforcement start using the technology to protect large gatherings and critical infrastructure. So I’d say we’re at least moving into field goal territory.

REPORTER: Ahead of the World Cup and Olympics, a small win for the home team, or at least the Homeland Security team. For CBS Saturday Morning, I’m Nicole Sganga in Washington.

Anchor: Sounds like a touchdown, right?

Anchor: It’s a touchdown.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-leads-bipartisan-push-to-increase-accessibility-of-va-technology/,Gillibrand Leads Bipartisan Push To Increase Accessibility Of VA Technology,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representative David Valadao (R-CA-22) urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take swift action to make its technology accessible to people with disabilities.

“Ensuring our veterans have the support, information, and services they need is of the utmost importance—and VA cannot do this unless its technology is accessible to veterans and VA employees with disabilities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “VA must train its employees to procure accessible technology and take steps to ensure that its technology remains accessible. I will continue to provide rigorous oversight on this issue to make sure that our veterans get the support that they deserve.”

Accessible technology is critical to make sure that veterans with disabilities can get the information and services they need and to make sure that VA employees with disabilities can do their jobs. Roughly one-quarter of veterans have a service-connected disability, and post-9/11 veterans, who VA will serve for decades to come, have a higher rate of service-connected disabilities. Additionally, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires federal technology to be accessible for and usable by people with disabilities.

Despite this, congressional and independent oversight efforts have consistently found that VA technology does not meet this requirement. A recent VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report found that, of the 30 critical information and communication technology systems analyzed, 26 were not accessible for people with disabilities. In its report, VA OIG issued four recommendations to improve VA accessibility and encourage the procurement of accessible technology.

In her letter to VA, Senator Gillibrand encouraged the agency to carry out VA OIG’s recommendations as fast as possible. She also requested additional information on how VA plans to do so.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-merkley-baldwin-booker-40-senators-no-new-anti-lgbtq-anti-abortion-provisions-in-must-pass-government-funding-bills/,"Gillibrand, Merkley, Baldwin, Booker 40 Senators: No New Anti-LGBTQ+, Anti-Abortion Provisions In Must-Pass Government Funding Bills",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and 40 other Democratic senators in urging Senate Appropriations Committee leadership to keep any new dangerous, hyper-partisan policy provisions that would curtail the freedoms of women and LGBTQ+ individuals out of must-pass government funding legislation.

House Republicans have inserted more than 65 so-called “poison pill” provisions targeting abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, which would otherwise fail the scrutiny of congressional debate, into critical government funding bills that require broad, bipartisan consensus to pass.

“Dangerous poison pill provisions like those included in the FY26 House appropriations bills will severely undermine Congress’ ability to push forward must-pass legislation and keep the government open and working for the American people. As such, we urge you to reject these extremist riders from the remaining final FY26 appropriations bills,” the senators wrote.

In addition to Gillibrand, Merkley, Baldwin, and Booker, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The senators’ letter is endorsed by the ACLU, Advocates for Trans Equality, Guttmacher Institute, Human Rights Campaign, National Council of Jewish Women, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Network of Abortion Funds, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, and Reproductive Freedom for All.

Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Chair Collins and Vice Chair Murray:

We write to urge you to keep the FY26 appropriations bills free of any new poison pill policy riders. Partisan, discriminatory, and harmful policy riders have no place in must-pass legislation such as appropriations bills. In the recent past, the Senate has had success passing bipartisan bills in committee because these bills did not contain new poison pill riders. Unfortunately, in FY26, the House has included more than 65 new anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ riders in its appropriations bills, which we urge you to reject from any remaining final FY26 appropriations bills.

In the more than three years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, our country has experienced a reproductive health care crisis. As of December 1, 2025, 13 states have banned abortion entirely, and 7 states have banned abortion anywhere from 6 to 18 weeks. Republicans have also attempted to ban medication abortion, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the United States. These bans leave 1 in 3 women, as well as transgender and nonbinary people, without access to abortion and disproportionately impact people of color, people with disabilities, young people, people living in rural areas, and people with low incomes.

Despite the dangerous consequences of the bans and the overwhelming support for access to abortion, House Republicans have continued to propose extremist anti-abortion policy riders in their appropriations bills. These new riders include a measure to defund Planned Parenthood, a provision to codify the Trump administration’s global gag rule, a provision that would interfere with essential postgraduate medical training in abortion care, and a provision that would restrict access to abortion and fertility care for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. If adopted, these provisions would dramatically undermine people’s ability to make decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures and providers’ ability to deliver necessary reproductive health care.

House Republicans have also used the FY26 appropriations process to push extremist and unpopular anti- LGBTQ+ measures, which threaten the lives and fundamental dignity of LGBTQ+ communities. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is being introduced across the country; in 2025 alone, more than 600 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across 49 state legislatures.

Against this backdrop, House Republicans have introduced more than 50 anti-LGBTQ+ provisions across all 12 appropriations bills. This includes provisions in almost every appropriations bill that would allow people and organizations, including those that receive taxpayer funds, to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people. More than half of the House’s appropriations bills also contain dangerous riders that severely restrict access to gender- affirming care, which would deprive transgender people of critical, medically necessary, evidence-based, and often life-saving health care. Among those who would be impacted by these riders are the more than 134,000 transgender veterans who rely on the Veterans’ Affairs Administration for their health care.

Dangerous poison pill provisions like those included in the FY26 House appropriations bills will severely undermine Congress’ ability to push forward must-pass legislation and keep the government open and working for the American people. As such, we urge you to reject these extremist riders from the remaining final FY26 appropriations bills.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-reintroduces-two-bills-to-stop-pfas-chemicals-from-entering-our-waterways-and-to-help-significantly-exposed-victims/,Gillibrand Reintroduces Two Bills To Stop PFAS Chemicals From Entering Our Waterways And To Help Significantly Exposed Victims,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Legislation Would Combat Toxic Forever Chemicals At The Source And Provide A Federal Cause of Action For Victims to Seek Relief

This week, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand reintroduced two bills to combat dangerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination and help support communities that have been significantly exposed to these chemicals.

The bipartisan, bicameral Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act would help address PFAS contamination at the source. The bicameral PFAS Accountability Act would give victims of significant PFAS exposure legal recourse to sue PFAS manufacturers and would allow courts to award medical monitoring for early detection and treatment of diseases connected to PFAS.

“‘Forever chemicals’ like PFAS are a dangerous threat to the environment and public health,” said Senator Gillibrand. “For years, companies have knowingly released toxic chemicals that have devastated families and communities. Those companies must be held accountable for their actions, and New York waterways must be protected from further contamination. These two bills will help address PFAS contamination at the source and deliver real justice for the victims of PFAS pollution in New York and across the country.”

PFAS chemicals are widespread contaminants found in many industrial applications, firefighting foam, and a variety of consumer products. PFAS exposure is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid problems, and more. According to the Environmental Working Group, over 1.3 million New Yorkers have concerning levels of PFAS in their drinking water.

The bipartisan Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act would set deadlines and require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop water quality criteria and establish effluent limitation guidelines and standards (ELGs) for PFAS in industrial discharges from eight priority categories using its existing authority under the Clean Water Act. The legislation is led by Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH-01) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) in the House, and it is endorsed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA).

The PFAS Accountability Act would allow victims of significant PFAS exposure to sue PFAS manufacturers, and it would make it easier for courts to award medical monitoringfor early detection and treatment of adverse health conditions related to the exposure. The legislation would also incentivize funding for PFAS safety research. The PFAS Accountability Act is led by Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), along with Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Jerry Nadler (D-NY-12), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) in the House. This legislation is endorsed by Waterkeeper Alliance, American Association for Justice, Buxmont Coalition for Safe Water, Environmental Working Group, Green Science Policy Institute, National PFAS Contamination Coalition, Southern Environmental Law Center, NRDC, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.

A leader in the fight against PFAS, Senator Gillibrand has long advocated for and championed legislation to protect the public from dangerous PFAS chemicals. In July, she introduced the bipartisan DOD PFAS Discharge Prevention Act, which would reduce drinking water pollution and exposure to toxic forever chemicals for firefighters, service members, and communities by facilitating better monitoring and implementing best management practices of PFAS at Department of Defense (DOD) installations. In previous years, she successfully pushed to phase out DOD’s use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, and she passed legislation to expedite the testing, cleanup, and remediation of PFAS at some of the most contaminated U.S. military installations.

The text of the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act can be found here.

The text of the PFAS Accountability Act can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-meng-lead-effort-to-preserve-new-yorks-ability-to-use-broadband-infrastructure-funds-to-support-broadband-adoption-and-digital-inclusion-projects/,"Gillibrand, Schumer, Meng Lead Effort To Preserve New York’s Ability To Use Broadband Infrastructure Funds To Support Broadband Adoption And Digital Inclusion Projects",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, along with Congresswoman Grace Meng, raised concerns about the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) potential reclamation of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) non-deployment funds. If the NTIA unlawfully withholds these funds, New York stands to lose at least $273.52 million in funding to support broadband adoption and digital inclusion efforts.

The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion federal grant program that aims to connect every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships to build broadband infrastructure. BEAD non-deployment funds refer to the funding left over after a state meets BEAD’s infrastructure deployment requirements. In May 2022, the NTIA outlined acceptable uses for these funds, clarifying that states may be able to use BEAD non-deployment funds to support digital inclusion projects, including expanding access to affordable broadband internet services, internet-enabled devices, digital literacy programming, telehealth services, and cybersecurity education initiatives.

However, the NTIA’s June 2025 BEAD restructuring policy notice rescinds states’ flexibility to use these funds as Congress intended. As of today, the NTIA has yet to clarify whether states will be able to retain these funds at all, creating uncertainty that could result in the loss of federal support for increasing broadband adoption across New York State.

The members emphasized that “BEAD non-deployment funds would benefit many more households than the one percent of households eligible for deployment funds and would help close the digital access divide for K-12 students, veterans, aging adults, rural communities, and families across the state. To fully ensure that all New Yorkers can participate in an increasingly digital era, they not only need access to broadband, but also access to affordable broadband, internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy programming to maximize internet connectivity.”

“BEAD non-deployment funds are meant to complement BEAD’s universal connectivity goals, and federal statute explicitly authorizes these funds for a broad range of non-deployment activities, including accessibility, affordability, and digital readiness. If the NTIA restricts or reclaims these funds, broadband infrastructure investments risk creating a two-tiered system where broadband availability exists but remains out of reach for those who need it most,” the lawmakers stressed.

The members continued to underscore the importance of broadband access in an increasingly digital era, stating that “Every New Yorker deserves affordable, high-speed internet, regardless of where they live. Broadband adoption projects play a crucial role in ensuring full participation in the digital economy. This is necessary because long-term American economic competitiveness relies on a digitally connected and skilled workforce.”

The members closed the letter by highlighting that “Workforce development, employment, digital safety education, support for remote learning, telehealth, and the other non-deployment activities approved under the NTIA’s original 2022 guidance are foundational to delivering high-speed reliable internet to New York’s most underserved communities.”

The members urged Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth to “preserve the flexibility states retained prior to the issuance of the NTIA’s June 2025 restructuring notice and allow states to use BEAD non-deployment funds for digital inclusion efforts.”

Along with Senators Gillibrand and Schumer and Congresswoman Meng, the letter was cosigned by Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), John Mannion (D-NY-22), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY-26), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), Pat Ryan (D-NY-18), George Latimer (D-NY-16), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), Gregory Meeks (D-NY-5), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Laura Gillen (D-NY-04), and Paul Tonko (D-NY-20).

The full text of the letter can be read HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-hyde-smith-applaud-senate-passage-of-their-bill-to-support-victims-of-human-trafficking-urge-president-trump-to-promptly-sign-it-into-law/,"Gillibrand, Hyde-Smith Applaud Senate Passage Of Their Bill To Support Victims Of Human Trafficking, Urge President Trump To Promptly Sign It Into Law",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) lauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of their Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which would enable survivors of human trafficking to have nonviolent offenses that they were forced to commit vacated and expunged. The legislation also unanimously passed the House earlier this month and now goes to President Trump for his signature. Senator Gillibrand fought for this bill for nearly a decade.

“The passage of my Trafficking Survivors Relief Act through Congress is an enormous milestone in the effort to support victims of human trafficking and help them reestablish their lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This legislation will help shield trafficking survivors from further undue harm, protecting them from the threat of criminalization, prison sentences, and subsequent problems finding jobs and housing because of nonviolent offenses they committed under duress. I have been working to get this bill through Congress for almost ten years, and I am thrilled that it has now passed the House and Senate. I urge President Trump to sign it into law as soon as possible.”

“Human trafficking touches every corner of our country, often leaving survivors facing ongoing hardships even after escaping exploitation. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act gives survivors a chance to clear their records of the non-violent federal offenses they were forced to commit as a direct result of being trafficked. Survivors should not spend the rest of their lives being punished for crimes that were tied to their exploitation,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “Providing true relief and a fresh start is essential to long-term healing, and I’m thrilled this legislation is on course to be signed into law.”

Senator Gillibrand first introduced the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act with a bipartisan group of colleagues in 2016. She reintroduced it in every subsequent Congress, most recently with Senator Hyde-Smith in July 2025.

In addition to allowing survivors of human trafficking to have nonviolent criminal convictions or arrest records they incurred while being trafficked vacated and expunged, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act would also:

Allow for an individual’s status as a victim of trafficking to be a mitigating factor for courts to consider when imposing a prison sentence for violent crimes.

Require U.S. attorneys to submit a report one year after enactment detailing the number of motions filed under the law.

Ensure that DOJ Office for Victims of Crime and Office on Violence Against Women grant funding can be used for legal representation for post-conviction relief activities.

For a full list of endorsing organizations, please click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-introduces-legislation-to-better-protect-consumers-and-crack-down-on-abusive-practices-in-the-buy-now-pay-later-industry/,"Gillibrand Introduces Legislation To Better Protect Consumers And Crack Down On Abusive Practices In The Buy Now, Pay Later Industry",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Legislation follows record Buy Now, Pay Later spending during this year’s Black Friday–to–Cyber Monday shopping period, which surpassed $1 billion

This holiday season, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is leading the charge to protect consumers from abusive practices in the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) industry.

Today, Senators Gillibrand, Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced commonsense legislation that would make key updates to the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and extend many key consumer protections for traditional credit cards to “pay-in-four” BNPL loans. Representative Deborah Ross (D-NC-02) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As shopping gets more convenient for consumers online and on their phones, BNPL loans have continued on a path of explosive growth. While BNPL allows consumers wary of credit cards to split up their purchases over time, it is crucial to ensure that the rulebook for BNPL products keeps pace with how they have become embedded in the shopping experience for many consumers—especially younger borrowers.

The Buy Now, Pay Later Protection Act would update TILA so that when BNPL functions like a credit card, it carries the same core protections: commonsense parity for consumers and a level playing field for responsible providers.

BNPL products have surged in popularity as an easy, convenient way to split purchases into interest-free installments at the click of a button. If they are well-designed, transparent, accountable, and supervised, BNPL products can legitimately serve an important role in meeting the needs of consumers who may be wary of credit cards.

As costs rise and usage of BPNL products increases across the nation, basic protections are needed to prevent predatory practices like hidden fees, failure to provide timely refunds, and pushing consumers to rack up unsustainable debt. These protections—which currently exist for credit cards—include standardized periodic statements, clear dispute and refund rights, and consistent billing-error procedures. Existing laws were not drafted with BNPL products in mind, resulting in gaps and uncertainty for BNPL users.

“As prices continue to skyrocket, Buy Now, Pay Later options can be a helpful tool for families, especially during the holiday season. But as these loans have become more popular, we’ve seen predatory companies exploit a lack of regulation by charging hidden fees and trapping families into paying more than they bargained for,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our legislation will protect consumers, establish clear rules of the road, shine a light on the true cost of these products, and strengthen the rights of New Yorkers and families across the country.”

“Responsible Buy Now, Pay Later options can be helpful to consumers. As they grow in popularity, we must take proactive steps to prevent unsuspecting risks to consumers,” said Senator Reed. “The Buy Now, Pay Later Protection Act will set up real guardrails to better protect consumers and ensure that fees and terms are transparent and easy to understand.”

“At a time when prices are rising, Buy Now, Pay Later is a useful tool for many households, especially around the holidays. Unfortunately, these services are increasingly engaging in predatory practices, charging hidden fees and locking working Americans into inescapable cycles of debt,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. “Congress needs to put consumers first. That’s why we’re introducing the Buy Now, Pay Later Protection Act, which will ensure consumers have the options and information they need to make informed decisions.”

Key provisions of the bill include:

Disclosures: Clear information on due dates, fees, and information on how consumers can dispute charges.

Right to Periodic Statements: BNPL providers must issue periodic billing statements, similar to credit cards, so consumers can track their spending and balances.

Chargeback Rights: When customers are the victims of payment fraud or deceptive practices, they have the right to seek a chargeback.

Billing Error Resolution: Provides timelines and procedures for investigating billing disputes and restricts adverse credit reporting or collection on transactions under active dispute.

No Surprise Fees: Providers can’t jack up interest, fees, or other charges on an existing BNPL balance midway through repayment and can only apply fees that were disclosed up front.

Supervision: Provides the CFPB with authority to supervise BNPL lenders to spot violations before they spiral out of control.

This legislation is endorsed by the National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Americans for Financial Reform, and the Consumer Federation of America.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-highlight-31-million-authorization-for-fort-hamilton-child-development-center-in-fiscal-year-2026-defense-bill/,"Gillibrand, Schumer Highlight $31 Million Authorization For Fort Hamilton Child Development Center In Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Bill",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced that secured a $31 million authorization for the Fort Hamilton Child Development Center in Brooklyn in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).

“This year’s NDAA is a win for service members, New Yorkers, and all Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I was especially proud to fight for and secure this authorization for the Fort Hamilton Child Development Center in Brooklyn. Protecting our troops and our national security is of the utmost importance, and a key part of that is also helping the families and children of service members. I am glad to see Democrats and Republicans work together to pass this vital legislation.”

“I’m proud to have secured $31 million for the Fort Hamilton Child Development Center in Brooklyn so soldiers and their families have access to a consistent, safe, and nurturing environment for their children,” said Senator Schumer. “These much-needed services improve quality of life for our brave soldiers and their families and I will continue fighting to deliver more resources to those who put themselves on the line to protect our freedom and safety.”

This project received full funding in the FY26 Military Construction Appropriations law. Other highlights of the FY26 NDAA bill include a pay raise for service members, as well as over $240 million in total authorizations for New York State projects.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-welcoming-new-archbishop-to-new-york/,Gillibrand Statement Welcoming New Archbishop To New York,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement welcoming Bishop Ronald A. Hicks to New York:

“I welcome Bishop Hicks to New York. I look forward to working with him as he begins his tenure, and I am confident he will continue to serve with great compassion and care. Bishop Hicks’ appointment is a blessing, bringing a thoughtful and dedicated leader to our state. This holiday season underscores the important role the Archbishop of New York can play in uniting our communities and ensuring the most vulnerable are supported.

I am also deeply grateful to Cardinal Dolan for his years of service and leadership, and I thank him for his lasting contributions to our community. I wish him all the best in the years to come.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/as-prices-soar-like-santas-sleigh-this-holiday-season-gillibrand-calls-on-trump-administration-to-stop-tariffs-promote-affordability/,"As Prices Soar Like Santa’s Sleigh This Holiday Season, Gillibrand Calls On Trump Administration To Stop Tariffs, Promote Affordability",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Key Holiday Items Are 26% More Expensive This Year, Causing Families To Pinch Pennies During The Season Of Giving

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to call on the Trump administration to ease the economic pain being felt by New Yorkers during the holiday season.

President Trump’s tariffs are driving inflation and increasing the cost of everything from utilities to holiday gifts, forcing New Yorkers to either shell out more money or cut back on purchases during the holiday season. Senator Gillibrand called on the Trump administration to end the tariffs to provide meaningful relief to American families, protect small businesses, and ensure that American consumers are not met with higher prices or product shortages during this critical time of year. The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter to President Trump and Secretary Lutnick can be found here.

“The holiday season should be filled with joy and generosity—not financial stress and hardship. But this year, President Trump’s tariffs are causing anxiety for working families by raising the cost of everything from groceries and utilities to the toys that parents are buying for their kids,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m calling on the Trump administration to immediately end these reckless tariffs to provide relief to New York families, small businesses, and consumers during the holiday season.”

The tariffs recently imposed by the Trump administration include a baseline 10% import tax on goods from dozens of countries, plus the European Union, with significantly steeper rates for many Canadian imports at 35%. These tariffs are creating major cost uncertainty for New York businesses and increasing prices for consumers. According to the New York State Tariff Disruptions Report, consumers in the state are facing an estimated 21% tax on imported goods, amounting to roughly $4,200 in increased costs per household annually.

Senator Gillibrand has opposed the president’s tariffs since the start of the Trump administration. Earlier this year, she joined 14 of her colleagues in introducing the Small Business RELIEF Act to end Trump’s tariff tax and refund small businesses their duties paid. She also sent a legal brief with 206 members of Congress emphasizing to the Supreme Court that these tariffs are illegal.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-effort-to-oppose-new-limits-on-student-loans-for-nurses/,"Gillibrand, Colleagues Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort To Oppose New Limits On Student Loans For Nurses",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), joined a bipartisan group of over 140 lawmakers to sound the alarm over a proposed framework by the U.S. Department of Education to declassify nursing degrees as “professional” and undermine the entire future of the nursing workforce.

Their letter follows a recently released proposed framework from the Education Department’s Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee that omits post-baccalaureate nursing degrees from the regulatory definition of “professional degree,” meaning they would be classified as a “graduate degree.” If this framework is adopted during the upcoming rulemaking, the proposed definition threatens more debt for post-baccalaureate nursing students, as student loans are currently capped for new borrowers at $20,500 annually and $100,000 in the aggregate for “graduate” programs and $50,000 annually and $200,000 in the aggregate for “professional” programs.

“Nurses play an essential role in delivering high-quality health care to millions of Americans, and their degrees must be recognized as the professional credentials they are,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Especially as we continue to face shortages in our vital nursing workforce, I am proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort and will continue fighting to ensure post-baccalaureate nursing students have access to the resources and financial support they need to enter the workforce and continue their critical work.”

“At a time when our nation is facing a health care shortage, especially in primary care, now is not the time to cut off the student pipeline to these programs,” the bipartisan group of over 140 lawmakers wrote to the Education Department. “According to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), fifty-seven percent of Medicare beneficiaries received a primary care service from an NP or physician associate (PA), and sixty-six percent of rural Medicare patients received a primary care service from an NP or PA. Consequently, we believe that post-baccalaureate nursing degrees should be included in the department’s definition of a ‘professional degree.’”

“Nurses and nurse faculty make up the backbone of our health system, and post-baccalaureate nursing degrees lead to demonstrated outcomes, with a recent study from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity showing that nursing was one of the top three master’s degrees for return on investment. As such, post-baccalaureate nursing degrees should be treated equally to other accredited post-baccalaureate health profession degrees,” the lawmakers stressed.

The bipartisan letter is supported by over 65 organizations including, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing; American Association of Nurse Practitioners; American Nurses Association; American College of Nurse-Midwives; Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners; National Council of State Boards of Nursing; and the National League of Nursing.

Read the full text of the bipartisan letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-highlights-major-wins-for-service-members-new-yorkers-in-fy2026-defense-bill/,"Gillibrand Highlights Major Wins For Service Members, New Yorkers In FY2026 Defense Bill",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Bill Includes A Pay Raise for Service Members and Authorizes Over $240 Million for New York Projects

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that several of her provisions were included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.

“This year’s NDAA is a win for service members, New Yorkers, and all Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand.“I was proud to fight for and secure key provisions in the final bill, including a significant pay raise for troops, over $240 million in authorizations for military installations and activities in New York, and measures to strengthen our defense against cyber threats, biological threats, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Protecting our troops and our national security is of the utmost importance, and I am glad to see Democrats and Republicans work together to pass this vital legislation.”

A list of Senator Gillibrand’s priorities included in the NDAA and the Senate Report include:

Personnel:

Increases service members’ pay by 3.8%.

Protects access to sexual assault medical forensic examinations by requiring the Secretary of Defense to authorize military medical treatment facilities to provide sexual assault medical forensic examinations to all victims, not just victims who are eligible for military health care.

Bolsters OBGYN care at Fort Drum by directing a briefing on the adequacy and sufficiency of OBGYN care for TRICARE beneficiaries in the installation’s vicinity.

Protects service members’ brain health by supporting blast exposure monitoring within Special Operations Command.

Helps victims of anomalous health incidents by encouraging the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide the cross-functional team addressing anomalous health incidents (AHIs) with adequate resources to continue its efforts, particularly treatment of those affected by AHIs, and by ensuring timely compensation under the Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks (HAVANA) Act of 2021.

New York Priorities:

Senator Gillibrand secured over $240 million in authorizations for New York institutions in the NDAA, including:

$90 million for the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters Readiness Center, which when funded will also clear the way for separate investments and construction at Watervliet Arsenal.

$54 million for the Combined Operations Airfield Facility at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station

$31 million for the Fort Hamilton Child Development Center

$29 million for the Watervliet Arsenal Electrical Switching Station

$20 million for the planning and design of future construction projects at Fort Drum, including:

$9.5 million for Fort Drum aircraft maintenance hangar addition

$8.3 million for Fort Drum Operational Readiness Training Center barracks design

$2.5 million for Fort Drum Range 41c, Automated Record Fire Plus range design

$5 million for short-pulsed lasers intended to defeat hypersonic missiles and other potential threats. This research is carried out by the University of Rochester.

$5 million to expand the regional presence and outreach of the Defense Innovation Unit, which works to rapidly integrate commercial technologies into the DOD.

$5 million for an Agile, Assured, and Autonomous Battle Management Network and Readiness Accelerator (3A-BMN) at Rome Lab

$5 million for biotechnology manufacturing

Unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS):

Expands DOD’s authority to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by allowing the Secretary of Defense to designate DOD installations as critical to national security and therefore covered assets for the purposes of counter-UAS (cUAS) actions; allowing the use of contractors for cUAS activities; and improving information sharing between DOD and other agencies relevant to cUAS activities.

Expands domestic cUAS authorities by allowing DHS and DOJ to provide training to state, local, Tribal, or territorial law enforcement or correctional agencies to engage in cUAS detection and mitigation to protect critical infrastructure and mass gatherings.

Strengthens UAP oversight by requiring the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO)to brief Congresson UAP intercepts by NORTHCOM and NORAD and by requiring AARO to account for security classification guides that apply to UAP and authorizing a consolidated security classification matrix for UAP.

Cyber:

Protects undersea cables by requiring a report on the strategy, challenges, and capability gaps facing DOD in protecting undersea cables from physical and cybersecurity threats.

Bolsters cyber capabilities by requiring the Secretary of Defense to conduct one or more tabletop exercises to evaluate concepts for the future employment of cyber capabilities.

Biosecurity:

This year’s NDAA includes multiple provisions to strengthen America’s defense against biological threats, including:

Increasing interagency coordination to strengthen biodefense by directing the Defense Threat Reduction Agency to coordinate with other agencies and departments to clarify roles and responsibilities for building out biodefense capacity.

Supporting research and development of bioindustrial manufacturing processes by expanding DOD’s ability to support these activities at bioindustrial manufacturing facilities.

Giving the Secretary of Defense the authority to establish a program to support the expansion of the domestic capacity for bioindustrial manufacturing at a commercial level through awards to entities for establishing, upgrading, and retooling bioindustrial manufacturing facilities.

International Partnerships:

$500 million for Israeli Missile Defense Cooperative Programs such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-highlight-17-8-million-in-authorizations-for-fort-drum-in-fiscal-year-2026-defense-bill/,"Gillibrand, Schumer Highlight $17.8 Million In Authorizations For Fort Drum In Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Bill",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced that they secured $17.8 million in authorizations for projects at Fort Drum in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).

“This year’s NDAA is a win for service members, New Yorkers, and all Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I was especially proud to fight for and secure key provisions in the final bill that will directly impact the North Country, including authorizations for multiple projects at Fort Drum. Protecting our troops and our national security is of the utmost importance, and I am glad to see Democrats and Republicans work together to pass this vital legislation.”

“Fort Drum is vital to our national defense and is woven into the very fabric of the North Country. This nearly $20 million funding authorization in the just-passed final national defense bill is a major milestone for securing future federal funding to bring much-needed construction projects to life,” said Senator Schumer. “Now, we are one step closer to planning and designing expanded space to house Fort Drum’s aircraft and building more housing for soldiers who come to Fort Drum for training. I will always fight to deliver more resources for New York’s servicemembers and to protect our national security.”

A list of Senator Gillibrand and Schumer’s priorities included in the NDAA for Fort Drum includes:

$17.8 million funding authorization for the planning and design of future construction projects at Fort Drum, including:

$9.5 million funding authorization for aircraft maintenance hangar addition

$8.3 million funding authorization for Operational Readiness Training Center barracks design

The aircraft maintenance hangar addition and Operational Readiness Training Center both received full funding in the FY26 Military Construction Appropriations law. Other highlights of the FY26 NDAA bill include a pay raise for service members, as well as over $240 million in total authorizations for New York State projects.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-highlight-5-million-authorization-for-university-of-rochester-in-fiscal-year-2026-defense-bill/,"Gillibrand, Schumer Highlight $5 Million Authorization For University Of Rochester In Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Bill",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced that they have secured a $5 million authorization for the University of Rochester’s short-pulsed lasers research in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).

“This year’s NDAA is a win for service members, New Yorkers, and all Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I was especially proud to fight for and secure key provisions in the final bill that will directly advance the University of Rochester’s research into short-pulsed laser technology, which will help protect us from hypersonic missiles and other potential threats. Protecting our troops and our national security is of the utmost importance, and I am glad to see Democrats and Republicans work together to pass this vital legislation.”

“The University of Rochester’s cutting-edge short-pulsed lasers research is leading the way to protect us from hypersonic missiles and other potential threats. This $5 million funding authorization in the just-passed final national defense bill is a major milestone for boosting their research efforts,” said Senator Schumer. “I will always fight to deliver more resources for New York’s servicemembers and to protect our national security.”

“The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) is a unique national resource with expertise in the study of intense laser light and materials,” said LLE Director Christopher Deeney. “The newly authorized funding will enable the federal sponsor to have LLE and its team continue to make important strides in understanding and optimizing the performance of pulsed lasers for national security missions. On behalf of the LLE and the University, I want to thank Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their leadership and support along with the other members of our Congressional delegation.”

Other highlights of the FY26 NDAA bill include a pay raise for service members, as well as over $240 million in total authorizations for New York State projects.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-highlight-54-million-authorization-for-niagara-falls-air-reserve-station-in-fiscal-year-2026-defense-bill/,"Gillibrand, Schumer Highlight $54 Million Authorization For Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station In Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Bill",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced that they have secured a $54 million authorization for the Combined Operations Airfield Facility at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).

“This year’s NDAA is a win for service members, New Yorkers, and all Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I was especially proud to fight for and secure key provisions in the final bill that will directly impact Western New York, including an authorization for the Combined Operations Airfield Facility at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. Protecting our troops and our national security is of the utmost importance, and I am glad to see Democrats and Republicans work together to pass this vital legislation.”

“We are now one major step closer to bringing a new Combined Operations Alert facility to Western New York. Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and the 914th Air Refueling Wing has continuously delivered for New York and America’s strategic deterrence over the last 50 years, but to best fulfill its mission going forward it needs a new facility to centralize its command & control operations and improve communication across squadrons. This $54 million funding authorization in the just-passed final national defense bill is a major milestone for securing future federal funding and getting shovels in the ground to build a new facility to consolidate alert operations across key units and support functions,” said Senator Schumer. “I will always fight to deliver more resources for New York’s servicemembers and to protect our national security.”

This project was partially funded for $16.11 million in the FY26 Military Construction Appropriations law. Other highlights of the FY26 NDAA bill include a pay raise for service members, as well as over $240 million in total authorizations for New York State projects.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-just-passed-national-defense-bill-authorizes-119-million-in-funding-for-capital-region-projects-including-ny-army-national-guards-42nd-infantry-rainbow-division-h/,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Just-Passed National Defense Bill Authorizes $119 Million In Funding For Capital Region Projects – Including NY Army National Guard’s 42nd Infantry “Rainbow” Division Headquarters & Watervliet Arsenal",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Current 42nd Infantry Division HQ Armory Built in 1971 Has Long-Been Running Out Of Space, As Well As The Technology & Infrastructure Needed To Maintain Modern US Army Division HQ And Support Training, Readiness And Mission Requirement

After Months Of Work, Senators Deliver New $90M Authorization – Unlocking The Funding Process – For New HQ & $29M For Watervliet Arsenal Electrical Switching Station

Schumer, Gillibrand: One Giant Step Closer To A Much-Needed New Armory For NY Army National Guard’s 42nd Infantry Division!

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that, following their push, building a new armory and readiness center for the NY Army National Guard’s 42nd Infantry “Rainbow” Division Headquarters cleared a major hurdle to secure federal funding. The senators explained that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, just passed, will authorize full funding for a new HQ, which will be located in Colonie at the former site of the old Heritage Park minor league baseball stadium that was home to the Albany-Colonie Yankees. The NDAA also authorized $29 million in federal funding for a new electrical switching station at Watervliet Arsenal, which was fully funded in the FY 2026 military construction budget bill.

“We are one critical step closer to building a much-needed new armory for the 42nd Infantry ‘Rainbow’ Division. NY’s Army National Guard is critical to our national security, but the Rainbow Division’s current headquarters was built over 50 years ago and needs more space and modern infrastructure to meet the Army’s growing requirements. This project aims to build the new, modern facility we need while breathing new life into the former site of the Heritage Park baseball stadium in Colonie,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding authorization in the just-passed final national defense bill is a major milestone for securing future federal funding and getting shovels in the ground to build a new state-of-the-art armory and readiness center for the Rainbow Division. I will continue fighting to secure this funding in future appropriations so we can hit the ground running to build this new Armory.”

“This year’s NDAA is a win for service members, New Yorkers, and all Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I was especially proud to fight for and secure key provisions in the final bill that will directly impact the Capital Region, including authorizations for the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters and the Watervliet Arsenal. Protecting our troops and our national security is of the utmost importance, and I am glad to see Democrats and Republicans work together to pass this vital legislation.”

Schumer and Gillibrand explained that the 42nd Infantry Division Armory in Troy was constructed in 1971 for a smaller organization, but the current Armory headquarters does not meet the Army’s facility requirements for a division headquarters, with the Division growing and needing a larger space. The senators additionally secured $29 million to build a new electrical switching station at Watervliet Arsenal. This project was fully funded in the FY2026 military construction budget bill.

Building a new, modernized Armory and headquarters would ensure that the 42nd Infantry Division has the centralization, resources, infrastructure, and capabilities needed to maintain the division’s mission readiness and its training and deployment activities. Simultaneously, the Watervliet Arsenal is modernizing its manufacturing facilities and production streams. However, as a result, this will displace the National Guard Division’s warehouses located on Watervliet Arsenal grounds by 2028. The New York Army National Guard will move the warehouses at Watervliet Arsenal to the site of the current Armory in Troy, which will continue to be used by the NYNG.

The $90 million authorization they secured for the project in the final FY 2026 NDAA is a critical milestone that unlocks the federal funding process and is a massive step forward for the NY Army National Guard, which has long been pushing for a new, modern, expanded armory and readiness center. Schumer and Gillibrand will be pushing to deliver this funding in future federal spending bills.

Schumer and Gillibrand took action to push for the federal funding needed to support the Army’s operations in the Capital Region. NY State has already provided $5 million to acquire a new Capital Region location for a headquarters facility near the Albany International Airport that is shovel-ready and capable of handling large military vehicles. The state has also delivered $10 million to advance design and has obligated an additional $30 million to begin construction if the federal government is able to deliver the $90 million needed to complete the project.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-introduces-bill-to-confirm-saint-regis-mohawk-tribe-land-claim-settlement-agreement/,Gillibrand Introduces Bill To Confirm Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Land Claim Settlement Agreement,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced legislation to authorize, ratify, and confirm the settlement agreement between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, New York State, Franklin County, St. Lawrence County, the Town of Fort Covington, the Town of Bombay, and the New York Power Authority to resolve the decades-old Akwesasne Mohawk land claim.

In September, Governor Hochul announced that New York State had reached a settlement agreement with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, bringing an end to a decades-long dispute that first commenced in 1982. This agreement is a major step in righting historic wrongs after years of perseverance and determination from Akwesasne Mohawk leaders.

“The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the people of Akwesasne have long sought justice and the return of their rightful land,” said Senator Gillibrand. “After decades of unceasing advocacy from tribal leaders, I am grateful to partner with the Tribe and Governor Hochul to finalize the agreement through Congress and return thousands of acres of land to the Tribe. I will continue to remain a committed partner to Native communities across our state.”

“The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council extends heartfelt thanks to Senator Gillibrand for championing the Senate version of legislation to resolve the Akwesasne Mohawk land claim in New York. This milestone represents the culmination of more than forty years of determination and advocacy by Akwesasne leaders. Securing the return of our land has been our unwavering goal, and today we honor the perseverance and courage of all who have worked tirelessly since the inception of this claim to make this settlement possible. We look forward to seeing this historic effort move through the Senate and toward final approval,” said the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council.

“New York has always served as a beacon of hope not just in the United States but to those who arrive from all around the world,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “While we take pride in that, it’s also critically important that we acknowledge with honesty and a sense of reconciliation, accountability and healing that our history is a complicated one. It’s why I am grateful that New York State and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe were able to reach an agreement that does just that. This settlement is a further testament to what we can achieve when we lead with justice and a spirit of reconciliation. As Governor, I am committed to taking the necessary steps to restore relations and return these thousands of acres to the Tribe. I am thankful to Senator Gillibrand for introducing legislation to authorize, ratify, and confirm the settlement agreement so we can ensure a future of healing and strengthening our bond with all Indigenous Peoples across our State.”

The agreement settled disputes over land in addition to power usage, education benefits, and access to the islands of Croil, Long Sault, and Barnhart on the St. Lawrence River:

Restores Land Rights

The agreement returns approximately 9,200 acres in Franklin County and 3,200 acres in St. Lawrence County to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, with an immediate restoration of 3,400 acres in Franklin County and 1,300 acres in St. Lawrence County.

New York will make recurring payments of $2 million annually to Franklin County with an additional $1 million annual payment to Franklin County out of money received from the exclusivity payment, and a $4 million annual payment to St. Lawrence County out of money received from the exclusivity payment.

The agreement will establish a process for Akwesasne Mohawks to convert certain parcels to Indian Land should the right conditions be met.

Improves Access to Education

New York State will waive the tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight full-time semesters for any enrolled Akwesasne Mohawk at any State University of New York (SUNY) facility or community college.

Ensures that members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe applying to Cornell University or Alfred University will receive a reduction equivalent to the SUNY undergraduate resident tuition rate.

Establishes Payments for Power Usage

Included payments of $2 million every year from the New York Power Authority to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe for 35 years, totaling $70 million.

The New York Power Authority will provide the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe with up to 9 megawatt hours of lowest cost power that can be used to grow the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s economy or by members for personal use.

The power provided cannot be resold on the open market and can only be transmitted into Canada if the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne obtains all the necessary permits and approvals.

Improves Access to Land

Affirms that the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe can access the islands of Croil, Long Sault, and Barnhart on the St. Lawrence River for hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering with certain limited restrictions.

Also affirms the waived fees for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to use the boat launch at Robert Moses State Park – Thousand Islands.

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has the right of first refusal if New York State ever wishes to alienate any of the islands.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-leads-democrats-in-new-legislation-to-stop-trump-administration-ploy-threatening-seniors-access-to-treatment-under-traditional-medicare/,Gillibrand Leads Democrats In New Legislation To Stop Trump Administration Ploy Threatening Seniors’ Access To Treatment Under Traditional Medicare,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"GILLIBRAND LEADS DEMOCRATS IN NEW LEGISLATION TO STOP TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLOY THREATENING SENIORS’ ACCESS TO TREATMENT UNDER TRADITIONAL MEDICARE

As Republicans double down on health care sabotage, senators lead effort to protect Medicare benefits from AI experiment

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, introduced legislation to halt a pilot program that would allow private insurance companies and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to delay and deny care to seniors enrolled in Traditional Medicare across six states.

Senator Gillibrand is leading the effort alongside Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee. The senators introduced the Seniors Deserve SMARTER (Streamlined Medical Approvals for Timely, Efficient Recovery) Care Act, legislation that would prohibit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model, which is set to begin January 1, 2026, and run for six years.

The Trump administration’s WISeR model will introduce prior authorization requirements into Traditional Medicare for the first time ever — allowing private companies to use AI to decide whether to approve or deny certain medical procedures for patients on Traditional Medicare. The model will impose new burdensome requirements on health care providers, especially those working in small or low-resource settings, and create new roadblocks for patients — meaning that AI will get to decide what care patients receive, even after their doctors have recommended a particular procedure or medication. Most concerningly, the third-party AI companies involved in the program will be compensated based on a share of “averted expenditures” — rewarding companies based on the volume or cost of care they deny to seniors on Medicare. According to CMS, human clinicians will review any denials made by AI — but the Trump administration has failed to provide clear guidance to providers and the public about what this will look like, despite implementation being mere weeks away. The Trump administration has provided little detail on how patients will be notified, supported, or protected if prior authorization requests are denied. The Trump administration plans for the WISeR model to run as a pilot program for six years beginning January 1, 2026 in six selected states.

“Artificial intelligence should not delay or deny seniors’ health care. The Trump administration’s new program would force seniors to jump through unnecessary hoops just to get the care they need and impose new, unnecessary burdens on health care providers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, protecting and expanding access to Medicare is one of my top priorities, and I will keep fighting to ensure that health care decisions are made by patients and their doctors, not untested, profit-driven AI programs.”

“The Trump administration is gearing up to use AI to delay and deny Medicare benefits for seniors—this is outrageous and should be a national scandal,” said Senator Murray. “Seniors already face painful delays when it comes to getting health care, and Republicans have plunged our nation’s health care system further into crisis by passing the largest-ever cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act—leaving many hospitals hanging on by a thread. The very last thing this administration should be doing is strangling already overworked providers in new red tape and letting AI decide who gets health care and who doesn’t. We already know that prior authorization creates major burdens and delays for patients and providers, and expanding it to Traditional Medicare will just force seniors to wait longer and navigate mountains of paperwork to get the care their doctor says they need. Make no mistake: this is a backdoor effort to privatize Medicare and cut benefits. My message to seniors in Washington state: I will fight with everything I’ve got to stop this morally bankrupt AI takeover of Medicare and make sure you can get the health care you need.”

“The Trump Administration is pushing automated care denials on seniors in Traditional Medicare, which is the last thing Americans want for their health care,” said Senator Wyden. “Instead of improving Traditional Medicare to give seniors the health care they’ve earned, Donald Trump and his cronies are empowering insurance companies and AI special interests. It’s time to stop this experiment on seniors.”

The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act would prohibit CMS from implementing the WISeR model. Specifically, the bill reads: “The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall not implement the innovative payment and service delivery model described in the notice titled ‘Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model’ (90 Fed. Reg. 28749 (July 1, 2025)), or any substantially similar model.”

In September, Senator Gillibrand led other Senate Democrats in sending a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz and CMMI Director Abe Sutton urging CMS to halt implementation of the model until further analysis on patient access to care could be conducted. The senators’ letter asked CMS for more information on the rationale for the selected six states, the plan for collaborating with the third-party vendors on AI, the reason for a lack of notice-and-comment rulemaking, and more.

Senator Gillibrand has worked throughout her career to protect and strengthen Medicare. Earlier this year, she reintroduced the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which would improve access to care for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. She is also an original cosponsor of the Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, which would enhance the Medicare Drug Price negotiation established under the Inflation Reduction Act tolower the cost of some of the most expensive and commonly used prescription medications covered under Medicare Part D.

In addition to Senators Gillibrand, Murray, and Wyden, the Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

Representative Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-announce-unanimous-senate-passage-of-bill-to-establish-the-fort-ontario-holocaust-refugee-shelter-national-historical-park/,"Gillibrand, Schumer Announce Unanimous Senate Passage Of Bill To Establish The Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer announced unanimous Senate passage of S. 3490, which included the bipartisan Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act. The passed bill also included the America’s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act.

The Fort Ontario military complex dates back to the early 1840s, and during World War II, it was the only emergency refugee camp in the United States for individuals fleeing the Holocaust. From August 1944 until February 1946, Fort Ontario housed 982 majority Jewish refugees from Europe, most of whom went on to become American citizens. The Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter was supposed to be the first of many temporary relief camps across the United States during World War II, but it was the only one that came to fruition. Designating the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter as a National Historical Park would give this important historical site permanent protection and help ensure that it is preserved for generations to come.

“During the Jewish Festival of Lights and in the aftermath of what has been an especially dark week for the Jewish people, I am proud to announce Senate passage of the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Holocaust Refugee Shelter at Fort Ontario was a place of safety and hope during one of the darkest moments in history, and it deserves recognition in the National Park System. I was proud to work across the aisle to get this legislation passed in the Senate, and I urge the House to pass it as swiftly as possible.”

“Safe Haven and Fort Ontario stand proudly as a beacon of hope for hundreds of Jewish and European refugees forced to flee their homes to escape the horrors of the Holocaust and World War II. With Hanukkah upon us, it is fitting to celebrate the Senate passage of this bill officially designating Safe Haven as a National Historical Park,” said Senator Schumer. “Fort Ontario tells the powerful history of Central New York and Oswego County dating back to the earliest days of our nation, and I’ve been advocating for this designation in Congress for years. I urge the House to pass this legislation as soon as possible to give Americans from across the country the opportunity to learn about Safe Haven and the role it played in shaping Central New York.”

“This Hannukah, I could not possibly have asked for a better gift than the news that Senators Schumer and Gillibrand successfully advanced legislation in the United States Senate to finally memorialize the legacy of the 982 Holocaust refugees housed at Fort Ontario during World War II as a National Historical Park,” said Judy Coe Rapaport, Past President, Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum. “With Antisemitism on the rise across the globe, this is about ensuring that future generations will remember the stories of those brave Holocaust survivors who took refuge at Fort Ontario, the remarkable kindness of the people of Oswego who welcomed them into their community, and all of us working together to properly honor that profound history. I am extremely grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for working tirelessly to realize this moment, as well as former Congressman John Katko and all of the other advocates who have supported this along the way.”

Senator Gillibrand has been advocating for Fort Ontario for many years. In 2018, she passed a bill to require the National Park Service to conduct a special resource study (SRS) – the first step in the process to designate a site as a unit of the National Park System – of the Fort Ontario site. In 2024, the SRS was finalized and concluded that the two-acre portion of Fort Ontario representing the fort’s use as a World-War II European refugee shelter meets all necessary criteria.

The Senate-passed bill will move on to the U.S. House of Representatives. Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY) leads companion legislation for the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act in the House.

A full video of Senator Gillibrand’s remarks on the Senate floor calling for passage of the bill can be found HERE.

Senator Gillibrand’s remarks as prepared for delivery can be found below:

Mr. President,

During World War II, Fort Ontario was the only U.S. refugee shelter for people fleeing the Holocaust. Let me say that again. Fort Ontario was the only U.S. refugee shelter for people fleeing the Holocaust.

After a perilous two-week Atlantic crossing, 982 refugees arrived in Oswego, New York, seeking safety. At Fort Ontario, they found more than shelter – they found hope and the chance to rebuild their lives.

Located along Lake Ontario, the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter was intended to be the first of many such havens across the country. But it was the only one that ever came to fruition, and it was one of the first places where American residents would hear firsthand accounts of the Holocaust.

We are in the midst of Hanukkah — a time that reminds us of the power of resilience and the importance of choosing light in moments of profound darkness. As antisemitism continues to rise and Jewish communities around the world mourn the horrifying antisemitic terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, I am reminded of how essential it is to seek out that light and to lift up the stories of Holocaust survivors who came to our shores in search of a better life.

For years, I have been working with local community members to honor and preserve this site. I have listened to their stories, and I have heard about the importance of the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter to them and to their families.

I have seen how Fort Ontario stands as a testament to American compassion and to the strength of those survivors who found refuge there amid one of humanity’s darkest hours.

Its story deserves a permanent place in our national memory as a part of our National Park System. Establishing the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park would give this site permanent protection and make sure it is preserved for future generations so they can learn about its history of hope, compassion, and resilience.

I want to thank Congresswoman Tenney and former Congressman Katko for leading this effort in the House. I also thank Sen. Hawley for his partnership in the Senate.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-demand-accountability-from-army-for-sexual-misconduct-failures/,"Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Accountability From Army For Sexual Misconduct Failures",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and 56 members of the House and Senate Democratic caucuses in demanding accountability for the Army’s failure to stop repeated sexual misconduct by an Army doctor.

The lawmakers sent a letter to the Department of Defense (DOD) acting inspector general expressing their outrage over Army leadership’s inaction despite numerous complaints from service members and their families that Dr. Major Blaine McGraw had sexually exploited patients in his care for years.

Recently, over 80 women joined a lawsuit alleging that Major McGraw made sexual advances, directed lewd comments towards them, and secretly recorded patients during exams while he served as a resident at Tripler Army Medical Center from 2019-2023 and in his current role as an OBGYN at Fort Hood, which he began in 2023. Major McGraw was not suspended from his position until October 2025.

“The Department of Defense must be held accountable for the Army’s failure to stop this widespread misconduct. Our service members must be ensured safety when receiving medical care,” said Senator Gillibrand. “No service member should be forced to live in silence or have their complaints ignored. These allegations are extremely disturbing, and while I am glad Major McGraw has been charged, I will continue fighting to ensure survivors are heard, those who allowed this to continue are held accountable, and stronger protections are put in place so this never happens again.”

“No woman should feel unsafe receiving medical care, especially during sensitive and private health services. Yet, far too many survivors have come forward with their experiences of alleged exploitation and abuse by a doctor who reportedly violated not just the basic principles of medical care and human decency, but also the expected conduct of a U.S. Army officer and physician,” said Senator Hirono. “The Department of Defense and U.S. Army must take accountability for their failure to rapidly respond to servicemembers and patient complaints. While nothing can reverse the harm reported by patients, a comprehensive investigation into this alleged misconduct, resulting in stronger protections for patients, is necessary to ensure that no one experiences abuse by our military health system again.”

“After reportedly being assaulted during a patient visit with Dr. McGraw, Jane Doe said she begged a desk attendant to make a report. Instead, she was told to ‘call or send an email.’ Jane Doe alleges she called the hospital seven different times but she was dismissed and hung up on each time. The purported lack of response and urgency to respond to these complaints would clearly violate reporting policy and the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program protocols,” the lawmakers wrote.

“The allegations against Dr. McGraw are extremely serious, and the Army’s criminal investigation of this matter must continue unabated. That said, the separate concerns raised by survivors about members of the Army at many levels not timely acting on their complaints must be confronted immediately. Additionally, we request that DoD IG investigate to determine whether personnel within the Army properly followed procedures to timely report allegations of sexual misconduct to law enforcement and whether other SAPR procedures and existing protections were followed or not,” the lawmakers concluded.

For nearly a decade, Senator Gillibrand fought alongside survivors, service members, veterans, and legal experts to build a broad bipartisan coalition to fundamentally change the military justice system. In the FY2022 and FY2023 defense bills, Gillibrand successfully incorporated her legislation to remove judicial functions and prosecutorial decisions from the chain of command for certain serious crimes, including sexual assault and domestic violence, and put them in the hands of professional military prosecutors. This bipartisan reform was supported by leading veterans service organizations and advocacy groups—including VFW, IAVA, the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Protect Our Defenders, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, SWAN, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), Common Defense, and Veterans Recovery Project.

In addition to Senator Hirono, Senator Gillibrand was joined on the letter by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), and 51 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Mr. Stebbins:

We write to express our strong concerns about the Army’s purported failure to timely intervene in the alleged misconduct of Dr. Major Blaine McGraw at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center, allegations, which if true, would possibly constitute the largest sexual misconduct case in U.S. military history. According to reports, for years, Dr. McGraw allegedly sexually exploited women, including servicewomen and military wives, in his care. When these women attempted to report their concerns and experiences were purportedly repeatedly ignored and Dr. McGraw was kept on staff. The Army, like the other Services, has a history of failing to adequately address sexual misconduct in the ranks, which required Congress to step in and institute hundreds of reforms over the last fifteen years, culminating in the establishment of the Office of the Special Trial Counsel in the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). One of those issues involved military services being slow to intervene in cases at an early stage. This appears to have happened in this case since Dr. McGraw was not suspended until this October. This delayed response is unacceptable, and we need answers. Separate, and not to interfere with the ongoing Army criminal investigation into the alleged misconduct of Dr. McGraw, we request the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General review if appropriate Military Health System policies were followed, to include whether patient complaints were timely evaluated and considered, and provide recommendations to the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to prevent further instances like this from occurring in the future.

This month over 80 women joined a lawsuit together alleging that Dr. McGraw made lewd sexual advances and comments towards them, as well as secretly recorded patients during exams. One example of the women’s horrific experiences is captured through Jane Doe’s story. After reportedly being assaulted during a patient visit with Dr. McGraw, Jane Doe said she begged a desk attendant to make a report. Instead, she was told to “call or send an email.” Jane Doe alleges she called the hospital seven different times but she was dismissed and hung up on each time. The purported lack of response and urgency to respond to these complaints would clearly violate reporting policy and the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program protocols.

In the lawsuit, female servicemembers and patients noted that a recurring issue was the lack of adequate response from Army leadership. Reportedly, when victims and their loved ones tried to make complaints with Army leadership, they were “refused meetings at every level.” If true, these women deserve better. The alleged dismissive response from the Army demonstrates an immense failure at every level to properly support survivors.

The allegations against Dr. McGraw, and the Army’s purported failure to timely address survivor complaints, are not isolated. A separate investigation deemed Fort Hood as a notoriously “permissive environment” for sexual harassment and assault. The base has been plagued by this issue for years. For example, in 2020, Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén was murdered by a fellow soldier while stationed at Fort Hood. Throughout her time on base, Specialist Guillén was sexually harassed by a separate supervisor. Specialist Guillén’s tragic murder was the impetus for the aforementioned changes in the FY22 NDAA. However, even with these positive reforms, it is clear more needs to be done. The fact that this reported abuse occurred at the same base as Specialist Guillen’s murder is appalling. All women should be safe on a military base, and they surely should be able to safely seek treatment without fear of sexual assault or abuse.

The allegations against Dr. McGraw are extremely serious, and the Army’s criminal investigation of this matter must continue unabated. That said, the separate concerns raised by survivors about members of the Army at many levels not timely acting on their complaints must be confronted immediately. Additionally, we request that DoD IG investigate to determine whether personnel within the Army properly followed procedures to timely report allegations of sexual misconduct to law enforcement and whether other SAPR procedures and existing protections were followed or not. We therefore request a response to the following questions from the Defense Health Agency and the Inspector General within 60 days of receipt:

Please provide the range of dates for the sexual harassment/assault complaints filed, including the number of complaints received at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center relating to Dr. McGraw.

What was the Military Treatment Facility management’s response to each complaint at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center?

How did the Military Treatment Facility management at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center follow appropriate policies to supervise staff, prevent patient harm, and address patient complaints?

What are the next steps the Military Treatment Facility management at Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center will take to further protect patients from sexual assault?

How will the Defense Health Agency ensure that no Military Treatment Facility will ignore sexual abuse allegations again?

How will the Defense Health Agency prevent future concealment and employment of sexual abusers on their staff across Military Treatment Facilities?

Was a quality assurance investigation initiated? If so, please share the status with the House Armed Services Committee.

Why did the Army fail to take disciplinary actions against Dr. McGraw until his October 2025 suspension?

We are committed to demanding justice for victims of sexual assault and harassment, and we will not stay silent while the safety of women is at risk. Again, we request prompt and thorough answers to these questions to prevent further harm and hold those responsible for this accountable.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-press-social-security-head-on-plan-to-slash-field-office-visits/,"Gillibrand, Colleagues Press Social Security Head On Plan To Slash Field Office Visits",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Lawmakers raise alarm about whether Trump administration is seeking to “quietly kill field offices,” implement backdoor benefits cuts

“Once again, you seem to have adopted a slash-first, think-later approach to ‘modernizing’ SSA, and beneficiaries will pay the price,” wrote the senators

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, pressed Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano about reports that SSA has a new plan to slash nearly 15 million field office visits annually. The agency has not provided details as to how it plans to achieve this goal.

Gillibrand requested critical details about the agency’s plan in a joint letter with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), including which specific services SSA will deploy for online users and for individuals calling the national 1-800 number, whether beneficiaries will be able to get assistance in field offices without an appointment, the current average wait time to schedule a field office appointment, and more. The senators asked for a response by January 6, 2026.

“We are concerned that these efforts are in fact part of a plan to ‘quietly kill field offices,’ implementing a back-door cut in benefits by making it harder for Americans to access the Social Security customer services they need,” wrote the senators.

The lawmakers raised concerns that this drastic plan will force beneficiaries to use SSA’s bug-prone website or push them into never-ending customer service phone tree “doom loops.” This will almost certainly force some Americans to suffer from delays in benefits or miss them all together.

The Trump administration has relentlessly attacked Social Security. Under Commissioner Bisignano, the administration has worked to implement policy changes that would make it harder for Americans to get their benefits, including burdensome in-person and bug-prone identification processes that would force more beneficiaries to visit field offices each year. At the same time, they are slashing SSA’s workforce by around 7,000 and closing regional offices.

As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, Senator Gillibrand is a staunch supporter of Social Security. She recently introduced three bills to boost and protect benefits for seniors:

Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act: would provide a $200-per-month increase to Social Security checks until July 2026.

Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act: would increase Social Security benefits by leveraging the formula used to calculate yearly cost-of-living adjustments to better account for seniors’ expenses.

Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act: would help undo President Trump’s damage to the Social Security Administration.

In response to Trump administration cuts and overhauls at SSA, Senator Gillibrand has rallied alongside seniors and unions to demand a reversal of staffing and service cuts and advocated against the closure of SSA offices across the country and in New York. Following Senator Gillibrand’s advocacy, SSA reversed its decision to restrict certain phone services that serve as lifelines to beneficiaries seeking to access and maintain benefits. She also invited Commissioner Bisignano to join her in a visit to an SSA field office in New York so they can evaluate the impact the Trump-era changes have had on SSA response times, communication, and outreach.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-final-stop-of-schumers-annual-62-county-tour-schumer-got-whole-milk-standing-with-capital-region-dairy-farmers-senator-calls-on-house-to-take-up-just-passed-senate-bill-to-bring-more-milk-from-upstate-ny-dairy-farms-to-children-and-school-cafeterias-across-america,"IN FINAL STOP OF SCHUMER’S ANNUAL 62-COUNTY TOUR: SCHUMER: GOT WHOLE MILK? STANDING WITH CAPITAL REGION DAIRY FARMERS, SENATOR CALLS ON HOUSE TO TAKE UP JUST-PASSED SENATE BILL TO BRING MORE MILK FROM...",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Celebrates Stop In Columbia County Marking Completion Of Senator’s 27th Annual 62-County Tour Of NY; Senator Says Conversations With Dairy Farmers Across NY Drove Support For This Bill & Calls On House To Vote

Since 2012, Milk Has Been Restricted For School Meals By USDA, Hurting Upstate Dairy Farms And Stopping Kids From Getting Access To Delicious, Nutritious Milk Products, But Bipartisan Bill That Just Passed The Senate Can Fix; Schumer Says The House Needs To Act ASAP To FINALLY Bring Back Whole & Reduced Fat Milk For Students

Schumer: It Is Time To Bring Back Whole Milk From Upstate NY Dairy Farms To Schools & Students Across America

Standing with dairy farmers from across the Capital Region, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer at A. Ooms & Sons Dairy Farm in Columbia County called on the House of Representatives to take up the just-passed Senate bill to bring back milk options to schools across America, so it can become law. The Schumer-supported bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act would bring back unflavored and flavored whole and reduced-fat milk to be offered in school cafeterias, which have been restricted since 2012, hurting Upstate NY dairy farms.

Schumer highlighted the health benefits of drinking milk and explained that adding more milk options in cafeterias will increase students’ milk consumption and help dairy farmers across Upstate NY. This visit to Columbia County marked the completion of Schumer’s 27th annual tour of all 62 counties in New York.

“It is time to bring whole milk back to school lunches. Milk is one of the best and healthiest options to give students the nutrition they need to learn and grow, and it has been restricted in our schools, hurting Upstate dairy farmers, for far too long. I was proud to support the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the Senate to bring more milk options to school cafeterias across America. This is a win-win for Upstate NY dairy farmers who can sell their products and kids across America who will once again be able to drink the delicious, nutritious milk they want at lunchtime,” said Senator Schumer. “Now, we need the House to follow suit. I am here with Capital Region dairy farmers calling on the House to pass this bipartisan legislation. I have long fought to boost New York’s dairy industry and will continue fighting to ensure our farmers’ products are widely available.”

Today’s visit to Columbia County marks the completion of Schumer’s 27th annual tour of all 62 New York counties. Schumer explained that this tour allows him to meet New Yorkers in every corner of the state and determine where federal action is needed. Schumer has long heard from dairy farmers who want schools to offer whole milk to students to encourage young kids to drink milk and become lifelong milk drinkers. Since then, Schumer has been a proponent of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act to support New York dairy farmers and encourage students to love milk and other dairy products.

Schumer added, “This represents the beauty of my 62-county tour. I hear from dairy farmers who want schools to offer whole milk and flavored milk to students, so they have more options and learn to love milk. This is exactly why I still do the tour even after all these years. I always learn something. By meeting New Yorkers in every corner of the state every year, I get to hear about what I can do to deliver critical federal support for local communities. I was proud to support this bill in the Senate and hope the House passes it soon so it can be signed into law.”

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 highlights the health benefits milk provides to students, including better bone health, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes. According to the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), milk is a source of two under-consumed nutrients, calcium and vitamin D. In addition, recent scientific and medical research indicates that higher-fat milk consumption by children is associated with lower childhood obesity and other positive health outcomes.

Schools participating in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) national school lunch and breakfast programs have not been permitted to serve whole milk since 2012, when they aimed to align school meal menus with the DGAs, which proposed limiting fat consumption in children. However, more recent analyses of existing scientific studies suggest that children who drink whole milk could have lower levels of obesity. More varieties and options will increase the amount of milk students will drink, allowing them to benefit from the nutritional content of numerous milk varieties.

The text of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act can be found HERE.

The dairy industry is one of New York's largest contributors to the agricultural economy. According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Dairy statistics, there are nearly 3,000 dairy farms in New York that produce over 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation’s fifth largest dairy state. In Columbia County, there are 6,700 dairy cows across 7 farms that produced more than 8,600 pounds of milk in 2024.

From backing the Dairy Margin Coverage Program to fund monthly price support payments from the feds to dairy farmers to ensuring Greek yogurt is included in the USDA’s school lunch program, Schumer has long fought for policies that support New York’s dairy farmers and said this new legislation is a common-sense fix that will help Upstate dairy farms grow.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-whole-milk-for-healthy-kids-act-has-passed-congress-and-is-on-its-way-to-becoming-law-to-bring-more-milk-from-upstate-ny-dairy-farms-to-school-cafeterias-across-america,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES WHOLE MILK FOR HEALTHY KIDS ACT HAS PASSED CONGRESS & IS ON ITS WAY TO BECOMING LAW TO BRING MORE MILK FROM UPSTATE NY DAIRY FARMS TO SCHOOL CAFETERIAS ACROSS AMERICA,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Since 2012, Milk Has Been Restricted For School Meals By USDA, Hurting Upstate Dairy Farms And Stopping Kids From Getting Access To Delicious, Nutritious Milk Products, But Following Schumer’s Advocacy Bipartisan Bill Will Fix

Schumer Says This Is Win-Win To Support Upstate NY Dairy Farmers And Bring Nutritious New Milk Options To School Cafeterias

Schumer: We Are FINALLY Bringing Back Whole & Reduced Fat Milk For Students

After standing with Upstate NY dairy farmers to call on the House to take up critical legislation for NY dairy, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced the passage of the Schumer-backed bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which will bring back unflavored and flavored whole and reduced-fat milk to be offered in school cafeterias, which have been restricted since 2012, hurting Upstate NY dairy farms. Schumer said this bill has now passed both chambers and is now headed to the President’s desk, where it will be signed into law.

“At long last, whole milk will return to school lunches! Milk is one of the best and healthiest options to give students the nutrition they need to learn and grow, and it has been restricted in our schools, hurting Upstate dairy farmers, for far too long. That’s why I was proud to stand with Upstate NY dairy farmers to call on the House to get the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act passed once and for all,” said Senator Schumer. “This critical bill now will soon become law and help bring whole milk to children across America. I have long fought to boost New York’s dairy industry and will continue fighting to ensure our farmers’ products are widely available.”

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 highlights the health benefits milk provides to students, including better bone health, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes. According to the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), milk is a source of two under-consumed nutrients, calcium and vitamin D. In addition, recent scientific and medical research indicates that higher-fat milk consumption by children is associated with lower childhood obesity and other positive health outcomes.

Schools participating in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) national school lunch and breakfast programs have not been permitted to serve whole milk since 2012, when they aimed to align school meal menus with the DGAs, which proposed limiting fat consumption in children. However, more recent analyses of existing scientific studies suggest that children who drink whole milk could have lower levels of obesity. More varieties and options will increase the amount of milk students will drink, allowing them to benefit from the nutritional content of numerous milk varieties.

The text of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act can be found HERE.

The dairy industry is one of New York's largest contributors to the agricultural economy. According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Dairy statistics, there are nearly 3,000 dairy farms in New York that produce over 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation’s fifth largest dairy state.

From backing the Dairy Margin Coverage Program to fund monthly price support payments from the feds to dairy farmers to ensuring Greek yogurt is included in the USDA’s school lunch program, Schumer has long fought for policies that support New York’s dairy farmers and said this new legislation is a common-sense fix that will help Upstate dairy farms grow.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-completes-tour-of-all-62-new-york-counties-for-historic-27th-year-in-a-row-senator-continues-to-travel-to-every-corner-of-the-state-meeting-with-new-yorkers-from-all-walks-of-life-and-fighting-to-lower-costs-protect-health-care-and-deliver-for-the-empire-state,"SCHUMER COMPLETES TOUR OF ALL 62 NEW YORK COUNTIES FOR HISTORIC 27th YEAR IN A ROW; SENATOR CONTINUES TO TRAVEL TO EVERY CORNER OF THE STATE, MEETING WITH NEW YORKERS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE & FIGHTING...",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Vowed To Visit Every Single NY County Each Year During His First Senate Election & The Tradition Continues For A Record 27th Year, Serving As His Motivation & Inspiration To His Daily Work As Leader In Congress

Schumer: I Will Keep Traveling All 62 Counties, Listening To Voters, Fighting For New Yorkers & Delivering Resources And Policy Results

With his final stop today in Columbia County pushing legislation to both help dairy farmers across Upstate NY and boost nutrition in schools, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer today completed an annual tour of all 62 New York State counties, for the record 27th year in a row.

“Traveling to every corner of the Empire State, meeting with New Yorkers from every walk of life, it’s what energizes me. Every year, I am reminded of why I do this tour. Every person I meet, every story stays with me and inspires my daily work in Washington,” said Senator Schumer. “I’ve always said, ‘Senators who stay in Washington and never return home are simply not doing their job.’ This year, more than ever before, visiting all 62 counties pushed me to fight even harder to help lower costs for families, protect healthcare, and deliver for New York. That is why you can always find me mixing and mingling in every crowd from Buffalo to Brooklyn to hear directly from people about what is important to them. There’s still so much work to be done – I can’t wait to get back on the road visiting all 62 counties again next year — listening to voters and delivering for New Yorkers.”

During his first Senate election, Schumer pledged to visit every single New York county every year, meeting with New Yorkers from every walk of life. Schumer is the first New York public official to start a tour of every county in the state and has proudly continued this tradition throughout his tenure in the Senate.

Schumer said the people and communities he has met with on the 62 county tour are what have helped him understand the issues facing people and have served as the foundation for major pieces of legislation he has championed from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law where he fought to secure provisions to help close the digital divide and expand broadband for communities like Upstate NY and the CHIPS & Science Law which has brought unprecedented investment and thousands of good paying jobs to NY State.

This year on the tour, Schumer continued to fight to deliver for New Yorkers, from securing major federal funding for critical water infrastructure on Long Island to helping land major new employers, from Chobani’s major expansion in the Mohawk Valley to saving the legacy bus manufacturing plant in Plattsburgh. The senator met with communities facing unprecedented struggles from small businesses facing rising costs from tariffs across Western NY & the northern border to rural hospitals and families facing direct attacks on healthcare to learn and listen from them as he continues to fight for them in Washington. Schumer said the tour and meeting with people firsthand are essential to effectively doing his job.

Schumer concluded, “Some doubted I would be able to keep the tour going when I became Leader. But God gave me a lot of energy, and there is nothing that motivates me more than fighting for the people of New York. I may have gained a new fancy title of Senate Leader, but my two favorite titles have been and will always be: New York’s senator, and above all else, New Yorker. “

Schumer delivered for New Yorkers in every corner of New York State this past year, with some highlights including:

WESTERN NEW YORK

Led The Charge To Protect The FAA’s 1,500-Hour Flight Rule: Building on years of work with the families of victims of the tragic Flight 3407 plane crash in Western NY, Schumer worked relentlessly with the victims’ families in the wake of new threats to roll back the 1,500-hour rule. Schumer successfully pushed Secretary Duffy to meet with the families, stood against Trump’s nominees threatening to roll back basic air safety standards, and stood with families to ensure the 1,500-hour rule remains protected.

Secured $25 Million For Olean’s West State Street Project: In January, Schumer secured a whopping $25 million in federal funding for the City of Olean’s Reconnecting Communities Project, one of the largest grants in the city’s history. The funding will better connect the main streets with major hubs like the St. Bonaventure University campus with safer, more modern roadways for the community.

Delivered $67 Million Pension Fix for Niagara County Laborers’ Local No. 91: After years of advocacy to secure relief for ailing multiemployer pension plans for union workers, Schumer announced the Laborers’ Local No. 91 Pension Plan covering construction workers in Niagara County will receive an approximately $67 million pension fix from the Schumer-led American Rescue Plan.

ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES

Secured $100 Million For Rochester Inner Loop Highway Removal: After Schumer personally called U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Buttigieg, advocating for federal funding, he announced a whopping $100 million for Rochester’s Inner Loop North Transformation Project to reconnect disadvantaged neighborhoods to Rochester’s downtown in January. The project will eliminate a major barrier in the heart of Rochester while re-investing in the Rochester communities harmed by the construction of the Inner Loop and creating more jobs.

Ensured Ryan Corbett Returned Home Safely After Two Years of Taliban Detention: After years of working tirelessly with senior national security officials and a bipartisan Congressional coalition, Schumer’s persistent advocacy helped bring Ryan home to his family and Finger Lakes community after over two years of being wrongfully detained in Afghanistan by the Taliban.

Secured Federal Cancer Center Designation For Wilmot Cancer Institute: After more than a decade of Schumer’s persistent advocacy, Wilmot was named a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, unlocking access to increased federal funding, cutting-edge clinical trials, and top-tier cancer research opportunities.

Pushed CSX To Restore The Gillett Road Bridge: The CSX-owned Gillett Road Bridge was forced to close indefinitely due to structural deficiencies. After a year of inaction from CSX, Schumer visited the site in Monroe County and directly called the CSX CEO about reopening the bridge, leading to the company agreeing to repair the bridge, restoring a critical link for the local community.

CAPITAL REGION

Successfully Helped SUNY Schenectady’s Air Traffic Control Program Finally Take Off: Schumer successfully pushed the Federal Aviation Administration to designate SUNY Schenectady in the FAA’s Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Program. This will help address the national shortage of air traffic controllers, while creating new, high-paying career pathways for students in the Capital Region and beyond.

Supported Growth Of GlobalFoundries In Capital Region, Welcoming New $3 Billion Investment And Securing $75 Million In New Federal Investment: Schumer applauded GlobalFoundries’ latest $3 billion investment to expand its Malta campus. Schumer also delivered an additional $75 million from his CHIPS & Science Law to support GlobalFoundries in creating a first-of-its-kind advanced semiconductor packaging and testing facility in Saratoga County. This new investment follows the $1.5 billion in CHIPS funding Schumer secured the previous year to expand GlobalFoundries' footprint in the Capital Region.

Secured $21+ Million To Expand And Modernize Albany International Airport: Schumer secured $21.9 million in federal funding for Albany International Airport through the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law, which he led to passage. The funding will help reconstruct 60,000 square feet of terminal space, including the main entrance, lobby, security, baggage areas, and sidewalks.

Delivered $31+ Million To Capital District Transportation Authority To Purchase New Hybrid Buses: Schumer delivered $31,787,140 for the Capital District Transportation Authority to purchase new hybrid buses and to implement a new Enterprise Asset Management System from the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Grant Program, which he boosted in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law.

NORTH COUNTRY

Helped Bring Micro Bird To Plattsburgh After Nova Bus Announced Plans To Shutter North Country Facility: Last year, Volvo announced it would shutter its Nova Bus facility in Plattsburgh, but it was their policy not to sell the facility to another bus manufacturer. Schumer made a direct plea to the CEO of Volvo to allow the site to be purchased by Micro Bird bus. As a result, Micro Bird committed to investing $38 million in acquiring and reactivating the plant, and this year officially opened a 156,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, which Schumer visited. The reopening preserved hundreds of good-paying manufacturing jobs in the North Country.

Successfully Pushed US Army To Reverse Course On Decision To Close Clarkson Golden Knights ROTC program: Following his push, Schumer announced the Army’s complete reversal on plans to shut down the popular and effective ROTC unit at Clarkson University for North Country cadets. Clarkson University hosts one of the only Army Senior ROTC (SROTC) programs for college students in the North Country.

Helped Alcoa Secure Another Clean Energy Deal To Protect Hundreds of Good-Paying Jobs & Invest Tens of Millions In Massena Plant: After helping Alcoa broker deals in 2009, 2015, and 2019 to secure over 15 years of low-cost, clean hydropower for their Massena plant and protecting hundreds of good-paying local jobs, Schumer again worked with the New York Power Authority, State of New York, and the United Steelworkers to help Alcoa land a new power deal growing the company’s Massena workforce to at least 500 for the next ten years.

MOHAWK VALLEY

Welcomed Chobani’s Over $1 Billion Investment To Build New Massive Manufacturing Facility: Following years of work to help Chobani grow in Upstate NY, Schumer welcomed Chobani’s $1 billion investment, building a new Greek yogurt manufacturing plant at the Griffiss Triangle Site in Rome, creating 1,000 new, good-paying jobs, one of the largest investments in natural food manufacturing in U.S. history.

Delivered $24 Million To Upgrade Utica’s Wastewater And Stormwater Infrastructure: Schumer secured $24.1 million in State and federal grants and interest-free financing for the City of Utica to advance multiple combined sewer overflow improvement projects. This major investment will help modernize Utica’s aging wastewater system, reduce pollution, protect public health, and strengthen the city’s environmental resilience for years to come.

Celebrated Breaking Ground On Mohawk Valley Community College’s New Applied Technology Center: Schumer celebrated breaking ground on the new Applied Technology Center after delivering $2 million in federal funding to help build and equip the two-story, 63,760-square-foot facility with 16 specialized laboratories ranging from automation and fabrication to HVAC, welding, chemistry, and more. The Applied Technology Center will help prepare members of the Mohawk Valley and Upstate NY communities with the skillsets needed to land one of the many good-paying new jobs at employers in the region’s nationally recognized technology ecosystem, including Micron, Wolfspeed, Indium Corporation, and Fabmatics.

Landed up to $300 Million in Air Force Funding for Cutting-Edge Cybersecurity at Assured Information Security in Rome. Schumer, a longtime champion of AIS and Rome Lab in the annual federal budget, celebrated landing up to $300 million in new federal funding for AIS to research, prototype and deploy their cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions in support of US military operations. This Engineering for Virtualized Enterprise and Remote Access Technology (EVEREST) contract builds on $95 million in previously awarded funding and will help AIS protect dozens of good-paying jobs in the Mohawk Valley.

CENTRAL NY

Secured Nearly $44 Million For Syracuse’s JMA Wireless To Boost American-Made 5G Manufacturing: Schumer delivered $43.94 million from his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law to JMA Wireless, the nation’s only major American-owned 5G manufacturing facility, to pioneer production of next-generation O-RAN–compliant 5G radio units. The funding will support more than $30 million in additional private investment and create up to 30 new, good-paying jobs in Central NY.

Landed Second Daily United Airlines Flight from Syracuse to Denver at Hancock International Airport: After personally urging United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, Senator Schumer announced the airline will add a second daily summer flight between Syracuse Hancock International Airport and Denver International Airport. This long-sought expansion improves access to key West Coast, and markets key to CNY’s growth.

Delivered $9+ Million For CNY Regional Transportation Authority To Bring Bus Rapid Transit To Syracuse: Schumer delivered $9,280,000 for the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority to buy new buses for its future Bus Rapid Transit system in Syracuse.

Delivered $2 Million For Cutting-Edge Cancer Diagnostic Equipment At Auburn Community Hospital: Schumer announced federal funding he previously secured enabled Auburn Community Hospital to open a PET-CT scanner and nuclear camera, essential tools for diagnosing cancer and tracking treatment progress. Previously, patients had to travel to Rochester or Syracuse and often waited weeks for these scans.

Celebrated Major Milestones Driven By Years Of Tireless Advocacy & Hundreds Of Millions In Funding Secured For Syracuse’s I-81 Viaduct Project: Funding secured by Schumer helped realize the award of more than $250 million for the final phase one construction contract, tens of millions for completion of new flyover, entrance, and exit ramps, and bridge rehabilitation. This year marks the start of removing portions of the viaduct, constructing the Community Grid, and reconnecting communities in Syracuse that have been divided by the viaduct for generations.

SOUTHERN TIER

Worked With BAE Systems To Launch $65 Million Expansion In Endicott, Creating 130+ New Jobs: Schumer worked closely with BAE Systems to secure a $65 million expansion at its Endicott facility, a key center for cutting-edge electronic systems used in aviation and energy, leveraged by the federal designations and associated funding for energy storage, he delivered to NENY and the Southern Tier Region. The expansion will add an automated production line, advanced engineering lab, and aftermarket support center, bringing over 130 new good-paying jobs to the region.

Helped Close The Digital Divide With New Broadband Funding For Tompkins County: Schumer delivered $11.6 million to provide fast and reliable internet access to the Town of Caroline. This funding will provide support to reach 2,711 households, build 143 miles of fiber, and helps expand access for over 6,000 residents. This expansion is a major boost for broadband in Tompkins County.

Brought $800,000 For Broome-Tioga BOCES Workforce Training Campus Expansion: Schumer delivered $800,000 in federal funding for The Broome-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to help renovate a building to serve as a BOCES satellite campus and adult education facility in Tioga County. The funding will help meet the region’s increased need for local access to career and technical education programs, create workforce pipelines that support the needs of regional employers, and ensure that both students and adult learners can access specialized training without long, prohibitive commutes.

Delivered $6.5 Million For Steuben County To Recover From Devastating Flooding: After years of advocacy to help Steuben County in its flood recovery, Schumer announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded over $6.5 million for Jasper-Troupsburg Central School District and Steuben County to recover from devastating flooding from Tropical Storms Fred and Debby. This funding will help the County repair the road and reimburse the school district for costs from cleanup and restoration measures taken to protect the building from further damage from the flood, which is essential for helping the school district move forward.

HUDSON VALLEY

Successfully Reversed Damaging Cuts To 9/11 Survivor Health Program: Following an announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that they would be cutting research grants and staff to the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) under pressure from Elon Musk and the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), Senator Schumer aggressively publicized and pushed back against this foolhardy decision that would imperil resources for 9/11 first responders and survivors dealing with the crippling health effects of 9/11-related illnesses. Following a wave of scrutiny and public pressure, the administration backed down and reversed the cuts.

Launched The New Hudson River Water Quality Portal with Riverkeeper: Schumer worked with Riverkeeper to launch a new water quality portal, allowing users to track when and where it is safe to swim, which fish are safe to heat, and how clean their drinking water is. As Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency pulls back on federal investments to monitor and protect public health, local resources like this are even more critical for Hudson Valley communities.

Celebrated Opening Of The Center for Discovery’s New Children’s Specialty Hospital: After securing an unprecedented $48 million loan from USDA to jumpstart the project and an additional $620,000 federal grant to support design and construction, Schumer celebrated the opening of The Center for Discovery’s (TCFD) first-of-its-kind Children’s Specialty Hospital in Sullivan County. This innovative facility is dedicated to supporting children and adolescents with complex disabilities, including autism, through specialized short-term inpatient care, creating over 400 healthcare jobs and 150 construction jobs in Sullivan County while improving access to quality care and services for Upstate New York’s most vulnerable.

LONG ISLAND

Restored $300 Million In Pension Funds For Long Island Retirees: Thanks to his leadership and his fight to include the Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Relief Act in the Schumer-led American Rescue Plan, Schumer delivered approximately $300 million in federal relief for three financial insolvent union pension funds. The United Wire pension fund received $248.7 million, the Local 1922 Pension Plan received $16.2 million, and the Local 1102 Retirement Trust received $35.4 million.

Delivered $54 Million In Federal Funding To Rebuild Long Beach’s Wastewater Infrastructure After Superstorm Sandy: Schumer secured a $54 million FEMA grant to repair and strengthen the City of Long Beach’s wastewater treatment plant and pump stations, which suffered major damage during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. This critical federal investment will fully restore the city’s water and sewer infrastructure and help safeguard it against future storms, ensuring greater resilience and protection for residents.

Secured $39.5 Million Grant To Modernize and Expand Suffolk County Sewer Infrastructure: Schumer delivered a whopping $39.5M FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant, originally applied for after Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc on Long Island infrastructure, this grant will help Suffolk harden and expand its sewer infrastructure and get homeowners off costly and inefficient septic systems. With this investment, Suffolk County can install installation of 35,750 feet of low-pressure sewer mains, enough to service 420 local homes, creating local union jobs and lessening groundwater pollution in the process.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-the-antisemitic-terrorist-attack-in-australia/,Gillibrand Statement On The Antisemitic Terrorist Attack In Australia,2025-12-14,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement on the antisemitic terrorist attack in Australia:

“On the first night of Hanukkah, a celebration of Jewish resilience and determination, I stand with the Jewish people around the world and in Australia following the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack in Sydney. As antisemitism continues to rise around the globe, we must all reject this targeted hatred and join together to denounce these despicable acts against the Jewish community in the strongest possible way.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-introduces-bill-to-crack-down-on-surveillance-pricing/,Gillibrand Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Surveillance Pricing,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"As AI Tools Increasingly Allow Companies To Target Consumers And Drive Up Prices, Gillibrand Is Taking Action To Protect New Yorkers Against Unfair Pricing Practices

Legislation Comes As New York Leads First-Ever State-Level Push to Expose Data-Driven Price Gouging

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced legislation to outlaw surveillance pricing. The One Fair Price Act would prevent companies from being able to use customers’ personal data to set individualized prices. Gillibrand introduced the legislation with Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).

“As the holidays approach and New Yorkers shop for their loved ones, predatory companies are combing through our data and raising prices based on who they think is willing to pay more,” said Senator Gillibrand.“No one should be charged more just because a company is digging into their background and exploiting their data. It’s wrong, and I won’t stop working until we get this bill across the finish line and end these abusive practices once and for all.”

“When you go to the grocery store, you expect to pay the exact same price for milk as the person in line behind you. But imagine if they charged you more for milk because they know you have growing kids at home and that you need it more than the person behind you. You’d be outraged. It may seem far-fetched, but increasingly that’s exactly what’s happening, especially when shopping online,” said Senator Gallego.“Greedy corporations are compiling Americans’ personal data and using AI to find their ‘pain point’ – the maximum they’re willing to pay. That’s not fair pricing, that’s predatory pricing. My bill puts an end to it.”

In January, initial findings from a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) study showed that retailers frequently use customers’ personal information – everything from their location to the type of device they are searching on – to set tailored prices for goods and services. Under the Trump administration, the FTC canceled an investigation into these unfair practices.

The One Fair Price Act would ban companies from charging different prices to different customers for the same product at the same time.

A recent study found that predatory pricing practices are harming consumers as corporations use AI to gauge how “price sensitive” each customer is. For example, a frequent Instacart user could see price swings of roughly $1,200 per year. New York became the first state to confront these practices by enacting a law targeting surveillance pricing and requiring retailers to disclose when prices are set by an algorithm.

“Dystopian surveillance pricing schemes are fueling our country’s affordability crisis, allowing corporations to weaponize personal data by filtering it through opaque algorithms to extract the maximum price consumers are willing to pay,” said Lee Hepner, Senior Legal Counsel at American Economic Liberties Project.“Price discrimination shreds the social fabric by eroding consumer solidarity and our ability to hold predatory corporations accountable on equal terms. It is a direct threat to the financial independence of all Americans, and largely responsible for why our whole economy feels like a giant scam. The One Fair Price Act restores sanity to our economy, while protecting fair discounts and predictable prices. We’re pleased to support and endorse this bill, and urge Congress to pass it swiftly.”

You can find the full text of the legislation here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-urges-president-trump-to-follow-through-on-easing-federal-marijuana-restrictions/,Gillibrand Urges President Trump To Follow Through On Easing Federal Marijuana Restrictions,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, amid reports that President Trump will direct federal agencies to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:

“I was encouraged to see the Drug Enforcement Administration first move to reschedule marijuana under President Biden, and I urge President Trump to follow through on this effort. Common sense tells us marijuana should not be in the same category as deadly drugs like heroin, and reclassifying it is a long overdue and small step forward to create economic opportunity, support research into marijuana’s medical benefits, and increase public safety. However, there is still far more work that must be done. I will continue to advocate for the full descheduling of marijuana and for expunging the records of Americans convicted of marijuana possession.”

Unlike other Schedule I substances, like heroin, marijuana is not associated with the same acute health risks and potential for addiction and abuse. It also shows potential for treating chronic pain, PTSD, and other debilitating conditions. Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III would reduce obstacles to its prescription and encourage investment and research into additional medical uses.

Senator Gillibrand has repeatedly called for easing federal restrictions on marijuana, including completely descheduling it. In November 2023, sheurged the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to, at a minimum, reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III substance. The DEA heeded her call in April 2024 and began the rescheduling process. Gillibrand has also cosponsored the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, landmark legislation that would legalize marijuana and help reverse decades of failed drug policy that has disproportionately hurt communities of color and low-income communities, and the SAFER Banking Act, which would ensure that legal cannabis businesses have access to critical banking and financial services.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/trump-is-scroogeing-new-yorkers-this-holiday-season-in-syracuse-gillibrand-slams-trump-for-hurting-small-businesses-with-tariffs/,"Trump Is Scrooge’ing New Yorkers This Holiday Season: In Syracuse, Gillibrand Slams Trump For Hurting Small Businesses With Tariffs",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined the owners of Talking Cursive Brewing Company and local elected officials to denounce President Trump’s tariffs, which she said are wreaking havoc on small businesses this holiday season.

Earlier this week, Gillibrand called on President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to take immediate action to address the tariffs’ devastating impact on small businesses and consumers. She is urging the administration to suspend the global tariffs to provide meaningful relief to small businesses, protect consumers, and ensure American families are not hit with higher prices or product shortages during the busy holiday period.

“This holiday season, President Trump is hurting New Yorkers with anti-American tariffs that are raising costs and shutting down small businesses,” said Senator Gillibrand.“Small businesses are a major economic driver in New York, employing almost half the state’s workforce. Breweries like Talking Cursive are feeling the pressure from the president’s tariffs, with rising aluminum prices making the canning process prohibitively expensive for them and for many of the more than 400 breweries across New York State. I urge President Trump and Secretary Lutnick to immediately suspend these tariffs and provide meaningful relief to the millions of Americans experiencing higher prices and product shortages during this time of year.”

“Tariffs are hitting small businesses and manufacturers like ours hard. Whether on aluminum, malts, or hops, tariffs are impacting us across the board, not only raising costs, but shrinking markets,” said Andrew Brooks, Co-Owner of Talking Cursive Brewing Company. “We’re just asking for a common-sense solution; repeal these tariffs so small businesses like ours can keep brewing, keep manufacturing, and keep contributing to our communities and the local economy. Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for standing with small businesses and manufacturers in opposing these tariffs.”

“Tariffs are squeezing small businesses, which are struggling with rising inventory costs,”said State Senator Rachel May. “Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for visiting Syracuse to highlight how these tariffs are hurting small business owners in Central New York and for advocating to end these tariffs immediately.”

“Small businesses like Talking Cursive are at the heart of New York’s economy and our communities. They take risks, create jobs, and bring life to our neighborhoods — and they deserve every bit of support we can give them,” said State Senator Chris Ryan. “But today, too many small businesses are seeing their fiscal bottom line squeezed by rising costs driven in part by the Trump administration’s tariffs, putting added pressure on entrepreneurs, workers, and everyday consumers. I’m grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her continued advocacy to ensure local businesses have the stability and resources they need to plan, grow, and succeed. When we stand up for our small businesses, we’re standing up for the people and families who make New York strong.”

“Small and local businesses are the backbones of our communities,” said Assemblyman William Magnarelli. “I support the measures to remove these tariffs, and thank Senator Gillibrand for her efforts on this.”

“Tariffs are driving up costs for City operations, squeezing small businesses, and exacerbating our housing crisis. These irrational Trump administration choices must be combatted with a meaningful affordability agenda that brings down the cost of doing business for everyone,” said Syracuse city auditor Alex Marion.

The tariffs recently imposed by the Trump administration include a baseline 10% import tax on goods from dozens of countries, plus the European Union, with significantly steeper rates for many Canadian imports at 35%. These tariffs are creating major cost uncertainty for New York businesses. According to the New York State Tariff Disruptions Report, consumers in the state are facing an estimated 21% tax on imported goods, amounting to roughly $4,200 in increased costs per household annually.

Gillibrand has opposed the president’s tariffs since the start of his administration, arguing that they increase costs for consumers and small businesses. Earlier this year, she joined 14 of her colleagues in introducing the Small Business RELIEF Act to end Trump’s tariff tax and refund small businesses their duties paid. She also sent a legal brief with 206 members of Congress emphasizing to the Supreme Court that these tariffs are illegal.

Talking Cursive Brewing Company — a woman- and veteran-owned business — is among those hurt by higher aluminum prices as a result of tariffs. Small businesses make up 99.8% of all businesses in New York and employ nearly 4 million people. Due to the fact that they often operate on tight margins and have limited flexibility in their supply chains, small businesses are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of tariffs.

The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter to President Trump and Secretary Lutnick can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/trump-is-scroogeing-new-yorkers-this-holiday-season-in-williamsville-gillibrand-slams-trump-for-hurting-small-businesses-with-tariffs/,"Trump is Scrooge’ing New Yorkers This Holiday Season: In Williamsville, Gillibrand Slams Trump For Hurting Small Businesses With Tariffs",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"THE GRINCH WON’T STEAL CHRISTMAS, TARIFFS WILL

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand hosted a media availability to discuss the Trump administration’s destructive tariffs.

This week, Senator Gillibrand called on President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to take immediate action to address the devastating impact these tariffs are having on small businesses and consumers. She is urging the administration to suspend the global tariffs in order to provide meaningful relief to small businesses, protect consumers, and ensure that American families are not met with higher prices or product shortages during this critical time of year.

The senator has opposed the president’s reckless tariffs that are increasing costs on consumers and small businesses since the start of the administration. Earlier this year, she joined 14 of her colleagues in introducing the Small Business RELIEF Act to end Trump’s tariff tax and refund small businesses their duties paid. She also sent a legal brief with 206 members of Congress emphasizing to the Supreme Court that these tariffs are illegal.

“This holiday season, it won’t be the Grinch stealing Christmas, it will be President Trump’s tariffs,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Small businesses like Clayton’s Toys are the backbone of downtowns across our state, and tariffs are making it harder and harder for them to keep their doors open. It’s clear that with these tariffs, this administration wants to see a country filled with empty storefronts and sky-high costs. I urge President Trump and Secretary Lutnick to immediately suspend these tariffs to provide meaningful relief to the millions of Americans who are seeing higher prices and product shortages during this critical time of year.”

“The current Administration in Washington has made economic decisions that have impacted working families and small businesses negatively,”said Christine Hunt, Mayor of Williamsville. “We are fortunate that elected officials like Senator Gillibrand are fighting back in Washington and supporting the American people and small businesses as we struggle with inflation, tariffs and uncertainty in these tough economic times.”

“Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are disfavored by economists and legislators alike because of their negative impacts on American industry and Wall Street,”said Assemblymember Karen McMahon. “But the President’s tariffs have also hurt Main Street, needlessly pinching small businesses already trying to keep the doors open. I applaud Senator Gillibrand’s effort to rescind global tariffs and her advocacy for the RELIEF Act which would reimburse businesses that have had to pay for these tariffs. I thank the Senator for coming to Williamsville to highlight the need for such action, and for spotlighting a historic small business impacted by this misguided economic policy.”

“It seems like everything, from the toys on our shelves, to the gift wrapping we give out, is getting more expensive,” said Clayton’s co-owners Kellie Klos and Tera McElligott. “As a small business, we can’t afford to absorb the price hikes the same as some of the larger stores and so these tariffs are hurting our bottom line. We love the community and our customers, and don’t want to raise prices on them, so something must change.”

Clayton’s has been in business for over 100 years and is the oldest continuously run toy store in America. Small businesses make up 99.8% of all businesses in New York State and employ nearly 4 million New Yorkers. Due to the fact they often operate on tight margins and have limited flexibility in their supply chains, small businesses are especially vulnerable to the negative impacts of tariffs. Clayton’s has been particularly impacted by tariffs since about 75% of toys sold in the United States are made in China. New York State is the 5th largest importer of goods in the United States, with its largest source of goods coming from China, representing $22.5 billion in imports in 2024. Currently, the baseline tariff on all goods from China is 10%.

The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter to President Trump and Secretary Lutnick can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-family-farmers-grow-agritourism-across-new-york/,"Gillibrand Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Support Family Farmers, Grow Agritourism Across New York",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"New York State Lost 5,000 Farms Over the Last Decade As Rising Costs Strain Farms Across the Country

Nearly 95% of Farms Across New York Are Family-Owned, Driving a Rapidly Growing Agritourism Industry

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced bipartisan legislation to support family farms and grow agritourism businesses across the country.

Senator Gillibrand’s legislation would support the growth of the agritourism industry by better tailoring federal resources like loans, grants, broadband access, and educational programs that support family-owned and operated farms. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ted Budd (R-NC), Peter Welch (D-VT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) joined Gillibrand in introducing the legislation, and Congressmen Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“With fuel, equipment, and labor costs soaring, our farmers are under extraordinary strain,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Family farms are the backbone of our Upstate economy, and we have to do more to ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. Strengthening agritourism and expanding new opportunities will help keep our farm communities strong and grow our agricultural economy here in New York and across the country.”

“Small family farmers are the backbone of our country’s agricultural sector,” said Senator Wyden. “There’s no question that the federal government needs to step up and support family farmers at a time when most are operating on a shoestring budget and barely making ends meet. Our bipartisan legislation would give family farmers much-needed resources to not only survive, but grow and thrive.”

“Agritourism is essential to keeping working farms afloat, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters. Without it, many of North Carolina’s farms would have been forced to cease operations following Hurricane Helene. I’m proud to lead this legislation alongside Senator Wyden to streamline federal resources for North Carolina’s booming agritourism industry,” said Senator Budd.

The Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces (AGRITOURISM) Act would support local, family-owned businesses by designating a senior official in the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the federal agritourism advisor. This role would coordinate with stakeholders and other federal agencies to promote the growth of family-owned farms, and advise the Secretary of Agriculture on this essential industry.

Agritourism is one of the fastest growing industries that serves as a critical lifeline for rural economies nationwide by allowing family farms to offer outdoor recreational services like berry picking, wine tasting, seasonal festivities, bed-and-breakfast accommodations, and event venues.

Agritourism in New York has grown significantly in recent years. Activities such as wine tastings, pick-your-own produce, and hayrides helped nearly 950 farms earn more than $55 million in 2022, representing double the number of farms involved in agritourism and triple the income generated compared to fifteen years prior.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-republicans-refusal-to-extend-enhanced-aca-tax-credits/,Gillibrand Statement On Republicans’ Refusal To Extend Enhanced ACA Tax Credits,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, after Senate Republicans blocked the Democratic plan to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for three years and lower health care costs for tens of millions of Americans, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:

“America’s economic crisis is about to get substantially worse. As families struggle with rising costs on everyday goods and essentials because of Trump’s tariffs, Republicans have voted today to make health care more expensive for tens of millions of working-class Americans. It is absolutely disgraceful. President Trump and congressional Republicans have spent their entire year in power eagerly cutting taxes for billionaires, gutting health care access, and making life more expensive for American families and small businesses, but when the time came to act on behalf of everyday Americans, they yet again turned their back on them. Now millions of Americans – including as many as 1.7 million New Yorkers – are going to see their premiums skyrocket or lose their coverage entirely. Democrats in Congress will keep fighting to lower costs, expand access to health care, and support working families.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/ahead-of-vote-to-preserve-subsidies-that-help-millions-of-new-yorkers-afford-health-care-gillibrand-demands-that-republicans-support-a-three-year-extension-of-aca-tax-credits/,"Ahead Of Vote To Preserve Subsidies That Help Millions Of New Yorkers Afford Health Care, Gillibrand Demands That Republicans Support A Three-Year Extension Of ACA Tax Credits",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"As Many As 1.7 Million New Yorkers Could See Their Health Care Costs Skyrocket in the New Year if Subsidies Are Not Extended on Thursday

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand that her Republican colleagues vote to extend the subsidies that help millions of Americans afford health care.

On Thursday, December 11th, Democrats will force a vote on a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits. This is Republicans’ last chance to stop health care premiums from doubling and even tripling at the end of 2025. Gillibrand demanded that her Republican colleagues support this legislation.

“New Yorkers are already struggling with rising costs in Trump’s America. The last thing they need is skyrocketing health insurance premiums putting further strain on their bank accounts,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Those who benefit the most from ACA tax credits are working-class individuals who are the very backbone of our economy — the families who own mom-and-pop corner stores, New Yorkers who run farms that have been in their families for generations, and the single parents who work long hours to put food on the table for their kids. We owe it to them to extend the lifesaving tax credits that help them afford health care. That’s why I’m demanding that my Republican colleagues vote yes on a three-year extension of the ACA tax credits when Democrats bring this proposal to the floor tomorrow.”

Without an extension, ACA enhanced premium tax credits will expire at the end of 2025, causing 20 million Americans—including as many as 1.7 million New Yorkers—to see a drastic increase in their health insurance costs. In New York, a family of four with a household income of $125,000 per year will see an average increase of over $14,000 in their annual health insurance costs if these tax credits are allowed to expire. Gillibrand emphasized the impossible choices that this will force upon working New Yorkers.

Senator Gillibrand has been sounding the alarm about the necessity of extending the ACA tax credits for months. Earlier this year, she released a county-by-county breakdown of expected ACA premium increases for individuals and families across New York. This morning, she also made the case for extending the subsidies in an opinion piece published in the New York Daily News.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-op-ed-in-new-york-daily-news-health-care-is-already-too-expensive-gop-inaction-is-about-to-make-it-worse/,Gillibrand Op-Ed In New York Daily News: Health Care Is Already Too Expensive; GOP Inaction Is About To Make It Worse,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Read The Piece Here

In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand published an opinion piece in the New York Daily News urging her Republican colleagues to extend the tax credits that help millions of Americans afford health care.

Without an extension, Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits will expire at the end of the year, causing 20 million Americans—including as many as 1.7 million New Yorkers—to see a drastic increase in their health insurance costs.

Democrats will force a vote on a three-year extension of the ACAenhanced premium tax credits tomorrow. This is Republicans’ last chance to stop health care premiums from skyrocketing. In her op-ed, Gillibrand demanded that her Republican colleagues do the right thing and vote to extend the tax credits.

Read the full op-ed here or below:

Kirsten Gillibrand: Health care is already too expensive; GOP inaction is about to make it worse

America is in an economic crisis, and Republicans are on the verge of making it much worse for no good reason.

At the start of the new year, as many as 1.7 million New Yorkers will see their health care costs skyrocket because Republicans have refused to intervene, instead spending their time giving tax breaks to the richest Americans.

The Affordable Care Act is far from perfect, but through its enhanced tax credits for working-class people with incomes just above the threshold to qualify for Medicaid, it has made health care a lifesaving reality for millions. These are the hardworking middle-class Americans and families who are the very backbone of our communities.

Without immediate action, the average New York family of four making $125,000 per year will pay more than $14,000 more every year for their health insurance. This means those families would be forced to spend more than a fifth of their annual income on health insurance, or even lose coverage all together.

The fact is, that is simply more than most working-class families can afford.

As a result, we can expect to see a 21% increase in the national uninsured rate if Republicans allow ACA tax credits to expire. New Yorkers will be forced to make impossible choices: put food on the table or fill their child’s prescription, get a second job to cover the cost of premium increases or spend more time with their kids, pay rent or go to the doctor.

Americans are already struggling with rising costs. Everything from groceries to clothing to utility bills costs more now than it did a year ago — and working families are feeling the pinch.

But instead of working to lower costs and help families that need support, the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are doing nothing.

Make no mistake: this pain is avoidable.

Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration have known all year that this cliff was approaching and have done nothing about it. And to make matters worse, Republicans have already voted to cut $7.5 billion from New York’s Essential Plan, decimating our state’s health care program that many of these working families rely on for coverage. These cuts, along with Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA tax credits, mean tens of thousands of New Yorkers and their families are set to lose their health insurance.

Republicans themselves have raged at Senate and House GOP leadership, with one Republican member telling Punchbowl News, “We’ve known about this cliff for a long time. Democrats spent the entire shutdown wringing our necks over it. And our leadership wasn’t ready with a response?”

This is easy. Republicans don’t need a response — in fact, they haven’t had a coherent health care policy response in more than 10 years. All they need to do is pass a clean, three-year extension for the ACA tax credits. Democrats are forcing a vote on this extension tomorrow. I implore my Republican colleagues to support it.

Extending these lifesaving tax credits isn’t partisan; these cost increases will hit Americans regardless of their political affiliation or which political party their senator belongs to. According to KFF, 80% of ACA tax credits went to people living in red states this year.

Incompetence is not an excuse. Inaction is not an option. Republicans must join Democrats to pass a clean extension tomorrow. If they don’t, their constituents will suffer, and Republicans will face the consequences at the ballot box next November.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-secure-224-5-million-authorization-for-rome-air-force-research-lab-in-national-defense-bill/,"Schumer, Gillibrand Secure $224.5 Million Authorization For Rome Air Force Research Lab In National Defense Bill",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Senators Delivered Critical Authorization To Advance AFRL Rome’s Cutting-Edge Research, Development, And Innovation In Quantum Computing, Unmanned Aerial Systems, And Autonomous Cyberwarfare

Schumer And Gillibrand Now Pushing To Deliver Authorized $$ For Rome Lab, Assured Information Security, Griffiss Institute, & CNY Defense Alliance Projects In Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill

Schumer, Gillibrand: Authorized Funding Will Supercharge Rome Lab & Mohawk Valley To Ensure American Leadership In Critical Military & National Security Technologies From Quantum To Drones And More!

Building on decades of support and advocacy, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that they secured $224.5 million funding authorization for Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Rome in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) National Defense Authorization Act, which is $37.5 million higher than the amount requested for Rome Lab in the FY26 President’s Budget released earlier this year. This authorization is a critical milestone that unlocks the federal appropriations process.

“Rome Lab is vital to our national defense, and it’s the powerhouse workforce of the Mohawk Valley that will ensure America leads the globe in quantum computing, drones, cyberwarfare and other next-gen military technologies. Their Extreme Computing Facility is key to America’s quantum research strategy, and I’m proud to announce that I have secured the long-desired federal funding authorization of $224.5 million to turbocharge Rome Lab’s testbed for researching and developing quantum algorithms, networks, and communications,” said Senator Schumer. “Soon, researchers across government, academia, and industry will come to Rome Lab to design and compare quantum algorithms across platforms. I will continue to fight tooth and nail to deliver funding in the budget to get dollars through the door and bring this project to life for the Mohawk Valley.”

“The innovators at Rome Lab represent the very best of New York’s ingenuity, and I am proud to have secured this critical $224.5 million funding authorization to support their cutting-edge work,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This investment is a major step forward in strengthening the Mohawk Valley’s position as the nation’s hub for quantum and cyber research. From quantum networking and cloud computing to unmanned aerial systems, these funds will support good-paying New York jobs and bolster our national security. I will continue fighting to deliver the federal dollars needed to ensure Rome Lab can keep leading the way developing next-generation technology right here in New York.”

The senators said the authorization will support the continued expansion of quantum, cyber, and UAS projects at Rome Lab, cementing the Mohawk Valley as home to America’s premier military scientific research facility and helping maintain American global leadership in emerging national security technologies.

Schumer and Gillibrand said that the $224.5 million authorized by this year’s NDAA includes tens of millions of additional dollars that they successfully fought for and delivered to help Rome Lab turbocharge ongoing initiatives and seed new projects with key partners like the Griffiss Institute, Assured Information Security, the CNY Defense Alliance, and IBM, ranging from quantum networking and communications to unmanned aerial systems, autonomous computing, cyber battlefield technologies, and more. This includes:

$10 million for Distributed Quantum Networking Testbed and Quantum Cloud Computing Environment

$5 million for Counter UAS Advanced Detection Systems Pilot Program

$5 million for Agile, Assured, & Autonomous Battle Management Network and Readiness Accelerator

The $224.5 million authorized for Rome Lab will strengthen Rome Lab’s public-private partnerships and workforce development, deepen collaboration with other government labs, and allow research across government, academia, and industry to design and compare algorithms across different platforms to further expand New York State’s quantum, cyber, and UAS talent pipelines. The senators said this is among the top priorities for the Air Force, AFRL Rome, and the Mohak Valley defense ecosystem, and they will double down on the fight to ensure the funding is included in the final FY26 defense appropriations package.

“The inclusion of the Distributed Quantum Networking Testbed in this year’s NDAA, alongside new Counter-UAS pilot authorities that align with Rome Lab’s capabilities, is a meaningful step forward for Central New York’s defense ecosystem. Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand understand what this region brings to the table, from quantum computing to airspace awareness, and his continued advocacy helps ensure these core competencies receive the federal investment they deserve. We look forward to building on this momentum,” said Nick Stewart, Executive Director, CNY Defense Alliance.

Heather Hage, President and CEO of Griffiss Institute said, “Consistent federal support for Rome Lab advances critical technologies, strengthens the innovation workforce, and drives economic growth in the Mohawk Valley and beyond. Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand demonstrated strong leadership to secure these investments, which are reflective of their ongoing commitment to maintain Rome’s leading position in the national defense innovation community and New York State’s high tech economy.”

“AIS is honored to be part of the team selected to advance the 3A-BMN solution in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate in Rome, NY,” said Charles Green, Chief Executive Officer, Assured Information Security. “3A-BMN represents a decisive step forward in trusted, timely and autonomous battle management, and we’re proud to bring our expertise to a mission that directly strengthens joint force readiness and protects our warfighters. We are grateful for the continued support of our elected officials, particularly Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand, whose actions help enable critical innovation and growth in our region.”

Located in Oneida County, Rome Lab has been the USAF’s “Superlab” since 1997 and is considered the nation’s premier research organization for Command, Control, Communications, Cyber and Intelligence (C4I) technologies. The lab focuses on developing information technology for air, space and ground systems, in addition to partnering with other federal agencies, universities, private industry and other state and local governments.

Schumer and Gillibrand have a long history of delivering for Rome Lab and its collaborators. In recent years, the senators have been particularly supportive of Rome Lab’s quantum, cyber and UAS research, securing tens of millions of dollars to help fund the lab’s Extreme Computing Facility and the Innovare Advancement Center powered by the Griffiss Institute. In 2021, following the senators’ direct advocacy, Rome Lab was designated as the Quantum Information Science Research Center for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. More than a decade ago, Schumer helped translate Rome Lab’s industry-leading UAS research into practice by successfully championing an increase in the number of UAS Test Sites in the National Airspace System, paving the way for establishment of the Oneida County UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in 2013.

In the years since, Schumer and Gillibrand have fought to reauthorize the test site twice – in 2018 and 2024 – and secured millions of dollars to help launch Sky Dome, a state-of-the-art indoor UAS testing facility located at the test site in Rome. In 2023, Schumer secured $3 Million for the Griffiss Institute’s Smart-X Internet of Things (“IOT”) Living Lab and $1.2 Million to modernize the Air Traffic Control Tower at for Rome Griffis International Airport. Earlier this year, Schumer helped land an up to $300 million US Air Force Engineering for Virtualized Enterprise and Remote Access Technology contract for Assured Information Security to research, prototype and deploy their cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions in support of U.S. military operations.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-secure-2245-million-authorization-for-rome-air-force-research-lab-in-national-defense-bill,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND SECURE $224.5 MILLION AUTHORIZATION FOR ROME AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB IN NATIONAL DEFENSE BILL",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Senators Delivered Critical Authorization To Advance AFRL Rome’s Cutting-Edge Research, Development, And Innovation In Quantum Computing, Unmanned Aerial Systems, And Autonomous Cyberwarfare

Schumer And Gillibrand Now Pushing To Deliver Authorized $$ For Rome Lab, Assured Information Security, Griffiss Institute, & CNY Defense Alliance Projects In Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill

Schumer, Gillibrand: Authorized Funding Will Supercharge Rome Lab & Mohawk Valley To Ensure American Leadership In Critical Military & National Security Technologies From Quantum To Drones And More!

Building on decades of support and advocacy, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that they secured $224.5 million funding authorization for Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Rome in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) National Defense Authorization Act, which is $37.5 million higher than the amount requested for Rome Lab in the FY26 President’s Budget released earlier this year. This authorization is a critical milestone that unlocks the federal appropriations process.

“Rome Lab is vital to our national defense, and it’s the powerhouse workforce of the Mohawk Valley that will ensure America leads the globe in quantum computing, drones, cyberwarfare and other next-gen military technologies. Their Extreme Computing Facility is key to America’s quantum research strategy, and I’m proud to announce that I have secured the long-desired federal funding authorization of $224.5 million to turbocharge Rome Lab’s testbed for researching and developing quantum algorithms, networks, and communications,” said Senator Schumer. “Soon, researchers across government, academia, and industry will come to Rome Lab to design and compare quantum algorithms across platforms. I will continue to fight tooth and nail to deliver funding in the budget to get dollars through the door and bring this project to life for the Mohawk Valley.”

“The innovators at Rome Lab represent the very best of New York’s ingenuity, and I am proud to have secured this critical $224.5 million funding authorization to support their cutting-edge work,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This investment is a major step forward in strengthening the Mohawk Valley’s position as the nation’s hub for quantum and cyber research. From quantum networking and cloud computing to unmanned aerial systems, these funds will support good-paying New York jobs and bolster our national security. I will continue fighting to deliver the federal dollars needed to ensure Rome Lab can keep leading the way developing next-generation technology right here in New York.”

The senators said the authorization will support the continued expansion of quantum, cyber, and UAS projects at Rome Lab, cementing the Mohawk Valley as home to America’s premier military scientific research facility and helping maintain American global leadership in emerging national security technologies.

Schumer and Gillibrand said that the $224.5 million authorized by this year’s NDAA includes tens of millions of additional dollars that they successfully fought for and delivered to help Rome Lab turbocharge ongoing initiatives and seed new projects with key partners like the Griffiss Institute, Assured Information Security, the CNY Defense Alliance, and IBM, ranging from quantum networking and communications to unmanned aerial systems, autonomous computing, cyber battlefield technologies, and more. This includes:

$10 million for Distributed Quantum Networking Testbed and Quantum Cloud Computing Environment

$5 million for Counter UAS Advanced Detection Systems Pilot Program

$5 million for Agile, Assured, & Autonomous Battle Management Network and Readiness Accelerator

The $224.5 million authorized for Rome Lab will strengthen Rome Lab’s public-private partnerships and workforce development, deepen collaboration with other government labs, and allow research across government, academia, and industry to design and compare algorithms across different platforms to further expand New York State’s quantum, cyber, and UAS talent pipelines. The senators said this is among the top priorities for the Air Force, AFRL Rome, and the Mohak Valley defense ecosystem, and they will double down on the fight to ensure the funding is included in the final FY26 defense appropriations package.

""The inclusion of the Distributed Quantum Networking Testbed in this year's NDAA, alongside new Counter-UAS pilot authorities that align with Rome Lab's capabilities, is a meaningful step forward for Central New York's defense ecosystem. Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand understand what this region brings to the table, from quantum computing to airspace awareness, and his continued advocacy helps ensure these core competencies receive the federal investment they deserve. We look forward to building on this momentum,” said Nick Stewart, Executive Director, CNY Defense Alliance.

Heather Hage, President and CEO of Griffiss Institute said, ""Consistent federal support for Rome Lab advances critical technologies, strengthens the innovation workforce, and drives economic growth in the Mohawk Valley and beyond. Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand demonstrated strong leadership to secure these investments, which are reflective of their ongoing commitment to maintain Rome’s leading position in the national defense innovation community and New York State’s high tech economy.”

“AIS is honored to be part of the team selected to advance the 3A-BMN solution in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate in Rome, NY,” said Charles Green, Chief Executive Officer, Assured Information Security. “3A-BMN represents a decisive step forward in trusted, timely and autonomous battle management, and we’re proud to bring our expertise to a mission that directly strengthens joint force readiness and protects our warfighters. We are grateful for the continued support of our elected officials, particularly Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand, whose actions help enable critical innovation and growth in our region.”

Located in Oneida County, Rome Lab has been the USAF’s “Superlab” since 1997 and is considered the nation’s premier research organization for Command, Control, Communications, Cyber and Intelligence (C4I) technologies. The lab focuses on developing information technology for air, space and ground systems, in addition to partnering with other federal agencies, universities, private industry and other state and local governments.

Schumer and Gillibrand have a long history of delivering for Rome Lab and its collaborators. In recent years, the senators have been particularly supportive of Rome Lab’s quantum, cyber and UAS research, securing tens of millions of dollars to help fund the lab’s Extreme Computing Facility and the Innovare Advancement Center powered by the Griffiss Institute. In 2021, following the senators’ direct advocacy, Rome Lab was designated as the Quantum Information Science Research Center for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. More than a decade ago, Schumer helped translate Rome Lab’s industry-leading UAS research into practice by successfully championing an increase in the number of UAS Test Sites in the National Airspace System, paving the way for establishment of the Oneida County UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in 2013.

In the years since, Schumer and Gillibrand have fought to reauthorize the test site twice – in 2018 and 2024 – and secured millions of dollars to help launch Sky Dome, a state-of-the-art indoor UAS testing facility located at the test site in Rome. In 2023, Schumer secured $3 Million for the Griffiss Institute’s Smart-X Internet of Things (“IOT”) Living Lab and $1.2 Million to modernize the Air Traffic Control Tower at for Rome Griffis International Airport. Earlier this year, Schumer helped land an up to $300 million US Air Force Engineering for Virtualized Enterprise and Remote Access Technology contract for Assured Information Security to research, prototype and deploy their cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions in support of U.S. military operations.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-reintroduce-legislation-to-expand-workplace-rights-for-domestic-workers/,"Gillibrand, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation To Expand Workplace Rights For Domestic Workers",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Bill Would Guarantee Domestic Workers Basic Rights Like Overtime Pay, Time Off, Sick Leave, Meal and Rest Breaks, and Legal Protections from Harassment and Unsafe Working Conditions

Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) reintroduced the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act, commonsense legislation that would extend common workplace rights to the 2.2 million domestic workers in the United States.

Under current law, domestic workers—including home health aides, nannies, cleaners, and live-in caretakers—are excluded from many of the labor, harassment, and discrimination protections guaranteed to other workers under federal law. As a result, severe financial insecurity and lack of workplace benefits are all too common in these professions. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act would patch these flaws in existing labor law and also create new protections for domestic workers.

“Caretakers, cleaners, nannies, and other domestic workers play a vital role in the economy and in American life. However, they’ve too often been overlooked in the fight for workers’ rights, leaving many working long hours, earning low wages, and struggling to make ends meet. This is unacceptable,” said Senator Gillibrand. “By closing loopholes that exclude domestic workers from federal labor and civil rights laws, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act would afford these workers the safety, stability, and dignity that they deserve. I am honored to introduce this bill, and I will fight tooth and nail to get it passed.”

“Domestic workers in New Mexico and across the country are essential members of our workforce and deserve dignity and respect. I’m proud to reintroduce legislation to require employers to establish clear standards for wages, responsibilities, schedules, and time-off policies to help protect the rights of the people who care for our families and support our communities,” said Senator Luján. “This legislation is critical to ensuring workplace protections and rights for domestic workers who have been left out for far too long.”

“Domestic workers are too often called essential, but treated as expendable. These workers, who are predominantly women of color and immigrants, make all other work possible,” said Representative Jayapal. “This landmark legislation ensures that domestic workers are finally included in our existing labor laws, giving them access to the basic protections they deserve in the workplace, including overtime pay, guaranteed rest and meal breaks, time off, and legal protections from unsafe working conditions and harassment. It will finally give our domestic workers the dignity and respect they deserve. This legislation is more important now than ever as the Trump Administration works to strip many of the programs domestic workers rely on to survive, like Medicaid and food assistance.”

Domestic workers have historically been excluded from worker protections and, as a result, often have no benefits, few protections, and little recourse to fight harassment and unsafe working conditions. A 2021 National Domestic Workers Alliance survey of domestic workers reported that:

Only 16% of domestic workers have a written agreement with their employer laying out their job responsibilities and the terms of their employment.

Over one-third of domestic workers do not get meal and rest breaks, and of those who do, only 34% are paid for those breaks.

81% of domestic workers receive no pay if their employer cancels on them with less than three days’ notice, and 76% receive no pay if their employer cancels on them after they show up for work.

23% of domestic workers do not feel safe at work.

If passed, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act would, among other things:

Entitle domestic workers to overtime pay for hours worked above 40 hours per week.

Ensure domestic workers have paid sick leave to take care of themselves or their families.

Extend civil rights protections, including against workplace harassment and discrimination, to domestic workers.

Afford domestic workers the right to meal and rest breaks.

Require employers to provide domestic workers with written agreements detailing agreed-upon hourly pay rates, scheduling requirements, and termination procedures.

In addition to Sens. Gillibrand and Luján, the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

It is endorsed by the National Domestic Workers Alliance, as well as 44 other organizations.

“Domestic workers across the country do the work that makes all other work possible by caring for our children, keeping our households running, and ensuring our loved ones can live with dignity and independence,” said Ai-Jen Poo, President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. “Yet, for over 400 years, this workforce, made up of predominantly women of color, has been largely excluded from basic labor protections. Today, they are facing an unprecedented crisis fueled by nearly one trillion dollars in Medicaid cuts, low wages, and widespread immigration raids that are creating a climate of fear. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights will work to address these historical injustices, protect the dignity and financial security of these workers, and strengthen our care economy.”

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-urge-action-from-trump-administration-to-end-violence-in-burma-extend-temporary-protected-status/,"Gillibrand, Colleagues Urge Action From Trump Administration To End Violence In Burma, Extend Temporary Protected Status",2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and eight of her Senate colleagues urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take strong actions in response to escalating violence and human rights violations committed by Myanmar’s military junta as well as the junta’s upcoming sham elections. Pointing to increasing instability and a worsening humanitarian crisis fueled by the junta’s mass killings, forced displacement of civilians, and persecution of minorities – as the country is still reeling from the destruction caused by a historic earthquake earlier this year – the senators urged Secretary Rubio in a letter to focus on diplomatic efforts to restore stability in Burma while countering the growing influence of China and Russia in the region. To that end, they outlined specific steps the Trump administration should take to reassert U.S. leadership on human rights, help end the violence, and support a path toward inclusive governance and democracy in Burma.

Senator Gillibrand was joined on this letter by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

“We write to express our profound concern regarding the ongoing bloodshed and oppression in Burma, which has lasted far too long. The systematic persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, and other vulnerable communities, requires urgent attention and decisive leadership from the United States. The upcoming sham elections in December and January further damage Burma’s democracy, rule of law, and further consolidate the junta’s repressive power,” the senators began.

“We urge you to prioritize addressing the escalating violence and human rights abuses in Burma, condemn the junta’s planned elections, and champion justice, accountability, and the protection of basic human dignity. We ask this not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is also in our core national interest to achieve stability in Southeast Asia and push back on malign People’s Republic of China (PRC) influence in the region,” they stressed.

“The junta’s ruthless campaign has devastated all of Burma’s people, but religious and ethnic minorities remain especially at risk. […] These abuses demand a robust U.S. response rooted in moral leadership and strategic interest,” they continued.

The senators went on to urge the administration to take several actions in order to address these concerns, including to: promote accountability for atrocities committed by the military junta; appoint a Special Coordinator for Democracy in Burma; fully implement the BURMA Act and resume foreign assistance to the nation; and extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma.

“These measures are not only consistent with our nation’s values, but also critical to restoring stability in the broader Indo-Pacific region. Continued chaos in Burma creates further openings for increased PRC influence that could gain it strategically valuable access to the Indian Ocean. Both Russia and the PRC have provided almost $1 billion in weapons to the junta,” the senators added. “The only solution to these challenges to U.S. interests is to work with regional partners to end the violence and place Burma on a path to inclusive governance and democracy.”

The full text of the letter can be viewed here and below.

Dear Secretary Rubio,

We write to express our profound concern regarding the ongoing bloodshed and oppression in Burma, which has lasted far too long. The systematic persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, and other vulnerable communities, requires urgent attention and decisive leadership from the United States. The upcoming sham elections in December and January further damage Burma’s democracy, rule of law, and further consolidate the junta’s repressive power.

We urge you to prioritize addressing the escalating violence and human rights abuses in Burma, condemn the junta’s planned elections, and champion justice, accountability, and the protection of basic human dignity. We ask this not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is also in our core national interest to achieve stability in Southeast Asia and push back on malign People’s Republic of China (PRC) influence in the region.

The Burmese military junta’s ongoing campaign of violence and oppression has resulted in countless atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, forced displacements, and the destruction of entire villages. Alarmingly, by the end of August 2025, the civilian death toll surpassed 7,100, a grim reminder of the international community’s insufficient response. More than four years of conflict since the 2021 military coup have displaced 3.6 million people and left 11.8 million facing acute food insecurity. The crisis has deepened following a once-in-a-century earthquake in March that killed at least 3,800 people and left 6.3 million in urgent need.

Though the military regime’s grip on power may be weakening, its violence has intensified. In the six weeks following the earthquake, the State Administrative Council (SAC) launched at least 741 airstrikes—including on schools, killing at least 22 children, and on churches on Palm Sunday—most after a declared “ceasefire” in early April. On October 6, a military aerial paramotor bombed a peaceful candlelight vigil during a Buddhist holiday, killing at least 24 people, including children. The vigil was for the release of arbitrarily detained prisoners and opposition to the upcoming elections. The BBC reported that the junta has increasingly used paramotors as sanctions have made it harder to procure aircraft and jet fuel. The junta now controls just 21 percent of Burma’s territory, as resistance forces continue gaining ground despite support for the regime from the PRC and Russia.

The junta’s ruthless campaign has devastated all of Burma’s people, but religious and ethnic minorities remain especially at risk. The Rohingya continue to face genocidal violence reminiscent of 2017. Christians have endured church burnings, arrests, and worship restrictions, particularly in Chin State. The regime has barred non-Buddhist teaching outside of state-approved religious buildings. Other ethnic minorities—Kachin, Karen, Karenni, and Shan—face forced displacement, military assaults, and systemic repression. These abuses demand a robust U.S. response rooted in moral leadership and strategic interest.

To that end, we urge you to take the following actions:

Promote accountability for atrocities committed in Burma: We urge you to continue U.S. support for international accountability mechanisms, including the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) and The Gambia’s legal case against Myanmar in the International Court of Justice. The United States should also continue its vital support for civil society organizations inside and outside of Burma that are working to document and prevent atrocities, support victims, and help protect witnesses who testify in legal proceedings to the junta’s appalling crimes. We urge you to follow up on the State Department’s 2022 Rohingya genocide determination by initiating a new atrocity determination process to assess whether the Tatmadaw has committed genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity against Burma’s other ethnic and religious minority groups following the 2021 coup.

Make Burma a diplomatic priority: Ultimately, the horrors faced by the people of Burma can only end if the United States prioritizes diplomatic efforts to end the violence. The United States must press the PRC at all levels to reach a common understanding on a way forward to end the conflict and to warn against any action by the PRC to legitimize or provide diplomatic cover for the junta. We urge you to appoint a Special Coordinator for Democracy in Burma to coordinate U.S. diplomatic efforts and to interface with the UN, ASEAN, PRC, and other high-level representatives on Burma. If the junta moves forward with its plans for sham elections, it is vital that you use every authority at your disposal to hold accountable any person or entity that helped facilitate those elections — whether through sanctions, visa restrictions, or other measures.

Fully implement the BURMA Act and resume foreign assistance to Burma: The Trump Administration’s decision to end aid to Burma has cut off access to food, healthcare, and shelter for countless civilians, worsening suffering and regional instability. After the March earthquake, you fired the USAID staff responding to the disaster, while the PRC immediately sent rescue crews with heavy machinery and to dig through the wreckage for survivors. You terminated $1.1 billion dollars in foreign assistance grants to Burma, including $181 million dedicated to the democracy movement. These cuts contravene the express purposes of the BURMA Act and will deal a severe blow to Myanmar’s democracy movement and civil society. They also serve as a gift to the Myanmar military and its authoritarian allies, including China and Russia, whose influence will now expand.

Recommend DHS extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma: On November 24, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced her determination that Burma no longer meets the conditions for a TPS designation. The announcement stated that the termination of TPS for Burma will be effective on January 26, 2026. Junta violence against the people of Burma has, however, continued unabated. Ending TPS for Burma endangers the 3,969 people who currently hold this status in the United States should they be forced to return, and it is inconsistent with our values.

These measures are not only consistent with our nation’s values, but also critical to restoring stability in the broader Indo-Pacific region. Continued chaos in Burma creates further openings for increased PRC influence that could gain it strategically valuable access to the Indian Ocean. Both Russia and the PRC have provided almost $1 billion in weapons to the junta. Instability in Burma also continues to generate refugee outflows, destabilizing Bangladesh, Thailand, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Transnational criminal organizations have found safe haven in Burma to engage in human trafficking, cyber fraud, the drug trade, and other illicit activities that directly harm Americans. The only solution to these challenges to U.S. interests is to work with regional partners to end the violence and place Burma on a path to inclusive governance and democracy.

We stand ready to work with you in pursuing these goals and reaffirming American leadership in defending human rights and democratic principles worldwide.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-food-banks-struggling-as-new-gop-snap-cuts-take-effect-schumer-visits-family-of-new-paltz-food-pantry-and-announces-new-legislation-to-strengthen-snap-for-hudson-valley-families-seniors_vets-who-rely-on-vital-anti-hunger-program-help-local-farmers-and-save-county-budgets-from-paying-for-devastating-food-cuts,"WITH FOOD BANKS STRUGGLING AS NEW GOP SNAP CUTS TAKE EFFECT, SCHUMER VISITS FAMILY OF NEW PALTZ FOOD PANTRY & ANNOUNCES NEW LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN SNAP FOR HUDSON VALLEY FAMILIES, SENIORS, & VETS...",2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Last Week Trump Threatened To Withhold SNAP Funding From New York And Twenty-One Other Democratic-Led States As Food Banks See Surging Need And Grocery Prices Skyrocket From Tariffs

Over The Summer, Trump Rushed To Pass Largest Cut To SNAP In History – Nearly $200 BILLION - To Fund Tax Breaks For Billionaires With Those Cuts Beginning Now; Schumer Says These Cruel SNAP Cuts Hurt Our Families, Farmers & Food Banks And Now Is Announcing New Legislation To Keep Hudson Valley Families Fed, Reverse Anti-Hunger Cuts

Schumer: We Must Take Care Of Hudson Valley Families And That Means Protecting SNAP

After Trump threatened to withhold SNAP funding from New York and twenty-one other Democratic-led states, and as Hudson Valley food banks face overwhelming demand just as GOP SNAP cuts start to take effect, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Saturday visited the Family of New Paltz Food Pantry in Ulster County and announced his new legislation – the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act – to repeal the devastating SNAP cuts set to rip away food from thousands of hungry kids and families across America. Schumer said New Yorkers are already struggling to feed their families amid rising grocery costs due to tariffs, and losing vital food assistance because of the cuts in the Republican budget, causing advocates to warn of a hunger crisis.

“SNAP isn’t an abstract policy or a number in a spreadsheet; it’s food, dignity, and survival for thousands of families here in the Hudson Valley. The holidays are quickly approaching, and what should be a time of peace and gathering for some families is more stressful than ever. Food banks are already overwhelmed because of rising grocery costs due to tariffs. Now, families are being hit with devastating cuts to food assistance and Trump is threatening to withhold even more SNAP assistance, targeting New Yorkers, which could hurtle us to a hunger crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I introduced the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act. This bill will protect SNAP and stop thousands of New Yorkers from going hungry, and ensure every family has the basic security and dignity of food on the table. This is not a partisan issue; it is a moral issue.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY seniors, veterans, and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. SNAP provides an average of $187 per month in food aid to over 42 million people nationwide. 3 million New Yorkers receive SNAP benefits, including more than 220,111 in the Hudson Valley. A county-by-county breakdown for those in the Hudson Valley on SNAP can be found below:

County

SNAP Recipients

Dutchess

17,107

Orange

44,326

Putnam

2,867

Rockland

54,187

Sullivan

12,696

Ulster

16,666

Westchester

72,262

Total

220,111

Schumer and colleagues’ new Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act would reverse the SNAP cuts enacted in Republicans’ “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” helping families put food on the table, food banks keep shelves stocked, and local farmers sell their local food products. The entire Democratic caucus has signed on to co-sponsor the legislation. The full text for the legislation can be seen HERE. The Republican-passed ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ last month began to rip away food benefits from millions of Americans, with even more cuts set to come in 2027 and 2028, eventually slashing or shutting off benefits for 4 million Americans and totaling nearly $200 BILLION in food assistance cuts, all to help pay for bigger tax breaks for billionaires. Just last week, Trump also threatened to cut off food assistance, targeting New York and other states led by Democrats.

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “SNAP is one of the most effective and bipartisan anti-hunger programs in American history, yet the Trump administration has chosen to make cuts so deep they are driving a food insecurity crisis in New York and across this country. SNAP cuts are harming entire community ecosystems: farmers are losing markets, grocery stores are losing customers, food banks are in overdrive trying to meet the needs of families who have been left without the means to put food on the table. We’re grateful to Senator Schumer for standing with us in our fight against this disgraceful abdication of duty by our federal government.”

In Ulster County, 24,080 residents – 13.2% of the county – are affected by food insecurity according to Feeding America. The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York provided nearly 4 million pounds of food across the county in 2024. The Family of New Paltz Food Pantry has already seen skyrocketing demand this fall. In November, the food pantry served 307 households and is expecting to serve more than one thousand households in December, an increase of 350% compared to November. Ulster County has already redirected $350,000 of county funds to food pantries due to overwhelming need amid SNAP cuts.

According to new data from Hunger Free America, New York families are being slammed by higher prices at the grocery store. Half of New York families said they could not afford balanced meals, 24% said they were forced to buy less nutritious food for their children, 31% said they had to reduce portion sizes for their children, and 19% said they had to skip meals for their children. More than half of families said they were forced to obtain free food from food charities, with 60% having to wait an hour or more for food, and 57% going to agencies that ran out of food.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-alsobrooks-kim-introduce-bill-to-incentivize-states-to-help-seniors-and-people-with-disabilities-live-with-dignity/,"Gillibrand, Alsobrooks, Kim Introduce Bill To Incentivize States To Help Seniors And People With Disabilities Live With Dignity",2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"The Strategic Plan for Aging Act would create a new, nationwide grant program to incentivize and support states’ efforts to create Master Plans for Aging

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) —ranking member of the U.S. Senate Aging Committee — and U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) reintroduced landmark legislation that would create a nationwide grant program to support states’ efforts to create their own Master Plans for Aging.

Over 61 million Americans are aged 65 years and older, and that number is expected to rise to more than 80 million by 2040. This legislation would help make sure that state and local governments are prepared to address the needs of our aging loved ones.

“After serving in our wars, educating our children, and laying the groundwork for the generations that come after them, American seniors deserve to age with dignity and financial security,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Strategic Plan for Aging Act would deliver critical funding for states to develop their own Master Plans for Aging, which can provide resources to help older Americans navigate everything from housing and food insecurity to skyrocketing health care costs, insufficient retirement savings, and elder abuse. This legislation is critical to make sure that no older American is left behind, and I’m committed to getting it passed.”

“As a proud member of the sandwich generation, I witness in my own family the challenges older Americans face,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “I am blessed to be raising my 20-year-old daughter while also helping to care for my aging parents. By passing the Strategic Plan for Aging Act, Congress would help incentivize what pioneering states like Maryland are already doing: developing strategic plans for aging to help older Americans secure affordable housing, food, and health care. Our seniors have done so much for us – served our nation in the military and public service, educated and raised our future generations, and created pathways for all of us to succeed – it is time we make sure this country works for them.”

“This legislation gives states the support they need in order to give seniors the support they deserve,” said Senator Kim. “Living a life of dignity and respect as you get older should not be too much to ask for. I hope we can come together on this simple step to make care and services more accessible across our country.”

At least 38 states—including New York—are currently implementing, developing, or initiating a comprehensive plan to address the needs of older adults.These plans are state-led, cross-sector planning resources that help states transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older adults and their families. The goal of the plans is to guide policy choices and investments at the state level to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities can live with dignity in the settings of their choice.

The Strategic Plan for Aging Act would:

1. Award grants to states, territories, and tribes to create or implement their own Master Plans for Aging, otherwise known as Multisector Plans for Aging and Aging with a Disability.

a. Awardees will finalize and begin the implementation of their plan no later than 2 years after receiving the grant. The plan should cover a 10-year period.

b. Up to 65 grants of $500,000 or less can be implemented over a 5-year period.

2. Provide awardees with resources to create, coordinate, implement, and evaluate cross-sector plans to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of older adults, including those with a disability, and their families and caregivers.

3. Connect state, local, non–profit, and private sector plans to transform the infrastructure and coordination of key services, supports, and initiatives that address the needs of older adults such as long-term care, transportation, and social engagement.

The legislation is endorsed by 40 organizations. A list of organizations and supporting quotes can be found here.

The text of the legislation can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-11-million-in-federal-funding-for-projects-across-upstate-new-york-through-the-northern-broder-regional-commission/,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $11+ Million In Federal Funding For Projects Across Upstate New York Through The Northern Broder Regional Commission",2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Communities From North Country, Finger Lakes, CNY, Capital Region Win Funding For Critical Community Projects Such As Expanding Access To Healthcare, Upgrading Wastewater Infrastructure, Building New Educational Facilities & More

Schumer, Gillibrand: NBRC Continues Delivering Vital Fed $$ For North Country & Upstate NY

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $11,394,774.01 in federal funding for 18 projects across Upstate New York through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), which the senators fought to reauthorize and expand last year. Schumer and Gillibrand said these projects will help address critical needs across the region, including expanding access to healthcare services, increasing early education opportunities, upgrading wastewater infrastructure, and more to improve quality of life and spur economic development in the region.

“From expanding access to health care in the Mohawk Valley to increasing early education opportunities in the North Country to expanding wastewater systems in the Finger Lakes Region, this $11+ million in federal funding through the Northern Border Regional Commission will support major infrastructure upgrades and increase access to vital services across Upstate New York. These federal investments will help spur economic development, create new jobs, strengthen our infrastructure, and boost quality of life across the region,” said Senator Schumer. “I have long fought to secure and increase much-needed resources for the Northern Border Regional Commission and expand this vital federal support. I’m proud to have delivered this critical funding to help families and communities invest in a better future for Upstate New Yorkers.”

“Federal dollars are powering real growth across Upstate New York — strengthening local economies, creating jobs, and delivering the services that New Yorkers rely on,” said Senator Gillibrand. “With more than $11 million going to support communities from the North Country to the Finger Lakes, we’re expanding access to health care and early education, upgrading critical infrastructure, and helping communities across the region build a stronger future. I’m proud to have fought to deliver this funding that will strengthen our communities and make a real difference for working families.”

A full list of projects can be found below:

After years of advocacy, Schumer and Gillibrand announced late last year that they had successfully reauthorized the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) for another 5 years, increasing funding and expanding the critical Catalyst grant program that has delivered tens of millions of dollars for the North Country and Upstate NY. Despite the wide bipartisan support to reauthorize the NBRC, President Trump’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 calls for the elimination of this program, an effort that the senators are actively pushing back against to ensure NBRC continues to be funded to provide critical investment to Upstate NY. From 2010-2024, the NBRC has invested in over 78 projects, totaling more than $48 million in federal funding for Upstate New York. Schumer introduced the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Reauthorization Act of 2023 which paved the way for these key changes.

In addition to reauthorizing the NBRC for an additional 5 years, the bill that passed into law at the end of last year also increased funding for the program from $33 million to $40 million. The bill made critical enhancements to the range of projects the NBRC is able to support to foster growth in the region, including a new program focused on addressing childcare and healthcare needs, increasing support for addiction treatment, and new support for capacity building for business retention, job training, and job creation. The NBRC reauthorization was included as part of the Economic Development Administration reauthorization in the bipartisan, bicameral Water Resources Development Act of 2024.

Schumer and Gillibrand have a long history of championing the Northern Border Regional Commission and its positive economic impacts on Upstate New York. In 2021, the senator successfully secured $150 million for the NBRC, over triple its funding from previous years, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act.

Established in 2008, the NBRC is a federal-state partnership focused on the economic revitalization of communities across the Northern Border region, which includes New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Commission is composed of the governors of the four Northern Border states and a federal co-chair and provides financial and technical assistance to communities in the region to support entrepreneurs, improve water, broadband, and transportation infrastructure, and promote other initiatives to improve the region’s economy. The northern border region of New York State currently includes 30 counties: Cayuga, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Washington, Warren, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/as-financial-scams-spike-during-the-holiday-season-senator-gillibrand-demands-stronger-safeguards-to-protect-seniors-announces-legislation-to-sleigh-scammers/,"As Financial Scams Spike During The Holiday Season, Senator Gillibrand Demands Stronger Safeguards To Protect Seniors; Announces Legislation To Sleigh Scammers",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Americans Lost $16.6 Billion To Scams In 2024; $4.8 Billion Was Stolen From Seniors

Gillibrand’s National Strategy for Combating Scams Act Would Help “Sleigh” Scammers by Requiring the FBI to Develop a Coordinated National Strategy to Combat Scams

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, held a virtual press conference to demand stronger safeguards to protect seniors from getting scammed this holiday season. Gillibrand’s bipartisan National Strategy for Combating Scams Act would require the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to develop a coordinated national strategy to combat scams.

“Last year alone, Americans lost over $16 billion to scams. That’s a staggering amount of money that’s been stolen from our families, our neighbors, and, disproportionately, our seniors,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan National Strategy for Combating Scams Act to help make sure seniors don’t get scrooged this holiday season. It’s clear that we need a coordinated national strategy to tackle the increasingly sophisticated scams targeting our seniors, and this legislation would bring that to fruition. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this vital bill across the finish line.”

More than four in ten Americans say they have lost money to scams or had their sensitive information obtained fraudulently. Criminals increasingly utilize advanced tools like generative AI and voice deepfakes to deceive victims, disproportionately targeting older adults. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) identified at least 13 agencies involved in anti-scam efforts, each working independently under different mandates and authorities. GAO has recommended that the FBI take the lead in creating a National Strategy for Combating Scams to enhance federal coordination and effectiveness in fighting these crimes. Gillibrand’s legislation would give the FBI a legal obligation to follow through on this recommendation.

The National Strategy for Combating Scams Act was introduced into the Senate alongside Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Ashley Moody (R-FL). It was introduced into the House of Representatives by Representative Gabe Amo (D-RI-01) and Representative Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02).

“Families across the country are being hammered by increasingly sophisticated scams, and Washington has been far too slow to respond,” said Senator Scott. “As chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, I am proud to join Ranking Member Gillibrand in this bipartisan effort to finally bring federal agencies together, cut the duplication, and create a real national plan to protect seniors and hardworking Americans. After the findings of our fraud report, it’s clear we need a coordinated strategy, not more bureaucracy or new spending, and this bill delivers exactly that. I’m proud to help lead this charge to crack down on criminals and keep Americans safe.”

“Every year, scammers steal billions of dollars from Americans, harming families, especially seniors. But the federal government lacks a strategy to address the scope and speed of these schemes,” said Senator Kelly. “This bipartisan bill will create a coordinated approach to crack down on fraud, better protect families and seniors, and hold scammers accountable.”

“I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan National Strategy for Combating Scams Act in the House, alongside my colleagues in the Senate, to ensure we are addressing the rising scam threat in a coordinated and strategic manner,” said Representative Amo. “I look forward to working together as the national strategy is developed to keep fighting scammers and keep Rhode Islanders money where it belongs, in their pockets.”

“As a former state attorney general, nothing makes my blood boil more than crooks and scam artists who ripoff billions of dollars each year from Americans, particularly our seniors. Too often, the alphabet soup of federal agencies assigned to protect Americans from scammers get stuck in their individual silos of responsibility and jurisdiction. Our bill is aimed at coordinating the federal response to scams and improving the cooperation among the authorities that are supposed to stop them,” said Representative Schmidt.

The National Strategy for Combating Scams Act builds on Senator Gillibrand’s work to address scams as the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee. She has led the fight to protect seniors from financial frauds and scams, raised awareness about predatory scammers targeting seniors, and demanded answers from those attempting to cut funding for agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. She has also introduced legislation such as the Senior Financial Empowerment Act, the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act, and the DO NOT Call Act. These vital bills would help seniors avoid financial scams, support law enforcement efforts to catch fraudsters, and establish new criminal penalties for robocallers, including prison time.

The full text of the National Strategy for Combating Scams Act can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-calling-on-secretary-hegseth-to-resign/,Gillibrand Statement Calling On Secretary Hegseth To Resign,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, in response to the Department of Defense Inspector General report finding that Secretary Pete Hegseth risked endangering American troops and compromising mission objectives when he communicated war plans over Signal, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees, released the following statement:

“This report only clarifies what we have known for months: Secretary Hegseth’s reckless behavior and poor judgment are putting U.S. service members in danger and jeopardizing our national security. While he frequently denigrates the troops under his command to score political points, Secretary Hegseth himself has repeatedly shown blatant carelessness and demonstrated a lack of the moral fitness his position demands. I opposed his confirmation in January because I knew he was manifestly unfit to lead our armed forces, and he continues to drive that point home every day. Our men and women in uniform deserve better than the unserious, unqualified, and incompetent failure that is Secretary Hegseth, and for the sake of our nation and troops, he should resign.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-11-million-in-federal-funding-for-projects-across-upstate-new-york-through-the-northern-border-regional-commission,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $11+ MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PROJECTS ACROSS UPSTATE NEW YORK THROUGH THE NORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Communities From North Country, Finger Lakes, CNY, Capital Region Win Funding For Critical Community Projects Such As Expanding Access To Healthcare, Upgrading Wastewater Infrastructure, Building New Educational Facilities & More

Schumer, Gillibrand: NBRC Continues Delivering Vital Fed $$ For North Country & Upstate NY

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $11,394,774.01 in federal funding for 18 projects across Upstate New York through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), which the senators fought to reauthorize and expand last year. Schumer and Gillibrand said these projects will help address critical needs across the region, including expanding access to healthcare services, increasing early education opportunities, upgrading wastewater infrastructure, and more to improve quality of life and spur economic development in the region.

“From expanding access to health care in the Mohawk Valley to increasing early education opportunities in the North Country to expanding wastewater systems in the Finger Lakes Region, this $11+ million in federal funding through the Northern Border Regional Commission will support major infrastructure upgrades and increase access to vital services across Upstate New York. These federal investments will help spur economic development, create new jobs, strengthen our infrastructure, and boost quality of life across the region,” said Senator Schumer. “I have long fought to secure and increase much-needed resources for the Northern Border Regional Commission and expand this vital federal support. I’m proud to have delivered this critical funding to help families and communities invest in a better future for Upstate New Yorkers.”

“Federal dollars are powering real growth across Upstate New York — strengthening local economies, creating jobs, and delivering the services that New Yorkers rely on,” said Senator Gillibrand. “With more than $11 million going to support communities from the North Country to the Finger Lakes, we’re expanding access to health care and early education, upgrading critical infrastructure, and helping communities across the region build a stronger future. I’m proud to have fought to deliver this funding that will strengthen our communities and make a real difference for working families.”

A full list of projects can be found below:

After years of advocacy, Schumer and Gillibrand announced late last year that they had successfully reauthorized the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) for another 5 years, increasing funding and expanding the critical Catalyst grant program that has delivered tens of millions of dollars for the North Country and Upstate NY. Despite the wide bipartisan support to reauthorize the NBRC, President Trump’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 calls for the elimination of this program, an effort that the senators are actively pushing back against to ensure NBRC continues to be funded to provide critical investment to Upstate NY. From 2010-2024, the NBRC has invested in over 78 projects, totaling more than $48 million in federal funding for Upstate New York. Schumer introduced the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Reauthorization Act of 2023 which paved the way for these key changes.

In addition to reauthorizing the NBRC for an additional 5 years, the bill that passed into law at the end of last year also increased funding for the program from $33 million to $40 million. The bill made critical enhancements to the range of projects the NBRC is able to support to foster growth in the region, including a new program focused on addressing childcare and healthcare needs, increasing support for addiction treatment, and new support for capacity building for business retention, job training, and job creation. The NBRC reauthorization was included as part of the Economic Development Administration reauthorization in the bipartisan, bicameral Water Resources Development Act of 2024.

Schumer and Gillibrand have a long history of championing the Northern Border Regional Commission and its positive economic impacts on Upstate New York. In 2021, the senator successfully secured $150 million for the NBRC, over triple its funding from previous years, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act.

Established in 2008, the NBRC is a federal-state partnership focused on the economic revitalization of communities across the Northern Border region, which includes New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Commission is composed of the governors of the four Northern Border states and a federal co-chair and provides financial and technical assistance to communities in the region to support entrepreneurs, improve water, broadband, and transportation infrastructure, and promote other initiatives to improve the region’s economy. The northern border region of New York State currently includes 30 counties: Cayuga, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Washington, Warren, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-trump-pardon-and-release-of-corrupt-drug-trafficking-ex-honduran-president-immoral-and-indefensible/,"Gillibrand: Trump Pardon And Release Of Corrupt, Drug Trafficking Ex-Honduran President “Immoral And Indefensible”",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on Trump’s pardon and release of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted on drug trafficking and firearm charges:

“President Trump’s pardon and release of Juan Orlando Hernández is immoral and indefensible.

“The disgraced former Honduran president worked with drug traffickers to flood America with 500 tons of cocaine on behalf of the most brutal and violent drug cartels on the planet.

“Hernández boasted that he was ‘going to stuff the drugs up the gringos’ noses.’ Let’s be clear: he was bragging about putting toxic, addictive, and deadly drugs into the bodies of American children and families.

“This man does not deserve a pardon; he deserves punishment for his crimes. The president and his administration cannot defend or justify this grave and corrupt action that excuses the decades of harm Mr. Hernández inflicted on his country and ours.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-hyde-smith-statement-on-house-passage-of-their-legislation-to-s/,"Gillibrand, Hyde-Smith Statement On House Passage Of Their Legislation To Support Victims of Human Trafficking",2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) released the following statement on the House’s unanimous passage of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which would enable survivors of human trafficking to have nonviolent offenses that they were forced to commit vacated and expunged:

“We applaud the House’s passage of our Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which represents a monumental step forward in supporting victims of human trafficking. This bill would help stop a vicious cycle that leaves trafficking survivors vulnerable to further exploitation, protecting those who escape their horrible circumstances from subsequently having to face criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and related problems finding employment and housing. We urge our Senate colleagues to pass this bill and get it to the president’s desk without delay.”

Senator Gillibrand first introduced the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act with a bipartisan group of colleagues in 2016. She has reintroduced the bill in every subsequent Congress, most recently with Senator Hyde-Smith in July 2025.

In addition to allowing survivors of human trafficking to have nonviolent criminal convictions or arrest records they incurred while being trafficked vacated and expunged, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act would also:

Allow for an individual’s status as a victim of trafficking to be a mitigating factor for courts to consider when imposing a prison sentence for violent crimes.

Require U.S. attorneys to submit a report one year after enactment detailing the number of motions filed under the law.

Ensure that grant funding provided by the Office for Victims of Crime and the Office on Violence Against Women can be used for legal representation for post-conviction relief activities.

For a full list of endorsing organizations, please click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-introduces-legislation-to-increase-social-security-benefits/,Gillibrand Introduces Legislation To Increase Social Security Benefits,2025-11-26,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"The SWIFT Act would expand Social Security benefits for over one million Americans

Amid skyrocketing prices in President Trump’s America, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is leading the effort to increase Social Security benefits and help seniors combat the rising cost of living.

Today, Senator Gillibrand introduced legislation to expand Social Security benefits for widowed and surviving divorced spouses. She was joined on the legislation by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Patty Murray (D-WA).

The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act makes necessary changes to Social Security benefit rules by addressing outdated benefit caps, arbitrary legal restrictions, and claiming requirements — resulting in increased benefits for widowed and surviving divorced spouses.

“Our seniors have spent a lifetime working hard and paying into Social Security, and they deserve to receive adequate benefits and retire with dignity, not spend their golden years just trying to get by,” said Senator Gillibrand. “But outdated rules and antiquated policies mean that too many seniors, especially widowed spouses, and women disproportionately, aren’t receiving the benefits they’ve earned or being treated fairly. Our SWIFT Act will help modernize the program and strengthen benefits for our seniors.”

“The SWIFT Act corrects outdated rules and restrictions and removes barriers limiting Social Security benefits — ensuring widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses receive the Social Security benefits they rightfully deserve. Social Security is a lifeline for Americans, playing a critical role in their economic security and financial well-being — and yet, many individuals face burdensome hurdles and arbitrary requirements preventing them from receiving the full benefits they are owed. With this legislation, we make sure that no American is missing out on the benefits they need to live with dignity,” said Senator Blumenthal.

The SWIFT Act allows widowed and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities to receive 100% of the survivor benefits they are entitled to, regardless of their age, and empowers widowed and surviving divorced spouses to increase their survivor benefits beyond current arbitrary caps. The legislation also expands child-in-care benefits for widowed and surviving divorced spouses caring for children, significantly helping families struggling with the costs of caregiving.

The legislation is supported by a number of organizations, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, The Arc of the United States, Justice in Aging, Alliance for Retired Americans, National Association of Disability Representatives, Social Security Works, and Strengthen Social Security Coalition.

As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, Senator Gillibrand is continuing her longstanding fight to increase benefits and lower costs for seniors. She recently introduced the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act, which would provide a $200-per-month increase to Social Security checks until July 2026, and the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act, which would increase Social Security benefits by leveraging the formula used to calculate yearly cost-of-living adjustments to better account for seniors’ expenses. In response to Trump administration cuts and overhauls at the Social Security Administration, she has rallied alongside seniors and unions to demand a reversal of staffing and service reductions, and she introduced the Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act to undo President Trump’s damage to the agency.

Senator Gillibrand is also part of Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attacks on Social Security and to ensure the American people can continue to rely on these essential programs that they have earned. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about the Republican agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-local-rochester-and-wny-organizations-fear-trump-cuts-will-lead-to-homelessness-surge-schumer_standing-with-families--housing-advocates--leads-fight-to-stop-trump-hud-plan-that-could-evict-1500-finger-lakes--wny-kids-families-veterans-and-seniors-to-the-streets-in-the-middle-of-winter,"AS LOCAL ROCHESTER & WNY ORGANIZATIONS FEAR TRUMP CUTS WILL LEAD TO HOMELESSNESS SURGE, SCHUMER – STANDING WITH FAMILIES & HOUSING ADVOCATES – LEADS FIGHT TO STOP TRUMP HUD PLAN THAT COULD EVICT 1500+...",2025-11-26,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Congress Has Authorized Millions In Community-Based Grants Through Federal “Continuum Of Care” Program That Currently Helps House Thousands Of New Yorkers, But Trump Now Plans to Slash Fed $$ And Add New Restrictions Without Congressional Approval That Could Kick People Out of Their Homes

With Over 1,500 NYers Across WNY And Rochester-Finger Lakes At Risk Of Eviction Starting In January, Schumer Says We Must Protect Vital Funding Source For NY

As Rochester-area and Western New York organizations fear Trump’s cuts will lead to a surge in homelessness, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer stood with families and housing advocates at Independent Living of the Genesee Region to lead the fight to protect over 1,500 Western NY & Rochester-Finger Lakes region families, veterans, and seniors from eviction starting in the middle of winter.

Schumer explained the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Continuum of Care (CoC) program provides funding to non-profits, as well as state and local governments, to provide critical housing support to some of the most vulnerable populations. However, the Trump administration recently started to slash and unilaterally alter the program and restrict who could be helped, threatening to evict more than 170,000 nationwide, including 1,500 Upstate New Yorkers in Genesee County and the surrounding region. Schumer is demanding the Trump Administration immediately reverse these cuts and unnecessary changes that would threaten housing for thousands of Upstate New York mothers, children, veterans, seniors, and domestic abuse survivors experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

“Across the Rochester-Finger Lakes region and Western New York, local organizations are worried that new program cuts will lead to a homelessness surge. If Trump goes through with his planned cuts and horribly misguided changes to this vital program, more than 1,500 New Yorkers in Genesee County and the surrounding region could be kicked out of their homes and onto the streets in the middle of winter,” said Senator Schumer. “These are veterans trying to get back on their feet, families with young kids, survivors of domestic abuse, veterans, and people with disabilities. That’s why I’m here with those on the frontlines of combating homelessness in our community to demand the Trump administration immediately reverse these cruel cuts.”

HUD’s CoC Program is designed to promote communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, and state and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness; promote access to and effect utilization of assistance programs by homeless individuals and families; and optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Trump’s HUD intends to issue substantial changes to how CoC funding is awarded that would restrict overall program funding, cutting resources and leading to the eviction of an estimated 170,000 Americans from their homes and into the streets across the country starting in January, including Americans with disabilities, veterans, and vulnerable families. These changes include cutting CoC’s program designed for permanent housing projects and allocating that funding to transitional housing assistance programs with work requirements. Proposed changes could have a significant impact on rural areas where there is less funding to fill gaps in housing assistance, spiking homelessness.

Schumer and colleagues, including Senator Gillibrand, have demanded HUD Secretary Scott Turner reverse these devastating cuts, making clear that Congress appropriated $3.3 billion for permanent housing assistance with a bipartisan agreement, and cutting it by 70% and reallocating funding to other programs is reckless and potentially illegal. In their letter, the senators called on Secretary Turner to use the authorities that Congress has given him to renew existing CoC grants for Fiscal Year 2025 to prevent massive disruption and uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Americans in the coming months.

In the Rochester-Finger Lakes region, local organizations like Partners Ending Homelessness, Rochester’s designated CoC program, and Homeless Alliance of WNY, the designated CoC for Genesee, Wyoming, Orleans, Niagara, and Erie counties, may not receive full funding because of these new Trump administration requirements.

Currently, 92% of the annual $14.5 million in HUD funds received in Monroe County, NY by Partners Ending Homelessness pays for long-term rental housing - what HUD calls Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) or Rapid ReHousing (RRH) - that today houses 620 households in Monroe County. Rather than renew these existing grants to maintain these 620 housing units in keeping with the law as Schumer is urging, Trump HUD’s new plan would cap funding for PSH and RRH at only 30% or $4.7 million beginning in May which would eliminate hundreds of long-term housing leases in Monroe County at 18 local providers and force the eviction of 434 people onto the streets next year. Instead of funding all of the current PSH & RRH leases, Trump HUD’s plan would then force communities across the nation to compete with each other for the remaining funding, which HUD now says can only be used for short-term temporary housing units for only those homeless individuals who now meet new eligibility requirements. In addition to the 434 at risk of losing housing, 113 people stand to face evictions starting as soon as January because the annual leases for their housing expire beginning in January. Monroe County’s Partners Ending Homelessness warned that if nearly 550 end up on the street due to these cuts, the county does not have the space or capacity to house them in local shelters.

Likewise, currently 93% of the annual $20.8 million in HUD funds received in Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, Erie, & Niagara counties by the Homeless Alliance of WNY plays for long-term (PSH and RRH) housing that today houses 1,521 people in Western New York. HUD’s new planned changes will cap this funding to only 30% ($6.7 million) beginning in May, which would eliminate over 1,000 existing housing units provided by 22 local providers, such as Independent Living of the Genesee Region, where Schumer stood today. As a result, over 1000 people will face eviction onto the streets next year. Moreover, 528 people stand to face evictions as soon as January because the annual leases for their housing expire between January and May. This includes housing for domestic violence survivors, families with children, and people living with severe mental illness and chronic health conditions.

Rae Frank, Director at Independent Living of the Genesee Region said, “HUD’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Rapid Rehousing funding is vital to our work to strengthen communities across Genesee, Wyoming, and Orleans counties by enabling us to move more families and individuals from the streets into safe, stable homes. We provide housing search and rental assistance, along with landlord mediation to people with disabilities experiencing homelessness. Our local partner, the YWCA of Genesee County, provides similar housing assistance to people fleeing domestic violence. We also provide ongoing supportive services including employment assistance, financial literacy, application assistance, and peer advocacy services that have enabled many of our tenants to stabilize and achieve self-sufficiency. These HUD funds were meant to be renewable each year, but the new HUD plan to cut this Rapid Rehousing funding in our region by 70% is jeopardizing our ability to keep a roof over our tenants’ heads. We appreciate Senator Schumer’s push to forgo these planned cuts and instead maintain the promise of this funding through next year so that we are not forced with evicting tenants back to the streets.”

Kexin Ma, Executive Director, Homeless Alliance of WNY said, “Today, 93% of our federal funding supports 29 permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing programs that keep more than 1,500 of our neighbors safely housed. Under the new rules, only 30% of that funding would be guaranteed — putting over 1,000 people and 22 proven programs at immediate risk of losing their homes. This shift is not just a budget cut; it is a rapid structural overhaul that communities are being asked to absorb with virtually no transition time. Many people currently stably housed in PSH or RRH would no longer qualify for Transitional Housing, which means programs may be forced to end leases early and push people back into homelessness. Our shelters are already overwhelmed, and this would deepen that crisis overnight. Landlords, too, are left without guidance and that uncertainty jeopardizes thousands of property owners and destabilizes the local housing market. We appreciate Senator Schumer’s push to reverse this HUD plan because cutting proven permanent housing programs — or destabilizing the people already in them — will only increase homelessness, strain emergency services, and put vulnerable families, survivors of domestic violence, and people with serious health conditions at greater risk.”

Tree Clemonds, Executive Director of Partners Ending Homelessness said, “The new changes to HUD funding are not just a policy shift—they are a threat to the most vulnerable people in our community. In Monroe County alone, over 440 individuals could lose their homes, and nationally, an estimated 170,000 people are at risk. By redirecting resources away from permanent supportive housing, we are setting up a system that’s ill-equipped to meet the needs of those struggling with chronic homelessness and disabilities. The proposed rules would force a cruel paradox: people in PSH or RRH would be deemed ineligible for transitional housing, and the only way programs could convert would be by evicting the very tenants they’re trying to keep housed. That’s an impossible choice no provider should ever have to make — and it would push vulnerable people back into homelessness.”

A coalition of 19 attorneys general, including New York’s Letitia James, and two governors have sued the Trump administration over these policy changes. In addition, more than 20 House Republicans and the National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, and U.S. Conference of Mayors, all made up of memberships of bipartisan local leaders, have urged Secretary Turner to preserve this vital lifeline for thousands of American families and extend existing CoC grants through the next fiscal year as originally intended by Congress. Schumer said he will continue fighting until this funding is safe.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-thanksgiving-is-tomorrow-and-food-banks-are-struggling-as-new-gop-snap-cuts-take-effect-senator-announces-new-legislation-to-strengthen-snap-for-345000-western-ny-and-rochester-finger-lakes-families-seniors_vets-who-rely-on-vital-anti-hunger-program-help-local-farmers-and-save-county-budgets-from-paying-for-devastating-food-cuts,"SCHUMER: THANKSGIVING IS TOMORROW AND FOOD BANKS ARE STRUGGLING AS NEW GOP SNAP CUTS TAKE EFFECT; SENATOR ANNOUNCES NEW LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN SNAP FOR 345,000+ WESTERN NY & ROCHESTER FINGER-LAKES...",2025-11-26,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Over The Summer, Trump Rushed To Pass Largest Cut To SNAP In History – Nearly $200 BILLION - To Fund Tax Breaks For Billionaires With Those Cuts Beginning Now Just Before Thanksgiving; Food Banks Are Already Seeing Surging Need As Grocery Prices Skyrocket From Tariffs

Schumer Says These Cruel SNAP Cuts Hurt Our Families, Farmers & Food Bank And Now Is Announcing New Legislation To Keep Western NY & Rochester Finger-Lakes Families Fed, Reverse Anti-Hunger Cuts

Schumer: Thanksgiving Is A Time For Us To Take Care Of Our Neighbors And That Means Protecting SNAP

As Western NY and Rochester-Finger Lakes food banks help families for Thanksgiving, just as GOP SNAP cuts start to take effect adding to already overwhelming demand, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced his new legislation – the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act – to repeal the devastating SNAP cuts set to rip away food from thousands of hungry kids and families across America. Standing at the St. Vincent DePaul Society Food Pantry in Wyoming County, Schumer said New Yorkers are already struggling to feed their families amid rising grocery costs due to tariffs, and losing vital food assistance because of the cuts in the Republican budget, causing advocates to warn of a hunger crisis.

“SNAP isn’t an abstract policy or a number in a spreadsheet; it’s food, dignity, and survival for thousands of families here in Western NY and the Rochester-Finger Lakes region. Thanksgiving is around the corner, and food banks are already overwhelmed because of rising grocery costs due to tariffs, and now families are being hit with devastating cuts to food assistance that could hurtle us to a hunger crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m introducing the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act. This new bill will protect SNAP and stop thousands of New Yorkers from going hungry, and ensure every family has the basic security and dignity of food on the table. This is not a partisan issue; it is a moral issue.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY seniors, veterans, and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. SNAP provides an average of $187 per month in food aid to over 42 million people nationwide. 3 million New Yorkers receive SNAP benefits, including more than 345,000 in Western New York and the Rochester-Finger Lakes region. A county-by-county breakdown for those in Western New York and the Rochester-Finger Lakes region on SNAP can be found below:

County

SNAP Recipients

Cattaraugus

10,359

Chautauqua

23,148

Erie

139,597

Genesee

4,679

Livingston

5,109

Monroe

105,624

Niagara

26,641

Ontario

9,060

Orleans

5,081

Seneca

3,453

Wayne

8,142

Wyoming

2,431

Total

345,352

Schumer and colleagues’ new Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act would reverse the SNAP cuts in the “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” helping families put food on the table, food banks keep shelves stocked, and local farmers sell their local food products. The entire Democratic caucus has signed on to co-sponsor the legislation. The full text for the legislation can be seen HERE. The Republican-passed ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ this month began to rip away food benefits from millions of Americans, with even more cuts set to come in 2027 and 2028, eventually slashing or shutting off benefits for 4 million Americans and totaling nearly $200 BILLION in food assistance cuts, all to help pay for bigger tax breaks for billionaires.

In Wyoming County, nearly 1,500 households – totaling almost 2,500 people – relied on SNAP in a single month last August, receiving assistance to help buy groceries. More than two-thirds of those households are non-temporary assistance SNAP, meaning they are largely working families, seniors, and neighbors whose incomes are still too low to keep up with rising food costs. At the same time, local food pantries are being pushed to the brink. The St. Vincent DePaul Society Food Pantry in Attica, which partners with Foodlink, now serves over 200 families each month at their monthly pop-up food distribution event. Foodlink, the regional food bank that serves Wyoming County and nine other counties, reports that food insecurity across its 10-county service area has climbed to 12.8%, affecting roughly 160,000 people, and its network of more than 350 pantries and meal programs recorded 1.86 million client visits in 2024 – a 40 percent jump in just one year. SNAP and food pantries work together to keep families from going hungry, but Foodlink and its partners have made it clear that without federal support, children and families in the region will be in jeopardy of going hungry.

According to new data from Hunger Free America, New York families are being slammed by higher prices at the grocery store. Half of New York families said they could not afford balanced meals, 24% said they were forced to buy less nutritious food for their children, 31% said they had to reduce portion sizes for their children, and 19% said they had to skip meals for their children. More than half of families said they were forced to obtain free food from food charities, with 60% having to wait an hour or more for food, and 57% going to agencies that ran out of food.

“Hunger exists in every corner of Western New York. There are children, seniors, veterans, and families in all parts of our community who rely on nutritional assistance programs to make sure there is enough food on the table each month. The most important of those programs is SNAP. FeedMore WNY and our network of partner agencies are here to make sure no one falls through the cracks, but SNAP is the first line of defense against hunger. When SNAP alone is not enough, people turn to us for additional assistance, and there are more people in need of assistance every year. We’ve seen a significant increase in food needs, with a 16% rise in individuals served in 2024 compared to the previous year, bringing the total to over 165,700 people,” said Collin Bishop, FeedMore WNY Chief Communications Officer. “FeedMore WNY is incredibly grateful for Senator Chuck Schumer’s long-time support of FeedMore WNY. Senator Schumer is always there to help us address the nutritional needs in our community, he is a strong advocate for SNAP and FeedMore WNY’s nutritional assistance programs, and we are grateful for his partnership and leadership in Washington.”

“As we head into Thanksgiving, we see firsthand how many of our neighbors are worried about simply putting a meal on the table,” said Rebecca Patterson with the St. Vincent DePaul Society Food Pantry in Attica. “We are incredibly thankful for the people, businesses, and organizations like Foodlink who support this pantry with food and donations – they are the reason we can keep our shelves stocked. SNAP and food pantries work hand in hand to keep families from going hungry, and no amount of charitable giving can supplant the vital role SNAP plays in keeping the most vulnerable in our communities fed. We are deeply grateful to Senator Schumer for standing up for SNAP, helping us maintain our promise to provide food for those in need, and for shining a spotlight on rural communities like ours.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-thanksgiving-is-tomorrow-and-food-banks-are-struggling-as-new-gop-snap-cuts-take-effect-senator-announces-new-legislation-to-strengthen-snap-for-nearly-90000-southern-tier-families-seniors-and-vets-who-rely-on-vital-anti-hunger-program-help-local-farmers-and-save-county-budgets-from-paying-for-devastating-food-cuts,"SCHUMER: THANKSGIVING IS TOMORROW AND FOOD BANKS ARE STRUGGLING AS NEW GOP SNAP CUTS TAKE EFFECT; SENATOR ANNOUNCES NEW LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN SNAP FOR NEARLY 90,000 SOUTHERN TIER FAMILIES,...",2025-11-26,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Over The Summer, Trump Rushed To Pass Largest Cut To SNAP In History – Nearly $200 BILLION - To Fund Tax Breaks For Billionaires With Those Cuts Beginning Now Just Before Thanksgiving; Food Banks Are Already Seeing Surging Need As Grocery Prices Skyrocket From Tariffs

Schumer Says These Cruel SNAP Cuts Hurt Our Families, Farmers & Food Bank And Now Is Announcing New Legislation To Keep Southern Tier Families Fed, Reverse Anti-Hunger Cuts

Schumer: Thanksgiving Is A Time For Us To Take Care Of Our Neighbors And That Means Protecting SNAP

As food banks help families for Thanksgiving in the Southern Tier and beyond, just as GOP SNAP cuts start to take effect adding to already overwhelming demand, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced his new legislation – the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act – to repeal the devastating SNAP cuts set to rip away food from thousands of hungry kids and families across America. Standing at the Roots & Wings Food Pantry, Schumer said New Yorkers are already struggling to feed their families amid rising grocery costs due to tariffs and losing vital food assistance because of the cuts in the Republican budget causing advocates to warn of a hunger crisis.

“SNAP isn’t an abstract policy or a number in a spreadsheet; it’s food, dignity, and survival for thousands of families here in the Southern Tier. Thanksgiving is around the corner, and food banks are already overwhelmed because of rising grocery costs due to tariffs, and now families are being hit with devastating cuts to food assistance that could hurtle us to a hunger crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m introducing the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act. This new bill will protect SNAP and stop thousands of New Yorkers from going hungry, and ensure every family has the basic security and dignity of food on the table. This is not a partisan issue; it is a moral issue.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY seniors, veterans, and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. SNAP provides an average of $187 per month in food aid to over 42 million people nationwide. 3 million New Yorkers receive SNAP benefits, including nearly 90,000 in the Southern Tier. A county-by-county breakdown for those in the Southern Tier on SNAP can be found below:

County

SNAP Recipients

Allegany

5,089

Broome

26,636

Chemung

13,953

Chenango

6,444

Delaware

4,643

Otsego

6,464

Schuyler

1,742

Steuben

11,807

Tioga

4,995

Tompkins

7,471

Total

89,244

Schumer and colleagues’ new Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act would reverse the SNAP cuts in the “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” helping families put food on the table, food banks keep shelves stocked, and local farmers sell their local food products. The entire Democratic caucus has signed on to co-sponsor the legislation. The full text for the legislation can be seen HERE. The Republican-passed ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ this month began to rip away food benefits from millions of Americans, with even more cuts set to come in 2027 and 2028, eventually slashing or shutting off benefits for 4 million Americans and totaling nearly $200 BILLION in food assistance cuts, all to help pay for bigger tax breaks for billionaires.

As food insecurity continues to escalate across the Southern Tier and the nation, local food security organizations and pantries in Chenango County are facing an alarming surge in demand. Just this month, Roots & Wings, Catholic Charities of Chenango County’s primary food pantry, has seen 69 new families visit the pantry. So far in November, they have provided food to 398 households, 393 children, 59 elderly recipients, and served over 8,370 meals. The Food Bank of Central New York, which serves Chenango County, distributed 819,017 lbs. of food to Chenango County between July 2024 and June 2025, and are already seeing increased levels and visits at their 28 Chenango County partner pantries in recent months.

According to new data from Hunger Free America, New York families are being slammed by higher prices at the grocery store. Half of New York families said they could not afford balanced meals, 24% said they were forced to buy less nutritious food for their children, 31% said they had to reduce portion sizes for their children, and 19% said they had to skip meals for their children. More than half of families said they were forced to obtain free food from food charities, with 60% having to wait an hour or more for food and 57% going to agencies that ran out of food.

Robin Cotter, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Chenango County said, “While our pantry has started to stabilize due to the short-term refunding of SNAP benefits, the fear that these benefits will not be maintained at their current level has created anxiety amongst our low-income population. Any negative effect on SNAP funding will directly increase the demand for our local food pantry resources. We currently serve over 10,000 Chenango County residents with supplemental food packages that rely on SNAP benefits as a means to feed their families. Based on the trend we have witnessed, the long-term reduction in benefits would be unsustainable for pantries and food providers. We are working closely with our Social Service District in Chenango County to help prepare for a targeted response to any future changes or delays. Overall, without SNAP funding there would not be enough local resources to support the increased need.”

Les Aylesworth, Director of CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) at the Broome County Council of Churches said, ""In Broome County, over 15,000 families depend on SNAP to make their nutritional ends meet. The shut down and lack of funding underscored how important SNAP is, but also how important the emergency food system is as well. At the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW), we had a 500-600 percent increase in folks looking for food because of the lack of SNAP funding; but too many depending on pantries for their daily needs is unsustainable. It is important that SNAP is adequately funded so that people can feed their families.""

Maggie Johnson, Executive Director of Community Cupboard of Edmeston, said, “SNAP benefits impact families in ways that are not normally taken into account with these discussions. The dignity and confidence that a family has when they're able to purchase their own food, make their own choices, and address their own dietary needs without intervention or additional questions is immeasurable. The impact on communities when SNAP is fully funded goes beyond groceries. It improves the entire network of those working in food access, both commercially and charitably, building local infrastructure and access points to improve the lives of all those who are impacted by these cuts.”

Karen Belcher, President & CEO, Food Bank of Central New York said, “As we saw earlier this month, disruptions to SNAP have a very real and very immediate impact on our neighbors, and in turn on our communities and network of partners. SNAP is the first line of defense in the nutrition safety net, providing children, seniors, and families with the resources they need to access nutritious food. During the disruption to SNAP that took place a few weeks ago, our network saw a significant increase in demand. November 2025 is only the second time that Food Bank of Central New York eclipsed 1 million pounds distributed in the first 12 days – the first time being June 2020 at the height of the pandemic. We know that the changes to SNAP included in H.R. 1 will cause an increase in requests for food assistance from our network. The Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025 would reverse the harmful changes to SNAP signed into law earlier this year, and we thank Sen. Schumer for his support of this vital program.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-help-ensure-health-care-access-for-pregnant-women/,"Gillibrand, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Help Ensure Health Care Access For Pregnant Women",2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) introduced the Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine (MOM) Act, legislation designed to expand health care access for pregnant women and ensure they receive coverage that meets their needs.

The Healthy MOM Act would ensure that women eligible for coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, as well as those eligible for other individual or group health plans, can access affordable health care throughout their pregnancies. The bill would also establish a special enrollment period for expectant mothers. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Currently, marriage, divorce, having a baby, adoption, and changing jobs are considered qualifying life events that trigger a special enrollment period; however, becoming pregnant is not considered a qualifying event. The Healthy MOM Act would change that.

Along with Senators Gillibrand and Alsobrooks, the Healthy MOM Act is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

“As a mother, I know firsthand that your health care needs can change when you become pregnant, and you should have the option to change your coverage to address them,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Especially as Republicans continue to put up barriers to health coverage enrollment and block efforts to lower costs, we must keep pushing to make care accessible for everyone. I am proud that our legislation would allow pregnant women to access affordable coverage that best meets their evolving needs, and I will keep fighting to get it across the finish line.”

“We have a responsibility to ensure pregnant women have access to the best health care. The Healthy MOM Act would trigger a special enrollment period so expectant mothers can get critical health care coverage for themselves and their baby, building on the example of my own state of Maryland. As Republicans try to rip away health care from Americans, including mothers, I’m proud to fight back and partner with Congresswoman Watson Coleman to expand access to affordable care for new mothers,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“Events like the birth or adoption of a child, marriage, divorce, or even moving to a new state all trigger a special window to get or change your health insurance. Meanwhile, pregnancy, one of the most life-altering events a mother can experience, doesn’t,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “We’re dealing with maternal mortality rates that are, in some places and among some groups, worse than developing nations. It is inexcusable that the United States, the wealthiest nation on Earth, has such a high maternal mortality rate. Ensuring every woman can access the care she needs during pregnancy and after giving birth is a critical part of ending this crisis. This is a simple, logical way to make sure that happens.”

“Access to affordable health care is essential to every pregnant person’s safety and well-being, but it remains out of reach for far too many. We need to make it easier for pregnant mothers to get care – and creating a special enrollment period through the ACA marketplaces would do just that. This legislation will help more expectant mothers get the coverage they need to stay healthy throughout pregnancy and beyond,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“While pregnancy can be a joyous time, it also comes with unique health risks that deserve real attention,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “No mother should have to navigate those risks without access to the high-quality, affordable health care they need for a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.”

“Moms deserve affordable, accessible health care––full stop. No one should have to fight an insurance company or put off care because they don’t have the money,” said Senator Fetterman. “Our country’s maternal mortality rate is too high, and this bill is a step toward improving health outcomes for mothers and children. We should be doing what we can to help them get the coverage and care they need, when they need it.”

“When a woman gets pregnant, she should be able to enroll in or change health coverage, no matter what time of year it is. But right now, pregnancy isn’t a qualifying life event—and that blocks women across the country from signing up for health coverage when they find out they’re expecting, or changing plans for coverage that better meets their needs. Our Healthy MOM Act will fix this gap and take a small but important step to help more women get the prenatal care they need to stay healthy,” said Senator Patty Murray.

In 2016, New York became the first state to make pregnancy a qualifying event for a special enrollment period, allowing pregnant women to obtain or change their health insurance plan outside of the annual open enrollment period, even if they are already covered. This gives women the ability to enroll in, switch, or select a new health plan when they become pregnant to better meet their evolving health care needs. Policies like this strengthen New York’s ability to support pregnant women, and implementing similar policies at the federal level would extend these protections to women across the country.

Senator Gillibrand has long championed legislation to make pregnancy more affordable and safer. Earlier this year, she introduced a bill to make childbirth free for families with private insurance. She also champions the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, a package of 13 bills – including her Moms Matter Act – that aims to address the Black maternal mortality crisis and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health care.

The Healthy MOM Act is endorsed by Chamber of Mothers, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, National Partnership for Women and Families, MomsRising, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and March of Dimes.

Read the full text of the bill here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-tours-lake-placid-center-for-the-arts-after-delivering-1-million-in-recent-budget-bill-to-create-new-arts-and-education-hub,SCHUMER TOURS LAKE PLACID CENTER FOR THE ARTS AFTER DELIVERING $1 MILLION IN RECENT BUDGET BILL TO CREATE NEW ARTS AND EDUCATION HUB,2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"New Arts And Early Childhood Education Hub Will Boost Access To Arts & Education For Essex County Residents, Promote Cultural Tourism To North Country & Establish LPCA’s Continued Leadership

Schumer In 2023 Toured LPCA And Pledged To Deliver Fed $$ To Create Much-Needed Expansion – Including Classrooms, Art Studios, And Office Workspace – And Bring This Project To Life; Schumer Previously Delivered $1 Million For Project From Northern Border Regional Commission

Schumer: New Arts & Education Hub Will Be Win-Win For LPCA & North Country Community!

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood at Lake Placid Center for the Arts (LPCA) and celebrated $1 million in federal funding he delivered for its Capital Project, the Center’s new arts and early childhood education hub. Soon, the new arts and education hub will increase access to arts and education for local residents, boost cultural tourism to the North Country, and establish LPCA’s continued role in the community as an indispensable rural institution. Two years ago, Schumer toured the facility and promised to deliver this federal funding, and today, he said the Center is one step closer to bringing this new hub to life.

“The Lake Placid Center for the Arts is a gem of the Adirondacks and an important economic driver for the North Country. Two years ago, I toured LPCA, heard about their Capital Project, a bold vision for a new arts and education hub, and promised to deliver federal funding to bring this project to life. Today, I can say a promise made is a promise kept!” said Senator Schumer. “I’m thrilled to announce I have secured $1 million to support the Center’s ongoing efforts to create more programming space. This new hub is a win-win-win that will improve access to arts and education for Essex County residents, boost tourism for the entire North Country, and solidify the Center’s status as a gem of the North Country, as I have long known it to be. I was proud to deliver this federal funding and will always fight to deliver resources for Essex County and the North Country.”

Two years ago, Schumer visited LPCA to learn about the Center’s planned Capital Project. Today, after pledging to fight for federal funding for the project, Schumer announced he has secured $1 million in the recently passed Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture-Rural Development budget bill to support the project after previously delivering $1 million in federal funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission.

LCPA’s current infrastructure is past its functional age and lacks sufficient space to meet regional demand for arts programming, Head Start early childhood education programs, and office space for local nonprofits that share its space. The new arts and education hub will include early childhood education classrooms, arts education studios, and office workspace for additional nonprofits.

Founded in 1972, Lake Placid Center for the Arts presents programming of the highest caliber amidst the extraordinary landscape of Adirondack Park. Situated within the Village of Lake Placid, LPCA serves artists and audiences through four programmatic pillars: Presenting, Arts Education, Visual Arts, and Services to Artists & Organizations. As the only year-round arts organization within a 45-mile radius in NYS’s Adirondack mountains, LPCA is an essential community facility and a major economic driver for the region. LPCA is well known for hosting artists of the highest quality that regularly draw in sizeable crowds that patronize other local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-tours-new-micro-bird-bus-factory-he-helped-bring-to-plattsburgh-protecting-hundreds-of-good-paying-local-jobs-senator-leads-fight-to-boost-vital-fed-program-that-delivers_for-bus-and-transportation-infrastructure-to-support-micro-birds-growth-in-north-country,"SCHUMER TOURS NEW MICRO BIRD BUS FACTORY HE HELPED BRING TO PLATTSBURGH, PROTECTING HUNDREDS OF GOOD-PAYING LOCAL JOBS; SENATOR LEADS FIGHT TO BOOST VITAL FED PROGRAM THAT DELIVERS $$ FOR BUS &...",2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Micro Bird Invested $38 Million To Purchase Former Nova Bus Facility, Which Was Slated For Closure, After Schumer Personally Called Volvo CEO Urging Company To Sell Facility To Another Transportation Manufacturer And Work With Local Leaders

Schumer Says Now With The Factory Up & Running We Must Continue To Drive Demand For These Top-Of-The-Line Buses, And Leads Fight To Boost Federal “Low Or No Emission Grant” Which Communities Use To Buy American-Made Buses And Will Help Support Micro Bird’s Growth In North Country

Schumer: Micro Bird Is Adding To North Country’s Transportation Manufacturing Leadership & We Must Invest More To Support American Manufacturing!

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, today for the first time, toured the new Micro Bird facility he helped bring to Plattsburgh, protecting hundreds of good-paying local manufacturing jobs. Last year, after Nova Bus announced it would close its North Country facility, Schumer personally called the Volvo CEO, urging the company to sell the manufacturing facility to preserve transportation-manufacturing operations in the North Country.

With the new Micro Bird facility up and running and planning to expand manufacturing to offer new propane and electric buses, Schumer promised to lead the fight to boost the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) funding that Micro Bird relies on for demand like the “Low or No Emission Vehicle Grant Program” in the upcoming transportation authorization bill to support Micro Bird’s growth in the North Country.

“The North Country has long been the heart of America’s transportation manufacturing. Today, I’m thrilled to see Micro Bird’s new Plattsburgh factory up and running in person. When Nova Bus announced it was shutting down, I immediately called Volvo’s top leadership and urged them to work with Governor Hochul, Garry Douglas, and me to find a new owner in the transportation lane to take over this plant,” said Senator Schumer. “Now, almost exactly a year later after we received the good news, we all have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season, with workers busy and their families supported by these good-paying jobs here in the North Country. As Congress begins to work on our next transportation funding bill, I am thinking of Micro Bird and the powerhouse workforce here in Plattsburgh and will be fighting to deliver federal dollars to support transportation upgrades across New York State. Because upgrading our transportation is important for everyone, whether you are a daily commuter on Long Island, ride a bus rapid transit route in Albany or Syracuse, or are one of the hundreds of hardworking employees here in Plattsburgh making subway cars or buses.”

Last year, after Nova Bus announced it would end production in the United States and close its Plattsburgh manufacturing facility, Schumer personally called Volvo CEO Martin Lundstedt, urging the company to sell the manufacturing facility to preserve transportation-manufacturing operations in the North Country. Micro Bird then announced it would step up by investing $38 million to bring new manufacturing to the Nova Bus site, creating 240 good-paying local manufacturing jobs, with plans for 350 jobs in the coming years. This has created new employment opportunities for nearly 200 impacted Nova Bus workers who had similar jobs.

Schumer explained that Micro Bird manufactures shorter buses and Paratransit vehicles for both schools and transit systems. Micro Bird currently makes traditional vehicles at its Plattsburgh facility, but next year plans on expanding production to include low- or no-emission vehicles as it does at its Quebec facility. Schumer announced he will lead the fight to deliver robust funding levels for the federal Low- or No- Emission Bus Grants program in next year’s surface transportation bill, so more organizations that purchase low or zero emission vehicles can tap into this fund, supporting Micro Bird’s growth in the North Country and the region’s manufacturing leadership.

“With Micro Bird starting to build new clean buses next year, I’m here to lead the fight to deliver robust funding for the programs that help drive their demand and keep our workers on the line, like the Low-or No-Emission Bus Grants program. These grants help local communities buy buses and support American manufacturers like Micro Bird’s growth in the North Country,” added Schumer.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Schumer led to passage in the Senate, included a historic $108 billion or $21.4 billion each year between Fiscal Years 2022 through 2026 for public transit, which was about a 67% increase from the previous transportation reauthorization law. USDOT’s Low-or No-Emission Bus Grants program, funded with $5.6 billion in the Infrastructure Law, awards capital investment grants for the acquisition of low-or zero-emission buses. This program finances the acquisition of buses, ancillary equipment, and the construction of bus facilities, like maintenance facilities, garages, storage areas, and bus terminals.

New York State transportation systems have received $363M+ through the Low-No program since the passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Act in 2021, including Schumer’s recent announcement of more than $100 million in Low- or No- Emission Bus Grants throughout the state. The Low-No program has stood to benefit not just transit systems that are able to modernize their fleet, but US innovation in transportation technology and the manufacturing jobs they support. For instance, in 2022, USDOT awarded the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) a $116 million Low-No grant to purchase electric buses, of which it purchased several made by Micro Bird’s predecessor, Nova Bus in Plattsburgh, supporting the broader New York economy and transportation future. Schumer said continuing funding for programs like this is critical to helping Micro Bird continue to grow in the North Country, and he will be fighting to deliver the priorities they need in the upcoming transportation reauthorization legislation to ensure they continue Plattsburgh’s transportation manufacturing legacy.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-visits-wild-center-after-delivering-466000-in-fed-funding-to-build-new-outdoor-exhibit,"SCHUMER VISITS WILD CENTER AFTER DELIVERING $466,000 IN FED FUNDING TO BUILD NEW OUTDOOR EXHIBIT",2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WILD Center’s New “Wild Encounters Trail” Will Build & Upgrade 16 Outdoor Habitats, Increasing Visitor Access To Native Animal Species In Franklin County For Major Tourism Driver

Schumer In 2023 Toured WILD Center And Pledged To Deliver Fed $$ To Support WILD Center’s World-Class Collection And Now A Promise Made Is Promise Kept!

Schumer: New Outdoor Exhibit Will Be Win-Win For WILD Center & North Country Community

U.S. Senator Schumer today stood at the WILD Center and celebrated $466,000 in federal funding he delivered for the WILD Center’s new outdoor exhibit. Two years ago, Schumer toured the facility and promised to deliver federal support for the Center’s programming.

“No visit to the Adirondacks is complete without a stop at the WILD Center. Twenty-five years ago this week, I first met with Betsy Lowe to talk about her vision for what would become the WILD Center. Since then, I have returned time and time again, both for official visits and with my family. It’s a wonderful place,” said Senator Schumer. “I have been proud to secure federal funding for the museum several times over the years and am so pleased to help on this most recent effort to enhance and expand these beloved exhibits. It’s one of the most popular attractions at the WILD Center, and my grandson still talks about the otters he saw here when we brought him a few years ago.”

People come from across the world – all 50 states and over 20 countries – every year to visit the WILD Center and see its animal collection. The WILD Center’s new “Wild Encounters Trail” will contain 16 outdoor habitats, increasing visitor access to popular native animal species. This new outdoor exhibit will boost the North Country’s economy will providing an area for schools to teach and government agencies to train. For example, the Center plans to welcome local K-12 students to learn about animals, college art students to use animals as subjects, and local veterinary students to study the collection more easily. In addition, government agencies will be able to use the facility for staff training.

Nearly two years ago to the week, Schumer visited the WILD Center, learned about their expansion plans, and promised to support them. Today, after pledging to fight for federal funding for the Center, Schumer announced he has secured $466,000 in the recently-passed Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture-Rural Development budget bill for the Center’s initiative.

Schumer met with Betsy Lowe at the Wawbeek Inn on November 22, 2000, where he first learned of Betsy’s vision for a natural history museum of the Adirondacks. In the years following, Schumer worked with former Rep. John McHugh to secure $340,000 in federal funding, which served as important seed funding to help kick-start the effort. Schumer attended the groundbreaking ceremony in 2004 and has returned many times over the years, both on his official visits to Franklin County and with his family when they have vacationed in the Adirondacks. Schumer has helped the WILD Center secure numerous federal grants over the years, including $570,020 from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, which he wrote during the pandemic to help closed museums and theaters stay afloat.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-thanksgiving-two-days-away-and-food-banks-struggling-as-new-gop-snap-cuts-take-effect-schumer-announces-new-legislation-to-strengthen-snap-for-more-than-50000-north-country-kids-families-seniors-and-vets-who-rely-on-vital-anti-hunger-program-help-local-farmers-and-save-county-budgets-from-paying-for-devastating-food-cuts,"WITH THANKSGIVING TWO DAYS AWAY AND FOOD BANKS STRUGGLING AS NEW GOP SNAP CUTS TAKE EFFECT, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEW LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN SNAP FOR MORE THAN 50,000 NORTH COUNTRY KIDS, FAMILIES,...",2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Over The Summer, Trump Rushed To Pass Largest Cut To SNAP In History – Nearly $200 BILLION – To Fund Tax Breaks For Billionaires With Those Cuts Beginning Now Just Before Thanksgiving; Local Schools & Food Banks Are Already Seeing Surging Need As Grocery Prices Skyrocket From Tariffs

Schumer Says These Cruel SNAP Cuts Hurt Our Students, Families, Farmers & Food Banks And Now Is Announcing New Legislation To Keep The North Country Fed, Reverse Anti-Hunger Cuts

Schumer: Thanksgiving Is A Time For Us To Take Care Of Our Neighbors And That Means Protecting SNAP

As North Country schools and food banks prepare to help families for Thanksgiving, just as GOP SNAP cuts start to take effect adding to already overwhelming demand, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced his new legislation – the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act – to repeal the devastating SNAP cuts set to rip away food from thousands of hungry kids and families across America. Standing at Massena High School, Schumer said New Yorkers are already struggling to feed their families amid rising grocery costs due to tariffs and losing vital food assistance because of the cuts in the Republican budget, causing advocates to warn of a hunger crisis.

“SNAP isn’t an abstract policy or a number in a spreadsheet; it’s food, dignity, and survival for thousands of families here in the North Country. Thanksgiving is around the corner, and food banks are already overwhelmed because of rising grocery costs due to tariffs, and now families are being hit with devastating cuts to food assistance that could hurtle us to a hunger crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m introducing the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act. This new bill will protect SNAP and stop thousands of New Yorkers from going hungry, and ensure every family has the basic security and dignity of food on the table. This is not a partisan issue; it is a moral issue.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY seniors, veterans, and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. SNAP provides an average of $187 per month in food aid to over 42 million people nationwide. 3 million New Yorkers receive SNAP benefits, including more than 50,000 in the North Country. A county-by-county breakdown for those in the North Country on SNAP can be found below:

County

SNAP Recipients

Jefferson

13,858

Lewis

2,720

St. Lawrence

13,281

Franklin

6,564

Clinton

11,597

Essex

2,919

Hamilton

346

TOTAL

51,285

Schumer and colleagues’ new Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act would reverse the SNAP cuts in the “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” helping families put food on the table, food banks keep shelves stocked, and local farmers sell their local food products. The entire Democratic caucus has signed on to co-sponsor the legislation. The full text for the legislation can be seen HERE. The Republican-passed ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ this month began to rip away food benefits from millions of Americans, with even more cuts set to come in 2027 and 2028, eventually slashing or shutting off benefits for 4 million Americans and totaling nearly $200 BILLION in food assistance cuts, all to help pay for bigger tax breaks for billionaires.

Cuts to federal food assistance programs like SNAP are already being felt by schools, food pantries, and farmers across the North Country. In St. Lawrence County, where approximately 17.5% of households and 21.9% of children fall below the poverty line, nearly 7,400 households and 22.5% of children receive more than $2.3 million in total SNAP benefits.

At the Massena Central School District, 760 of the district’s 2,445 students receive SNAP benefits, and 64% of the district’s students qualify for free and reduced lunch. According to school officials, SNAP and other federal food assistance programs are more important than ever for students and families, as demand for breakfast and lunch at the district’s five schools has surged by tens of thousands of meals in the last five months – from around 19,000 breakfasts and 21,000 lunches in June 2025 to over 30,000 breakfasts and 32,000 lunches in October 2025.

Demand for food is also up at the Salvation Army in Massena, which has had to rely on private donations to help handle the increase. In recent months, Salvation Army officials report seeing an increase of around 20% at their food pantry. At Clarkson University’s NYS-recognized Pantry, CU Pantry, over 30 students and faculty members have volunteered to serve more than 3,661 students and 106,208 pounds of food in the last year. To help handle increasing traffic at the pantry and more demand for food in the Potsdam community this year, CU Pantry is working on upgrades like temperature-controlled smart lockers and pre-ordering systems. Other food pantries in St. Lawrence County are also reporting greater demand for food, including St. Peter’s Outreach Ministry in Massena.

According to new data from Hunger Free America, New York families are being slammed by higher prices at the grocery store. Half of New York families said they could not afford balanced meals, 24% said they were forced to buy less nutritious food for their children, 31% said they had to reduce portion sizes for their children, and 19% said they had to skip meals for their children. More than half of families said they were forced to obtain free food from food charities, with 60% having to wait an hour or more for food, and 57% going to agencies that ran out of food.

“The recent manufactured SNAP crisis has exposed deep wounds and cuts across the North Country within our food system and beyond. SNAP is not just about providing relief for families, individuals, and communities but it remains a lifeline for economic stability, rural livelihoods, and providing a critical safety net for our region. Nearly 52,000 households across our region rely on these benefits to offset the rising costs of food,” said Joshua Stephani, Director, Adirondack Food Systems Network. “St. Lawrence County, along with its neighbors in the North Country, is witnessing an increased demand for services as resources across the social safety net are being weakened. On behalf of the Network, we are thankful to Senator Schumer for showing up for and in the North Country, reminding us that our rural communities and livelihoods are part of the conversation throughout New York and in Washington. Our communities in the North Country continue to persevere despite challenging odds and we are grateful for an advocate upholding our rural, Upstate voices.”

""In St Lawrence County, SNAP dollars provide a meaningful boost to our farmers and help families access fresh, healthy food. When SNAP funding is reduced, households are forced toward lower-cost, lower-quality options, foot traffic at the farmers markets declines, and our farmers feel the impact immediately. Supporting SNAP means supporting our farmers and ensuring those who need it most can access the fresh food they deserve. That is why I am proud to stand with so many of my fellow community members in support of Senator Schumer’s push for bipartisan legislation to fully fund SNAP,” said Erin Cuseo, St. Lawrence County Livestock & Produce Farmer, Director of GardenShare Farmer’s Market.

“I am pleased to welcome Sen. Chuck Schumer to Massena to discuss his new legislation strengthening federal food assistance for students and families in communities like ours. Hunger is not a political issue. Hunger is a human issue. It is unfathomable that any mother in America goes to bed at night worrying about how she will feed her children. That any American faces food insecurity is simply unacceptable. I welcome action by all members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, as they work together to ensure that every American has food on the table,” said Ronald P. Burke, Superintendent, Massena Central School District.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-slams-trump-administration-over-skyrocketing-costs-this-thanksgiving/,Gillibrand Slams Trump Administration Over Skyrocketing Costs This Thanksgiving,2025-11-24,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"With the Holiday Season Approaching, Trump Administration Actions Are Increasing Thanksgiving Expenses For New Yorkers

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is slamming the Trump administration for rising food costs that are squeezing families and forcing New Yorkers to pay more at the grocery store this holiday season.

“As American families struggle to put food on the table this Thanksgiving, the Trump administration is spending billions on ballrooms, private jets, and foreign bailouts,” said Senator Gillibrand. “While New Yorkers face soaring prices, this administration has slashed support for working families and imposed reckless tariffs that are driving up the cost of everything from groceries to household essentials. As the administration turns its back on working people, I will keep fighting to lower costs so every family can afford to celebrate the holidays.”

Turkey costs are soaring this Thanksgiving — wholesale prices have jumped 75% since October 2024, leading to significantly higher prices at the grocery store. Over the past year, overall food prices have risen by more than 3%, and holiday staples like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are up 5.2%. President Trump’s tariffs have contributed directly to these price increases.

New research shows nearly 60% of Americans now feel “priced out” of their own kitchens, and almost half say they’re swapping out turkey at the Thanksgiving table for cheaper alternatives.

Senator Gillibrand’s statement comes as grocery giants like Walmart, Target, and Aldi scale back their Thanksgiving meal deals, shifting to cheaper products and reducing the number of items provided.

Senator Gillibrand has long championed efforts to ensure working families can afford to put food on the table. During the government shutdown, she demanded that the Trump administration stop dangerously withholding SNAP benefits from people across the country, including nearly 3 million New Yorkers. She has also introduced legislation to increase SNAP benefits and help those with high medical and housing costs qualify for the program, and she introduced separate proposals to end food deserts and combat food insecurity among older Americans.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-house-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-lgbtq-youth-in-foster-care-outlaw-discrimination-against-same-sex-couples-looking-to-adopt/,"Gillibrand, House Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Protect LGBTQ+ Youth In Foster Care, Outlaw Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples Looking To Adopt",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Legislation would outlaw discriminatory practices against both LGBTQ+ children and adopters

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with Reps. Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), and Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), introduced legislation to ban discrimination against LGBTQ+ couples looking to adopt and protect LGBTQ+ children in the foster care system.

The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act would prohibit discrimination by federally funded child welfare agencies against individuals and couples on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or marital status. The bill would also improve the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ children involved with federally funded child welfare services by establishing a National Resource Center for LGBTQ+ youth and by banning harmful practices like conversion therapy.

“Every child deserves a safe, loving household, and it is absolutely unacceptable that so many children are denied this access because of antiquated laws and deliberate discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals,” said Sen. Gillibrand. “This legislation will ensure that taxpayer-funded adoption services and foster care providers cannot engage in discrimination against children or potential parents, solidifying protections for some of our most vulnerable children. I’m proud to introduce this legislation, and I will fight to get it passed.”

“Government has a unique responsibility to ensure that each and every child in foster care finds a loving, affirming family,” said Rep. Davis. “I am proud to co-lead the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act that increases the number of foster and adoptive homes available to all children in foster care and that helps neglected and abused children find the caring relationship they need to heal and thrive.”

“As an LGBTQ+ adoptive parent and a mother who had to fight in court to adopt my son, I have witnessed firsthand the widespread discrimination in our country’s adoption and foster care systems,” said Rep. Craig. “No state should allow discrimination against LGBTQ+ foster children or adoptive parents who can provide a safe and loving home. I’m proud to help carry on the late John Lewis’ legacy through this critical legislation we crafted together to ensure that LGBTQ+ adoptive parents and children are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and loving home. This bill protects children in foster care by expanding the number of foster and adoptive families available to them and ensuring that no child or family is discriminated against or turned away because of who they are or how they pray,” said Rep. Chu. “The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act is a critical step toward creating a foster care system that truly protects and supports all children.”

“The safety and wellbeing of our children in care should always be our key priority,” said Rep. Moore. “This legislation reaffirms this principle and ensures that discrimination doesn’t prevent a child finding a loving and permanent home while providing important protections for LGBTQ youth in care. I am honored to lead this effort with my colleagues to lift up the needs of our most vulnerable children. ”

Same-sex couples are 10 times as likely to become foster parents and seven times as likely to pursue adoption than different-sex couples, according to a 2024 report from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. However, fourteen states currently allow child welfare agencies to turn away qualified foster and adoptive parents on the basis of their sexual identity or gender orientation, even though hundreds of thousands of children in the American foster care system need a loving home. Oklahoma, for instance, passed a bill in 2018 allowing religious-based adoption agencies to discriminate against same-sex couples, single people, and non-Christians. Several other states have passed or are considering similar legislation. Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ children, who are overrepresented in the system and make up at least 30 percent of children in foster care, suffer greater rates of mistreatment and experience worse outcomes than their peers. The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act would outlaw discriminatory practices against both LGBTQ+ children and adopters.

This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Coons (D-DE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

“Children enter the child welfare system through no fault of their own, and our communities have a shared responsibility to ensure they are cared for with dignity and fairness,” said Darra Gordon, CEO of Family Equality. “This bill is a vital, practical step toward ending discriminatory barriers that prevent thousands of children from finding the safe, loving, and permanent homes they deserve. We thank Rep. Davis and Sen. Gillibrand for their leadership and urge Congress to act swiftly.”

“Discrimination against LGBTQIA+ children, youth and parents has no place in child welfare services,” said Linda Spears, President and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America. “Such discrimination too often adds to the stress and trauma in the lives of children, especially for those children and youth in foster care who may not have the stable and loving family they deserve. To ensure that all children and youth in care have the quality care they deserve, we must have the broadest possible pool of foster and adoptive families. We can accomplish this by identifying and assessing applicants on the basis of their ability to successfully parent a child and work with diverse family dynamics, not on the basis of their gender identity or sexual orientation. CWLA is proud to endorse the Every Child Deserves a Family Act and applauds Senator Gillibrand and Representative Danny Davis for the introduction and support of this important legislation.”

“Every child deserves a safe, loving, and affirming home. But too often, LGBTQ+ youth face unique challenges in the foster care system,” said David Stacy, Human Rights Campaign Vice President of Government Affairs. “When youth enter foster care, the State has a responsibility to place them with families that will support them—not exclude them because of who they are or who their caregivers are. That’s why we support the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, which ensures that agencies receiving federal funds cannot discriminate based on religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity”

“LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit children, parents, kin, and families have the right to free from discrimination and harm while involved with the child welfare system and to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Currey Cook, co-chair of the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Campaign. “The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act is an important step forward to ensure those rights are clear and explicit so children and families can expect and receive fair treatment by a system that too often harms rather than helps.”

“Having grown up and aged out of the foster care system, I know firsthand why this legislation is vital to reducing the number of children who linger in care without a place to call home,” said Schylar Baber, co-chair of the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Campaign. “Too many children still lack foster families and end up in group homes or residential centers simply because there is nowhere else to place them. I was part of what is now called the generation that waits—removed at age six, denied adoption at age twelve because the prospective parent was an unmarried male, and told I was “unadoptable.” Instead of permanency, I endured years of instability and trauma caused by outdated policies and discrimination. Love eventually prevailed when I was adopted at age 25 by the same person who had been denied years earlier, but that was six years of a home I should never have been denied. We must remove barriers that exclude viable families, because every child deserves permanency, stability, and love.”

The full text of the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-thanksgiving-around-the-corner-and-food-banks-struggling-as-new-gop-snap-cuts-take-effect-schumer-announces-new-legislation-to-protect-snap-which-68000-southern-tier-families-seniors-and-vets-rely-on-help-local-farmers-and-save-county-budgets-from-paying-for-devastating-food-cuts,"WITH THANKSGIVING AROUND THE CORNER AND FOOD BANKS STRUGGLING AS NEW GOP SNAP CUTS TAKE EFFECT, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEW LEGISLATION TO PROTECT SNAP, WHICH 68,000+ SOUTHERN TIER FAMILIES, SENIORS, & VETS...",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Over The Summer, Trump Rushed To Pass Largest Cut To SNAP In History – Nearly $200 BILLION - To Fund Tax Breaks For Billionaires With Those Cuts Beginning Now Just Before Thanksgiving; Food Banks Are Already Seeing Surging Need As Grocery Prices Skyrocket From Tariffs

Schumer Says These Cruel SNAP Cuts Hurt Our Families, Farmers, & Food Banks, And Now Is Announcing New Legislation To Keep Southern Tier Families Fed, Reverse Anti-Hunger Cuts

Schumer: Thanksgiving Is A Time For Us To Take Care Of Our Neighbors, And That Means Protecting SNAP

As Southern Tier food banks prepare to help families for Thanksgiving, just as GOP SNAP cuts start to take effect adding to already overwhelming demand, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced his new legislation – the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act – to repeal the devastating SNAP cuts set to rip away food from thousands of hungry kids and families across America. Standing at the Wellness Warehouse Food Pantry, Schumer said New Yorkers are already struggling to feed their families amid rising grocery costs due to tariffs, and losing vital food assistance because of the cuts in the Republican budget causing advocates to warn of a hunger crisis.

“SNAP isn’t an abstract policy or a number in a spreadsheet; it’s food, dignity, and survival for thousands of families here in the Southern Tier. Thanksgiving is around the corner, and food banks are already overwhelmed because of rising grocery costs due to tariffs, and now families are being hit with devastating cuts to food assistance that could hurtle us to a hunger crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m introducing the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act. This new bill will protect SNAP and stop thousands of New Yorkers from going hungry, and ensure every family has the basic security and dignity of food on the table. This is not a partisan issue; it is a moral issue.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY seniors, veterans, and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. SNAP provides an average of $187 per month in food aid to over 42 million people nationwide. 3 million New Yorkers receive SNAP benefits, including more than 68,000 in the Southern Tier. A county-by-county breakdown of New Yorkers in the Southern Tier on SNAP can be found below:

County

SNAP Recipients

Allegany

5,089

Broome

26,636

Chemung

13,953

Schuyler

1,742

Steuben

11,807

Tioga

4,995

Tompkins

7,471

Total

68,693

Schumer and colleagues’ new Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act would reverse the SNAP cuts in the “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” helping families put food on the table, food banks keep shelves stocked, and local farmers sell their local food products. The entire Democratic caucus has signed on to co-sponsor the legislation. The full text for the legislation can be seen HERE. The Republican-passed ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ this month began to rip away food benefits from millions of Americans, with even more cuts set to come in 2027 and 2028, eventually slashing or shutting off benefits for 4 million Americans and totaling nearly $200 BILLION in food assistance cuts, all to help pay for bigger tax breaks for billionaires.

More than 68,000 New Yorkers across the Southern Tier rely on SNAP benefits and Southern Tier food pantries along with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier have been working around the clock to keep our neighbors fed. Earlier this week, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier hit its record high for food distributions in its 44-year history, distributing over 149,000 lbs. of food. This is more than they distributed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With this growing need, Southern Tier families are losing vital food assistance as they bear the brunt of reductions to their SNAP benefits, leaving families scared, not knowing when their next meal will be.

According to new data from Hunger Free America, New York families are being slammed by higher prices at the grocery store. Half of New York families said they could not afford balanced meals, 24% said they were forced to buy less nutritious food for their children, 31% said they had to reduce portion sizes for their children, and 19% said they had to skip meals for their children. More than half of families said they were forced to obtain free food from food charities, with 60% having to wait an hour or more for food and 57% going to agencies that ran out of food.

“SNAP is the first line of defense for more than 39,000 Southern Tier households, providing nine times more meals than food banks ever could,” said Mark Bordeau, President & CEO of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. “These cuts are overwhelming families and our emergency network, and that’s why we need legislation now more than ever to restore the support our region depends on.”

Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, said, “Our new survey of New York State families with an annual income below $100,000 found that, over the past year, 75% faced higher costs of living and that more than twice as many said it became harder for them to afford food. On top of that, our separate survey of food charities across New York State found that 88% of these programs reported feeding an increasing number of New Yorkers in the last year, and 76% didn’t have enough food to meet the growing demand. These reports prove that sky-high living costs, combined with the overall decline of the middle class and massive cuts by conservatives to the social service safety net, have caused a major hunger crisis statewide in New York. Senator Schumer understands these threats better than anyone, which is why we stand firmly with him in to support his calls for federal policy changes to slash U.S. hunger by repealing recent cuts, strengthening the middle class, and boosting economic opportunity for all.”

Suzianna Fritz, Director of Emergency Services for Catholic Charities of Chemung & Schuyler said, “In recent days, we’ve seen new faces—people who have never needed help before—coming to us because they’re fearful they won’t have enough food. Most of the individuals in our programs rely on SNAP benefits, and when those benefits are delayed or reduced, the impact is immediate. Our food pantries are stepping up to support both our program participants and others in the community who are struggling. Thanks to our strong partnership with the Food Bank, we’ve been able to keep shelves stocked and respond quickly, but with the cost of everything rising, cuts to SNAP are simply not an option. Feeding people is a top priority for us. At Schuyler Outreach, we are now serving an average of 220 households each month, and at the Samaritan Center Food Pantry, that number is nearly 1,000 households. These numbers represent real families who depend on us—and on SNAP—to get by.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-thanksgiving-around-the-corner-and-food-banks-struggling-as-new-gop-snap-cuts-take-effect-schumer-announces-new-legislation-to-protect-snap-which-nearly-200000-western-ny-families-seniors-and-vets-rely-on-help-local-farmers-and-save-county-budgets-from-paying-for-devastating-food-cuts,"WITH THANKSGIVING AROUND THE CORNER AND FOOD BANKS STRUGGLING AS NEW GOP SNAP CUTS TAKE EFFECT, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEW LEGISLATION TO PROTECT SNAP, WHICH NEARLY 200,000 WESTERN NY FAMILIES, SENIORS, &...",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Over The Summer, Trump Rushed To Pass Largest Cut To SNAP In History – Nearly $200 BILLION - To Fund Tax Breaks For Billionaires With Those Cuts Beginning Now Just Before Thanksgiving; Food Banks Are Already Seeing Surging Need As Grocery Prices Skyrocket From Tariffs

Schumer Says These Cruel SNAP Cuts Hurt Our Families, Farmers, & Food Banks, And Now Is Announcing New Legislation To Keep Western NY Families Fed, Reverse Anti-Hunger Cuts

Schumer: Thanksgiving Is A Time For Us To Take Care Of Our Neighbors, And That Means Protecting SNAP

As Western NY food banks prepare to help families for Thanksgiving, just as GOP SNAP cuts start to take effect adding to already overwhelming demand, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced his new legislation – the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act – to repeal the devastating SNAP cuts set to rip away food from thousands of hungry kids and families across America. Standing at the Warming House, the St. Bonaventure University soup kitchen, Schumer said New Yorkers are already struggling to feed their families amid rising grocery costs due to tariffs, and losing vital food assistance because of the cuts in the Republican budget causing advocates to warn of a hunger crisis.

“SNAP isn’t an abstract policy or a number in a spreadsheet; it’s food, dignity, and survival for thousands of families here in Western NY. Thanksgiving is around the corner, and food banks are already overwhelmed because of rising grocery costs due to tariffs, and now families are being hit with devastating cuts to food assistance that could hurtle us to a hunger crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m introducing the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act. This new bill will protect SNAP and stop thousands of New Yorkers from going hungry, and ensure every family has the basic security and dignity of food on the table. This is not a partisan issue; it is a moral issue.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY seniors, veterans, and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. SNAP provides an average of $187 per month in food aid to over 42 million people nationwide. 3 million New Yorkers receive SNAP benefits, including nearly 200,000 in Western New York. A county-by-county breakdown for those in Western New York on SNAP can be found below:

County

SNAP Recipients

Cattaraugus

10,359

Chautauqua

23,148

Erie

139,597

Niagara

26,641

Total

199,745

Schumer and colleagues’ new Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act would reverse the SNAP cuts in the “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” helping families put food on the table, food banks keep shelves stocked, and local farmers sell their local food products. The entire Democratic caucus has signed on to co-sponsor the legislation. The full text for the legislation can be seen HERE. The Republican-passed ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ this month began to rip away food benefits from millions of Americans, with even more cuts set to come in 2027 and 2028, eventually slashing or shutting off benefits for 4 million Americans and totaling nearly $200 BILLION in food assistance cuts, all to help pay for bigger tax breaks for billionaires.

As food insecurity continues to escalate across Western NY and the nation, local food security organizations and pantries in Cattaraugus County are facing an alarming surge in demand. In 2024, the Warming House, St. Bonaventure’s 51-year-old student-run soup kitchen, provided over 22,000 meals to the community, reflecting a significant rise in need since 2021. Similarly, FeedMore WNY saw a 27% increase in demand across Cattaraugus County since 2021, reaching nearly 11,000 people in 2024 alone. The Olean Food Pantry had also experienced a sharp uptick, more than doubling its pre-pandemic service levels to assist over 27,000 individuals and families in 2024.

According to new data from Hunger Free America, New York families are being slammed by higher prices at the grocery store. Half of New York families said they could not afford balanced meals, 24% said they were forced to buy less nutritious food for their children, 31% said they had to reduce portion sizes for their children, and 19% said they had to skip meals for their children. More than half of families said they were forced to obtain free food from food charities, with 60% having to wait an hour or more for food and 57% going to agencies that ran out of food.

“Hunger exists in every corner of Western New York. There are children, seniors, veterans, and families in all parts of our community who rely on nutritional assistance programs to make sure there is enough food on the table each month. The most important of those programs is SNAP. FeedMore WNY and our network of partner agencies are here to make sure no one falls through the cracks, but SNAP is the first line of defense against hunger. When SNAP alone is not enough, people turn to us for additional assistance, and there are more people in need of assistance every year. In Cattaraugus County alone, the number of people helped by FeedMore WNY has increased 27% in the last three years,” said Collin Bishop, FeedMore WNY Chief Communications Officer. “FeedMore WNY is incredibly grateful for Senator Chuck Schumer’s long-time support of FeedMore WNY. Senator Schumer is always there to help us address the nutritional needs in our community, he is a strong advocate for SNAP and FeedMore WNY’s nutritional assistance programs, and we are grateful for his partnership and leadership in Washington.”

“For 51 years — no matter what else is going on in the world around us — the Warming House has been solely focused on serving the needs of the people of this community and has always been a wonderful representation of our Franciscan mission,” said Fr. Stephen Mimnaugh, O.F.M., vice president for Mission Integration. “St. Bonaventure students have responded to the needs of the greater Olean area by providing a place to gather, enjoy community, experience belonging and, of course, receive a hot, nutritious meal. We thank Sen. Schumer for honoring the same values we Franciscans hold dear.”

Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, said, “Our new survey of New York State families with an annual income below $100,000 found that, over the past year, 75% faced higher costs of living and that more than twice as many said it became harder for them to afford food. On top of that, our separate survey of food charities across New York State found that 88% of these programs reported feeding an increasing number of New Yorkers in the last year, and 76% didn’t have enough food to meet the growing demand. These reports prove that sky-high living costs, combined with the overall decline of the middle class and massive cuts by conservatives to the social service safety net, have caused a major hunger crisis statewide in New York. Senator Schumer understands these threats better than anyone, which is why we stand firmly with him to support his calls for federal policy changes to slash U.S. hunger by repealing recent cuts, strengthening the middle class, and boosting economic opportunity for all.”

“The Olean Food Pantry is a crucial link to combating poverty and food insecurity across Western New York by providing immediate, nutritious relief to thousands of hungry families, children, seniors and individuals every week,” said Dave Potter, President of Olean Food Pantry. “We are directly impacted by the urgent need for increased anti-hunger programming and support, and constantly prepare for long-term demand increases due to ongoing economic uncertainty with thinly stretched resources. New federal restrictions to SNAP in 2026 will result in an aggravated regional hunger crisis. Our clients rely on the Olean Food Pantry as a critical community safety net, and we count on and are grateful for legislation that will strengthen food insecurity programs.”

“As a representative payee, I work closely with individuals who rely on fixed, often very limited incomes, and I see firsthand the consequences of recent SNAP delays,” said Jessica Burkett, a Representative Payee at Directions in Independent Living. “These delays and cuts create immediate gaps in food access, increased stress, and a heightened risk of health decline for the people I serve. Due to the delay, individuals living on very low fixed incomes were forced to use their limited personal funds for food that would have otherwise been covered by SNAP, leaving them unable to meet other essential needs. These unmet needs include critical medications, co-pays for medical and mental-health appointments, transportation to essential services, basic hygiene items, and, in some cases, stable housing costs such as utilities or partial rent contributions. For many, even small, unexpected expenses can destabilize their entire monthly budget. When SNAP fails to arrive on time, these individuals are forced into impossible choices: skipping medications, missing appointments, losing access to transportation, or failing behind on bills – each of which directly threatens their health and stability.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-president-trumps-calls-for-violence-against-democratic-senators-and-members-of-congress/,Gillibrand Statement On President Trump’s Calls For Violence Against Democratic Senators And Members Of Congress,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"In response to President Trump’s social media posts calling for the deaths of several Democratic senators and House members, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:

“We have reached an extremely perilous moment in our history. The president of the United States calling for the death of his political opponents is disgusting, outrageous, and downright dangerous. These members of Congress have all served their country honorably and were simply stating the law as it stands, and President Trump is putting their lives in danger for opposing his political agenda. I call on all of my Republican colleagues to condemn President Trump’s disgraceful rhetoric immediately.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senator-gillibrand-demands-that-the-trump-administration-release-funding-to-help-new-yorkers-heat-their-homes/,Senator Gillibrand Demands That The Trump Administration Release Funding To Help New Yorkers Heat Their Homes,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"1.5 Million New Yorkers Rely On The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) To Heat Their Homes

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand that the Trump administration immediately release federal LIHEAP funding, which helps low-income New Yorkers heat their homes through the state’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

“As energy prices rise and temperatures drop, the Trump administration is leaving New Yorkers out in the cold by refusing to release LIHEAP funding,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We’ve seen the consequences of cold before—from fires caused by space heaters to winter storms endangering the lives of people trapped in unheated homes. We can’t let New Yorkers suffer in the cold. The Trump administration must immediately follow the law and release LIHEAP funding so that New Yorkers can stay warm without breaking the bank.”

LIHEAP helps over a million low-income households across the state afford their energy bills and make cost-effective repairs to their heating systems. The program is administered by the state but funded by the federal government. States and tribes typically receive their LIHEAP allocations from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by early November, but funding was put on hold during the Republican government shutdown. The funding bill that ended the government shutdown included the same level of funding for LIHEAP as last year. However, the Trump administration still has not released the $4 billion in federal funding that has been allocated for the program, delaying New York’s ability to open applications and begin distributing the funds.

Gillibrand is leading a bipartisan push to demand that the administration release these funds without delay. Alongside Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), she sent a letter outlining this demand to the administration last week. The full letter text can be found here.

Gillibrand has been a longstanding advocate for LIHEAP. Every year, she helps secure hundreds of millions in funding for New York’s program. She also cosponsors legislation to expand LIHEAP and ensure that no household pays more than three percent of its annual income on energy costs. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Gillibrand also joined successful bipartisan efforts to save and fund the program after the Trump administration proposed eliminating LIHEAP in its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget request.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-big-news-for-upstate-dairy-farmers-senator-announces-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-offer-more-milk-options-in-school-cafeterias,SCHUMER: BIG NEWS FOR UPSTATE DAIRY FARMERS! SENATOR ANNOUNCES SENATE PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN BILL TO OFFER MORE MILK OPTIONS IN SCHOOL CAFETERIAS,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Bipartisan Bill Will Allow Unflavored & Flavored, Whole & Reduced Fat Milk To Be Offered To Students In School Cafeterias Across New York State

Schumer Says This Is Win-Win To Support Upstate NY Dairy Farmers And Bring Nutritious New Milk Options To School Cafeterias

Schumer: Got (Whole) Milk? More Milk Options Coming To Students Across New York

Today, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer announced the Senate passage of the bipartisan, bicameral Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act he supported, which allows unflavored and flavored whole and reduced-fat milk to be offered in school cafeterias. Schumer highlighted the health benefits of drinking milk and explained that adding more milk options in cafeterias will increase students’ milk consumption.

“Milk is an essential part of our students’ school lunches and the lifeblood of our Upstate NY agricultural economy. I was proud to support the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act to ensure more milk options are available in school cafeterias across America,” said Senator Schumer. “This is a win-win for local New York dairy farmers who can sell their products and kids who will have more healthy and delicious drink options at lunchtime. I have long fought to boost New York’s dairy industry and will continue fighting to ensure our farmers’ products are widely available.”

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 highlights the health benefits milk provides to students, including better bone health, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes. According to the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), milk is a source of two under-consumed nutrients, calcium, and vitamin D. In addition, recent scientific and medical research indicates higher-fat milk consumption by children is associated with lower childhood obesity and other positive health outcomes.

Schools participating in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) school meals program have not been permitted to serve whole milk since 2012. More varieties and options will increase the amount of milk students will drink, allowing them to benefit from the nutritional content of various milk varieties.

The dairy industry is one of New York's largest contributors to the agricultural economy. According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Dairy statistics, there are nearly 3,000 dairy farms in New York that produce over 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation’s fifth largest dairy state. From backing an extension of the Dairy Margin Coverage Program to fund monthly price support payments from the feds to dairy farmers to ensuring Greek yogurt is included in the USDA’s school lunch program, Schumer has long fought for policies that support New York’s dairy farmers and bring expanded healthy options to school cafeterias.

The text of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act can be found HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-demands-trump-admin-immediately-reverse-cruel-decision-to-abruptly-cancel-naturalization-ceremonies-across-new-york-and-reschedule-ceremonies-for-the-hundreds-of-families-stuck-in-limbo-so-new-americans-can-become-citizens,"SCHUMER DEMANDS TRUMP ADMIN IMMEDIATELY REVERSE CRUEL DECISION TO ABRUPTLY CANCEL NATURALIZATION CEREMONIES ACROSS NEW YORK, AND RESCHEDULE CEREMONIES FOR THE HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES STUCK IN LIMBO SO...",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Without Warning, County Clerks Were Notified That Ceremonies For Hundreds of Families That Have Gone Through The Lengthy Citizenship Process Have Been Canceled In Westchester, Rockland, Schenectady, Washington, Broome, Tompkins, And Onondaga

Schumer: These New Yorkers Were Days Away From Becoming Citizens, Ripping That Away Is Just Plain Cruel

Amid reports that the Trump administration has indefinitely canceled naturalization ceremonies across New York, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer today demanded U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow immediately reschedule these ceremonies. Schumer said naturalization ceremonies are the final step in new Americans’ journey to citizenship, and canceling these ceremonies only is creating confusion & chaos for counties and these families who have spent years working to become citizens.

“Across New York, families were preparing for one of the happiest days of their lives, only to have the rug pulled out from under them by the Trump administration. These New Yorkers played by the rules and went through years of navigating the immigration system to become a citizen. They represent the American dream and deserve to take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a citizen,” said Senator Schumer. “It is cruel, it’s wrong and has led to heartache and mass confusion in counties throughout New York. They are adding more hurdles and reducing the venues for people to become citizens, and these unexplained cancellations fly in the face of USCIS’s obligations under the law. Stop playing politics with these people’s lives. The Trump administration must immediately reverse course and reschedule these ceremonies and so that these families can complete their long journey to become new Americans.”

Across New York, local officials are receiving notifications that planned naturalization ceremonies will not take place. USCIS has said that courts in certain New York counties are ineligible to conduct naturalization ceremonies but gave no indication for when these ceremonies will be reinstated. So far, seven counties across New York – Westchester, Rockland, Schenectady, Washington, Broome, Tompkins, and Onondaga – have received notification that ceremonies will be canceled indefinitely, leaving hundreds of New Yorkers and their families in limbo.

Schumer in a letter to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow explained these naturalization ceremonies are the critical final step towards citizenship for new Americans, and the abrupt cancellations effectively deny New Yorkers access to citizenship. The senator demanded the Trump administration reschedule these ceremonies and requested a plan for USCIS’ plan to expand access to citizenship services.

Schumer’s letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow can be found HERE or below:

Dear Director Edlow,

My office has received extremely concerning reports that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has indefinitely cancelled naturalization ceremonies across multiple counties in New York without providing a clear reason, legal justification, or plan for rescheduling them. As a result, New Yorkers who have completed every legal requirement find themselves unable to take the Oath of Allegiance. These cancellations are effectively denying access to citizenship and represent a serious departure from the policies and legal responsibilities of USCIS. I urge you to immediately reverse course on this decision.

Taking the Oath of Allegiance is not only a symbolic step that many and their families look forward to, but it is a legal requirement without which a person cannot become a U.S. citizen. It is therefore of upmost importance that these naturalization ceremonies take place and are not unnecessarily delayed.

As you are aware, federal law under Section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as implemented by 8 C.F.R. §337, requires that, “naturalization ceremonies…be conducted…as frequently as necessary to ensure timely naturalization, but in all events at least once monthly where it is required to minimize unreasonable delays.” Indefinite postponements or unexplained cancellations are directly inconsistent with your obligations under federal law.

I find no reasonable explanation why USCIS would notify county clerks of these cancellations without communicating a clear timeline of when these ceremonies will be rescheduled or whether they will take place in alternative locations. In fact, these USCIS actions appear to be part of a broader pattern of restricting who participates in naturalization ceremonies, reducing the number of venues, and increasing the number of hurdles New Yorkers face to become U.S. citizens.

New Yorkers deserve clear communication and timely access to their lawful right to citizenship. I hope to hear soon from you about your plan to restart these naturalization ceremonies and how you plan to increase access to USCIS services to New Yorkers across the state. I appreciate your prompt attention and look forward to your response.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-kim-pingree-goldman-and-anti-hunger-leaders-demand-increased-action-to-fight-hunger/,"Gillibrand, Kim, Pingree, Goldman, And Anti-Hunger Leaders Demand Increased Action To Fight Hunger",2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"***A Recording of The Press Conference is Available Here***

47 Million Americans—Including Roughly 2.4 Million New Yorkers—Experienced Food Insecurity in 2023

Hunger Free America Released New National Reports To Fill The Information Gap Caused By The Elimination of USDA’s Annual Hunger Survey

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined advocates at a press conference to demand better policies to combat hunger in America.

The press conference follows the Trump administration’s repeated actions to cut food assistance and raise food costs, which are making it harder for Americans to put food on the table. Earlier this year, President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—the largest food assistance program in the country—by $186 billion. President Trump also refused to expeditiously tap into the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) contingency fund to provide SNAP benefits during the Republican government shutdown, disrupting food aid for millions of Americans.

“Hunger Free America’s new reports show just how pervasive hunger is in our country. But instead of stepping in to help Americans, the Trump administration is doing the opposite—cutting the very programs that feed hungry families,” said Senator Gillibrand. “By cutting food aid programs like SNAP, the Trump administration is undermining a critical lifeline that nearly 3 million New Yorkers rely on to put food on the table. The administration must put the American people first and take action to curb hunger.”

Senator Gillibrand was joined at the press conference by Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Reps. Dan Goldman (D-NY-10) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), as well as Hunger Free America CEO Joel Berg and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman.

“Hunger Free America’s new study confirms what I’m hearing from people across New Jersey — costs are too high and it’s only getting harder to put food on the table,” said Senator Kim. “A trip to the grocery or the pharmacy should never break the bank. We can solve hunger, but not while the Trump administration continues to cruelly weaponize hunger as a political tool. We owe the American people better, and I look forward to working with advocates like Hunger Free America to deliver a future where hunger is a thing of the past.”

“The Trump Administration can try to bury the truth by canceling the annual food security report, spreading misinformation about SNAP fraud, and dismissing decades of research as ‘fear-mongering,’ but families across the country know all too well how real the hunger crisis is. And it’s only getting worse under Trump and Republicans, who have hollowed out the safety net and driven basic costs beyond reach,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus. “Hunger Free America is doing what this Administration refuses to do: document the lived reality of millions of Americans with credible, independent data that exposes the crisis Republicans in power are desperate to ignore. In Congress, many of us are fighting to protect SNAP, strengthen anti-hunger programs, and invest in commonsense solutions to reduce food waste and expand access to healthy meals. We’re not backing down—no matter how hard this Administration tries to hide the reality of hunger in America.”

At the press conference, Hunger Free America released two studies on hunger in the U.S. to fill the information gap created by the Trump administration’s elimination of the USDA’s annual U.S. Household Food Security survey. The reports can be found here.

Senator Gillibrand has been a champion of anti-hunger legislation throughout her career. When SNAP funding lapsed during the Republican government shutdown, Gillibrand championed the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act, which aimed to ensure that SNAP and WIC benefits would continue uninterrupted during the shutdown. Earlier this year, she also reintroduced the Closing the Meal Gap Act, legislation that would expand and strengthen SNAP benefits and help those with large medical and housing expenses to qualify for SNAP. She also reintroduced the Enhance Access to SNAP (EATS) Act, which would expand SNAP eligibility to all college students attending 2- and 4-year universities and other continuing education programs who meet traditional SNAP income and eligibility requirements. Furthermore, Senator Gillibrand champions the Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act, which would combat food deserts by providing financial incentives to establish grocery stores in areas where Americans lack easy access to fresh food retailers.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-leads-colleagues-in-demanding-trump-administration-stop-stalling-toxic-chemical-cleanups-protect-military-families-and-nearby-communities/,"Gillibrand Leads Colleagues In Demanding Trump Administration Stop Stalling Toxic Chemical Cleanups, Protect Military Families And Nearby Communities",2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Trump Administration Delaying Toxic PFAS Chemical Cleanup at Approximately 150 Military Installations, Putting Remediation Efforts On Hold For Nearly A Decade In Some Cases

Holdups Are Affecting DOD Facilities Across New York State

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is leading the charge to keep service members and families in communities near military bases safe from toxic chemicals.

Today, Senator Gillibrand led 27 Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding that the Trump administration reverse its decision to delay the cleanup of toxic chemicals at military installations across the country and take action to protect military families and nearby communities by addressing contamination at the affected sites.

In a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the senators called on the Trump administration to immediately restore the previous timetable for remediating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at U.S. military bases and to reverse plans that would further delay long-overdue cleanups.

“For years, communities contaminated by PFAS from nearby DOD installations in our states have waited for the DOD to take action. We request that the Department reverse its decision, return to the previous timetable released in December 2024, and accelerate efforts to remediate confirmed PFAS contamination,” the senators wrote.

At least 700 military sites in the United States are known or suspected to have PFAS contamination from DOD activities. DOD’s delayed timetable would postpone cleanup efforts at approximately 150 of them, in some cases for nearly a decade. Specifically, DOD pushed back the time frame of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) phase for these bases, which involves collecting detailed information on the nature and extent of the PFAS contamination and conducting a study to evaluate potential options for cleanup.

PFAS chemicals are widespread contaminants found in many industrial applications and especially around U.S. military installations. PFAS exposure is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid issues, and more. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at Department of Defense (DOD) facilities, and the subsequent stormwater runoff, is a significant source of drinking water pollution. This contamination poses serious health risks to service members and their families, as well as surrounding communities.

Senator Gillibrand was joined on the letter by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Senator Gillibrand has long been at the forefront of protecting service members, veterans, and New York communities from toxic chemicals and PFAS contamination.

This year, Senator Gillibrand introduced bipartisan legislation to require regular monitoring for PFAS at DOD installations and facilitate implementation of base-specific best management practices for PFAS contamination at military sites and in surrounding communities. She is also the author of the burn pits section of the PACT Act and has pushed back against Trump administration efforts to strip health care benefits from veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.

The full text of the senators’ letter to Secretary Hegseth can be found here.

A full list of military installations affected by the delays can be found here.

A list of the military installations in New York that are affected by the Trump administration delays can be found below:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-urges-passage-of-her-bill-to-ban-stock-trading-by-members-of-congress-and-other-senior-government-officials/,Gillibrand Urges Passage Of Her Bill To Ban Stock Trading By Members Of Congress And Other Senior Government Officials,2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, in light of the House Administration Committee’s hearing on congressional stock trading, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand reiterated her call to pass legislation she authored to ban stock trading by senior government officials.

The No Stock Act, which Senator Gillibrand introduced earlier this year, would ban officials, including members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, the president, the vice president, and their immediate families, from holding or trading stocks and certain other financial assets.

“It’s simple: elected officials should be focused on your family’s financial security, not their own stock portfolios,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The current rules just aren’t cutting it when it comes to preventing conflicts of interest. I’m fighting to pass the No Stock Act – a straightforward bill that would stop members of Congress and their immediate families, as well as other senior government officials, from trading individual stocks. This is about common sense, ensuring fairness, and putting public service ahead of personal profit.”

Despite the passage of Senator Gillibrand’s STOCK Act in 2012 – which bars congressmembers from using insider information to buy and sell stocks – recent data indicates that one in three members of Congress traded stocks or other financial assets from 2019-2021, and over 3,700 of those trades posed potential conflicts of interest with their legislative responsibilities. Senator Gillibrand’s No Stock Act would help eliminate these conflicts of interest by banning stock trading for high-ranking government officials altogether.

Senator Gillibrand has been a champion for transparency and good government throughout her career. Aside from leading Senate passage of the STOCK Act in 2012, she was the first member of Congress to post a daily report listing her official meetings, personal financial disclosures, earmark requests, and taxes online. In 2023, she also introduced the bipartisan Ban Stock Trading for Government Officials Act, legislation that aimed to create stringent stock trading bans and disclosure requirements for Congress, senior executive branch officials, and their spouses and dependents.

The full text of the No Stock Act can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/amid-rising-costs-for-seniors-gillibrand-colleagues-demand-trump-release-next-round-of-medicare-negotiated-drug-prices/,"Amid Rising Costs For Seniors, Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Trump Release Next Round Of Medicare-Negotiated Drug Prices",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"As Costs For Seniors Skyrocket, Gillibrand Calls on Trump to Focus on Lowering Prices, End Revolving Door of Special Interests

Today, as costs for seniors continue to climb, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the top Democrat on the Senate Special Committee on Aging, demanded that President Trump release the list of the most recent Medicare-negotiated drug prices. She also blasted President Trump for bringing Big Pharma executives and special interests to the White House to tout ambiguous “deals,” offering little insight into how, when, or even if they will lower costs for Americans.

“As costs continue to skyrocket, Americans deserve clarity about how much they will need to pay for the medications they rely on,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Medicare negotiations Democrats fought for are lowering prescription drug prices, and I’m proud to have helped pass legislation that will deliver real savings for older Americans. The Trump administration should end their revolving door show of pharmaceutical industry representatives, immediately release the 2027 Medicare-negotiated prices, and focus on making a difference for older Americans struggling under the weight of high costs.”

Senator Gillibrand’s call comes as the cost of groceries, energy, and other everyday essentials continue to climb for American seniors, while Social Security cost-of-living adjustments fail to keep pace. Newly announced Medicare Part B premium hikes will take up roughly one-third of the average annual Social Security benefit increase next year.

“You continue to host flashy Oval Office press conferences announcing so-called ‘historic’ drug pricing deals standing beside pharmaceutical company CEOs,” the senators wrote in a letter to President Trump. “We are skeptical, and implore you to release the 2027 Medicare-negotiated prices. This will lay bare the facts: Medicare drug price negotiations meaningfully lowers the price of prescription drugs, unlike your opaque Oval Office announcements.”

Seniors and taxpayers will save billions of dollars due to Democrats giving Medicare the long overdue power to lower drug prices in 2022. The 15 Medicare-negotiated drugs that will be lowered in January 2027 include medications like Ozempic and Xtandi, though the Trump administration has not yet announced their prices. In one year alone, Medicare has spent more than $40 billion on these 15 drugs. On the other hand, President Trump and Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” bailed out some of the world’s best-selling drugs from being included in Medicare negotiations, forcing seniors suffering from illnesses such as cancer to pay sky-high prices for life-saving drugs.

“Your false promises on drug prices follow the same tired pattern of big talk about lowering costs without delivering. It is time to release the 2027 Medicare-negotiated drug prices so the American people can learn what to expect about their drug costs and see which party’s drug pricing policies actually make a difference for their pocketbook,” the senators concluded.

In addition to Ranking Member Gillibrand, the letter is cosigned by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), as well as Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, Senator Gillibrand is continuing her longstanding fight to increase benefits and lower costs for seniors. She recently introduced the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act, which would provide a $200-per-month increase to Social Security checks until July 2026, and the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act, which would increase Social Security benefits by leveraging the formula used to calculate yearly cost-of-living adjustments to better account for seniors’ expenses. In response to Trump administration cuts and overhauls at the Social Security Administration, she has rallied alongside seniors and unions to demand a reversal of staffing and service reductions, and she introduced the Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act to undo President Trump’s damage to the agency.

Senator Gillibrand is also part of Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attacks on Social Security and to ensure the American people can continue to rely on these essential programs that they have earned. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about the Republican agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-democratic-colleagues-call-on-leader-thune-to-quickly-bring-the-epstein-files-transparency-act-to-floor-for-vote/,"Gillibrand, Democratic Colleagues Call On Leader Thune To Quickly Bring The Epstein Files Transparency Act To Floor For Vote",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and the rest of the Senate Democratic caucus, called on Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to immediately bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act to the Senate floor for a vote, without delay or unnecessary process distractions.

Their letter follows the U.S. House of Representatives’ overwhelming bipartisan approval of the measure by a vote of 427–1. For more than two decades, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have sought justice and accountability for his alleged sexual crimes involving underage girls. The bipartisan legislation would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all documents and records related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, ensuring transparency and providing the American people with access to critical information.

“The victims of Jeffrey Epstein – and the American people – deserve answers, accountability and the truth,” wrote the senators. “So far, they have only seen empty promises from President Trump and his Administration. Now that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has acted to provide transparency on this matter – we call on you to quickly hold a vote in the U.S. Senate to help deliver the accountability that was promised and that so many Americans are demanding.”

“Despite multiple Senate oversight requests and House subpoenas for release of the full and complete Epstein files, the DOJ and FBI have refused to produce any information to the Senate and have failed to provide the complete set of files to the House,” wrote the senators.

In a social media post over the weekend, President Donald J. Trump abruptly changed course and encouraged House Republicans to vote for the bill, despite having tried for months to prevent the complete release of the files. Given longstanding efforts by President Trump and his administration to slow-walk or discourage the release of these files, the Senate must take action to provide transparency and help restore the public’s trust.

“The U.S. Senate has the chance to show strong leadership and swiftly pass this legislation,” concluded the senators. “We urge you to promptly proceed to the consideration of H.R. 4405 on the Senate floor pursuant to Senate Rule XIV, so that the legislation can be immediately placed on the Senate Calendar.”

Joining Senators Gillibrand, Schumer, Durbin, Peters, and Merkley in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-announce-more-than-100-million-for-new-low-and-no-emission-buses-plus-key-transit-improvements-across-new-york-state/,"Gillibrand, Schumer Announce More Than $100 Million For New Low- And No Emission Buses — Plus Key Transit Improvements Across New York State",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"The funding was secured and distributed under the FY25-26 Low or No Emission Grant Program and the FY25 Buses & Bus Facilities Program

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD), and Minority Leader Charles Schumer today announced $100,812,140 in federal funding to modernize bus fleets and expand low- and no-emission transit across New York State. The grants, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and awarded through the Federal Transit Administration’s FY25–26 Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low-No Program) and the FY25 Buses & Bus Facilities Program, will support the purchase or lease of low- and zero-emission buses, the rehabilitation and modernization of transit facilities, and investments in related equipment and infrastructure.

“As New York continues to build cleaner, more reliable transportation systems, I’m proud to deliver this critical federal funding,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These investments will modernize bus fleets, improve service for riders, and help reduce emissions in communities across the state. I’ll keep fighting to make sure our transit agencies have the resources they need to serve New Yorkers safely and sustainably.”

“Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, investment is flowing to purchase clean, new buses and improve bus services across New York. From purchasing new low-pollution, hybrid buses in Albany to helping create a faster, smoother commute for downtown Syracuse, this over $100 million in federal funding will help deliver the better, more modern, and cleaner transit services New Yorkers deserve,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding will keep the wheels of our local economies rolling, reduce emissions, and put New Yorkers on the road to a brighter future.”

The full list of funded projects is below:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-100-million-for-new-low_and-no-emission-buses--plus-key-transit-improvements-across-new-york-state,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $100 MILLION FOR NEW LOW- AND NO EMISSION BUSES — PLUS KEY TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The funding was secured and distributed under the FY25-26 Low or No Emission Grant Program and the FY25 Buses & Bus Facilities Program

Minority Leader Charles Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD), today announced $100,812,140 in federal funding to modernize bus fleets and expand low- and no-emission transit across New York State. The grants, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and awarded through the Federal Transit Administration’s FY25–26 Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low-No Program) and the FY25 Buses & Bus Facilities Program, will support the purchase or lease of low- and zero-emission buses, the rehabilitation and modernization of transit facilities, and investments in related equipment and infrastructure.

“Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, investment is flowing to purchase clean, new buses and improve bus services across New York. From purchasing new low-pollution, hybrid buses in Albany to helping create a faster, smoother commute for downtown Syracuse, this over $100 million in federal funding will help deliver the better, more modern, and cleaner transit services New Yorkers deserve,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding will keep the wheels of our local economies rolling, reduce emissions, and put New Yorkers on the road to a brighter future.”

“As New York continues to build cleaner, more reliable transportation systems, I’m proud to deliver this critical federal funding,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These investments will modernize bus fleets, improve service for riders, and help reduce emissions in communities across the state. I’ll keep fighting to make sure our transit agencies have the resources they need to serve New Yorkers safely and sustainably.”

The full list of funded projects is below:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/standing-at-the-turning-point-of-the-american-revolution-schumer-reveals-vital-historic-fund-which-has-delivered-6-million-for-the-saratoga-battlefield-just-expired-senator-announces-new-legislation-and-launches-all-out-push-to-restore-critical-preservation-program-to-ensure-americas-history-lives-on-as-we-begin-americas-250th-anniversary-celebration,"STANDING AT THE TURNING POINT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, SCHUMER REVEALS VITAL HISTORIC FUND, WHICH HAS DELIVERED $6+ MILLION FOR THE SARATOGA BATTLEFIELD, JUST EXPIRED; SENATOR ANNOUNCES NEW...",2025-11-17,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Battles Of Saratoga Marked America’s First Decisive Victory And Saratoga National Historic Park Is Heart Of NY’s Revolutionary War History – And For Years Benefited From Fed $$ To Enhance The Site As Key Economic Driver For Capital Region

As We Approach The 250th Anniversary Of Our Country, Schumer Says We Cannot Let This Fund Expire And Announces “America the Beautiful Act” To Bolster Historic Sites Like Saratoga Battlefield And Increase Funding To Preserve Our National Parks In Preparation For America’s Semi Quincentennial

Schumer: Restoring This Vital Fund Is Key To Protecting America’s History

Standing at the turning point of the American Revolution on the Saratoga Battlefield, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer announced he is pushing the America the Beautiful Act and launched his efforts to restore its critical Legacy Restoration Fund which has delivered over $6 million in vital funding to Saratoga National Historic Park. The restoration fund expired last month, and this new legislation would continue delivering vital resources to historic sites like the Saratoga Battlefield and increase funding to national parks & historic sites to ensure America’s history lives on as we approach the 250th anniversary of our great nation.

“The Battles of Saratoga were the turning point of the American Revolution, our first decisive victory in the fight for independence. With America’s 250th anniversary rapidly approaching, it is more important than ever to preserve America’s rich cultural heritage. I was proud to help establish the Legacy Restoration Fund which has delivered over $6 million for critical repairs across Saratoga National Historic Park, but that program just ran out of funding this past month, which takes away a vital resource for preserving historic sites and our patriotic history just as we ready for America’s semi quincentennial,” said Senator Schumer. “That is why I am here to announce I am pushing the America the Beautiful Act to not only restore this program that Saratoga relies on, but increase funding to protect our lands, address years of backlogs at our national parks, and preserve America’s rich history. We must ensure America’s history lives on for the next generation and the Capital Region continues to have the funds to support this site as a major regional economic driver.”

The Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) has delivered nearly $2 billion for vital National Park upgrades to infrastructure such as bridges and roads, but more resources are needed to address the significant backlog of deferred maintenance at National Parks across the country. With America’s semi quincentennial celebrations just weeks away, Schumer said passing this legislation and ensuring the continuation of the LRF is key to boosting historic sites like Saratoga Battlefield, preserving America’s history, and improving parks which are significant tourism drivers.

The Saratoga Battlefield is a key part of New York’s rich cultural history, and the Battles of Saratoga in 1777 in which British forces were forced to surrender were the turning point of the American Revolution. It was America’s first decisive victory and convinced France to join the war as an American ally. In addition, the Saratoga250 Commission, Saratoga’s commission tasked with honoring America’s semi quincentennial, is preparing for the Knox Trail 250 in the coming weeks, a program honoring the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox’s historic journey carrying the heavy cannon from Fort Ticonderoga south beside the Hudson River, past what would later become the Saratoga Battlefield to Albany, and east to Boston. This will be the first semi quincentennial event in New York State.

The Legacy Restoration Fund has already delivered $6.6 million to improve the main tour road, pathway and interpretive signs throughout the Saratoga Battlefield. However, there is still a $14 million maintenance backlog at the Saratoga National Historic Park. After establishing the LRF in 2020 through the Great American Outdoors Act, Schumer and colleagues’ America the Beautiful Act would reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund through 2033 and increase its funding to $2 billion per year to help address the deferred maintenance backlog in national parks and public lands. There is currently a more than $23 billion deferred maintenance backlog at sites throughout the National Park System.

Schumer said extending the Legacy Restoration Fund is key to making much needed upgrades at historic sites like the Saratoga Battlefield across the country to increase local tourism. In the Capital Region, the Saratoga Battlefield is one of the region’s most significant economic drivers and upgrading facilities at the Saratoga Battlefield will help promote New York as the heart of Revolutionary tourism in preparation for America’s semi quincentennial. Every year, Saratoga National Historic Park welcomes more than 100,000 visitors and sees an economic output of $9 million.

In addition to fighting for more funding for repairs across the park, Schumer is also co-sponsoring legislation to rename the Saratoga National Historic Park to Saratoga National Battlefield Park.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/standing-with-north-country-businesses-being-crushed-by-trumps-tariff-war-as-new-yorkers-see-costs-skyrocket-by-4200-a-year-schumer-calls-to-end-trade-war-with-canada-and-demands-ny-house-republicans-immediately-take-up-bipartisan-senate-bill-to-stop-reckless-tariffs-and-restore-relations-with-neighbors-to-the-north,"STANDING WITH NORTH COUNTRY BUSINESSES BEING CRUSHED BY TRUMP’S TARIFF WAR, AS NEW YORKERS SEE COSTS SKYROCKET BY $4,200+ A YEAR, SCHUMER CALLS TO END TRADE WAR WITH CANADA AND DEMANDS NY HOUSE...",2025-11-17,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"President Trump Admitted This Past Week Grocery Bills Are Surging Because Of His Tariff War, And Local North Country Businesses & Watertown Families Are On The Frontlines After Summer Tourism Plummeted And Costs Skyrocketed

Schumer Says It’s Time For NY House Republicans To Stand Up For NY Families & Take Up His Just-Passed Bipartisan Senate Bill To End Trump’s Canadian Trade War Once And For All & Return Tariff Powers Where They Belong: In Congress

Schumer: Trump’s Terrible Tariffs Are A Tax Increase On North Country Families & Small Businesses; This Must End

Days after Trump admitted his tariffs are spiking the cost of groceries, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer — flanked by North Country small businesses and families, on the frontlines of rising prices and plummeting tourism from Trump’s reckless trade war— demanded the House immediately take up his just-passed bipartisan Senate bill to end the trade war with Canada. Schumer said North Country families and small businesses are being hit harder than nearly anywhere else in the country by Trump’s tariff war, with costs skyrocketing for New York families by $4,200 each year and, after a brutal summer-tourism season of declining visits from Canada, that we must end this reckless tariff war and stop this tax hike on Upstate NY families.

“Trump’s tariffs are a tax hike on North Country families and small businesses, plain and simple. Small businesses from Watertown to Plattsburgh are seeing costs go up and vital tourism plummet from Canada because of Trump’s reckless trade policy. Families are paying more at the grocery store, over $4,000 more every year because of Trump’s price-spiking tariff temper tantrums,” said Senator Schumer. “The North Country is paying the price for this reckless trade war that is driving away our closest ally and key trading partner, our neighbor to the North, Canada. The madness must stop. The Senate just passed a bipartisan bill to end Trump’s trade war with Canada, and I am here today to call on NY House Republicans to immediately bring it to the floor to stop these tax hikes on North Country families. Enough is enough, Republicans know how unpopular these tariffs are with Americans. Every single one of these dollars from the tariffs comes out of the pockets of American taxpayers, of North Country small businesses and families. It is time to end this trade war once and for all.”

Last month, Trump halted trade negotiations with Canada and threatened to increase tariffs on Canada to 45% in response to a television ad. Schumer declared it is time to put an end to Trump’s trade war with Canada that is hurting Main Streets across America and raising costs for working families.

According to a recent report from New York State, as a result of tariffs, costs are expected to increase for the average New York family by $4,200 every year. Residential utility bills are expected to increase, while the cost of building a new single-family home is expected to increase by approximately $11,000. In addition, nearly 500,000 jobs in New York State have been exposed to negative impacts from tariffs, especially in manufacturing, construction, and healthcare sectors. Schumer said Trump knows his tariffs are making costs surge which is why Trump canceled tariffs on hundreds of food products, but more must be done because New York families can’t afford to pay thousands of dollars more every year because of Trump’s latest price-spiking tariff temper tantrum.

Schumer added, “Trump admitted his tariffs are raising grocery prices which is why he was forced to cancel his tariffs on hundreds of food products, but that’s not enough. We must undo all of these tariff taxes that are driving up cost of living for American families.”

Small businesses from Watertown to Sackets Harbor, Ogdensburg to Colton, and across the North Country are feeling the pain from Trump’s tariffs.

1812 Brewing Company in Watertown had its award winning, American-made craft beer ripped off Ontario shelves in response to tariffs on Canada, slashing 10-15% of the company’s total business overnight, decreasing the company’s sales by at least $100,000 so far this year, and undoing years of hard work and investment to break into the Canadian market. In addition, declining tourism and cross-border traffic from Canada has cut business by 5-10% at the company’s restaurants on the Black River and Lake Ontario – 1812 on the River and 1812 on the Lake.

Apothecary Chocolates in Colton was forced to close its doors and lay off three full-time employees after tariffs surged the price of a bag of its specialty chocolate by more than 180% – from $125 in 2024 to over $350 as of August 2025.

The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority has struggled through a major drop-off in crossings at the Ogdensburg Prescott International Bridge, slashing toll revenue collection by more than $841,000 so far in 2025 and bridge traffic in the month of October by nearly 40,000 crossings year over year.

Monthly Boxer in Watertown has faced a significant downtick in customer volume, order flow, and total revenue, which the company attributes directly to tariff rates and their volatility. The company says customers are downsizing, delaying, and even cancelling orders because of tariff-driven uncertainty in pricing and demand.

Market on Main, a small independent retailer in Sackets Harbor, has experienced a noticeable decline in customer traffic and overall sales due to the impact of tariffs. Tariff-driven business closures have forced The Market to seek new suppliers for products such as chocolate, and absorb sharp prices increases on other items like olive oil and coffee.

Lake & River Roasters in Cape Vincent has watched adversarial rhetoric and trade policies aimed at Canada and other key trading partners drive away friends, family and repeat customers from across the border, as tariffs have doubled the average price of their imported coffee beans – from around $3 per pound to $6 or more – in less than one year. This has forced the company to either charge more for impacted products at the risk of pricing out customers or absorb the added costs at the risk of operating on unsustainable margins.

Johnson Newspaper Corps decided to reduce print publication of the Watertown Daily Times to five days a week earlier this year due to increased costs from tariffs.

Alcoa has predicted that tariffs will cost the aluminum producer about $850 million every year.

In addition, Schumer said Canadians are canceling trips to the United States because of Trump’s tariff war and his insulting threats to annex Canada as the 51st state, hurting Main Street businesses that rely on season and are already slammed by higher prices, with the North Country hit first and hardest. Businesses in Jefferson County have seen a decline in spending since Trump took office, with purchases on Visa credit cards decreasing more than 60% every month since March compared to the previous year. Every month since Trump took office, tourism has declined across all the major bridge ports of entry between New York and Canada compared to last year, according to CBP. Since the beginning of the year when Trump took office, Thousand Islands Bridge has seen nearly 260,000 crossings this year compared to last year. Below is a breakdown of the 22% drop in border crossings across New York State from the summer:

Month

2024 NY Border Crossings With Canada During Summer Tourism Season

2025

NY Border Crossings With Canada During Summer Tourism Season

May

1,520,452

1,144,534

June

1,747,830

1,371,711

July

2,229,192

1,731,296

August

2,376,881

1,903,890

TOTAL

7,874,355

6,151,431

“In recent years, 1812 Brewing Company has invested hundreds of man hours and made significant investments to gain entry into the Ontario, Canada market. Unfortunately, as a result of tariffs placed on Canada earlier this year, the Provincial Government of Ontario put a stop on the purchase of all American-made craft beer, including our gold medal winning War of 1812 Amber Ale. 10-15% of our total business was lost overnight, and in less than 10 months we have missed out on at least $100,000 in sales,” said Thomas W. Scozzafava, Chairman & CEO of 1812 Brewing Company. “To make matters worse, the strain placed on our relationship with Canada has substantially decreased tourism and cross-border traffic, causing a 5-10% decrease in business at our restaurants on the Black River and Lake Ontario. I hope that those deciding these policies - on both sides of the aisle - understand the true human impact of sudden and dramatic changes to the parameters of trade with our Canadian partners. I thank Senator Schumer for coming to our community to push for bipartisan legislation to roll back the tariffs on Canada harming small businesses like 1812, and for always fighting to protect New York State’s craft breweries.”

“Since the US-Canada tariff actions took effect in early 2025, OBPA’s cross-border operations have taken measurable hits. Last month, there were nearly 40,000 fewer bridge crossings, and revenue was down over 33% year over year. So far in 2025, total revenue is already down $841,000 and could rise to over $1 million by year’s end,” said Vernon “Sam” Burns, Board of Directors Chairperson, Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority. “The Authority’s business model is tightly tied to Canadian travelers and Canadian-linked freight. When tariffs go up, traffic goes down. It is the Authority’s mission to create sound economic and business development in Northern New York, but tariffs are currently preventing us from fulfilling that mission. The Authority applauds Senator Schumer for his bipartisan push to protect our region from the harmful impacts of tariffs and restore strong relations with our friends and neighbors to the north.”

""I am deeply disappointed and filled with sadness regarding the recent closure of my small chocolate business, which has been part of our rural Upstate New York community for eight years. Despite surviving the immense challenges of COVID-19, the sharp rise in costs and the impact of ongoing tariffs have made it financially impossible to continue operating,"" said Shelby Connelly, Owner, Apothecary Chocolates. ""Closing this business was heartbreaking—not only for me, but for the three people I employed and the customers who supported us year after year. I poured my effort, creativity, and heart into this work, and it is painful to lose something that meant so much to my community and to my livelihood. I hope that sharing my experience will highlight the very real struggles that small rural businesses are facing. We are the backbone of our communities, and when we can no longer withstand the pressures placed upon us, the entire region feels the loss.""

“My business sits at the crossroads of U.S.–Canada trade, providing shipping and logistics services to dozens of e-commerce companies and small brands from both countries. My clients rely on stable, predictable costs to keep things moving, but what we’ve seen over the past year is that blanket tariffs don’t just raise prices — they introduce a level of uncertainty that can kill small businesses. When tariff rates change unpredictably, my customers freeze, delay projects, scale back orders, or cancel shipments altogether because they don’t know what the tariff will be when their product lands,” said Alex Morgia, Owner, Monthly Boxer. “That impact shows up immediately at our warehouse in Watertown and affects every part of our local economy — hospitality, retail, logistics, and tourism. Here in the North Country, where our economy is intertwined with Ontario and Québec, a blanket tariff on Canada isn’t a targeted strategy — it’s an unforced economic error. If we want our region to grow, we need a smarter, more strategic approach to trade policy with predictable rules that strengthen cross-border commerce, not policies that inject friction, uncertainty, and fear. I appreciate Senator Schumer taking the time to hear what this looks like on the ground and fighting for small businesses like ours.”

“The United States’ recent adversarial posture toward Canada has strained the warm, easy relationship we’ve always enjoyed with our friends to the north. These tensions naturally reach small businesses like mine, where Canadian visitors are a valued part of our economy and our community,” said Kelly Clark, Owner, Market on Main. “When our country’s policies and rhetoric make it harder or less inviting for our northern neighbors to visit, we feel the difference—both in sales, and in the friendly connections we’ve always cherished. That is why I am proud to stand with Senator Schumer and my fellow small business owners in support of bipartisan legislation to end the emergency tariffs on Canada and release the tension they have created between our communities.”

Schumer continues to be one of the leading advocates in Congress to end this unnecessary, damaging trade war with Canada that is decimating Upstate NY’s economy, tourism, small businesses, and local jobs. This year, Schumer has twice used a special fast-track process to force a vote in the Senate to end Trump’s destructive trade war with Canada. With every economic data point flashing red because of Trump’s chaotic trade war, Schumer called on New York’s House Republicans to stand up for Upstate NY businesses and working families footing the bill for Trump’s tariff tax by taking up this resolution and passing it as well. Under Schumer’s leadership, Senate Democrats are also pushing for tariff exemptions for small businesses and putting an end to Trump’s across-the-board tariffs, and Schumer has co-led amicus briefs in the lawsuit challenging Trump’s authority to levy tariffs. Schumer said ending this costly trade war is key to protecting American families from price increases and job losses.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-and-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-swiftly-release-home-heating-funds/,Gillibrand And Colleagues Urge Trump Administration To Swiftly Release Home Heating Funds,2025-11-14,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"With the federal government shutdown over but utility rates continuing to rise, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) led a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) swiftly and at the highest level possible. Currently, the Trump administration is sitting on $4 billion in federal LIHEAP dollars that have yet to be distributed this year.

“As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under the Continuing Resolution,” the 31 senators wrote to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The bipartisan group of senators said the federal LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that keeps vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through energy efficiency initiatives.

An estimated 6 million households nationwide – including nearly 1.2 million in New York – received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP in Fiscal Year 2024.

States and tribes typically receive their LIHEAP allocations from HHS by early November. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. While eligibility varies by state, most applicants must have a household income below 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline or 60 percent of the state median income.

The Trump administration has proposed eliminating LIHEAP, including zeroing out funds in its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget plan. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Gillibrand joined successful bipartisan efforts to save and fund the program. The Senate’s Labor-HHS-Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY26 would provide a $20 million increase for LIHEAP to $4.045 billion, while the House Appropriations Committee recommended a $10 million increase.

In addition to Gillibrand, Schumer, Reed, Collins, and Murkowski, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) Richard Durbin (D-IL) Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

According to a new forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, home heating costs are estimated to rise nearly 8 percent over last winter on average, with costs for heating with electricity forecasted to increase even higher to 10 percent above last year.

Full text of the letter can be found below:

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under the Continuing Resolution.

As the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, LIHEAP provides critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months. October marked the start of the heating season for many states, and with temperatures already dropping, low-income families and seniors are feeling additional strains on their household budgets.

As state agencies and tribes activate their LIHEAP programs for the coming winter, it is crucial that they have the resources on hand to help low-income households and seniors as soon as possible. As such, we request that you quickly release LIHEAP funds at the highest level possible, so that low-income households do not have to choose between paying for heat and affording other necessities like food or medicine.

We look forward to working with you on this critical program, and thank you for your attention to our concerns and those of our constituents.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-deliver-104-million-for-new-york-state-projects/,"Gillibrand, Schumer Deliver $104 Million For New York State Projects",2025-11-14,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Minority Leader Charles Schumer announced that they secured $104 million for critical local projects in New York State in the FY2026 Agriculture-Rural Development and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs funding bills. The senators personally delivered funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending items.

“I am proud to have secured more than $100 million in funding for essential projects across New York State,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These critical improvements – from strengthening rural hospitals and upgrading facilities at Fort Drum to modernizing and expanding arts and culture hubs in rural communities – will directly impact the lives of New Yorkers. Every community deserves the tools to thrive, and I will continue to work tirelessly to make sure families, workers, artists, and businesses in New York State have what they need to succeed.“

“From building a new facility at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, to making much-needed upgrades at Upstate NY’s rural hospitals and fire departments, I am proud to deliver this $104 million federal boost for community-driven projects across New York,” said Senator Schumer. “I will always fight to bring home federal dollars to give New York communities the support they deserve.”

“The Tri-County YMCA of New York extends its sincere appreciation to Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer for their leadership and advocacy in securing this significant federal investment for our community,” said Kristoph Kocan, Chief Executive Officer of the Tri-County YMCA of New York. “The $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for the David A. Gray Discovery Center will make possible a transformative project for Hornell—significantly expanding access to high-quality childcare, establishing a dedicated senior center in partnership with the Steuben County Office for the Aging, and creating new STEM and maker learning spaces for local students. This state-of-the-art facility will meet critical needs in our region and serve as a cornerstone in the continued revitalization of downtown Hornell.”

“We are deeply grateful for Senator Gillibrand and her staff’s advocacy on our behalf and for this federal investment, which will help us create a safer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient environment for the patients and families we serve through our health center in Sidney,” said Cecil Miller, President and CEO of UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital. “These improvements strengthen our ability to provide high-quality primary, pediatric, and specialty care as well as diagnostic imaging and laboratory services close to home for residents of Sidney and the surrounding communities.”

“Oneida Health is deeply grateful to Senator Gillibrand, as well as Senator Schumer and Representative Mannion, for their steadfast support of Congressionally Directed Spending requests that strengthen New York’s communities, including funding for critical upgrades to our hospital’s electrical infrastructure,” said Felissa Koernig, President and CEO of Oneida Health System. “This funding will significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of hospital operations, ensuring that patients from Oneida and Madison Counties receive uninterrupted, high-quality care in a safe healthcare environment.”

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Gillibrand and her team for securing this critical funding,” said James Lemons, Executive Director of the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. “This $1 million appropriation will have a tremendous impact on our renovated facility—creating a fully accessible and environmentally sustainable artistic home for residents and visitors across the Adirondack North Country. Each year, we’ll welcome more than 35,000 adults and 25,000 young people for performances, education, and creative experiences. Senator Gillibrand’s leadership underscores the essential role that arts and culture play in strengthening communities—fostering expression, learning, and support for artists and organizations alike.”

“We very much appreciate Senator Gillibrand’s support for Adirondack Health and understanding of the importance of investing in dialysis care in the North County,” said Aaron Kramer, Adirondack Medical Center President and CEO. “As we work to promote organizational sustainability and regional access to care, this critical funding makes a real difference.”

“We’re deeply grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her steadfast support and advocacy for the arts and culture of the Hudson Valley,” said Art Omi Pavilions in Chatham Founder and Co-Executive Director Francis Greenburger. “This federal investment in Art Omi Pavilions will help us bring world-class art, architecture, and landscape experiences to our local community and visitors from across New York and beyond—while fueling the region’s continued economic growth and creative vitality.”

Full List of Funded Projects by Region

Western New York:

$16.11 million for Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station to construct a Combined Operations Airfield Facility (COAF), which will streamline and modernize flight operations.

Southern Tier:

$2 million for the Tri-County YMCA of New York to support the development of the David A. Gray Discovery Center, a community facility featuring a 110 slot day care center, a senior center, and a maker space.

$811,000 for Owego Apalachin Central School District to renovate a building to serve as a BOCES satellite campus and adult education facility.

$667,000 for Chenango Memorial Hospital to replace its existing roof, windows, and exterior doors, reducing energy costs and improving safety and security.

Central New York:

$1 million for the City of Oswego to construct a new joint police station, emergency operations center, and community center facility.

$358,000 for Oneida Health to support essential improvements to aging electrical infrastructure, including an additional electrical feed and modernized backup generators.

North Country:

$9.5 million for the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition at Fort Drum to support new aircraft maintenance bays for the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade.

$8.3 million for Fort Drum to develop a new training barracks that will support the installation’s status as a Regional Collective Training Center.

$1 million for the Lake Placid Center for the Arts to modernize and expand its 50-year-old annex facility to create a new arts and early childhood education complex.

$1 million for renovation and expansion of the dialysis treatment center at Adirondack Medical Center.

$466,000 for a new outdoor exhibit to increase visitor access to native animal species at the Wild Center.

Capital Region:

$29 million for the construction of a new electrical switching station at Watervliet Arsenal.

$1 million for Art Omi Pavilions in Chatham to construct an arts and education center that will drive economic development in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley.

Finger Lakes:

$1.75 million for Orleans County for improvements to their public safety facilities.

New York City:

$31 million for construction of a child development center at Fort Hamilton that will provide service members with expanded access to child care.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-veterans-day/,Gillibrand Statement On Veterans Day,2025-11-11,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Appropriations Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, made the following statement in recognition of the roughly 18 million veterans in America:

“Today, I am thinking about the millions of veterans across the country who put their lives on the line to defend our nation,” said Senator Gillibrand. “During the longest government shutdown in American history, with VA services impacted for more than 1,000,000 veterans, I am reminded by their bravery and sacrifice that the fight cannot stop to ensure their full access to the benefits that they have earned. I am proud to have passed multiple pieces of legislation that directly help this community, and I will continue to advocate for them in the halls of Congress.”

New York State is home to more than 600,000 veterans, and Senator Gillibrand has spent her career in Congress fighting for them. In 2020, Gillibrand first introduced the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act, which would become the centerpiece of the 2022 Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act – the landmark legislation expanding health care access to millions of service members exposed to toxic burn pits. In 2023, she reintroduced the Restore Honor to Service Members Act to help veterans who were discharged solely because of their sexual orientation correct their records and gain access to benefits. In April 2024, Gillibrand announced the introduction of the Blast Overpressure Safety Act, which would help mitigate the risk of traumatic brain injuries among service members and veterans from blast overpressure. Earlier this year, Gillibrand cosponsored the bipartisan Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act, which would require the VA to create an advisory committee to improve the accessibility of services, facilities, and benefits for veterans and VA employees.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-ricketts-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-flood-and-infrastructure-resiliency/,"Gillibrand, Ricketts Introduce Legislation To Strengthen Flood And Infrastructure Resiliency",2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"New York Experiences Dozens Of Floods Per Year Resulting in More Than $130 Million in Annual Damages

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced bipartisan legislation to boost long-term flood resilience and help communities rebuild stronger after disasters.

Gillibrand and Ricketts’ Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act would help communities make long-term flood prevention improvements after disasters, reduce the burden placed on local communities by allowing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase the federal share of funds available through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, and officially make flood prevention and resilience a key priority within the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

“As the climate crisis worsens and devastating floods become increasingly common, we must be better prepared and equipped to respond,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our bipartisan legislation will strengthen USDA’s ability to help communities recover and rebuild. I will keep fighting to get this across the finish line to protect New Yorkers and improve resiliency across the country.”

“After big floods, federal red tape often slows recovery and delays rebuilding,” said Senator Ricketts. “These restrictions also make it difficult to modernize the infrastructure that keeps our communities safe. This bipartisan bill will improve flood protection and infrastructure resiliency. It will help communities rebuild stronger, preventing future damage.”

The Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act would:

Improve the Emergency Watershed Protection Program’s ability to not only help communities recover from flood disasters, but also make critical watershed improvements that will help prevent damage caused by future disasters.

Allow the USDA Secretary to increase the federal cost share from 65 percent up to 90 percent under the Watershed Rehabilitation Program, which would help provide financial assistance to projects that repair and upgrade aging infrastructure to increase watershed resiliency.

Amend the USDA RCPP to include flood prevention and mitigation as part of its official purpose and help agricultural producers, communities, and nongovernmental partners carry out regional and watershed-scale flood solutions.

New York State is experiencing more frequent and severe flooding as the climate crisis worsens. Extreme rainfall events have increased by nearly 60% in recent decades across the Northeast, overwhelming outdated infrastructure that was never designed to handle today’s conditions. For example, New York City’s drainage systems were built to manage just 1.75 inches of rain per hour — yet recent storms have regularly produced 2 to 3 inches per hour, leading to widespread flooding.

Senator Gillibrand has long championed efforts to modernize aging infrastructure and strengthen its ability to withstand increasingly severe natural disasters. She previously introduced legislation to establish a dedicated stream of federal funding to improve the resilience of the nation’s public transportation systems and has called for strong state–federal cooperation to ensure New York is fully prepared to respond to wildfires and other threats.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/with-medicare-open-enrollment-underway-gillibrand-highlights-resources-available-to-help-seniors-explore-their-options/,"With Medicare Open Enrollment Underway, Gillibrand Highlights Resources Available To Help Seniors Explore Their Options",2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is offering seniors a slate of resources to help them navigate this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment period.

During Medicare Open Enrollment, which started on October 15, 2025 and will last through December 7, 2025, beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare coverage that will be effective on January 1, 2026. For example, seniors can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change their Medicare drug plan, or add on supplemental insurance. To learn more, seniors can visit Medicare.gov’s Open Enrollment page.

As the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, Senator Gillibrand is also highlighting a list of resources available on the committee’s website to help seniors explore the benefit options available to them. Some of these resources include:

Find a health insurance counselor: Provides local, in-depth, and objective insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers.

Find and compare nursing homes, hospitals, and other providers: Lists information about health care providers and facilities based on individual needs.

BenefitsCheckUp: Connects individuals with benefits they may qualify for.

For more information and additional helpful links, seniors and their caregivers should visit the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Resource Library.

Senator Gillibrand has worked throughout her career to protect and strengthen Medicare. In September, she called on the Trump administration to halt an experiment that would allow private insurance companies and AI tools to delay and deny care to certain Medicare beneficiaries. Earlier this year, she reintroduced the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which would improve access to care for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. She is also an original cosponsor of the Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, which would lower the cost of some of the most expensive and commonly used prescription medications covered under Medicare Part D.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-opposing-republicans-continuing-resolution/,Gillibrand Statement Opposing Republicans’ Continuing Resolution,2025-11-09,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement on Republicans’ continuing resolution:

“Republicans currently control the House, the Senate, and the White House. Their refusal to work with Democrats to make life more affordable has led to the longest government shutdown in American history — a crisis that is hurting families, workers, and small businesses in New York and across the country.

“While millions of Americans are struggling to afford health care and feed their families, this administration has chosen to use the shutdown to deny food assistance to children and the elderly, launch partisan attacks against New York, and divide Americans instead of uniting us.

“I cannot trust the Republicans to do the right thing, so I don’t believe the vote to restore health care will be successful. Because of this lack of trust, I will not support this deal, which fails to address the needs of 20 million Americans facing skyrocketing health care costs and instead rubber-stamps policies that reward billionaires at the expense of everyone else.

“What I can promise is this: I will not stop fighting to lower health care costs, protect working families, and stand up to this administration’s failed policies that harm New Yorkers every single day.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-introduces-two-bills-to-boost-benefits-for-seniors-amid-rising-cost-of-living/,Gillibrand Introduces Two Bills To Boost Benefits For Seniors Amid Rising Cost Of Living,2025-11-07,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"The Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act would add $200 per month to Social Security checks until July 2026

The Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act would change the formula used to calculate yearly cost-of-living adjustments to more accurately account for seniors’ expenses

More than four million New Yorkers would benefit from the two bills

Amid skyrocketing prices in President Trump’s America, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is leading the charge to help seniors and others combat the rising cost of living.

This week, she introduced two bills that would boost monthly benefits for seniors. The first, the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act, would provide a $200 per month increase to Social Security checks until July 2026. This would help account for the increasing cost of essentials—from groceries to medical care—and provide short-term relief to seniors, veterans, and Americans with disabilities who live on fixed incomes. The second, the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act—which Senator Gillibrand leads—would provide a longer-term fix, protecting and expanding Social Security benefits for older adults by changing the formula used to calculate yearly cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to better account for the unique expenses older adults face.

“Americans deserve to retire with dignity, not spend their golden years just trying to get by,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our seniors have spent a lifetime of hard work paying into Social Security, but the payouts simply aren’t keeping up with rising costs, and this year’s annual cost-of-living adjustment is not enough to keep seniors afloat. These two bills would help make sure that older Americans don’t have to choose between paying for medication and buying groceries, providing both short-term relief and long-term solutions. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I’m determined to pass these critical bills to make sure our seniors can age comfortably.”

Last week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that benefits will only increase by 2.8%—equivalent to just $56 extra per month on average. Three out of four Americans aged 50 and older say this is not enough to keep up with rising prices.

The Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act—which was introduced today—will help individuals who receive Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement benefits, veteran disability compensation, Civil Service Retirement System benefits, and veteran pensions keep up with rising costs by adding $200 to their monthly checks for six months. This legislation is led by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The text of the Social Security and Emergency Inflation Relief Act can be found here.

The Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act—which was introduced on Monday—provides a longer-term fix by directing the Social Security Administration to adjust benefits based on the Consumer Price Index for Americans aged 62 or older (CPI-E), rather than the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W). The CPI-E more accurately accounts for the actual costs incurred by older Americans, such as medical expenses—making it a more reflective index to use when calculating benefits. In addition to Senator Gillibrand, this bicameral legislation is co-led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13). The text of the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act can be found here.

As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, Senator Gillibrand is a staunch supporter of seniors and Social Security. In the face of Trump administration cuts and overhauls at SSA, she has rallied alongside seniors and unions to demand a reversal of staffing and service cuts, advocated against the closure of SSA offices across the country and in White Plains, NY, and, along with other Senate Democrats, sent nearly 200 questions about the impact of Social Security cuts to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano following his confirmation. Following Senator Gillibrand’s advocacy, SSA reversed its decision to restrict certain phone services that serve as lifelines to beneficiaries seeking to access and maintain benefits. Earlier this year, she also introduced the Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act, vital legislation that would reverse the disastrous Trump administration cuts to SSA. In recent weeks, she has requested updates from Commissioner Bisignano regarding his appointed leadership team’s vision and management plans, and she recommended that they jointly visit an SSA field office in NY so she can evaluate the impact the Trump-era changes have had on SSA response times, communication and outreach to the public.

Senator Gillibrand is also part of Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attacks on Social Security and to ensure the American people can continue to rely on these essential programs that they have earned. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about the Republican agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-president-trumps-tariffs-driving-up-costs-for-new-york-families-and-jeopardizing-american-jobs/,Gillibrand Statement On President Trump’s Tariffs Driving Up Costs For New York Families And Jeopardizing American Jobs,2025-11-07,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, following reporting about the devastating costs for New York families and workers stemming from President Trump’s tariffs, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:

“The numbers don’t lie. President Trump’s tariffs are hitting New Yorkers like a sledgehammer. They are driving up costs, putting jobs at risk, and acting as a hidden tax on working families. President Trump needs to get serious about protecting American jobs and stop taxing families. These tariffs are economic self-sabotage, and New Yorkers are paying the price.”

According to a report released today by the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the Trump administration’s tariffs are costing New York households an estimated $4,200 annually and could jeopardize 500,000 jobs tied to trade and manufacturing in the state.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-president-trump-appealing-court-order-to-fund-snap/,Gillibrand Statement On President Trump Appealing Court Order to Fund SNAP,2025-11-06,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, following reporting that President Trump’s Justice Department would appeal a federal judge’s order to fully fund November SNAP benefits, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:

“To be clear: President Trump is appealing a court order to give hungry people money to feed their families. Americans across the country are unsure where their next meal is going to come from because of Republicans’ government shutdown, and beyond simply ignoring his legal obligation to fully fund November SNAP benefits, President Trump is actively fighting against it. He is doing everything he can to make sure that hungry people can’t get food while sending $40 billion to Argentina and spending $300 million to remodel the White House. It’s absolutely unconscionable.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/with-enrollment-now-open-gillibrand-demands-extension-of-health-insurance-tax-credits-that-help-small-businesses-and-their-employees-afford-care/,"With Enrollment Now Open, Gillibrand Demands Extension Of Health Insurance Tax Credits That Help Small Businesses And Their Employees Afford Care",2025-11-06,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"4.4 Million People Employed By Small Businesses Rely On Affordable Care Act (ACA) Tax Credits To Afford Care

Following The Start Of Open Enrollment On November 1, Small Business Owners and Their Employees Are Now Shopping for Health Care Plans That Are Over Twice As Expensive on Average

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand an end to the government shutdown and an extension of the tax credits that help small businesses, their employees, and self-employed individuals afford health care.

“We are now in the longest government shutdown in history, and Republicans are still playing politics instead of working with Democrats to prevent massive health care cost spikes,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Small businesses are already struggling with rising costs in President Trump’s America. If enhanced ACA tax credits expire, the 4.4 million small business workers and self-employed Americans who rely on them to make ends meet will be forced to either pay sky-high health insurance premiums or lose their coverage. This is a devastating ultimatum with potentially life-threatening consequences—and it’s one that our small business workforce shouldn’t have to consider. That’s why I’m continuing to demand that my Republican colleagues work with Democrats to extend enhanced ACA tax credits to lower costs for small business owners, employees, and self-employed New Yorkers and reopen the government.”

Without an extension, ACA enhanced premium tax credits will expire at the end of 2025, causing over 20 million Americans–including 4.4 million small business owners and self-employed individuals–to see a drastic increase in health insurance costs.

The expiration of these enhanced tax credits will have a particularly devastating impact on small business employees and self-employed individuals, who do not have access to traditional employer-based coverage. This is forcing these individuals to make a devastating choice: either go without insurance or pay for premiums that they cannot afford. In New York State, there are a projected 66,000 small business owners and 34,800 self-employed enrollees who receive coverage through the ACA Marketplace.

Gillibrand emphasized the need to extend ACA subsidies permanently and immediately, as the open enrollment period for the health insurance marketplace began on November 1st. She urged her Republican colleagues to come to the negotiating table to help Democrats reach a bipartisan agreement to lower health care costs and reopen the government.

A county-by-county breakdown of expected ACA premium increases across New York can be found at gillibrand.senate.gov/trumphealthcareincrease.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-president-trump-calling-on-gop-to-end-shutdown/,Gillibrand Statement On President Trump Calling On GOP To End Shutdown,2025-11-05,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on Trump’s comments to Senate Republicans on last night’s election results and the government shutdown, which has now extended to a record 36th day:

“President Trump acknowledged this morning to Senate Republicans what Americans across the country loudly expressed at the ballot box last night: It’s time to end the Republican shutdown and help stop health care costs from skyrocketing.

It’s time to end the chaos inflicted on families and workers. It’s time to end the partisanship and work together to lower health care costs and fix the economy for working Americans.

This has gone on too long. Congressional Republicans should end their taxpayer-funded vacation, return to the Capitol, and get to the negotiating table to serve those who elected us, improve their lives, and do our jobs. Enough is enough.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-slam-trump-administration-for-proposing-illegal-move-that-harms-students-with-disabilities/,"Gillibrand, Colleagues Slam Trump Administration For Proposing Illegal Move That Harms Students With Disabilities",2025-11-04,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Senators press Department of Education to stop efforts to shut down enforcement and administration of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Students with disabilities make up 15% of public school enrollment

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) slammed the Trump administration’s plan to illegally move the Department of Education’s enforcement of key protections for students with disabilities to another agency.

Gillibrand joined 28 of her Senate colleagues in demanding that the Trump administration immediately halt its efforts to dismantle the Department of Education’s ability to administer and enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees education opportunities and protections for individuals with disabilities.

Gillibrand’s call follows a Washington Post report which revealed that the administration is looking to transfer enforcement of IDEA to another agency.

“Once again, the Trump administration is threatening to cut critical protections, needlessly playing politics with our children, and working to undermine students’ and families’ ability to get the resources and support they need,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I will keep fighting to support our students with disabilities so every child in New York and across the country has the resources they need to thrive.”

“Your moves to illegally shut down the U.S. Department of Education’s efforts to administer and enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and potentially shift this work to another agency would reverse decades of progress in how we support students with disabilities and their families,” the senators wrote in a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “When Congress created the U.S. Department of Education, lawmakers intentionally placed enforcement of IDEA under this new Department rather than the Department of Health and Human Services. This was done because of our recognition as a society that students with disabilities should be treated as individuals seeking equal opportunity for learning and independence, rather than as patients and second-class citizens.”

“Your latest reported effort to illegally move IDEA responsibilities, oversight, and programming to another federal agency would further erode the protections that countless mothers, fathers, educators, advocates, and students with disabilities have fought for years to build,” continued the senators in their letter.

In the letter, the senators questioned the legality of the move and emphasized the risk of harm it poses to students. They urged the administration to instead focus on rebuilding the infrastructure that schools and districts rely on to ensure that students with disabilities receive the education they are entitled to under federal law.

Senator Gillibrand was joined on the letter by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Secretary McMahon:

We write to express our serious concern with your efforts to undermine special education in the United States. Your moves to illegally shut down the U.S. Department of Education’s efforts to administer and enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and potentially shift this work to another agency would reverse decades of progress in how we support students with disabilities and their families. We urge you to immediately cease these misguided efforts.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a landmark civil rights law that guarantees educational opportunities and protections for individuals with disabilities and helps to ensure that they have equal access to a free appropriate public education. As your own agency’s website rightly points out, before the passage of this legislation, millions of children with disabilities were denied a public education and opportunities to learn. When Congress created the U.S. Department of Education, lawmakers intentionally placed enforcement of IDEA under this new Department rather than the Department of Health and Human Services. This was done because of our recognition as a society that students with disabilities should be treated as individuals seeking equal opportunity for learning and independence, rather than as patients and second-class citizens.

Unfortunately, your planned actions would dismantle the support and accountability that states, schools, teachers, and families count on to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The Department of Education has unmatched expertise in protecting the rights of students with disabilities, aiding school districts in improving instructional practice for students of all abilities, and upholding federal accountability measures. Instead of valuing and building upon this expertise, you have gutted the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Your latest reported effort to illegally move IDEA responsibilities, oversight, and programming to another federal agency would further erode the protections that countless mothers, fathers, educators, advocates, and students with disabilities have fought for years to build.

We request that you provide detailed answers to the following questions by no later than November 14, 2025.

What authority do you believe that you have to move IDEA programs or responsibilities to another agency, contrary to explicit statute and Congressional intent?

To date, what steps have you or a member of your staff taken to move IDEA to another federal agency? Please provide all relevant documents.

What analysis have you completed that supports your claim that moving IDEA to another federal agency would improve outcomes for students with disabilities?

How have reductions in force in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights impacted the Department of Education’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities under IDEA?

Once again, we urge you to immediately halt your efforts to illegally move IDEA responsibilities from the Department of Education to another federal agency, and we request that you redirect your efforts to rebuilding the Department of Education’s infrastructure that schools and districts rely on to help ensure that students with disabilities receive the support and services they are entitled to under federal law.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-congratulating-mayor-elect-mamdani-on-his-election-victory/,Gillibrand Statement Congratulating Mayor-Elect Mamdani On His Election Victory,2025-11-04,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the New York City mayoral election results:

“Earlier tonight, I called to congratulate Mayor-Elect Mamdani on his victory. Right now, too many New Yorkers are struggling just to get by. I am committed to working with the mayor-elect to address the affordability crisis and lower costs, ensure New York is safe for all, and protect our fundamental rights.

New York voters have fairly and freely chosen their next mayor, and the results of this election should not draw the ire of the president or the federal government. I stand ready to defend New York against any and all of the retaliation from the Trump administration.

I would urge President Trump to focus on the constituents we all serve and prioritize making their lives better, not his personal political vendettas. Our work should be about the people we serve, not partisan politics.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-the-return-of-the-body-of-itay-chen/,Gillibrand Statement On The Return Of The Body Of Itay Chen,2025-11-04,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the return of the body of Itay Chen, the last American to be held hostage in Gaza, to Israel from Hamas captivity:

“On October 7, 2023, Itay Chen was murdered and kidnapped by Hamas while defending civilians near the Gaza border. For the past two years since that horrific day, Itay’s family has had to endure an unimaginable pain and suffering that no family should have to go through. My heart is with his family and all who mourn his loss. I am relieved that Itay’s body has finally been returned to Israel, allowing his loved ones to lay him to rest with dignity. May his memory be a blessing.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-the-return-of-the-body-of-omer-neutra/,Gillibrand Statement On The Return Of The Body Of Omer Neutra,2025-11-03,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the return of the body of Omer Neutra to Israel from Hamas captivity:

“On October 7, 2023, Omer Neutra was kidnapped by Hamas, and for the past two years since that horrific day, my office has worked closely with Omer’s family as they endured unimaginable pain and uncertainty. While this is not the outcome any of us had hoped for, I am relieved that Omer’s body has finally been returned to Israel, allowing his loved ones to lay him to rest with dignity. My heart is with his family and all who mourn his loss. May his memory be a blessing.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-with-open-enrollment-for-health-insurance-starting-today-new-yorkers-in-every-region-face-skyrocketing-premiums-because-trump-and-republicans-refuse-to-extend-aca-tax-credits-and-address-the-healthcare-crisis-they-created,"SCHUMER: WITH OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR HEALTH INSURANCE STARTING TODAY, NEW YORKERS IN EVERY REGION FACE SKYROCKETING PREMIUMS BECAUSE TRUMP & REPUBLICANS REFUSE TO EXTEND ACA TAX CREDITS AND ADDRESS THE...",2025-11-01,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"As New York Families, Seniors, And Small Biz Owners Find Out They May Lose Healthcare Or Face Astronomical Premiums, House Republicans Have Been On Vacation For Over A Month And Trump Is Bailing Out Argentina And Building New Ballroom While Refusing To Negotiate With Dems To Fix The Healthcare Crisis

Schumer: Republicans Must Act To Address ACA Premium Crisis They Created

With open enrollment for health insurance starting today for New Yorkers and millions of Americans, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded Republicans return to work to negotiate to extend vital Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits before their expiration, which is causing premiums to double, and end the government shutdown. Because of the GOP-created healthcare crisis, millions of Americans are now seeing that they will be forced to pay thousands more every single month for healthcare. In addition, if Republicans in Congress take no action to extend the ACA tax credits, 4 million people are estimated to become uninsured.

“Open enrollment starts today, and New Yorkers are waking up to a healthcare crisis. Families are sitting at their kitchen table right now not knowing how they can afford their bills. Insurance plans that cost $300 or $400 a month suddenly cost hundreds, even thousands more, because Republicans prefer to shut the government down rather than work with Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits.” said Senator Schumer. “NY House Republicans are living in a fantasy, pretending as if the issue will fix itself. But now families are seeing firsthand why you cannot continue to kick the can down the road, as millions of Americans face financial disaster. Meanwhile, Trump is focusing on ballrooms and bailouts for Argentina. Lowering healthcare costs is not a crazy demand. These devastating price hikes are entirely avoidable, but if Republicans keep stick their heads in the sand, New York families will be paying the price.”

Open enrollment, which begins today, on November 1, is when Americans can log into the Affordable Care Act exchange and select their insurance plans for next year. The Trump administration has already slashed funding by 90% for federal navigators who help consumers enroll in plans, which will make it more difficult for Americans enrolling in plans to receive assistance. Now, 24 million Americans, including thousands in every corner of New York, will see steep price hikes on their plans next year because Republicans refused to extend vital ACA tax credits that keep the cost of health insurance low.

Below are real-life examples from New York of the massive price increases our families will be hit with every month in 2026 unless Republicans come to the table and work to fix the healthcare crisis they created:

Schumer explained that the ACA tax credits help working families, small business owners and employees, farmers, and self-employed Americans afford premiums for their health insurance purchased through ACA marketplaces. These tax credits were expanded during the pandemic and continue to lower the cost of health insurance, making it more affordable. States are prepared to make changes if Congress makes a deal to extend these tax credits, but if Republicans continue to refuse to address this crisis, health insurance premiums are expected to increase by hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each month for New Yorkers who buy insurance through the NYS exchange.

Many New Yorkers have already seen their prices for next year compared to last year. A region-by-region list of examples can be found HERE.

In addition, because of Trump’s healthcare cuts in his ‘Big, Ugly Bill,’ 450,000 New Yorkers will be forced off New York’s Essential Plan, which means many will either have to look for insurance on the ACA marketplace with sky-high prices because of the expiring tax credits, or lose their health insurance entirely.

For months, Schumer has been speaking out about the need for Republicans to work with Democrats to protect Americans from skyrocketing healthcare costs, but Republicans have refused to come to the table. If Republican inaction lets ACA enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of the year, premiums will more than double for Americans who buy health care through the ACA marketplaces. These higher costs will push 4 million people off their health coverage over the next decade, including tens of thousands of New Yorkers. According to KFF, 8 in 10 Americans say they want Congress to extend these tax credits, including nearly 60% of Republicans.

Schumer has been speaking out about the need for Republicans to work with Democrats to protect Americans from skyrocketing healthcare costs and reopen the government. Under Schumer’s leadership, Senate Democrats have already forced three votes to extend these tax credits, but Senate Republicans have continued to vote against them. Republicans continue to refuse to act to stop these entirely avoidable healthcare cost increases for Americans, and House Republican leaders have not brought the House back to vote in over a month.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-blasts-new-york-house-republicans-for-turning-their-backs-on-new-yorkers-as-trump-administration-relentlessly-attacks-state/,Gillibrand Blasts New York House Republicans For Turning Their Backs On New Yorkers As Trump Administration Relentlessly Attacks State,2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sent a letter to New York’s Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives, urging them to stand up to President Trump’s politically motivated attacks on New York State. The senator warned that the Trump administration’s deliberate actions against the State of New York are endangering jobs, public safety, and access to health care for millions of New Yorkers.

The senator wrote, “The president of the United States is actively targeting New York State for partisan purposes, placing our constituents at risk, and undermining critical aspects of our state’s economy, safety, and public health. You have continued to stay silent and allowed the president to cause chaos. New York is neither a punching bag nor a political pawn for the president, and as members of Congress, you have a duty to stand up for your constituents. It is time to set aside partisan interests and work collaboratively to safeguard the well-being and prosperity of the people we represent.”

At the outset of the government shutdown, the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) took deliberate steps to withhold billions of dollars of federal funding for generational New York City infrastructure projects, including the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 and the Hudson River Tunnel Gateway, contradicting prior commitments made by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to Senator Gillibrand in May. The first phase of the Gateway Project alone is projected to create 72,000 jobs and improve critical transportation links for the region.

The administration also canceled nearly $8 billion for energy projects nationally, including 53 grants for projects in New York worth nearly $500 million, and paused an additional $11 billion in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects, $7 billion of which directly affect New York. The senator continued, “Put simply: President Trump is killing jobs in our state and leveraging billions of taxpayer dollars to play political games with New York.”

Gillibrand also pointed to the $33 million from FEMA’s Transit Security Grant Program that the administration withheld from the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). The MTA depends on this federal support for security improvements and New York Police Department (NYPD) patrols. An emergency court order secured by New York Attorney General Letitia James was needed to protect this crucial funding.

In August and September, DHS and FEMA also sought to cut a combined $189 million intended for New York under the Homeland Security Grant Program, which supports local law enforcement and counterterrorism operations. Following bipartisan pressure from New York officials, the administration was forced to reverse these cuts.

Lastly, Gillibrand warned that failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act could cause substantial premium increases for 1.7 million New Yorkers and result in 80,000 New Yorkers losing coverage entirely. Across the seven Republican-held districts in New York, roughly 43,600 residents rely on these tax credits, and 383,200 are enrolled in the state’s Essential Plan, which is supported by the credits. Gillibrand highlighted that the extension of these subsidies is particularly crucial for New York as the state confronts the devastating impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is set to cut $7.5 billion annually in federal funding for the Essential Plan starting on January 1, 2026, due to changes in tax credit eligibility.

Gillibrand closed the letter by urging her Republican colleagues to reject partisan loyalty and stand up for New Yorkers. She wrote, “Everyone will lose from the reckless and dangerous actions taken by the Trump administration to target New York, and it is an abdication of your duty as representatives of our state to stay silent out of sheer blind loyalty to a vengeful president. I urge you to put your constituents first and not turn your backs on them by working with Democrats to find a bipartisan solution to protect health care coverage for all New Yorkers and advocate for our great state.”

The full letter can be read HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-demand-the-trump-administration-stop-cruelly-denying-snap-benefits-and-push-to-fully-fund-snap-wic-to-stop-gop-manufactured-hunger-crisis-during-trump-shutdown/,"Schumer, Gillibrand Demand The Trump Administration Stop Cruelly Denying SNAP Benefits, And Push To Fully Fund SNAP & WIC To Stop GOP-Manufactured Hunger Crisis During Trump Shutdown",2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Nearly 3 Million New Yorkers Rely On SNAP To Put Food On The Table, But Trump Is Now Denying Funding, Despite His Own USDA Saying They Could Keep Funds Flowing

Schumer and Gillibrand are pushing for legislation that would make sure SNAP & WIC continue uninterrupted during the Republican government shutdown

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand the Trump administration stop cruelly withholding available funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). While Republicans continue to deny this vital assistance, despite having the ability to keep food assistance flowing, the senators announced they are pushing new legislation — the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 — to continue these vital food programs for working families during the GOP shutdown.

“For the first time in history, a president, Donald Trump, is refusing to fund SNAP during a shutdown despite the fact that he has the available funds to keep it going. Forty-two million Americans, including nearly three million New Yorkers, will lose their SNAP benefits, not because the money’s gone, because Donald Trump cruelly ordered it stopped,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump is weaponizing hunger. He is using kids who rely on school meals, seniors on fixed incomes, veterans & families trying to get groceries as political pawns. If this administration can cough up $40 billion for Argentina, they can fund SNAP from existing funds to stop American families from going hungry. Senate Democrats are not waiting, we are ready to pass legislation to ensure food continues to keep SNAP & WIC funded, and so kids, moms, seniors and veterans aren’t left behind. We are willing to work with anyone to get this bill on the floor and stop this cruelty and avert this avoidable crisis.”

“In refusing to fund SNAP during the government shutdown, the Trump administration is playing politics with my constituents’ lives. But for families that are already stretched thin, this decision is more than political—it’s a matter of survival,” said Senator Gillibrand. “SNAP is a lifeline for nearly 3 million New Yorkers, and we must make sure that these critical benefits remain available to the families that rely on them to put food on the table. That’s why I’m demanding that the Trump administration use the funding at their disposal to fund SNAP without delay.”

SNAP is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States, providing an average of $187 per month in food aid to over 42 million people nationwide—including nearly 3 million New Yorkers. Despite having billions of dollars ready and available to pay for SNAP in a contingency fund, the Trump administration is refusing to tap into this fund. Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand called on the administration to immediately make this money available to help keep SNAP benefits flowing until the government reopens.

Despite having billions of dollars ready and available to pay for SNAP, the Trump administration continues to withhold available funds and play politics with the ability of Americans across the country to put food on the table. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had a plan to release SNAP contingency funds, but Trump forced the USDA to abandon their shutdown contingency plan, making this Saturday the first time in American history SNAP benefits will lapse for hungry children, veterans, seniors, and other Americans.

Schumer and Gillibrand are demanding Republican leadership allow the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 to come for a full vote, which would ensure that SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted during this Republican shutdown. The legislation additionally requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP and WIC benefits for the duration of the shutdown. The senators also joined 44 other Democrats in a letter to the Trump administration demanding that they immediately release the billions of dollars at their disposal to fund SNAP.

Since the beginning of his term, Trump has targeted food assistance for hungry Americans. Earlier this year, Trump already gutted nearly $200 billion from SNAP in the Republican “Big, Beautiful Bill,” and canceled $1 billion in food assistance for schools and food banks.

The text of the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 is available here.

The text of Schumer and Gillibrand’s letter to the Trump administration is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-demand-the-trump-administration-stop-cruelly-denying-snap-benefits-and-push-to-fully-fund-snap-and-wic-to-stop-gop-manufactured-hunger-crisis-during-trump-shutdown,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND DEMAND THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION STOP CRUELLY DENYING SNAP BENEFITS, AND PUSH TO FULLY FUND SNAP & WIC TO STOP GOP-MANUFACTURED HUNGER CRISIS DURING TRUMP SHUTDOWN",2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Nearly 3 Million New Yorkers Rely On SNAP To Put Food On The Table, But Trump Is Now Denying Funding, Despite His Own USDA Saying They Could Keep Funds Flowing

Schumer and Gillibrand are pushing for legislation that would make sure SNAP & WIC continue uninterrupted during the Republican government shutdown

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand the Trump administration stop cruelly withholding available funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). While Republicans continue to deny this vital assistance, despite having the ability to keep food assistance flowing, the senators announced they are pushing new legislation — the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 — to continue these vital food programs for working families during the GOP shutdown.

“For the first time in history, a president, Donald Trump, is refusing to fund SNAP during a shutdown despite the fact that he has the available funds to keep it going. Forty-two million Americans, including nearly three million New Yorkers, will lose their SNAP benefits, not because the money's gone, because Donald Trump cruelly ordered it stopped,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump is weaponizing hunger. He is using kids who rely on school meals, seniors on fixed incomes, veterans & families trying to get groceries as political pawns. If this administration can cough up $40 billion for Argentina, they can fund SNAP from existing funds to stop American families from going hungry. Senate Democrats are not waiting, we are ready to pass legislation to ensure food continues to keep SNAP & WIC funded, and so kids, moms, seniors and veterans aren’t left behind. We are willing to work with anyone to get this bill on the floor and stop this cruelty and avert this avoidable crisis.”

“In refusing to fund SNAP during the government shutdown, the Trump administration is playing politics with my constituents’ lives. But for families that are already stretched thin, this decision is more than political—it’s a matter of survival,” said Senator Gillibrand. “SNAP is a lifeline for nearly 3 million New Yorkers, and we must make sure that these critical benefits remain available to the families that rely on them to put food on the table. That’s why I’m demanding that the Trump administration use the funding at their disposal to fund SNAP without delay.”

SNAP is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States, providing an average of $187 per month in food aid to over 42 million people nationwide—including nearly 3 million New Yorkers. Despite having billions of dollars ready and available to pay for SNAP in a contingency fund, the Trump administration is refusing to tap into this fund. Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand called on the administration to immediately make this money available to help keep SNAP benefits flowing until the government reopens.

Despite having billions of dollars ready and available to pay for SNAP, the Trump administration continues to withhold available funds and play politics with the ability of Americans across the country to put food on the table. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had a plan to release SNAP contingency funds, but Trump forced the USDA to abandon their shutdown contingency plan, making this Saturday the first time in American history SNAP benefits will lapse for hungry children, veterans, seniors, and other Americans.

Schumer and Gillibrand are demanding Republican leadership allow the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 to come for a full vote, which would ensure that SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted during this Republican shutdown. The legislation additionally requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP and WIC benefits for the duration of the shutdown. The senators also joined 44 other Democrats in a letter to the Trump administration demanding that they immediately release the billions of dollars at their disposal to fund SNAP.

Since the beginning of his term, Trump has targeted food assistance for hungry Americans. Earlier this year, Trump already gutted nearly $200 billion from SNAP in the Republican “Big, Beautiful Bill,” and canceled $1 billion in food assistance for schools and food banks.

The text of the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 is available here.

The text of Schumer and Gillibrand’s letter to the Trump administration is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-slams-rfk-jr-for-purging-staff-on-frontlines-of-opioid-crisis/,Gillibrand Slams RFK Jr. For Purging Staff On Front Lines Of Opioid Crisis,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is slamming the Trump administration for needlessly firing federal employees who work on the front lines of America’s opioid crisis.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has now terminated more than 100 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) employees since the start of the Trump administration, reducing its staff to less than 50 percent capacity. SAMHSA provides key addiction and mental health treatment services, with a focus on rural and underserved areas, and is responsible for programs like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The layoffs, part of another government-wide reduction in force carried out earlier this month by the Trump administration, will likely lead to more Americans falling into addiction because they will be unable to access SAMHSA’s critical addiction prevention and treatment services.

“The Trump administration is needlessly slashing staff for critical mental health and substance use disorder programs that millions of Americans rely on,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These cuts are deeply harmful to New Yorkers, and our communities will bear the cost of this recklessness – in lives lost, families broken, and public trust further eroded. I’ll keep pushing back against this dangerous decision and fight to ensure that every person can access the mental health and substance use disorder resources that they need.”

Gillibrand joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and 12 other Democratic colleagues in calling on HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to immediately reverse these terminations and support federal employees’ work to keep Americans safe and healthy.

“SAMHSA is a critical first responder on the front lines of our nation’s ongoing substance use and mental health crises,” the senators wrote in their letter to Kennedy. “The firing of key staff at this agency threatens to undermine years of hard-won progress on the opioid crisis, and could not come at a worse time. Right now, communities across the country – in both red and blue states – continue to face record overdose deaths and escalating rates of mental health conditions and substance use disorder.”

Kennedy’s decision to purge public health professionals not only derails progress made by a workforce with irreplaceable experience, but it also contradicts the administration’s pledge to tackle the fentanyl crisis, expand mental health services, and end the opioid epidemic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 73,000 people died from overdoses between April 2024 to April 2025. The senators’ letter further warned that these terminations will likely lead to more opioid-related deaths and illicit drugs flowing into communities across the United States.

This letter is part of Gillibrand’s ongoing effort to address the opioid crisis in New York and across the country, and hold the Trump administration accountable in fulfilling its promise to address it. Earlier this year, Gillibrand sounded the alarm about the Trump administration’s decision to terminate a program that helps prevent fatal opioid overdoses, expressing concern about the administration’s reported decision to terminate a $56 million annual grant program that distributes and provides training to administer the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone. Following Gillibrand’s advocacy, the Trump administration reconsidered its decision and renewed the program.

In addition to Gillibrand, Padilla, and Wyden, the letter to HHS was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

The full text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-democratic-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-immediately-release-november-snap-benefits/,"Gillibrand, Democratic Colleagues Urge Trump Administration To Immediately Release November SNAP Benefits",2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Trump Administration Decision Could Impact Roughly One In Seven New Yorkers Who Depend on SNAP For Critical Food Assistance

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is calling on the Trump administration to immediately release billions of dollars in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding that millions of New Yorkers rely on to put food on the table.

After reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) instructed states to halt the processing of SNAP benefits for November, Senator Gillibrand joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and 41 of their Senate colleagues in urging USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to release necessary funding and ensure SNAP benefits continue without interruption.

“After choosing to unnecessarily shut down the government, the Trump administration is now putting millions of New Yorkers at risk of losing the food assistance they depend on,” said Senator Gillibrand. “SNAP is a lifeline for millions of Americans, and the USDA must do everything in its power to continue processing benefits. I will keep fighting to ensure that the Trump administration does not needlessly disrupt this critical support that keeps food on the table.”

In their letter to Secretary Rollins, the senators raised the alarm about the USDA’s failure to use available funding to continue SNAP, writing: “We were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will ‘run out of money in two weeks.’ In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November.”

“First, the USDA must, at a minimum under the law, use the contingency funding that is available for SNAP, as noted by USDA officials. Second, the USDA has interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 that permits the transfer of funds from other USDA nutrition programs. In fact, this authority was recently used by the USDA when it transferred money from child nutrition programs to the WIC account to maintain WIC benefits during the shutdown,” the senators continued.

The senators concluded, “In the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November. Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance. We urge you to immediately communicate to states and committees of jurisdiction the USDA’s plans to disburse the contingency funding to state agencies and utilize all available legal authorities so that American families can get benefits without interruption. Democrats remain at the table and ready to negotiate reopening the government.”

In New York alone, 2.9million people are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits if the USDA fails to use available funding to continue the program. Beyond feeding families, SNAP is also vital for the New York economy, with every dollar invested by SNAP generating $1.54 in economic activity.

This letter is co-signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

To view the full letter, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-demands-immediate-reversal-of-trump-administration-firing-of-workers-who-support-students-with-disabilities/,Gillibrand Demands Immediate Reversal Of Trump Administration Firing Of Workers Who Support Students With Disabilities,2025-10-23,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"The Trump Administration Has Fired Hundreds Of Workers Who Support Students With Disabilities

This Action Will Decrease The Quality Of Education For The 500,000+ Students With Disabilities In New York

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) blasted the Trump administration for firing the workers that support students with disabilities in New York and across the country.

“The Trump administration’s decision to fire the staff who support education for students with disabilities is reprehensible,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The administration cannot claim to care about students with disabilities and stand behind this decision. Every student in America deserves a high-quality education with the services, support, and resources they need to learn and thrive in the classroom. I implore the administration to immediately restore staffing at ED to previously held levels to help make sure all students can get the education they deserve.”

Recent reductions in force (RIFs) within the U.S. Department of Education (ED) have gutted the workforce that upholds protections and educational services for students with disabilities. Earlier this month, the Trump administration fired almost 500 staff in key offices, including:

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), which helps states implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including by providing federal financial support and assistance to special education programs;

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), which supports vocational rehabilitation programs that help people with disabilities learn the skills they need to gain employment and live independently;

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which helps ensure equal access to education for students with disabilities by enforcing federal civil rights laws in schools;

And the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), which provides leadership, training, and financial support for special education programs.

The RIFs undermine the federal government’s ability to ensure that children with disabilities are protected within our education system under IDEA, which mandates that schools provide free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities and ensures that special education and early intervention services are available to preschool and K-12 students. In her letter, Gillibrand calls on the Trump administration to immediately reverse the RIFs and restore staffing to previous levels. This letter also rejects the proposal to move special education programs to another agency.

The full text of Gillibrand’s letter can be found here or below:

Dear Secretary McMahon,

I am writing to express outrage over the Administration’s reductions in force (RIFs) within the U.S. Department of Education (ED) initiated on October 10, 2025, which impacted 465 ED employees and gutted the workforce responsible for upholding protections and services for students with disabilities across the nation. New Yorkers are scared of what these RIFs mean for students with disabilities. One advocate told my office that if they could speak with you, they would say, “You’re picking a fight with the powerless.” Students with disabilities have incredible potential to contribute to our communities, and someday the workforce, but they cannot reach their full potential if we fail to serve them in schools. Gutting services and protections for these students does a disservice to our Nation, especially here in New York.

For this reason, I strongly urge ED to immediately restore these offices to their previously held staffing levels and uphold its commitment to protect and ensure civil rights for students with disabilities. I also strongly object to efforts to move special education services to another federal agency and strongly urge you to keep these vital programs at ED, where they can best serve students, educators, and families.

These RIFs obliterated staff in key offices—including the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). This action is devastating to the approximately 7.5 million students with disabilities nationwide, including the 546,566 students with disabilities in New York state. The RIFs within OSEP in particular, which reportedly involved cutting nearly all the staff, completely undermine the federal government’s ability to ensure that children with disabilities are protected within our education system under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

IDEA mandates that schools provide a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities by ensuring special education and early intervention services are available to preschool and K-12 students. Before IDEA, children with disabilities were not guaranteed a right to an education. Many were excluded from general education classrooms, or schools altogether, because of their disability. Today, IDEA ensures identification and services to students with disabilities by providing services to support education in the least restrictive environment possible. The deliberate and careless decision to fire the staff at OSEP who are responsible for enacting and enforcing IDEA will harm every student in the nation and perpetuate inequities and injustices in our education system.

Furthermore, eliminating the workforce of both OCR and OSEP robs students and schools of the resources, expertise, and potentially funding, they need to allow children with disabilities to thrive while simultaneously destroying their ability to seek justice. OCR works to identify, end, and remedy systemic violations of civil rights laws, including those that protect students with disabilities, in tens of thousands of institutions, including every state and local educational agency and many institutions of higher education. OCR’s critical investigative and enforcement work is more important now than ever, and the destruction of this agency will certainly lead to fewer remedies for civil rights violations for students with disabilities and leave them with less recourse than they have had in decades.

The RIFs announced at ED on October 10, 2025, are indefensible. You cannot claim to care about students with disabilities and stand behind this decision. These actions will have a direct and acute impact on all students, not just students with disabilities. It is our responsibility to provide a free appropriate public education for all students, and undermining decades of progress to revert to a system that allowed students to be abused, secluded, restrained, and isolated in educational settings with no recourse is unforgivable. It is for these reasons that I strongly urge you to immediately reverse this decision and restore staffing at ED to previously held levels.

I have included below examples of questions that I have received from parents and advocates of children in New York who will be harmed by these cuts. These questions reflect real-world concerns of families in New York. They are worried about their children’s education, accommodations, and the enforcement of their rights. They are also worried that there is nobody working at ED to address these concerns. In addition to restoring staffing levels at ED to previously held levels, we request that you answer these verbatim questions from New York constituents. Please provide a response that I can share with my constituents by Friday, October 31st, 2025:

1) Will this affect Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)?

2) Will schools still have to provide therapy and other accommodations to students?

3) What does this mean for tuition reimbursement under IDEA for already-approved services? Will parents be responsible for paying for this?

4) If a parent has a problem or an issue that they would otherwise call these offices about, “Who will pick up the phone at the Department of Education?” 5) If parents escalate issues relating to safety at school for their children with disabilities, will these problems be addressed and by whom?

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-sounds-the-alarm-about-rising-health-insurance-premiums-for-older-adults/,Gillibrand Sounds The Alarm About Rising Health Insurance Premiums For Older Adults,2025-10-23,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Hundreds of Thousands of Older New Yorkers Depend On ACA Subsidies For Health Insurance Coverage

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is sounding the alarm about the impact of rising health insurance premium costs on older adults.

At a Senate Aging Committee hearing yesterday and a virtual press conference this afternoon, Gillibrand detailed the devastating impact that the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits will have on adults aged 50 to 64, who typically have more substantial health care needs than younger enrollees but do not yet qualify for Medicare.

“Older adults will be hit hard by the expiration of ACA premium tax credits. Many of these individuals have worked hard for decades to save retirement—they do not deserve to have their health insurance premiums skyrocket right before they reach retirement age,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We owe it to older adults to extend the lifesaving tax credits that help keep them afloat. That’s why I’m demanding that my Republican colleagues come to the negotiating table to work with Democrats to reach a deal to extend these tax credits and end the government shutdown.”

Without an extension, ACA enhanced premium tax credits will expire at the end of 2025, causing 20 million Americans—including nearly 5 million individuals aged 50 to 64—to see a drastic increase in health insurance costs. The expiration of these enhanced tax credits will have a particularly devastating impact on older adults, who typically have more substantial health care needs than younger populations and can pay up to three times more than younger enrollees for the same plans due to age rating. If their premium costs skyrocket, many older adults will have to sacrifice other essentials to afford health care, and some will be forced to drop their coverage entirely. Gillibrand emphasized the impossible choices that this will force upon older adults and the dire need to reach a bipartisan deal to extend ACA tax credits and end the government shutdown.

Enrollees in New York State are already receiving notices of premium hikes ahead of the start of open enrollment on November 1st, underscoring the importance of extending the subsidies immediately. A county-by-county breakdown of expected ACA premium increases across New York can be found at gillibrand.senate.gov/trumphealthcareincrease.

The Senate Aging Committee hearing can be watched here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumerflanked-by-ny-families-facing-astronomical-health-care-costsdemands-ny-republicans-to-get-back-to-work-do-their-jobs-end-the-shutdown-and-extend-vital-affordable-care-act-tax-credits-before-premiums-double-without-credits-ny-ers-will-face-a-whopping-40-increase-for-health-insurance,"SCHUMER—FLANKED BY NY FAMILIES FACING ASTRONOMICAL HEALTH CARE COSTS—DEMANDS NY REPUBLICANS TO GET BACK TO WORK, DO THEIR JOBS, END THE SHUTDOWN, AND EXTEND VITAL AFFORDABLE CARE ACT TAX CREDITS...",2025-10-23,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In Less Than 10 Days, New Yorkers Begin Picking Health Insurance For Next Year, But For Many Their Only Option Is To Pay Thousands $$ More Per Month Because Republicans Refuse To Extend The Tax Credits Over 20 Million Americans Rely On

80% of Americans Want To Extend The ACA Tax Credits, But House Republicans Have Been On Vacation For Over A Month, And Trump Refuses To Even Sit Down With Democrats – Meanwhile, New Yorkers In Every Region Are Getting Letters & Seeing Skyrocketing New Premiums

Schumer: New Yorkers Can’t Afford To Wait, We Must Fix The Republican Healthcare Crisis NOW

As New Yorkers see their only option is to pay thousands more for health insurance with less than 10 days before enrollment begins, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joined families from across New York who rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits to afford healthcare to demand NY House Republicans stop their vacation and extend this lifesaving program.

Schumer said with NY’s health insurance marketplace opening November 1st we can’t afford to kick the can down the road any longer, NY House Republicans need to get back to work and tell Trump to negotiate with Democrats now to protect healthcare for 24 million Americans and stop New Yorkers from facing a whopping 40% average increase in their healthcare bills every single month.

“New Yorkers are staring down the barrel of a healthcare crisis that could upend the lives of millions of families across America. In less than 10 days, families need to start picking their health insurance for next year, but many are seeing their only option is to pay thousands more every month without the ACA tax credits. The ACA premium crisis is not a fix-it-later issue, like NY Republicans keep pretending it is. We need to fix it now, otherwise New York’s seniors, small business owners, and families will be paying the price,” said Senator Schumer. “New York House Republicans have been on vacation for over a month. Enough is enough. New York House Republicans need to stand up to Trump and stand up for their constituents who face massive healthcare spikes, end this Republican shutdown, and extend vital ACA tax credits before premiums double. For thousands of hardworking New Yorkers, it’s not just a question of bankruptcy, but survival.”

Schumer explained that the ACA tax credits help working families, small business owners and employees, farmers, and self-employed Americans afford premiums for their health insurance purchased through ACA marketplaces. These tax credits were expanded during the pandemic and continue to lower the cost of health insurance, so it is more affordable for over 24 million Americans, including thousands of families in every corner of New York. If Republicans continue to refuse to address this crisis, health insurance premiums are expected to increase by hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each month for the average couple in New York.

Already, New Yorkers are receiving letters and seeing online their prices for next year compared to last year. A region-by-region list of examples can be found HERE.

“New York’s health plan marketplace and the federal premium tax credits that allowed me to afford a plan that meets my needs have been a critical lifeline for me,” said Jeremy Koulish from Ulster County. “Downgrading my coverage isn’t just a number. It will have a direct impact on my health and my life. This may be a game to Republicans and their billionaire supporters who will never have to worry about the cost of their own platinum-plated health care, but for normal Americans like myself, this is no game at all.”

John T. of Manhattan said, “Obamacare subsidies cut my insurance premiums from $1,400 to $700 per month. So I'm actually getting something back for the taxes I pay. Next year, premiums are likely to more than double, up to $1,500 every month. Without subsidies, that's an extra $800 every single month. Why are we spending tons of money on foreign bailouts instead of helping people here? I want the taxes I pay to help me.”

Below is an example of what a couple in the Hudson Valley, like Jeremy and his wife, could see as their cost skyrocket by $949 every single month.

2025 Costs Per Month

2026 Costs Per Month

In addition, because of Trump’s healthcare cuts in his ‘Big, Ugly Bill,’ 450,000 New Yorkers will be forced off New York’s Essential Plan, which means many will either have to look for insurance on the ACA marketplace with sky-high prices because of the expiring tax credits, or lose their health insurance entirely.

“My heart dropped when I got an email earlier this month stating I might lose my insurance benefits. I already struggle to afford the city that I have grown up in and contributed to as a small business owner. Without ACA I now have to get into the frustrating, time-consuming process of finding insurance of which I doubt will be possible,” said Lilah Obregon-Wilson from NYC. “Shopping for health insurance through the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act was the first time I had assurance of affordable, good insurance. We must protect this program, it’s a matter of survival.”

Judy Jerome of New York City said, “This healthcare crisis is causing me great anxiety because there just doesn’t seem to be any way to get ahead. Republicans' refusal to extend the ACA tax credits means that the new, far more expensive premiums are now out of reach for me. My current NY Essential plan insurance will end in June of 2026, and I’m scared for what comes after.”

For months, Schumer has been speaking out about the need for Republicans to work with Democrats to protect Americans from skyrocketing healthcare costs, but Republicans have refused to come to the table. If Republican inaction lets ACA enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of the year, premiums will more than double for Americans who buy health care through the ACA marketplaces. These higher costs will push 4 million people off their health coverage over the next decade, including tens of thousands of New Yorkers. According to KFF, 8 in 10 Americans say they want Congress to extend these tax credits, including nearly 60% of Republicans.

Schumer has been speaking out about the need for Republicans to work with Democrats to protect Americans from skyrocketing healthcare costs and reopen the government. Under Schumer’s leadership, Senate Democrats have already forced three votes to extend these tax credits, but Senate Republicans have continued to vote against them. Republicans continue to refuse to act to stop these entirely avoidable healthcare cost increases for Americans, and House Republican leaders have not brought the House back to vote in over a month.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-45-senate-democrats-urge-president-trump-to-reinforce-opposition-to-west-bank-annexation/,"Gillibrand, 45 Senate Democrats Urge President Trump To Reinforce Opposition To West Bank Annexation",2025-10-22,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Senators press President Trump to reinforce opposition to territorial annexation after Gaza ceasefire plan omits mention of West Bank

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and 45 other Senate Democrats urged President Donald Trump to reinforce his stated opposition to the State of Israel’s annexation of territory in the West Bank amidst ongoing focus on implementing and sustaining the much-needed ceasefire in Gaza.

President Trump previously expressed his opposition to annexations, saying that he would “not allow Israel to annex the West Bank.” The recent ceasefire plan for Gaza omits any mention of the West Bank.

“In this moment, it is essential that the United States reject measures that undermine the viability of a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the senators wrote in a letter signed by almost the entire Senate Democratic Caucus.

“As longstanding supporters of Israel’s security and Palestinian aspirations for statehood, we are unified in our opposition to unilateral measures by either party that undermine the prospect of lasting peace through negotiations to achieve a two-state solution. That includes any steps by Israel to annex territory or expand settlements that prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.”

The senators also reiterated their relief at the long-sought release of Israeli hostages from Gaza and the need for humanitarian aid to surge into Gaza, for the remains of all deceased hostages to be returned to their families, and for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to be sustained.

The senators joining Gillibrand in signing the letter are Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear President Trump:

We write to express support for your comments opposing any efforts by the Government of Israel to annex territory in the West Bank and to urge your Administration to promote steps to preserve the viability of a two-state solution and the success of the Abraham Accords.

Since your plan for Gaza does not address the West Bank, it is imperative that your Administration reinforce your comments and emphasize its opposition to annexation. As longstanding supporters of Israel’s security and Palestinian aspirations for statehood, we are unified in our opposition to unilateral measures by either party that undermine the prospect of lasting peace through negotiations to achieve a two-state solution. That includes any steps by Israel to annex territory or expand settlements that prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. Such steps have elicited deep concern and opposition from Arab partners and place at risk your past achievements under the Abraham Accords and the possibility of expanding them further. At the same time, terrorism, including the horrific terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, must be uniformly condemned and will not bring the region closer to peace.

We are relieved that the hostages have been released, and it is vital that humanitarian aid surge into Gaza; the remains of deceased hostages, including Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen, be returned to their families; and that the ceasefire be sustained. In this moment, it is essential that the United States reject measures that undermine the viability of a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-nj-senators-call-for-good-faith-and-speedy-contract-negotiations-for-broadway-performers/,"Gillibrand, NJ Senators Call For Good Faith And Speedy Contract Negotiations For Broadway Performers",2025-10-22,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Contract Has Expired Between The Broadway League and the American Federation of Musicians

Today, amidst contract negotiations between members of The Broadway League, American Federation of Musicians, and American Federation of Musicians Local 802, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Andy Kim (D-NJ) called on all parties to participate in good faith negotiations and continued communication. In a letter to the presidents of each organization, the senators underscored that “Broadway’s workers are the heartbeat of American arts and entertainment, and the cultural legacy these individuals have cultivated inspires generations.”

The senators wrote, “The contract between the Broadway League and the American Federation of Musicians has expired, and union members are continuing to work under this expired contract. Should a strike occur, it would cause significant disruption in the Tri-State economy and Broadway’s post-pandemic recovery will see an unwanted setback.”

The senators doubled down on the industry’s importance to the economic development of the region and local industries as Broadway “supports nearly 100,000 jobs and draws in yearly audiences of over 14 million, generating a record $1.89 billion in box office revenue during its most recent season. Broadway is also an essential cornerstone in the economic wellbeing of surrounding businesses and sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation.”

The senators concluded by writing that it “is imperative that a fair negotiation takes place that prioritizes the health and well-being of Broadway and the people that bring it to life.”

To read the full text of the letter, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/icymi-gillibrand-scott-release-report-highlighting-americas-overreliance-on-foreign-made-generic-drugs-proposing-bipartisan-policy-recommendations/,"ICYMI: Gillibrand, Scott, Release Report Highlighting America’s Overreliance On Foreign-Made Generic Drugs, Proposing Bipartisan Policy Recommendations",2025-10-21,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Read Politico’s Story On The Report Here

Today, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rick Scott (R-FL)—-ranking member and chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, respectively—-released an investigative report detailing America’s overreliance on foreign-manufactured generic drugs, from cancer treatments to over-the-counter painkillers. The report, titled “Protecting Seniors’ Access to Essential Medications: Securing the Foreign Generic Pharmaceutical Supply Chain,” describes the need to protect American patients by increasing oversight of the generic drug supply chain, boosting domestic production of generic drugs, and investing in American biotechnology research.

“In the richest country in the world, our constituents shouldn’t have to worry about the safety and availability of the drugs they need to fight devastating diseases like cancer,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Making sure that the supply chain for generic drugs continues to be safe and reliable is essential to protect American patients, and this report is a critical first step to that end. We must increase oversight over foreign-manufactured generic drugs through improved enforcement power and a robust Food and Drug Administration (FDA) foreign inspector workforce. We must also boost domestic production of generic drugs and investments in cutting-edge biotechnology research to make sure that all Americans have access to the high-quality medications they need. Generic drugs are a critical option to keep prescription drug prices affordable, but that cannot come at the expense of quality. As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, I am committed to working on bipartisan solutions to secure the prescription drug supply chain, and I encourage the Trump administration and my colleagues in Congress to work together to heed the recommendations of this report so we can protect American patients.”

“The United States’ overreliance on foreign-made generic drugs, especially those made in adversarial nations, is a very real threat to all Americans, but especially our aging population,” said Senator Scott. “Not only have we had many recorded cases of these imported, generic drugs being contaminated and causing death and injury, if Communist China, our adversary, or India shut off the flow of these essential drugs, the U.S. would only have months of prescription drug supply, forcing us to begin rationing drugs and turning away all but the most in need within a matter of weeks! Our seniors deserve better, and this report is just the beginning as we expose this national security and public health crises and how to fix it by increasing Food and Drug Administration oversight and bringing generic drug production back to America. Congress has to work with the Trump administration and act now to make sure that Americans have safe and high-quality drugs and to secure the prescription drug supply chain.”

On September 17, Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Gillibrand held a hearing with expert witnesses highlighting the national security and public health crises caused by America’s dependence on foreign-made generic drugs and their ingredients. In a second hearing on October 8, the Aging Committee again heard from witnesses who discussed recommendations to secure America’s pharmaceutical supply chains and ensure access to high-quality, life-saving generic drugs that millions of Americans–including seniors–rely on.

Highlights of the report include:

In 2024, the U.S. manufactured 37% of its consumed pharmaceuticals, a stark decline from 2002 when that figure was 83%.

China accounts for 95% of U.S. imports of ibuprofen, 70% of U.S. imports of acetaminophen, and up to 45% of U.S. imports of penicillin.

Approximately 90% of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) for global antibiotics are of Chinese origin, and 83% of the top 100 generic drugs consumed by U.S. citizens have no U.S.-based source of APIs.

While India supplies approximately half of all generic drugs used in the U.S., Indian manufacturers rely on China for approximately 80% of the API that they use.

According to a 2025 study, the occurrence of serious adverse events for generic drugs manufactured in India was 54% higher than for equivalent drugs that were manufactured in the United States. Adverse events were hospitalization, disability, and death.

The report recommends the following solutions to start addressing these problems and securing safe and reliable generic drug access for all Americans:

Establish a federal buyer’s market for essential medicines, prioritizing American made products first, and prioritizing near- and friend-shoring if American-made products are not available

Map our generic drug supply chains

Require companies to disclose country of origin for finished pharmaceuticals

Utilize trade levers like the administration’s 232 investigation authority

Pass clarifying language to close loopholes that allow foreign-made products to be categorized as “Made in America”

Support U.S. biotechnology

Read the full report HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z