2011

Senator Schumers 62 County Tour

National and Legislative accomplishments

Long Island
Proposed new LIRR Passenger Bill of Rights: LIRR commuters have been plagued by numerous service disruptions during their daily commutes. In April, poorly scheduled Amtrak construction disrupted LIRR trains for nearly three hours. Tens of thousands of evening commuters were stranded on the first night of Passover. In October, LIRR trains were delayed because of a lightning strike that caused signal problems at the Jamaica station. In this instance, seven trains were left idling between stations, causing some commuters to self-evacuate onto the tracks. Schumer called on the LIRR to create a commuters bill of rights. On the heels of Schumers request, the LIRR drafted a pledge to its commuters. The 8-point pledge includes a promise to respond quickly during a service outage, to offer water on idling trains, have a better communication system put in place, let commuters off at stations if possible, and give commuters a time-frame of when the problem will be resolved. Secured first-ever LI Expressway Road Safety Audit that exposed major safety problems for Nassau Police officers: At the request of Schumer, a 43-page road safety assessment was released in October by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and the NYS Department of Transportation. Schumer requested this study after Officer Michael Califano was tragically killed along the Long Island Expressway during a routine traffic stop. At least 25 other officers had been the victims of similar incidents along the Long Island Expressway before Officer Califanos tragic accident. Schumer wrote to the Federal Highway Administration, as well as the New York State Department of Transportation urging them to conduct a Road Safety Audit in conjunction with the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association. The safety assessment called for better lighting, reflectors on guide rails and barriers, as well as the creation of emergency pull-off areas. Schumer is pushing for the implementation of these findings in 2012. Successfully defeated a House GOP proposal that would have gutted funding for East Side Access and Second Avenue Subway: Under the House version of the FY 2012 Transportation/HUD appropriations bill, funding for East Side Access would have been cut by 47% from the Presidents $215 million request and 21% would have been cut from the $197 million requested by the President for the Second Avenue Subway. Schumer fought these proposed cuts in conference and restored funding to ensure these projects will not be ground to a halt, a major win for Long Island commuters. The East Side Access Project, a joint federalstate effort, is a rail link from the LIRR, via the 63rd Street Tunnel, to Grand Central Terminal that will help tens of thousands of Nassau, Suffolk commuters save up to 30-40 minutes on their daily commutes. The project will also free up much needed capacity at Penn Station, alleviating what have become almost routine train delays. The Second Avenue Subway project is intended to ease congestion on the Lexington Avenue line, the most crowded subway line in the nation, by constructing a two-track line connecting 125th Street to the Financial District in Manhattan as well as a connection from Second Avenue through the 63rd Street tunnel to existing tracks in West Midtown and Brooklyn. Schumer worked with House and Senate negotiators to preserve nearly all of the funding for these two projects: $203,424,000 for East Side Access, and $186,566,000 for the Second Avenue Subway. Schumer has also fought to secure an additional $2.2 billion in unused railroad funds, through the Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing program (RRIF), forfeited by New Jerseys rejection of the Access to the Regions Core (ARC) tunnel project to cover any remaining costs of the project. Helped establish $500,000 seed fund for Accelerate LI Jobs Program: Schumer convened a meeting in January between leaders from Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and urged the leaders to form a regional innovation cluster that would focus on commercializing technologies coming out of Long Islands major research 1

Nassau and suffolk

Long Island
institutions. Partnering with the Long Island Associations Accelerate Long Island organization, Schumers efforts led to the firstever showcase of technologies from BNL, SBU, CSHL, North Shore LIJ and Hofstra University at two major events with local investors. Designed to bring technologies developed on Long Island to market by introducing patent holders to investors for the purposes of commercialization on the Island to spur local job growth, Schumer also secured the establishment of a $500,000 emerging technologies seed fund by local investors Mark Fasciano of Canrock Ventures and David Calone of Jove Equity Partners. The fund is expected to grow to $1 million by 2012 and hopefully create more than a dozen companies. The fund was announced at a major event at the Cradle of Aviation in Museum, showcasing numerous plans from scientists involved in Accelerate Long Island, as well as other proposals. Saved American Air Power Museum from demolition at Republic Airport: Schumer announced that the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport had been saved from demolition from the FAAs runway safety program. After Schumer and Congressman Steve Israel drafted language for the FAA reauthorization bill to allow funds to be used for the relocation an existing airport facility, the FAA conceded in a letter to Schumer and said, the FAA does not have the legal authority to compel the [airport] to demolish the structure. Additionally, the FAA reversed itself and made clear that federal funds could in fact be used, under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), to relocate the structure. The Museum is an historic structure representing Long Islands manufacturing legacy and is currently dedicated to honoring the service of Americas veterans. Saved 1,000 jobs at Brookhaven National Lab and secured full funding for NSLS 2 Construction: In February, Senator Schumer announced that the House budget cuts would force Brookhaven National Lab to lay off 930 scientists, as well as other staff. The House Budget Committee proposed billions of dollars of cuts to science and energy funds. Schumer urged House Chairmen Ryan and Rogers, explaining the importance of Brookhaven National Lab to our nation. Schumer urged the chairman to reconsider the proposed cuts. Under the compromise plan pushed by Schumer and passed in Congress, only $35 million was cut from the Office of Science, saving 1,000 jobs at Brookhaven National Lab. Senator Schumers push helped save numerous projects from being cut, including: the National Synchrotron Light Source, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and research into alternative and sustainable energy. Secured reimbursement funds for Bay Park Treatment Plant: Schumer delivered $11 million in EPA reimbursement funds owed to Nassau County to be used for critical infrastructure upgrades at the Bay Park Treatment Plant. In the 1980s, Nassau County was awarded sewer grants for multi-million dollar upgrades to the Cedar Creek and Bay Park wastewater treatment plants. Although the County completed the work, Nassau was never reimbursed by the EPA. In November of 2010, Schumer renewed his call to issue $20 million in unpaid EPA sewer funds to fix a sludge problem flowing from the Bay Park Treatment Plant to Reynolds Channel. Schumer wrote to the EPA administrator Lisa Jackson urging the EPA to return the EPA funds to Nassau County. Schumer said that the funding would help Nassau County complete sewer upgrades, as well as reduce the tax burden on local residents. Secured restitution from NOAA For excessive fishing fines: A report by the Commerce Department found that funds obtained through unwarranted fines levied against fisherman by Fisheries enforcement agents were improperly used to purchase vehicles, boats, and international travel for employees of the Northeast Region. Schumer pushed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to return the proceeds to the fund and fishermen who were excessively fined. Schumer wrote to NOAA administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, urging her to immediately freeze spending of AFF money and conduct a thorough investigation to determine if this money was collected appropriately and if any should be returned to fishermen. In May, NOAA announced they would be waiving fines and would provide restitution for numerous fishermen who were fined over the last several years by rogue fisheries enforcement agents in the Northeast Region. Aggers Fishing Company, one of the New York companies that Schumer fought for, received $160,000 in restitution. Secured language in Senate National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reauthorization bill to protect Nassau residents from inaccurate flood maps: Two years ago, FEMA mapped the residents of the Village of Valley Stream, in Nassau County, into the special flood hazard area using data that was not specific to the community. As a result, residents have been forced to pay flood insurance premiums ranging anywhere from $300 to $2,000 per year. Schumer was able to secure language in the Senate Banking Committees flood insurance reauthorization bill that would require FEMA to use local data that is specific to the community when preparing its flood maps and to revise maps that were found to be noncompliant with the local data requirement. Furthermore, Schumer was able to secure language in the bill that would fully reimburse those who were incorrectly determined to be in a special flood hazard area. 2

Long Island
Renamed Lynbrook Post Office in honor of Navy Corpsman Jeffrey L. Weiner: On July 22, Lynbrook Post Office was renamed for Navy Corpsman Jeffrey Wiener. In 2005, Navy Corpsman Jeffrey Wiener, was killed in an ambush and bombing in Haditha. Previously, he was a member of the Lynbrook Fire Department and was a Nassau County EMT for the Fire Department. Senator Schumer, with Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, introduced and passed legislation to rename the post office. Successfully Lobbied Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.com to Remove Counterfeited Daddario Gutiar Strings: After Schumers urging at the Farmingdale-based Daddario Guitar String Factory, Alibaba.com removed 421 ads for counterfeited Daddario guitar strings. Daddario is one of the oldest and most successful guitar string manufacturers in the world, employing over 800 people in their Long Island plant and headquarters. The company supplies guitar strings and other accessories to major musicians across the world. Though the company produces about half a million guitar strings each day, the Chinese counterfeit operation had been costing Daddario millions of dollars of sales each year. Expedited benefit applications for 100 Long Island veterans: Schumer secured expedited benefit applications for 100 Long Island Veterans after their applications were never forwarded from the Nassau County Veterans Services to the VA office. The claims included widows benefits and health care benefits; some even dated back to 2005. Because of the error, many veterans did not receive the benefits they were entitled to. Schumer wrote a letter to VA Secretary Erick Shinseki urging him to make sure that each of these veterans received the full measure of benefits they deserve, retroactive to the date when they first submitted their claims. In August, VA Secretary Shinseki announced that the New York Regional Office had contacted the Nassau County Veterans Services Administration Director to obtain a complete list of the Veterans affected. Their claims will be expeditiously processed and be provided with appropriate assistance. Secured Army Corps commitment to dredge Lake Montauk: Schumer and Rep. Bishop wrote a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) requesting that they expedite their dredging schedule. Originally, the ACOE was planning on starting the dredging process in 2013 to coincide with their fiscal cycle. Beginning the dredging in 2013 would, overall, hurt the local economy. In their letter, Schumer and Bishop also requested that the Army Corps investigate the possibility of using sand from the dredging to address imperiled structures west of the Lake in front of Soundview Drive and Captain Kidds Path in Montauk that are threatened because of worsening erosion. Schumer and Bishop announced that the ACOE had agreed to allocate $1.1 million to dredge Lake Montauk in September 2011. Additionally, the ACOE agreed to continue their feasibility study to explore the possibility of dredging a deeper channel accommodate larger fishing vessels. For this study, they allocated an additional $172,000. Prevented Aqua New York Water tower in Wantagh: Homeowners opposed the 150 foot water tower at a community meeting and also sent Schumers office a petition signed with over 700 names opposing the project. Residents were concerned that the structure would lower property values. Schumer wrote Long Island American Water, the parent company of Aqua, urging them to work with the community to evaluate all potential options to improve water pressure in the Wantagh area. Schumer also urged American Water to continue their tradition of proactive and transparent community relations in their handling of this project. Aqua New York President, Mike Snyder, announced that they will be withdrawing their application to build the 150-foot water tower. Passed Amendment in Senate to regulate helicopter flight regulations: For years, Long Islands north shore has been plagued with helicopter noise. In March, Schumer announced that he successfully included an amendment into the FAA Reauthorization Bill, which passed in the Senate. The amendment would provide a deadline for the FAA to implement helicopter flight regulations within 12 months. It would also provide legal authority to the FAA to implement helicopter flight regulations. Secured EPA Oversight of Toxic Bethpage Plume: Following a Schumer-led effort for the Navy to conduct a new study of the clean-up policy at the miles wide toxic Bethpage plume, the Senator secured a commitment for EPA oversight of the implementation of a new clean-up and monitoring plan. The plume affects the water for hundreds of thousands of Nassau residents in the Bethpage, Farmingdale and Massapequa areas. Secured vital funding for first responders: More and more every year, local fire departments find themselves strapped for cash and having to cut corners while still maintaining an adequate and well-prepared fire fighting force. Schumer was among the first senators to recognize the need for the federal government to establish a funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of fire prevention. In 2011, Schumer secured over $2.5 million for fire departments in Long Island, including over $707,000 for the East Rockaway Fire Department and $96,780 for the New Hyde Park Fire Department. 3

2011
Senator Schumers 62 County Tour
National and Legislative accomplishments

Hudson Valley
Ensured upgrade to C-17 to bring new life to Stewart Air National Guard: This July, Stewart Air National Guard received its first of 8 expected C-17 cargo and troop transport aircraft to replace the Vietnam era C-5 Galaxy. Schumer pushed to have the new planes stationed in Newburgh. The new mission will keep Stewart International Airport and the Hudson Valley on the leading edge of airborne military technology and our national defense. Urged CSX and Dyson Foundation to work together for land property sale for Dutchess County Rail Trail: Senator Schumer urged CSX to work with Dyson Foundation to negotiate in good faith for the sale of property which would connect the walkway over the Hudson with the Dutchess County rail trail. With Schumers help, CSX and the Dyson Foundation came to an agreement which allowed the purchasing of property to connect the two walkways to make a county-wide trail for residents. Lobbied Pepsi CEO and Secured 1,200 jobs for 5 more years at Hudson Valley headquarters: Schumer continually pressed PepsiCo, Inc leadership to keep their headquarters inside the approximately 540,000 square foot facility in Somers. In March, PepsiCo, Inc. announced it would continue to locate their headquarters in Westchester for an additional five years. The decision means that the 1,200 jobs associated with the companys headquarters will remain in the Hudson Valley, with great potential to attract even more jobs and economic opportunity. Ronald Agard receives Purple Heart after being denied by the VA: Schumer worked with Veterans Director of Rockland County, Jerry Donnellen to ask the VA to reconsider its decision on the denial of Agards Purple Heart. Sgt. Ronald Agard had been denied due to his condition of TBI which was not recognized by the VA as worthy of the medal. The VA reversed its decision and now recognizes Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as a worthy condition for the Purple Heart Medal. Successfully pushed for Presidential Disaster Declaration, in wake of record breaking storms Irene and Lee: Without Schumers diligence the aftermath of Tropical Storms Irene and Lee would still plague hard hit Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester Counties which were included in the Presidents declaration. Schumers efforts helped deliver $163M in disaster aid for emergency services, road and infrastructure repair, and debris removal across New York State. Schumers direct push to President Obama also helped deliver $148M in assistance for individuals to repair their homes and help small businesses recover. Schumers work also helped secure over $100 million in Small Business Administration funding. Additionally, Schumer was the first to call on FEMA to deploy temporary housing units for those displaced by Tropical Storms Irene and Lee. Secured over $1 million for lead hazard awareness education and prevention: This year Schumer helped secure a Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control grant of $1,749,639 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Westchester County. These federal funds will allow Westchester County to continue providing services to reduce lead-based paint hazards throughout the County and implement a new marketing campaign with additional activities to attract more property owners. The County will evaluate 230 homes for lead hazards, eliminate lead hazards in 215 homes, conduct outreach and education for 5 events, and provide training to 50 individuals. Extended lease for Homes for Heroes: Homes for Heroes was in a short term lease with the Department of Health and Human Services in order to start construction on homes for veterans. Schumer helped to secure $1 million in investments to start building 4

Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester

Hudson Valley
homes for homeless veterans throughout the Hudson Valley at former Camp Shanks and pushed to extend that lease to allow building to be completed within the deadline. Secured $4 million for New York Medical College to construct biotech incubator: Schumer supported NYMC in their application to revamp former lab space to make it the home of a new biotech laboratory which will have a shared resource facility for drug development, business formation and development and equipment. Helped Chester Lubick receive long-denied Purple Heart: Schumer worked with World War II veteran Chester Lubick of Blauvelt in Rockland County, to receive a Purple Heart earned more than 60 years ago. Mr. Lubick fought in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, and was subsequently injured while a prisoner of war outside of Nuremberg, Germany. Mr. Lubick had tried for several years to obtain the Purple Heart, to no avail. Schumer was finally able to cut through the red tape and get him the recognition he deserved. Schumer presented the Purple Heart to Mr. Lubick in January. Secured unused Army shed for Town of New Windsor: At Schumers urging, the U.S. Army transferred control of an unused shed over to the town so that they can store Department of Homeland Security emergency and natural disaster response equipment in a secure, covered location that is easily accessible to first responders and law enforcement. The no-cost transfer will result in several hundred thousand dollars saved for town taxpayers. Successful raids and Schumer urging lead to High Intensity Drug Trafficking area designation for Orange County: This February Schumer congratulated FBI Special Agent James Galiano on a successful raid that resulted in criminal charges for 10 members of the Latin Kings gang in Newburgh. Local, state, and federal law enforcement collaborated on yesterdays raid that comes after an aggressive effort by Schumer to focus federal law enforcement resources on the growing gang problem in the area. As a result, murdering and racketeering charges will be filed against members of the gang, which is notorious for peddling drugs on the streets of Newburgh. This success, coupled with over a year of phone calls, meetings and personal appeals to R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, helped Orange County secure the federal High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) designation Schumer requested. This designation will enhance coordination of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies by providing equipment, technology and additional resources to combat the drug trafficking on which these gangs thrive. The City of Newburgh will soon receive new tools to combat the drug crime and gang violence. Secured almost $1 million for volunteer firefighter tuition assistance program in Hudson Valley: In March, Schumer helped secure badly needed funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to help Vails Gate Fire Department in Orange County recruit volunteer firefighters. At Schumers urging, DHS granted $980,080 for Vails Gate Fire Department. These federal funds will allow the Vails Gate Fire Department to offer college tuition assistance as an incentive to attract new talented members, to retain experienced members and to encourage high school and college age dependents to volunteer. Over a four year period, these funds allow for 17 new volunteer recruits and college tuition assistance to 27 existing members and eligible family members. Opened door for Casino in the Catskills: At Schumers urging with meetings, phone calls and letters, the Department of Interior (DOI) overturned blanket ban on off reservation gaming. Due to widespread community support, Schumer had long been supportive of the previously-made applications to build gaming facilities in the Catskills. He lobbied Secretary Salazar and Bureau of Indian Affairs head Larry EchoHawk in phone calls, letters and meetings, asking them to overturn the precedent set by former Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne. Though barriers still remain, this groundbreaking action by DOI removes what was an insurmountable hurdle on the path to a Catskills casino. This opens the door for applications to build casinos in the Catskills, which have enjoyed broad support because they can create jobs and new economic opportunities for upstate New Yorkers in one of our states most economically challenged areas. Promoted Newburgh as the new home for FBI regional office: Schumer urged FBI Director Robert Mueller to station the FBI regional office in the Hudson Valley. During the past two years, the FBI has been active in the Newburgh area, heading up a task force with city and state police, sheriffs and other federal agencies including the Drug Enforcement Agency that has targeted gang and drug-related activity and led to nearly 100 arrests, many on federal conspiracy and murder charges. This already strong partnership makes Newburgh the ideal location for the regional office.

Hudson Valley
Highland Falls funding fix included in Senate ESEA Reauthorization: Schumer successfully included a permanent fix in the Elementary and Secondary Education Reauthorization Act (ESEA) of 2011 for the chronically low funding received by the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery School District. The school district is approximately 93% exempt from property taxation due to wholly exempt federal- and state-owned land. Highland Falls, therefore, has a very small tax base and has been drastically and constantly shortchanged by the state and federal government. The permanent fix was included in the Impact Aid section of the reauthorization bill, which provides compensation to local school districts for local revenue lost due to the presence of federally owned property and costs incurred due to "federally connected" students, such as the children of armed services personnel working at a nearby military base. Secured $1.1 million for education and training for Dutchess County youth and young adults: This May, Schumer helped secure $1.1 million for the Nubian Directions II for the purpose of developing high quality workforce skills for youth and adults. This Department of Labor YouthBuild Grant funding will enable the Poughkeepsie based organization to divide time between construction sites, computers and the classroom to get young people ready to join the workforce. Training and service opportunities like the ones provided at Nubian Directions II through these YouthBuild Grants will help Poughkeepsie residents achieve economic self-sufficiency, through occupations that are both in high demand, and meaningful to the community. Secured vital funding for first responders: More and more every year, local fire departments find themselves strapped for cash and having to cut corners while still maintaining an adequate and well-prepared fire fighting force. Schumer was among the first senators to recognize the need for the federal government to establish a funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of fire prevention. In 2011, Schumer secured $44,660 for Rockland Paramedic Services to purchase portable CO detectors.

2011
Senator Schumers 62 County Tour
National and Legislative accomplishments

Capital Region
With long-standing support, secured DOE funding for SEMATCH and CNSE: Schumers push for UAlbanys SEMATECH-CNSE application, the group has been awarded $57.5 million in federal grants from the Department of Energy (DOE). This funding will allow SEMATECH-CNSE to form a new photovoltaic manufacturing consortium with support from the Department of Energys Photovoltaic Manufacturing Initiative. With this federal funding, the partnership can massively increase the United States share of the photovoltaic technology and products market, and potentially create millions of jobs over the next decade
Fulton, Saratoga, Washington, Montgomery, Schoharie, Albany, Rensselaer, Greene, Columbia, and Schenectady

Uncovered historical documents to reopen case for WWI Hero and Albany resident Henry Johnsons long overdue Medal of Honor: Schumer revealed new evidence that dramatically strengthens Sgt. Henry Johnson's case for the Medal of Honor. Schumer called on the U.S. Army to reopen Johnson's case for a Medal of Honor in light of the never before considered evidence. Of particular significance is a memo from General John Pershing, the World War I Army Commander in Chief, which details Henry Johnson's bravery and self-sacrifice during the May 1918 fight. This document is critical to Johnson's case because receiving the Medal of Honor requires a chain-of command endorsement, and Johnson's previous award recommendation was lacking this vital piece of the puzzle. Successfully pushed for Presidential Disaster Declaration, in wake of record breaking storms Irene and Lee: Without Schumers diligence the aftermath of Tropical Storms Irene and Lee would still plague hard hit Albany, Columbia, Greene,

Montgomery, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Washington Counties which were included in the Presidents declaration. Schumers efforts helped deliver $163M in disaster aid for emergency services, road and infrastructure repair, and debris removal across New York State. Schumers direct push to President Obama also helped deliver $148M in assistance for individuals to repair their homes and help small businesses recover. Schumers work also helped secure over $100 million in Small Business Administration funding. Additionally, Schumer was the first to call on FEMA to deploy temporary housing units for those displaced by Tropical Storms Irene and Lee. Pushed major high speed rail deal and secured $58 million for Schenectady Station: With Schumers help, necessary agreements have been reached between CSX, Amtrak, NYSDOT, and the Federal Railway Administration (FRA) to move forward with rail projects across the Capital Region. CSX, Amtrak, NYSDOT and FRA had yet to complete the essential land and track leasing, operating and management, dispatching and right-of-way maintenance, implementing, and service outcomes. After Schumer pushed the parties to sign off on these agreements, a deal was reached that will now allow nearly $150 million to be obligated to high speed rail projects including the construction of a second main track between Albany and Schenectady. Additionally, Schumers personal appeal to transportation Secretary Ray LaHood ensured $58 million in high speed rail funding for the Empire Corridor, promoting projects that include replacing the Schenectady Station and constructing a fourth station track at the Albany-Rensselaer Station. These projects and others will go a long way towards improving reliability, speed and frequency there and throughout the Empire Corridor. Train travel is the superhighway of the future and, thanks to Schumers efforts, Upstate New York will have the essential infrastructure in place to support a robust and efficient high speed rail network. After personal appeal, secured over $400,000 for Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood: After a personal letter to education 7

Capital Region
Secretary Arne Duncan, Schumer secured $408,137 for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany from Department of Education Promise Neighborhoods Implementation Grants Program for the Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood. The federal funding will address the needs of children within the Hudson City School District (HCSD). With two of the four schools identified as persistently low performing and a graduation rate of 59%, the children and families need answers, solutions and hope. Their school reform vision focuses on increasing graduation rates, participation in school activities, test scores, and performance outcomes. Working Groups, advisory boards, and a fundraising team will work actively with local leaders, residents, and expert consultants to carefully collect, organize, and process real and current data. The grant will also help promote school readiness, successful transitions to adulthood, skillful parenting, access to health care (including mental health), and an environment where youth are encouraged to participate in the arts and humanities. Secured over $3 million for lead hazard awareness education and prevention: This year Schumer helped secure a Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control grant of $3,212,641 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the City of Schenectady. These federal funds will allow the City to continue providing services to reduce lead-based paint hazards throughout Schenectady and implement a new marketing campaign with additional activities to attract more property owners. The City will evaluate 250 homes for lead hazards, eliminate lead hazards in 225 homes, conduct outreach and education for 2,000 people, and provide training to 30 individuals. Alerted CPSC to the need for XOS technology: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new technology made by XOS that will be used to detect lead and other regulated elements in childrens products. Schumer long fought for stronger safety rules regarding lead in toys and other consumer products, highlighted by the 2008 legislation which he cosponsored to protect children by banning lead in childrens products. He also worked hard to push the CPSC to thoroughly investigate new testing technology offered by the Capital Regions XOS, to reduce testing costs for industry and thus improve compliance with the new regulations. Secured $1 million for Firefighting Research at Skidmore College: Schumer continued to show support for New Yorks fire fighters by securing a $999,996 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to study impact of firefighting on cardiovascular system at Skidmore College. The funding is specifically through a Fire Prevention and Safety grant, which Skidmore College plans to use to scientifically study the impact of heat stress and dehydration on a firefighters cardiovascular health. This includes the firefighters initial call, the act of fire fighting, and the return. This funding will also go towards disseminating health information to firefighters that results from the study. Schumer highlighted the importance of this funding, as cardiovascular events make up 45% of deaths for firefighters in the line of duty, meaning that occurrences such as heart attacks are the number one killer of active firefighters. Secured $3.5 million from DOT for Albany International Airport: With this funding for runway and taxi rehabilitation, the airport can make renovations that will ensure passenger safety and the smooth operation of the facility. Albany International Airport is set to receive $3,494,100 in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds for airport facility upgrades. Specifically, the grant will allow Albany International Airport to rehabilitate a runway, multiple taxiways and the airports cargo Apron. The funding will allow the pavement to be replaced on these surfaces, which will to maintain their structural integrity and increase the overall level of safety at Albany International. Secured vital funding for first responders: More and more every year, local fire departments find themselves strapped for cash and having to cut corners while still maintaining an adequate and well-prepared fire fighting force. Schumer was among the first senators to recognize the need for the federal government to establish a funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of fire prevention. In 2010, Schumer secured $483,693for fire departments in the Capital Region, including over $225,000 for the Watervliet Fire Department in Albany County, $211,269 for the Albany Fire Department, and $46,500 for the West Fort Ann Fire Company in Washington County.

2011
Senator Schumers 62 County Tour
National and Legislative accomplishments

North Country
Secured over $69,000 HHS grant for Carthage area school-based health centers: Schumer secured a $69,548 School-Based Health Center Capital Program Grant for $69,548 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Carthage Area Hospital. existing school-based health centers effectiveness through the procurement of new laptops, hardware and electronic filing software. These time saving steps will allow doctors and nurses to spend more time examining individual students in Carthages schoolbased clinics.
Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Hamilton, Franklin, Clinton, Essex, and Warren

Secured $54 million for upgrades at Fort Drum: Senators Schumer and Gillibrands urging landed Fort Drum $54 million through the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act. This funding will include more than $15 million for a soldier family care clinic for the Combat Aviation Brigade, $5 million for a dental clinic, nearly $6 million for ammunition supply storage, $7.5 million for a new chapel and $20 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar. As a result, this funding could create nearly 400 construction jobs in the area. CES forges agreement with Canadian Border Agency to allow North Country anglers easier access to cross-border fishing areas: Schumer played a major role in facilitating talks between Canadian and American officials, which produced a new, more streamlined check-in process, whereby fishermen can call the Canadian Border Security office to report their presence

and be approved over the phone. This will ensure competitive and individual fisherman can enjoy our border waters without fear of Canadian fees. Successfully pushed for Presidential Disaster Declaration, in wake of record breaking storms Irene and Lee: Without Schumers diligence the aftermath of Tropical Storms Irene and Lee would still plague hard hit Clinton, Essex, and Warren Counties which were included in the Presidents declaration. Schumers efforts helped deliver $163M in disaster aid for emergency services, road and infrastructure repair, and debris removal across New York State. Schumers direct push to President Obama also helped deliver $148M in assistance for individuals to repair their homes and help small businesses recover. Schumers work also helped secure over $100 million in Small Business Administration funding. Additionally, Schumer was the first to call on FEMA to deploy temporary housing units for those displaced by Tropical Storms Irene and Lee. Secured $1.4 million for Plattsburgh International Airport: With Schumers help, the airport will make renovations to ensure passenger safety and the smooth operation of the facility by replacing existing incandescent lights along taxiway Alpha with an energy-efficient light-emitting diode system. Kept Trudeau Institute, leading research facility, in Adirondacks: Schumers personal appeals to Trudeau Institutes Dr. David Woodland and his promise to aid in establishing partnerships with other New York State clinical research programs helped keep the Saranac Lake institution in its 126 year old home. With Schumers help Trudeau will expand its research capabilities in the Adirondacks and continue research to help families avoid getting sick and to make our men and women serving in uniform safer all while employing hundreds of New Yorkers.

North Country
Aided creation of Border Enforcement Security Task Force team in Massena to regulate New York- Canadian border: Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operates a series of Border Enforcement Security Task Forces (BEST). The teams consist of personnel from ICE, CBP, tribal police, local, state, and Canadian law enforcement working in concert to improve overall border security. Given the success of the BEST team in the Buffalo/Niagara region, Schumer pushed for and successfully secured DHS commitment to establish a BEST team to be based in Massena, NY. Secured essential funding for Croghan Dam restoration: An important historical landmark in Lewis County, the Croghan Dam had been progressively dismantled by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Schumer helped to secure funding for restoration of the dam and called on the DEC to work with local and federal officials to save, rather than destroy, the dam. Since Schumers visit, the DEC has not removed any more logs from the dam. Helped secure North Country Chamber of Commerce approval to Form EB-5 Program in Plattsburgh: With Schumers support, the North Country EB-5 Regional Center has been accepted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The EB-5 program allows qualified immigrant investors to receive temporary green cards for their immediate family, in exchange for a $500,000 investment in rural areas, once cleared by thorough background and financial investigations by immigration services. The program will provide a major investment and create jobs in the North Country. Investment projects and enterprises organized through the North Country EB-5 Regional Center will be intended to create permanent jobs within the boundaries of the Regional Center and promote business development within the region as a whole. Secured vital funding for first responders: More and more every year, local fire departments find themselves strapped for cash and having to cut corners while still maintaining an adequate and well-prepared fire fighting force. Schumer was among the first senators to recognize the need for the federal government to establish a funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of fire prevention. In 2011, Schumer secured over $700,000 for fire departments in the North Country, including over $100,000 for Massena Fire Department in St. Lawrence County, $54,986 for Floyd Fire Department in Essex County, $55,100 for West Stockholm Volunteer Fire Department in St. Lawrence County, and $77,297 for the Chateaugay Fire Department in Franklin County.

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2011
Senator Schumers 62 County Tour
National and Legislative accomplishments

Central New York

Secured pivotal $10 million TIGER Grant for Connective Corridor: With substantial Schumer urging to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Syracuse University and City of Syracuse won $10 million TIGER Grant to Connective Corridor project, connecting the University to downtown Syracuse. This plan will revitalize the city and continue the work to build new sidewalks, benches, energyefficient lighting and new lanes to limit the distance pedestrians must travel to cross between streets as they travel the corridor. Expedited approval for Columbia College three year lease extension: With Schumers urging, the U.S. Air Force expedited and approved Columbia Colleges plan to rebuild on a less-secure portion of Hancock Airbase, saving the college from closure. The college will reopen public access to its classrooms at the Mattydale base and the Air Force will allow Columbia College to go forward with plans to build a $2 million modular classroom building in a less sensitive part of Hancock Field. Urged Bushmaster Firearms to make home in Central New York: Schumers urging this March ensured Bushmaster Firearms relocation to the Remington plant in Ilion. Moving their firearms manufacturing facility brought 40-50 new jobs to the region and helped the Remington plant remain a strong competitor for government contracts. Pushed for better air service between Hancock Airport and New York City: Schumer asked the Department of Transportation to approve a deal to allow Delta and U.S. Airlines to trade some of their terminal slots at LaGuardia and Washington National airports to make it possible for Delta to use larger, faster planes for routes between Syracuse and New York City. The Transportation Department subsequently approved the swap and Delta and U.S. Airways finalized the deal in December, paving the way for Delta to improve service to Hancock in the spring of 2012. Secured vital funding for surveillance Port of Oswego: Schumer called upon FEMA to support the Port of Oswego through the Port Security Grant Program. After Schumers intervention, FEMA granted $160,400 for 17 camera surveillance systems. Helped Byrne Dairy expand sales to Puerto Rico: This summer, Schumer worked with Byrne Dairy executives to ship their milk to Puerto Rico. Schumer helped Byrne Dairy cut thru red tape and expand their sales. Kept Sensis and Saab jobs in Syracuse: Schumer met with officials from Sensis and Saab during their merger to ensure their 500 jobs in the Syracuse region remained. There are now plans to grow that number. Secured $48 million from Navy for Lockheed Martin: Schumer secured $48,443,311 for Lockheed Martin , Syracuse from the U.S. Navy to develop an undersea warfare system. This technology is used on surface ships to detect, classify, localize and track submarines, torpedoes and other subsurface threats. Schumers push for the Lockheed Martin Contract will allow Central New York to lead in development of warfare technology and support critical high tech jobs in the region. Secured federal funding for Nolan Manufacturing building: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided $200,000 to Rome to conduct site assessment and planning for eventual cleanup at Nolan Manufacturing Building as part of a community-wide 11

Cayuga, Onondaga, Oswego, Oneida, Cortland, Herkimer, and Madison

Central New York

Brownfield Program site cleanup. The two-story Nolan Manufacturing Building is contaminated by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, and lead-based paint all of which will be remediated. This funding will boost local economy and protect public health. Expanded data center bringing more jobs to Onondaga County: Schumers encouragement pursuaded Time Warner Cable Chairman Glenn Britt to upgrade and expand its April acquisition NaviSite Inc., to help Central New York Industry. The Salina site will keep high tech data jobs and add research and development team bringing 20 jobs to the local operation. Modernizes Auburn Memorial Hospital: After pushing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Schumer helped permanently designate Auburn Memorial Hospital a Sole Community Hospital. This designation will provide nearly $2 million in increased funding and resources to doctor and patients. The designation will also allow the hospital to renovate patient rooms so that every single patient will be able to stay in a private room with an individual bathroom. The hospital will also repair interventional radiology equipment, bring their mobile MRI machine into the hospital facility, and install new cardiac monitors that will improve patient care. After years of urging, secured $8.9 million Army Contract for Remington: Schumers urging has opened the doors for $8.9million from the U.S. Army for Remington Arms Company to manufacture 1,212 M24 Sniper rifles used by service members in Afghanistan. All of the production of the M24 sniper rifles will take place at Remington Arms Ilion facility by local employees, strengthening Remingtons position as a major regional employer. Supported Housing for the Elderly Program funding: Schumer helped Loretto CNY in their application to the Section 202 grant by providing a letter of support. They will use the money to support Loretto CNYs efforts to revitalize and sustain affordable housing for senior citizens in Syracuse. Loretto CNY will develop 24 new apartments and provide a broad spectrum of high quality health, nutrition, social transportation and personal services to the elderly. Proposed Sex Offender Registry legislation: Schumers legislation, passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, requires updated pictures be taken of sex offender parolees more frequently. This legislation will keep our communities aware of the sex offenders in their area. Expedited non-for-profit status of Onondaga County Air1 emergency transport helicopter: The Onondaga County budget for 2012 proposed by County Executive Joanie Mahoney did not include funding for Air 1, a transport helicopter. Schumer successfully sped up the push for not-for-profit status for Air-1, which created a foundation through which Air-1 can receive donations, thus further relieving the burden on local taxpayers. While it often takes the IRS three months to approve requests for not -for-profit status, with Schumers help, this designation was secured just three weeks after the sheriff applied. Stopped federal officials from weakening rules that protect NY candle makers: Syracuses Cathedral Candle, and other domestic candle manufacturers, face crippling competition from unfairly-priced imports of candles from China. A federal proposal to scale back the scope of Chinese candles subject to additional duties would have caused significant economic harm to remaining U.S. candle companies and their workers, as well as the communities in which they operate. Schumer successfully pushed government officials to side with U.S. manufacturers. Government officials agreed that application of the additional duties to all shapes and sizes of candles was the only way to protect the integrity of the trade remedy and the remaining U.S. candle manufacturers and their employees from unfair trade practices and continued economic harm. Secured vital funding for first responders: More and more every year, local fire departments find themselves strapped for cash and having to cut corners while still maintaining an adequate and well-prepared fire fighting force. Schumer was among the first senators to recognize the need for the federal government to establish a funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of fire prevention. In 2011, Schumer secured over $2.2 million for fire departments in Central New York, including $535,595 for the City of Cortland Fire Department in Cortland County, $129,509 for the Camdon Fire Department in Oneida County, $81,485 for South Onondaga Fire Department in Onondaga County, $30,385 for the Genoa Fire District in Cayuga County, and $956,006 for the Utica Fire Department in Oneida County.

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2011
Senator Schumers 62 County Tour
National and Legislative accomplishments

Rochester-Finger Lakes
Kept hundreds of jobs in Rochester; Windstream will move into the Midtown plaza facility: Windstream will occupy two thirds of the former Seneca Building that will be redeveloped under the agreement, creating an anchor in the Midtown Plaza site that should help attract other tenants and new businesses to the plaza. Windstreams decision means that hundreds of PAETEC jobs will come to downtown Rochester, and comes after Schumer personally lobbied Mr. Gardner to make a major commitment to the Rochester region after the company announced its planned purchase of PAETEC. Windstream will also maintain a significant local presence at PAETECs Perinton facility.
Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, and Seneca

Called on Federal Gov to work with Upstate wineries to correct delays in process of approving labels for wine bottles: At Schumers request the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) pledged to work with NY wineries and develop a faster approval process to get wine on the shelves more quickly. The backlog in wine label approvals caused significant problems for NY wineries, like Anthony Road Winery and others across the Rochester Finger lakes region. TTB immediately began this process to approve not only regular labels but also custom labels for special events. TTB will no longer require separate approval for each custom label with amended graphics, which make up about 10% of all wine label applications from New Yorks 300 wineries. Secured $62 million for UR Laser Lab: With Schumers support the Univeristy of Rochesters Laboratory for Laser Energetics was approved for a $62 million grant

which will help support hundreds of jobs in Rochester, and ensure that the laser lab continues to be a leader in high-tech, cutting edge jobs. Secured EPA approval of NDZ application to keep Lake Ontario clean from boat discharges: The NYS DEC sought to create a no-discharge zone (NDZ) that would prohibit boats from dumping sewage and other potentially harmful chemicals into the waters offshore. In response to Schumers urging, the Environmental Protection Agency established the NDZ in December so that local beach goers can enjoy cleaner beaches this summer. Pushed Coast Guard to turn over parcel of land so the city can begin $19 million port revitalization project: The Coast Guard had given a time frame of 5-10 years to transfer property ownership to the city on a small parcel of land that was essential for construction of Rochesters $19 million marina and port redevelopment. After a push from Schumer and a sit down meeting with Mayor Richards and the Coast Guard the Coast Guard agreed to immediately begin its environmental sampling which will expedite this process. Its anticipated that this new timeline will enable the city to meet their schedule to begin construction as soon as fall 2012. Schumer backed bill makes major expansion to Rochester VA Outpatient Clinic: The Schumer-backed bill, the Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011, authorizes over $9.2 million that will allow the Rochester Veterans Clinic to secure a new 20-year lease when its current lease expires in 2016, secure space that is 33% larger than its current size, double parking and better serve the changing veterans population in the Rochester Finger Lakes region. The new facility will be 33% bigger and consolidate three smaller locations under one roof.

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Rochester-Finger Lakes
Urged HUD to re-start their Section 8 housing contract process to help save the Main Street Grant Program: With Schumers push, HUD reversed its determination and allowed dozens of states, including New York, to reapply for a federal housing contract. Proceeds from this contract's administration are used to fund the Main Street Grant Program which provides critical economic development funding to local towns and cities. Mt Morris received a $400,000 Main Street Grant to help them revitalize Main Street last year and expect to apply for additional funding to continue their downtown revitalization. Without HUD's reversal, the Main Street Grant program would have ended. Joined the Rochester Business Alliance and local manufacturer, American Aerogel to announce legislation to save New York businesses nearly $100M in unemployment insurance fees this year: As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, states were permitted to borrow money, interest free, from the Federal Unemployment Trust Fund (FUTF) through 2011, to help finance the states increasing unemployment burden during the recession. New York State borrowed $3 billion to pay for their unemployment programs, but because Congress didnt extend the interest-free provision, New York State now owes the federal government $95 million in interest that is being passed on to businesses like American Aerogel in the form of an over $20 per employee tax. Intervened with Customs to clear shipment of green/biodegradable tote bags for Park Avenue festival: Chrysler sponsored this years festival and provided 10,000 green recycled tote bags for merchants to hand out rather than plastic bags. But the shipping container with the bags was held up at the Port of New Jersey for a routine invasive inspection. Festival organizers were notified this process takes 1 day to 3 weeks and the festival was approx 4 days away. Schumer contacted U.S. Customs and the agency worked with us to get their inspection moved up and the bags shipped up here to Rochester within two days, arriving just in time for the 2011 Park Avenue Festival. Secured $3M grant to create Moser Baer OLED lighting manufacturing line at STC Canandaigua and 59 new jobs: Thanks to private investment from the company, state matching funds, and a $3 million grant secured by Senator Schumer, Moser Baer has plans to renovate a 9,400 square foot portion of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering's (CNSE) Smart System Technology and Commercialization Center of Excellence (STC) into the new home for the production of Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) lighting panels. After construction is completed in 2012, Moser Baer has a long-term growth plan to expand and create an additional 150 jobs at the facility After 10 months of inaction, Senator Schumer intervened with the DoD's Defense Logistics Agency, on behalf of Webster, NY non-profit government contractor CDS/Unistel: As a result, 40-50 jobs were saved and Unistel is able to implement plans to hire 9 local disabled veterans this year. Under a contract with the DoD, Unistel employs local disabled workers-including disabled veterans- to prepare and package spices for the Armed Services. When the market price of spices jumped 80% last year, Unistel asked DoD's DLA for a price increase to cover their overhead. Senator Schumer secured a DoD review of the proposal which it approved within 1 week of the Senators intervention. Now with the price adjustment in place the full complement of people who work on this line can return to work. After 12 months of inaction, Senator Schumer successfully pushed the NYS Public Service Commission to act and approve the ownership transfer of a $5M electrical transmission facility in Orangeville, NY (Wyoming County) to NYSEG: Transfer of this facilitys ownership to NYSEG now ensures that this facility, assessed at over $5 million, will be added to the local property tax rolls, providing a benefit to local taxpayers. Intervened with the NYS Department of Transportation to issue the contracts to construct a rail spur to local welding manufacturer Koike-Aronson in Attica, Wyoming County: New York State awarded a $1.3M grant for the project in 2009, but the grant was bottled up at the NYS DOT. With Schumers push the $1.3 million will be used to relocate and reconstruct 2,200 feet of the Arcade & Attica Railroad track and allow the company to expand. The project will have a major impact in the employment picture in Arcade and all of Wyoming County.

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Rochester-Finger Lakes
Citing months of inaction, Senator Schumer called on the Veterans Administration to select and evaluate possible locations in WNY for the newly planned National Veteran Cemetery: Within three weeks of Schumers prodding, VA officials traveled to evaluate six sites in Genesee and Erie Counties. The VA has now progressed to the Due Diligence phase and expects to purchase a site by next spring. Secured $1.45M Federal Boater Infrastructure Grant for Port of Rochester marina construction: The funding will be used to construct a new Marina at the Port of Rochester, add 64 transient slips with dockside utilities, create a deep-draft safe harbor, create an access point for the City of Rochester, create approximately 90 new construction jobs and 30 permanent job from new marinerelated businesses, and provide boater services and education on Lake Ontario. The funds for these improvements come from the Department of the Interiors Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program. Senator Schumer wrote directly to high ranking program officials in support of this application. Assisted Wayne County, in partnership with the non-profit Genesee Land Trust, to preserve the former Alasa Farms site in Wayne County as a forever-wild open space: The Genesee Land Trust won a $600,000 grant from USDA Farm and Ranch Lands Preservation Program to acquire the Alasa Farms site. But when the grant payment was delayed, the project was jeopardized after more than two years of work. Senator Schumer intervened and contacted the U.S Treasury Department to expedite payment of the $600,000 grant to ensure the property will be maintained in trust for future generations of Wayne County residents. Secured Purple Heart Metal for Gerald Wolters: Due to the fact that there were no medical records from his time as a POW, and Mr. Wolterss military personnel records were destroyed in the 1973 National Personnel Records Center fire. Mr. Wolters has been working for decades to secure the Purple Heart that he deserved. Finally, with help from Senator Schumers staff, new documents came to light regarding Mr. Wolterss case, and Schumer was able to cut through the red tape and get him the recognition he was due. Called on President Obama to tell Chinese President, Hu Jintao not to illegally monopolize Rare Earth Metals, a raw material critical to Rochester-area manufacturers: Schumer also urged U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to take actions to end unfair Chinese trade practices involving the exports of rare earth elements. Of all rare earth elements that are industrially mined, 97% are controlled by China. In recent months, the Chinese government has imposed strict export restraints and sky-high export taxes on rare earth elements. This has meant a cheap and plentiful flow of rare earth elements within China, and an expensive and drastically limited global supply. Reinstated Foodlink program to Dunn Towers Apartments: Dunn Tower apartments in Rochester contacted Senator Schumer seeking help with restarting the mobile delivery food program provided by Foodlink. After being audited, Foodlink had to implement new changes which caused to stop the mobile food program with Dunn towers. Schumer facilitated a process through which Dunn Tower completed the required approvals in order to remain eligible to remain in the Foodlink program. Helped reunite a Rochester man and his family with his long lost son after being separated at sea while trying to flee Vietnam during the war: Schumer urged U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenney to grant Mr. Samart Khumkham of Thailand a temporary B-2 visitor visa, so that Samart can be reunited with his father, Mr. Hao Truong, and family members that currently live in Rochester. Over 33 years ago, Mr. Truong, his wife, and his 7 month old son, all natives of Vietnam, were fleeing the country by boat to safety in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Tragically, their boat was attacked, and Mr. Truong was separated from his wife, who died, and Samart, who was presumed dead. After rescue, Mr. Truong eventually moved to the United States and became a naturalized U.S. citizen living in Rochester. Mr. Trough amazingly located his son during a 2011 trip to Thailand and wanted him to visit his extending family in the United States in Rochester and Texas. The Ambassador granted the visa and Samart was reunited with his extended family for the first time this Thanksgiving. Secured pivotal funding for Williamson-Sodus Airport winter operations: In June, Schumer secured a $176,557 grant from the Department of Transportation for new snow removal equipment. With this funding, the airport can make renovations that will ensure passenger safety and the smooth operation of the facility.

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Rochester-Finger Lakes
Secured vital funding for first responders: More and more every year, local fire departments find themselves strapped for cash and having to cut corners while still maintaining an adequate and well-prepared fire fighting force. Schumer was among the first senators to recognize the need for the federal government to establish a funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of fire prevention. In 2011, Schumer secured over $2.4 million for fire departments in the RochesterFinger Lakes region, including over $145,271 for the Chili Fire Department in Monroe County, $288,680 for the Lake Plains Community Care Network in Genesee County, and $17,955 for the Penn Yan Fire Department in Yates County.

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2011
Senator Schumers 62 County Tour
National and Legislative accomplishments

Southern Tier
Fought devastating storm to keep BAE in Southern Tier: In the wake of devastating flooding throughout the Southern Tier in September 2011 businesses homes and infrastructure sustained crippling damage. BAE Systems one of Broome County's major employer saw their manufacturing facility inundated with standing water destroying inventory, machinery and ultimately rendering the facility inhabitable. Serious questions existed over whether the employer of over 1350 would remain in the area. Schumer went to bat working hand in hand with local economic development, and company heads. He secured an agreement from the U.S. Air Force, the owner of the facility that BAE would not be held liable for any costs associated with the demolition of the former facility. Thereby reducing the cost to BAE for relocating in the Southern Tier. He also secured a commitment from FEMA to work with the IDA for eligibility of Public Assistance under the disaster declaration. This ensures the financial obligations for securing the facility will not be born on the backs of the locals. As a result, BAE announced it will remain in the Southern Tier, saving over 1350 jobs and the former site will not be a black eye on a community ravaged by floods. Successfully pushed for Presidential Disaster Declaration, in wake of record breaking storms Irene and Lee: Without Schumers diligence the aftermath of Tropical Storms Irene and Lee would still plague hard hit Delaware County which was included in the Presidents declaration. Schumers efforts helped deliver $163M in disaster aid for emergency services, road and infrastructure repair, and debris removal across New York State. Schumers direct push to President Obama also helped deliver $148M in assistance for individuals to repair their homes and help small businesses recover. Schumers work also helped secure over $100 million in Small Business Administration funding. Additionally, Schumer was the first to call on FEMA to deploy temporary housing units for those displaced by Tropical Storms Irene and Lee. Secured over $1.7 million for Southern Tiers regional airports: Schumer secured $192,064 in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds for Corning-Painted Post Airport facility upgrades and $1,542,800 for upgrades at Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. Specifically, the grant will allow Corning-Painted Post Airport to acquire snow removal equipment, including a loader and snow plow, which will enhance the airport's ability to clear the airfield during adverse weather conditions. The grant will allow Ithaca Tompkins to build a new sand storage facility that will better accommodate runway size, and will increase the airports ability to sand runways during inclement weather. This funding is part of the Airport Improvement Program, administered by DOTs Federal Aviation Administration. Secured funding for Southern Tier East Regional Planning and Development: Schumer secured $60,000 in funding from the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) as part of a Partnership Planning investment for the Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board to establish an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware and Tioga Counties. Secured funds to improve daily commutes in Chemung: Schumer secured $500,000 in Department of Transportations Federal Transit Administration funding. Chemung County plans to purchase new revenue collection equipment for their transit system, which consists of 32 vehicles. This equipment will include fareboxes for the systems buses, as well as the hardware and software 17

Allegany, Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler, Tompkins, Tioga, Broome, Chenango, Otsego, and Delaware

Southern Tier
needed to operate such fareboxes. Secured $85 million contract from Navy for Lockheed Martin Owego: Schumer secured $85,137,344 from the U.S. Navy for Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors in Owego. This contract is for the production and delivery of 24 MH-60R helicopters to the Royal Australian Navy under the Foreign Military Sales Program. This award involves the procurement of specialized components and materials for the helicopters cockpits and avionics systems. The work will take place at the Owego location as well as smaller sites in Farmingdale and Victor. Schumers push for the Lockheed Martin contract will allow the Southern Tier to lead in development of warfare technology and support critical high tech jobs in the region. Called on Federal Gov to work with Upstate wineries to correct delays in process of approving labels for wine bottles: At Schumers request the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) pledged to work with NY wineries and develop a faster approval process to get wine on the shelves more quickly. The backlog in wine label approvals caused significant problems for NY wineries across the Southern Tier. TTB immediately began this process to approve not only regular labels but also custom labels for special events. TTB will no longer require separate approval for each custom label with amended graphics, which make up about 10% of all wine label applications from New Yorks 300 wineries. Schumer led ribbon cutting at grand opening ceremony of a new CVS distribution center in Chemung: This facility will serve 350 CVS locations throughout the Northeast, and will employ 600 workers in good-paying positions once at full capacity. This $90 million state-of-the-art distribution facility will be 751,000 square feet and is set to be the largest industrial building in the entire state to receive the Gold level LEED certification for its environmentally friendly design, construction and operations. Schumer has worked to facilitate CVS' move to Chemung over the past several years, and this opening will put the Southern Tier at the center of CVS operations in the Northeast. Played lead role in demanding accountability and safety protocol changes from Norfolk Southern following derailment controversy: Following a November derailment that left a Norfolk Southern rail car upside down in an Elmira parking lot, Schumer called on the company to make public a full report of what happened in the crash, clarify its policy regarding notification and, if necessary, make changes so that local officials are informed whenever an incident occurs. In the wake of the accident, Norfolk had Southern failed to notify city officials or local law enforcement about the incident and the public first learned of the situation from local residents. At Schumers urging Norfolk Southern agreed to meet with the NYS Department of Transportation, and local officials to discuss the accident and ways to improve communications. Fought for disaster aid to assist New York farmers in rebuilding from Irene and Lee: Tropical Storms Irene and Lee battered New York, causing significant damage to farms across the state. In the wake of this disaster, Schumer went to bat for New York farmers by advocating to the federal government and in the Congress for immediate aid. Schumer called on FEMA and USDA to declare regions of New York hit by the storms as disaster areas so that farmers can benefit from federal disaster assistance programs. Schumer pushed a bill in the Senate to provide over $300 million to aid farmers in cleaning up their damaged farms through the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Watershed Program. Nearly $40 million of this funding will go to New York State. Schumer was instrumental in drumming up support among his colleagues and securing this money for New York. Schumer also pressed USDA to aid dairy farmers forced to dump milk that spoiled due to power outages and washed out roads and bridges. USDA subsequently took action that resulted in dairy farmers receiving a check as if they had sold their spoiled milk at the market. For many farmers who were facing huge bills to rebuild their farms, these payments provided a key source of relief. Secured vital funding for first responders: More and more every year, local fire departments find themselves strapped for cash and having to cut corners while still maintaining an adequate and well-prepared fire fighting force. Schumer was among the first senators to recognize the need for the federal government to establish a funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of fire prevention. In 2011, Schumer secured over $2 million for fire departments in the Southern Tier, including $42,427 for the Chenango Forks Fire Department in Broome County, $213,750 for the Sidney Center Fire Department in Delaware County, and $199,500 for the East Branch Fire District in Delaware County.

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2010
Senator Schumers 62 County Tour
National and Legislative accomplishments

Western New York

Led the charge to secure $15 million TIGER Grant to fund Cars on Main Street project in Buffalo: In November 2011, Schumer wrote to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood urging him to approve a Department of Transportation TIGER Grant for Buffalos Cars on Main Street Project. The Department announced in December that the project was selected to receive a grant of $15 million. This investment will allow the City of Buffalo to continue to move forward with the Main Street Multi-Modal Access and Revitalization Project, which will spur investment and growth in Buffalos downtown area by upgrading transit and pedestrian amenities and improving access to Main Street buildings. Schumer will continue efforts to secure federal funding for this important project. Secured commitment from Ford CEO to bring $136 million investment to stamping plant in Hamburg: Amidst major long-term planning negotiations between Ford and the UAW, Schumer lobbied Ford CEO Alan Mulally to re-invest in Fords Hamburg plant. With Ford planning on launching up to seven new lines of Lincoln vehicles, Schumer urged Mulally to bring that business to the Hamburg plant. Following Schumers push, a new UAW contract was agreed upon in October and along with it came a pledge from Ford to invest $136 million and add over 400 new jobs to the Hamburg plant. Along with promising to continue stamping operations for several Ford and Lincoln crossover models, a new blanking line, which cuts the sheet metal that is used for stamping, is to be added. The blanking line had been removed several years before. Its return demonstrates Fords commitment to the Hamburg plant, and along with GMs continued investment in its Tonawanda plant, ensures that Western New York continues to be an auto-manufacturing hub. Schumer will continue efforts to bring auto industry investment to the area. Secured commitment from Department of Homeland Security to bring pre-clearance to the Peace Bridge: In May, Schumer secured a commitment from Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin to pursue pre-clearance of trucks at the Peace Bridge. Pre-clearance will allow trucks to be screened on the Canadian side of the border, creating a more efficient system at the Peace Bridge. In October, Schumer announced that the CBP and Canadian government would be making an announcement that pre-clearance will be coming to the peace bridge. On October 19 th, during a hearing with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, CES secured a commitment that pre-clearance was officially going to happen. In December, the United States and Canada announced a historic new border agreement that includes the creation of a pilot project to test pre-clearance, at a crossing along the northern border. Following the successful completion of this pilot project, pre-clearance will be coming to the Peace Bridge. Pre-clearance will allow the Peace Bridge Authority to scale down their plans for a large new plaza on the U.S. side of the bridge which would have required significant federal dollars. Instead, the Peace Bridge Authority will use their own funds to construct a smaller plaza on the U.S. side that will ensure less air pollution and will eliminate the plan to demolish homes along Buffalos West Side. Fought efforts to roll back aviation safety legislation: Schumer led the fight to stop the controversial Shuster amendment that would have weakened airline safety efforts from being a part of the FAA bill. The amendment would have eliminated the FAAs goal of setting one level of safety for the entire aviation industry. Following narrow passage of the amendment in the House, Schumer announced that he would do everything possible to stop it in the Senate. Following pressure from Schumer and the families of flight 3407, the amendment was pulled from consideration. Schumer recently received a commitment from the Office of 19

Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus

Western New York

Management and Budget that historic aviation safety measures that were previously signed into law, would be in place by the end of December. Schumer will continue to ensure that the critical safety measures are fully implemented. Secured $1.5 million for Buffalo Promise Neighborhood: With Schumers help, the Westminster Foundation has been awarded $1.5 million for the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood (BPN) by the Department of Education Promise Neighborhoods Implementation Grants Program. This federal funding will build on the work of the Westminster Community Charter School and establish a continuum of services to cultivate the healthy development from birth through college to career of over 3,000 children and their families in the northeastern corner of Buffalo. Paved the way for long awaited opening of modern, stunning new Buffalo Federal Courthouse at no cost to tax payers: After securing millions in federal dollars for the construction of a new federal courthouse in Buffalo in 2007, Schumer closely followed the process as construction of the courthouse got underway. In 2011, as the courthouse was still under construction, mold as a result of condensation was discovered in the walls of the courthouse. Schumer immediately contacted the General Services Administration (GSA) and demanded that they get to the bottom of this problem, and fix it without any additional cost to tax-payers. The GSA found that it was a contractor error, and ordered the contractor to fix the problem at the contractors expense. Following Schumers push to quickly fix those construction problems, the beautiful state-of-the-art courthouse finally opened after four years of construction in November. Successfully fought to secure compensation for Linde nuclear workers: Following years of efforts, In February 2011 Schumer successfully lobbied the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health to approve a special exposure cohort for Linde workers who were exposed to radiation from 1954-1969. Schumer has aggressively worked to get aid for former nuclear workers in Western New York. In an effort to compensate these workers, Congress passed EEOICPA in 2000 which allowed them to file claims with the US Department of Labor for individual payments of $150,000 and other benefits for medical treatments. The special exposure cohort for Linde allows workers or their survivors to now more easily collect their compensation. Previously, workers had to go through layers of red tape and a complicated process to get the compensation they deserved. In December 2011, another special exposure cohort petition for Linde workers from 1947-1953 was approved. Following each of the advisory board approvals, Schumer urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to quickly give final approval to the advisory board action. The Linde Ceramics plant in Tonawanda was used in the manufacturing of Cold War-era nuclear weapons. Schumer will continue to press the Advisory Board to grant the same special cohort status to all groups of Western New York nuclear workers. Secured commitment from VA to choose Buffalo for on-site childcare facility: In a letter to Veterans Administration Secretary Eric Shinseki, Schumer urged the VA to select the VA Hospital in Buffalo for a pilot program for on-site childcare facilities. With a tremendous increase in female veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, the special needs they bring must be addressed. Female veterans expressed a need for daycare services while they undergo medical treatments at VA hospitals. The program includes an onsite daycare, along with stipends for veterans interested in private daycare during their medical treatments along with increased collaboration with other federal programs that provide daycare services. As a result of Schumers push, Buffalo was selected as one of three sites for the pilot program. Fought to secure new Medicare reimbursement rule for Roswell Park Cancer Institute: After several years of urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to change the way it reimbursed Roswell Park Cancer Institute, CMS finally changed the rule. Due to technological advancements over the years, it no longer became necessary for many cancer patients to receive care during an inpatient hospital stay. New procedures allowed patients to receive their care in a more relaxed outpatient setting. However, federal rules did not immediately catch up these advancements. The new rule announced by CMS will send an additional $3.2 million each year to RPCI. With over 3,200 employees in Western New York, this money will go towards ensuring these workers continue to perform critical research that has saved so many lives. Brought Live Nation officials to Niagara Falls to discuss potential concert event: In October, Schumer sent a letter to concert promoters Live Nation asking them to meet with Niagara Falls officials to discuss hosting a Live Nation concert series event in Niagara Falls, building on the success of the Hard Rock Caf series which drew 60,000 spectators. In order to bring new economic activity and revenue to the City of Niagara Falls, Schumer is pushing to bring a marquee performer to the Falls, helping attract spectators from across New York, Pennsylvania and Ontario. In November, officials from Live Nation and Niagara Falls met with representatives of Senator Schumer to begin the initial dialogue between Live Nation and Niagara Falls. In Schumers meeting 20

Western New York

request, he noted that the LiveNation concert events in Niagara Falls could complement the casino-based tourism industry driven by the Seneca Niagara Casino. A Live Nation concert event could drive tens of thousands of patrons into the nearby casino, restaurants, and hotels throughout Niagara Falls. Creating demand for these services could be a critical step on the road toward Niagara Falls development plans. New air quality measures in place at Tonawanda Coke: In October of 2009 Schumer sent a letter to the CEO of Tonawanda Coke demanding that he meet with community groups to hear their concerns about high levels of benzene being emitted by his companys facility. Following Schumers push, a yearlong air-quality study, performed by the New York State DEC during 2007 and 2008 was released and established that Tonawanda Coke is the predominant source of benzene in the towns industrial zone. Schumer called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DEC to do everything possible to cut benzene emissions from Tonawanda Coke. In July 2011, the EPA announced over $230,000 in funding that will help to further address air issues in Tonawanda. In addition, the EPA announced an agreement with Tonawanda Coke that will put new emission controls in place that will reduce benzene emissions at the facility by at least two-thirds. Got EPA to investigate industrial fire in Buffalo: Following the Niagara Lubricant fire in Buffalo over the summer, Schumer called on the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a full investigation into the causes of the fire, and to examine the failure to properly notify residents in the wake of the fire. Schumer pressed the agency to come up with a better way to coordinate the response between all levels of government, so that citizens can be made aware of potential environmental risks in the wake of fires or disasters when potential carcinogens or other harmful chemicals may have been released. In his letter to Administrator Lisa Jackson, Schumer also asked the EPA to investigate the lack of communication between plant officials and local emergency management regarding the plants chemical contents. Following Schumers request, the EPA announced that they would be fully investigating all aspects of the fire and its aftermath. Put incentives in place for First Niagaras plans to create 500 jobs and expand operation: Schumer applauded First Niagaras drive to take advantage of Federal Renewable Community Tax Credits in 2011. The credit which Schumer secured for the Larkin District in Buffalo in 2004, was designed to stimulate economic development in low income neighborhoods by offering federal tax incentives to businesses and encouraging investment and hiring of residents. First Niagara was able to take advantage of these tax credits, and in May announced a historic investment at the Larkin District in Buffalo. First Niagara will expand their presence in the area and create over 500 good paying jobs in the city. Secured $500,000 grant to fight human trafficking in Western New York: Schumer led the charge to a $500,000 grant from the Department of Justice to combat human trafficking in Western New York. The region has become a prime location for human trafficking in recent years, mostly due to its status as a cross-border community. The grant was announced in September and was awarded to the Erie County Sheriffs Office as part of an initiative with the International Institute. In July, Schumer and Senator Gillibrand wrote to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder urging him to support the grant request. The funding will be used to conduct proactive victim-centered trafficking investigations, support the prosecution of trafficking crimes, and enhance community awareness of trafficking crimes.

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2011
Senator Schumers 62 County Tour
National and Legislative accomplishments
Creating Jobs for New Yorkers
Secured High Speed Rail Funding for New York: Schumer secured over $800 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to New York State DOT after Florida rejected high speed rail money for projects throughout the state. Senator Schumer worked with the US DOT to reallocate funding to New York after Florida governor Rick Scott refused $2.4 billion in high speed rail money. This massive infrastructure investment will create and retain good paying jobs for construction workers and trades throughout New York. New York will benefit from $450 million to the Northeast Corridor (NEC) to improve train speed on heavily traveled sections and upgrade Penn Station. The NEC Harold Interlocking Amtrak Bypass Routes will receive $295 million to alleviate train traffic coming in and out of Manhattan, by creating new routes that will also relieve congestion that slows down traffic on Long Island Railroad Passenger trains. The Harold Interlocking rail junction in Queens is the busiest passenger rail junction in America. This improvement will not only eliminate congestion between intercity and commuter trains, it will facilitate future growth of high speed intercity passenger service along the Northeast corridor. The Empire Corridor will be the beneficiary of $58 million that will finance the replacement of the Schenectady station, as well as the creation of a fourth track at the Albany-Rensselaer station. In Rochester, the station will receive $1.4 million in funding to plan and engineer a new high-speed rail station. Successfully pushed the Administration to ensure Russia committed to open its market to American information technology products: The largely untapped Russian market is critical for the continued growth of U.S. technology manufacturers like New Yorks IBM. Under the international Information Technology Agreement (ITA), participants must eliminate import duties on a wide range of information technology (IT) products, including computers, telecommunications equipment, semiconductors and software. Schumer successfully pushed U.S. trade officials to ensure that the U.S.Russia WTO bilateral accession agreement, as well at the final WTO Working Party Report, reflect an unequivocal commitment by Russia to join the ITA and implement its ITA commitments as soon as possible after accession. Elimination of Russian tariffs on IT products will expand and create significant new market access opportunities for IBM and other U.S. technology exporters in this major, underserved market. Led the fight to tackle Chinas mercantilist exchange rate policies: China uses currency manipulation and other aggressive mercantilist tactics to tilt the playing field in favor Chinese manufacturers at the expense of American manufacturers. Schumer, with a bipartisan coalition of senators, has pushed successive administrations to address Chinas exchange rate policies and this year successfully led the fight in the Senate to pass the Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act. Schumer is pushing the House to 22

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also pass currency legislation so it can be signed into law. The currency bill that was passed by the Senate provides specific consequences for countries that fail to adopt appropriate policies to eliminate currency misalignment and gives American manufacturers additional tools to remedy the economic harm caused by currency misalignment, including use of the countervailing duty law to impose tariffs on imports benefitting from foreign government subsidies. Successfully worked to extend the Trade Adjustment Assistance program: The Trade Adjustment Assistance Program (TAA) ensures that workers who lose their jobs and financial security as a result of globalization have an opportunity to transition to new jobs in emerging sectors of the economy. The TAA program includes training services for workers to learn 21 st century job skills, as well as assistance for job search and relocation, and a tax credit to maintain health coverage. Schumer, with a coalition of Senate colleagues, successfully secured a multiyear extension of the TAA program, which the President signed into law. Successfully pushed the Commerce Department to reject FTZ request that would have cost NY jobs: Foreign-trade zones are designated sites in the United States licensed by the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board at the Department of Commerce where companies can benefit from delayed or reduced customs duties and federal excise taxes. Schumer successfully pushed Commerce to reject a request to use dumped silicon metal from China and Russia within a new FTZ without paying any antidumping duties. The duties imposed on dumped imports of silicon metal from China and Russia were instrumental in Globe Specialty Metals reopening its silicon metal production facility in Niagara Falls. Globes growing domestic silicon metal production business and the economic health of the Niagara Falls region would have been seriously undermined if the FTZ Board had agreed to allow the request to use

Protecting the Middle Class

Successfully pushed the FDA to issue long-overdue sunscreen labeling rules: In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration proposed new rules on formulation, labeling and testing requirements for sunscreen products. Schumer had continued to press the FDA to issue final rules to protect consumers from dangerous ingredients and inaccurate labels and the FDA finally did so this year. Schumer also continues to push the FDA to act on studies that have suggested a possible link between skin cancer and retinyl palmitate, a common ingredient found in sunscreen. The FDA has committed to reexamine the safety information available for active ingredients included in sunscreens marketed today. Successfully pushed for simplified checking account disclosures: In April, Schumer called for banks to adopt a simplified disclosure form for use in checking account solicitations. The form, which Schumer said should be modeled on the Schumer Box already required in connection with credit card solicitations, would contain an easy-to-read summary of all the key terms of a checking account. A report by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that the average checking account agreement is 111 pages, and recommended a simplified disclosure form along the lines of the Schumer Box. Following Schumers action, Chase became the first large bank, and the Pentagon Federal Credit Union the first large credit union, to adopt the model forms. Schumer is still working on legislation to require all banks to adopt simpler disclosure forms. Protected consumers from chemical Bath Salts: Schumer wrote to the DEA and introduced legislation this past year to ban two types of chemicals that were being marketed as Bath Salts. These two dangerous chemicals have caused numerous deaths across the country and have driven people insane. At Schumers urging, the DEA temporarily added these two chemicals to the list of Schedule I drugs. In addition, Schumers legislation passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee by voice vote and is awaiting action by the full Senate. Companion legislation passed the House of Representatives. Called for investigation of gas price fixing: Schumer wrote the FTC to request an investigation into whether U.S. oil refiners are 23

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responsible for high gas prices at the pump despite the fact that oil prices have fallen. The FTC agreed to review the practices of refiners to ensure the price of gasoline fluctuates due to market forces rather than anti-competitive practices. The margins for refiners have slowly been rising in the past few years and have doubled in the last year. Prevented mall tracking: Before Black Friday, it was revealed that several malls across the county would implement a system to track customer cell phones. Schumer wrote a letter to the company, Footpath, and the FTC requesting an investigation regarding this invasion of privacy. Following Schumers letter, the malls agreed to not use the Footpath technology without further opt-out procedures. Turned the monitoring on OnStar: After revelations that OnStar was allegedly tracking the location of customers who no longer subscribed to its service, Schumer wrote to the FTC requesting an investigation in this deceitful practice. Due to this request and customer complaints, OnStar agreed to cease its monitoring of former customers and work to protect their privacy. Successfully pushed for four presidentially declared disasters, including for the record breaking storms Irene and Lee: CES efforts helped deliver $163M in disaster aid for emergency services, road and infrastructure repair, and debris removal. CES efforts also helped deliver $148M in assistance for individuals to repair their homes and help small businesses recover. Additionally, CES was the first to call on FEMA to deploy temporary housing units for those displaced by Tropical Storms Irene and Lee. Proposed sex offender plan: Schumer proposed a two part plan to ensure sex offenders comply with state registry laws. He cosponsored two bills that passed out of the Judiciary Committee that would make it easier for U.S. Marshalls to aid in the hunt for dangerous offenders that go missing and allows the Marshall Service to issue administrative subpoenas to investigate sex offenders who bypass registration requirements. Strengthened law to protect pharmacists and pharmacy workers from drug theft: Schumer introduced the SAFE DOSES Act after the horrific murder at a Long Island pharmacy. The alleged murder was trying to get his hands on prescription medications. The bill would increase sentencing for prescription drug theft, let authorities set up wiretaps, and allow for civil penalties and forfeiture gains made from selling stolen drugs. Enabled DOJ to investigate price gouging to eliminate our national drug shortage: Schumer introduced legislation to give the Department of Justice the ability to investigate and prosecute the price gouging of life-saving medications used at hospitals across the country. Recently, many hospitals have found themselves struggling to buy life saving drugs. There are numerous accounts of people receiving faxes or phone calls offering to sell these drugs for an enormous mark up. Cut robocalls to mobile phones: Schumer pledged to block bill that would allow robocalls to cell phones. Currently marketers cannot use robocalls to call cell phones, but legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives. Schumer held a press conference to highlight the cost this bill could pose by making cell phone customers responsible to pay for nuisance phone calls from marketers. Fought to repeal DOMA: Schumer vigorously supported the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act which passed out of the Judiciary Committee. Schumer worked to ensure that same sex married couples could one day receive the same rights as heterosexual couples in the eyes of the federal government. Hosted NICS Hearing: Schumer held the first gun control hearing since the horrific Tucson shooting in January. Families of victims of gun violence from around the country flew in to hear the testimony before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism. The hearing was held regarding S. 436, the Fix Gun Checks Act which Schumer introduced in March. Fought to ensure rental companies do not rent cars recalled because of safety defects to unsuspecting consumers: Schumer has called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate allegations that rental car companies are renting vehicles that have been recalled for repair of safety defects without having fixed those safety defects. By law, new car dealers are not permitted to sell recalled vehicles without first fixing the safety defects. Schumer is leading the effort to pass the Safe Rental Car Act which would hold rental car companies to the same standard. 24

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Pushed federal watchdogs to enforce audit oversight rules for Chinese audit firms that perform audit work for companies publicly traded in the U.S.: The accounting oversight board established to scrutinize foreign audits has failed to inspect Chinese firms that perform audit work for hundreds of publicly traded companies. Schumer continues to call attention to the danger that lack of inspection of Chinese audit firms poses for U.S. investors and has called on the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission to exercise enforcement authority against Chinese audit firms that refuse to submit to independent regulatory review. Hindered sale of drugs on rogue online pharmacies: Schumer wrote to DEA, DOJ and several payment processors requesting they work to prevent the sale of prescription drugs online. The letter to the DEA and DOJ asked them to implement the Ryan Haight Act and prosecute rogue online pharmacies that are illegally selling controlled substances online without a valid prescription. The letter to the payment processors requested that they stop payments to illegal online pharmacies. Most of the payment processors promised to work with Schumer to end rogue pharmacies. Warned New Yorkers about the costs of layaway plans: With consumers strapped for cash this Holiday season, several retailers including Sears, WalMart and Toys R Us brought back or expanded layaway programs, allowing consumers to pay in installments. Holiday layaway programs allow shoppers to effectively enter into a payment plan with stores in order to make holiday purchases by making an initial down payment and paying a service fee, then paying the rest of the bill over a period of time, picking up the item when the bill is paid in full. Schumer revealed that many of these layaway programs, however, charge fees that, when calculated as an interest rate, would far exceed even the highest rates charged by credit card companies and in many cases would violate state usury laws. Schumer called on retailers to provide clear disclosures and easy-to-understand instructions regarding layaway plans so New Yorkers know exactly what they are signing up for when entering layaway plans during the busy holiday season, and compare the cost of a layaway plan with other payment options. Called US Coast Guard to coordinate and improve boater screening methods on Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Hudson River, Niagara River to prevent repeated and unnecessary boater stoppages: Boaters were being stopped repeatedly by different law enforcement bodies. USCG agreed that multiple stops inhibited enjoyment of natural resources and agreed to develop protocols that reduce the potential for excessive boarding. Additionally, USCG agreed to develop an MOU with every county along the Hudson River in order to reduce multiple agency patrols and excessive boarding. Successfully pushed to end loud television commercials: Schumer cosponsored legislation directing the FCC to incorporate into its rules a technical standard to prevent television commercial advertisements from being transmitted at louder volumes than the program material they accompany. This bill was signed into law and the FCC finalized its regulation on obnoxious loud commercials December 15th.

Health Care
Ensured passage and rapid implementation of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 for 9/11 First Responders: In December 2010, Schumer sponsored and passed the $4.3 billion James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The bill provides medical care and financial relief to tens of thousands of responders who suffered from various ailments as a result of their heroic work at ground zero. Schumer initiated a compromise to fund the bill through a new excise fee on certain foreign companies that provide goods and services to the federal government. Schumer also pushed for, and received, a commitment from Attorney General Eric Holder that the Zadroga 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) would be up and running and operational by October 1st, ensuring that claims can be paid out immediately. This commitment was met.

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unfairly priced National and Legislative silicon metal in the new FTZ.

accomplishments

Housing
Protected funding for 13,000 public housing units in New York City: Schumer led support in the Senate to protect federal funding eligibility for public housing units that had been federalized under a provision in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). In 2010, Schumer assisted the New York City Housing Authoritys (NYCHA) effort to federalize public housing units previously owned by the State and City. These 13,000 units had previously been abandoned by the state and city governments. Since 1995, NYCHA has undertaken the ownership, management and maintenance of these units as public housing by sharing the federal funding it receives for other public housing units, causing an annual structural deficit in NYCHAs budget. By making these units eligible for federal funding, NYCHA will be able to address a significant portion of this annual deficit and ensure that all NYCHA-operated developments are staffed and maintained adequately to properly serve tens of thousands of residents. NYCHA received approximately $70 million additional federal assistance in 2011 as a result of these efforts and will continue to receive additional appropriations for these units going forward. Kept hundreds of families in their homes at 1520 Sedgwick: In November, a buyer for 1520 Sedgwick, the birthplace of hip-hop and home for hundreds of New York City residents, closed on the sale of the building, preserving one of the largest affordable housing facilities in the area. This auction completed the foreclosure process for the property. In August 2010, an investor group took receivership of the property while it completed the foreclosure process and committed to maintaining the buildings affordability. Now that the foreclosure process is complete, the building will undergo renovations and repairs to ensure that this housing is both safe and affordable for residents. Schumer has been instrumental in preserving 1520 Sedgwick over the years. In 2008, Schumer held a rally with tenants to ensure that a potential buyer would not force out current tenants with the hope of enticing higher income families to live there and drastically raising rents. Schumer also worked for months with tenants, advocates, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to find a buyer for the property who was committed to maintaining the long-term affordability of this historic property. Broke ground on the Homes for Heroes construction project: This development will eventually create 52 apartment units to house homeless veterans from throughout the Hudson Valley: Schumer has pushed the project forward in a number of ways, including helping to secure a 14 month lease extension for the ground from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the General Services Administration (GSA). Without the lease extension, the groundbreaking on the first 8 apartment units would not be possible. Due to the economic downturn, Homes for Heroes had difficulty raising necessary funds for the new construction and met delays, but was on the verge of breaking new ground and moving forward. However, the three year deadline on their existing lease was set to fall before the completion of the construction, and Homes for Heroes faced the possibility of breaking their lease agreement. Now that the 14 month lease has been extended, Homes for Heroes can move forward with their critical mission of constructing apartment units for homeless veterans in the region. Schumer also secured a federal investment of $1 million to help move the construction project forward.

Energy and the Environment

Fought to secure lower electric rates for National Grid customers: When National Grid announced it would seek a rate increase Schumer immediately called on the PSC to reject the plan and lower rates for national Grid customers. Schumer has consistently opposed rate hikes and called on the State Public Service Commission to fulfill its promise to customers and reduce rates. The PSC heeded his call to lower rates for National Grid customers adopting a rate decrease resulting in a reduction of about 6% for residential customers, and roughly 23% for some commercial and industrial customers. Fought to drive down skyrocketing gas prices by convincing the President to tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve: Senator Schumer called on President Obama to deploy the Department of Energys Strategic Petroleum Reserve in order to clamp down on skyrocketing gas prices in New York and around the country. In the wake unrest in the Middle East which affected OPEC member nations the price of oil managed to climb to new heights. Schumer, in a letter to the President, urged the Administration to immediately access the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in order to offset the rising cost of gasoline and keep Americas recovery going strong. On June 23rd the President agreed to tap the SPR and release 30 million barrels of oil into the market.

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National and Legislative accomplishments

Secured Commitment from EPA to reevaluate costly reservoir requirements: After discovering that EPA regulations would require the City of New York to construct a concrete cover over the Hillbiew Reservoir in Yonkers at a cost of $1.6 billion, Schumer called on EPA to reconsider their regulations and work with New York City to find alternative strategies that will meet the public health needs in a more cost effective way. In response, EPA agreed to reconsider the regulations requiring the cap and have affirmed that New York City will not have to build a cap in the meantime, a huge victory for New York City ratepayers and residents who would otherwise be saddled with the cost of the reservoir cover. Secured a commitment from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to begin an investigation into U.S. oil refiners and potential price fixing and skyrocketing gas prices: Reports suggested that refiners had cut back on gasoline stockpiles in an effort to decrease supply and inflate the price of gas at the pump. The Energy Information Administration initially released data showing that refiners are operating at just over 80% of their capacity, which translated to a decrease of 900,000 barrels per day when compared to 2010 output levels. Since last year, refiners profits have more than doubled. While crude oil prices have come down in recent weeks, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline has remained elevated. Schumer noted that gas prices skyrocket up right alongside the price of crude oil, but the decrease in oil prices has not translated into substantial drops in the price at the pump. On June 20th Chairman Leibowits agreed to initiative an investigation which is still underway. Secured 57.5 Million for the University of Albany SEMATECH and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering: Schumer has pushed for approval of the SEMATECH-CNSE application to form a new photovoltaic manufacturing consortium with support from the Department of Energys Photovoltaic Manufacturing Initiative. With this federal funding, the partnership can massively increase the United States share of the photovoltaic technology and products market, and potentially create millions of jobs over the next decade. Successfully pushed for compensation for Linde Ceramics workers exposed to harmful radiation: During the Cold War, employees of Linde Ceramics were exposed to radioactive materials, which then caused a variety of cancers and other injuries in many of those exposed. Since March 2008, workers and their surviving families have petitioned the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for compensation under the Special Exposure Cohort (SEC) program. Finally, Linde Ceramics has achieved SEC status which will eliminate the significant administrative burdens placed on workers who dedicated their lives to the government in the Cold War effort. Secured an EPA investigation into Niagara chemical fire: Following a fire at Niagara Lubricant, which left local residents in the dark as to their health and safety, Schumer called on the EPA to investigate the potential health impact and failed response to community concerns. EPA heeded Schumers call and has conducted a thorough investigation, are supervising the cleanup, and working with state and local first responders on improving community notification.

Education
Head Start Funding Protected in FY11 Budget: Schumer helped secure a $340 million increase in Head Start funding for FY11, as well as a $100 million increase to the Child Care and Development Block Grant. In total, the programs under the Head Start Act were funded at $7.6 billion for FY11, which allowed for these programs to continue to serve approximately 965,000 children and families. In New York State this ensures that over 200 locations can keep educating and providing quality services to over 49,500 children and families. Head Start fosters best practices for child development and related services for young children and their families by focusing on the well being of the whole child through in-depth nutrition, health, education and family services for children. Increased funding for Math for America: Schumer secured $54.9 million for the Robert Noyce Scholarship program in the FY11 appropriations funding cycle. Math for America and the Robert Noyce Scholarship program provide teacher training and teacher salary supplements to encourage qualified math and science professionals to become high quality math and science teachers.

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National and Legislative accomplishments

Law and Order
Secured the Department of Homeland Securitys commitment to pre-screening commercial traffic on the Peace Bridge: Schumer, Chairman of the Senate Immigration Subcommittee, fought for the commitment from Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano that the Department will commit to allow the prescreening of all U.S.-bound truck traffic on the Canadian side of the border. Schumer relentlessly pressed Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin and Secretary of State Clinton to include the Peace Bridge prescreening process in the major agreement being negotiated between the U.S. and Canada on border management policies. Secretary Napolitano confirmed that the new international border policy will allow prescreening of incoming commercial truck traffic on the Canadian side of the border. Schumer was a prime champion of the shared border management efforts and, once that effort stalled, has long pushed to move prescreening of U.S.-bound truck traffic to the Canadian side of the border in order to alleviate huge delays that have put a serious damper on international commerce and tourism. After the announcement, the Peace Bridge Authority (PBA) could potentially move forward with a plan for a smaller, $60 million plaza renovation that would be completed without additional federal funds. The plan takes up a much smaller area of land, covering 8 properties (7 of which are already owned by the PBA) rather than the 88 required by other plans. The proposal could support 12 to 13 primary inspection booths for trucks, an increase from the current number of 7, an additional 6 or 7 car inspection booths bringing the total to 17 or 18, and include 2 x-ray booths to replace an inadequate mobile unit. The plan also calls for a new Customs commercial building to increase the security of the plaza. Schumer has not endorsed a specific proposal for the plaza, but believes that establishing prescreening on the Canadian side of the border will lend itself to greater flexibility and options for a new Peace Bridge plaza. Protected funding for border security agents in the 2011 continuing resolution: H.R. 1, the spending cuts for 2011 proposed by the House, and the subsequent Continuing Resolution proposed by the House, originally proposed cuts to the border patrol of nearly 900 agents. Schumer fought for the continuing resolution to be changed to maintain the border patrol at 21,370 agents as opposed to the 20,500 agents proposed by the House. Schumers requested border patrol agent number ultimately passed after Schumer pushed for this critical change to be made. Lead Patent Reform effort: Schumer was instrumental in the passage of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. This was the first major reform of the patent system since 1952. The new law switches the United States to a first to file system as much of the rest of the world uses. Schumer sponsored amendment that prevents companies from hoarding patents to discourage use and innovation. Protected FinCen access for law enforcement officers: The administration proposed restricting local law enforcement access to a federal database used for financial crimes enforcement, but Schumer protected the ability of local law enforcement to investigate financial crimes. Schumer had conversations with the Department of Treasury and Appropriators in Congress. During negotiations over the omnibus appropriations package for FY 2012, Schumer ensured access to the database was not hindered because of budget cuts. Caused the Border Patrol to patrol military-grade radar along the Northern Border to detect low-flying aircraft smuggling drugs: In March, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano approved Schumers request for federal law enforcement agents to use military-grade radar in the fight against illegal drug smuggling over the U.S.-Canadian border. Schumer called on the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense to expand a pilot project which found that the use of small, low-flying airplanes in cross-border drug smuggling is more widespread than previously thought. Use of the radar to monitor the northern border has now begun and, under an agreement with the Canadian government, 22 Canadian radar feeds are being transmitted directly to the U.S. Air and Marine Operation Center.

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Enacted legislation to combat companies who abuse immigration visas to outsource high-tech jobs: Schumer drafted and enacted legislation that raised immigration visa fees for companies who exploit loopholes in our immigration system in order to employ the vast majority of their workers on foreign work-visas. These companies then staff these foreign workers to jobs in America that can easily be performed by Americans. By raising these fees, Schumer ensured that hard-working Americans wishing to perform these high-tech jobs will not be undersold by foreign labor. Improved airport security: Upon writing a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, DHS agreed to begin installing electronic readers at airports to determine the authenticity of identifications used by passengers seeking to board airplanes. These readers will help to reduce the risk posed by potential terrorists using fake identifications that are not detected by airport screeners. Napolitano also agreed with Schumers suggestion that these readers should also have the capability to screen identifications against terrorist watch lists and record the exit of foreigners leaving the United States. Improved passport security: Schumer improved the security of U.S passports by demanding that the Government Printing Office halt overseas production of electronic chips used in American passports. Schumer wrote letter to the GPO's director Robert Tapella following a joint investigation by ABC News and the Center for Public Integrity that revealed a years-long failure by the agency to resolve persistent concerns about the security risks involved in the outsourcing. As a result of Schumers advocacy, the GPO announced that it would stop production of electronic components assembled at a factory in Thailand, which is considered the key piece of the nation's new, more sophisticated E-Passport. These chips will now be produced in the United States. Improved immigration court system: Schumer secured funding to expand the EOIR Legal Orientation Program in order to conduct trainings in New York of pro bono lawyers to enhance the quality of immigration advocacy, as well as increase levels of pro bono representation. These trainings ensured that all parties are on the same page with regard to immigration lawso that frivolous claims will not be raised and meritorious claims will be readily identified by all parties and will be quickly adjudicated. In addition, this project reduced the number of immigration proceedings that are repeatedly continued because immigrants are unable to secure legal representation. These additional funds resulted in net-cost savings to the immigration system and helped legitimate refugees obtain the relief that they merited. Advocated to secure Temporary Protected Status for Haitians: Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Schumer was the first member of Congress to call on the administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian nationals who were living in the U.S. when the earthquake occurred. Shortly after receiving Schumers letter, the Department of Homeland Security designated TPS for eligible Haitian nationals. This was a critical measure to provide a temporary refuge for Haitian nationals who were living in the U.S. at the time of the earthquake, and whose personal safety may have been jeopardized by returning to Haiti. Passed an amendment to protect the privacy of airline passengers As part of the FAA Reauthorization Act passed by the Senate, Schumer drafted and passed an amendment that would make misusing body scanner images a federal crime punishable by up to a year in prison to address concerns raised by some travelers. The amendment would prohibit anyone with access to the scanned body images, whether security personnel or members of the public, from photographing or disseminating those images. Besides a prison term, violators could be fined up to $100,000 per violation. The proposal would apply to images made by body scanners run by any federal employee, including security employees at airports and federal courthouses. It covers not only the misuse of the original images recorded by scanners, but also photographs of scans recorded and disseminated from personal cameras, cell phones and video devices. Secured reinstatement and reconstruction of Churubusco Port of Entry: Schumer pushed the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) to restart construction on the Churubusco border crossing. CBP was planning to halt the project after the Canadian government decided to close their side of the port. Schumer contacted DHS and CBP and asked them to reverse course saying that closure would cost the area construction jobs related to the project and cost local businesses who depend on commerce from Canadians. The construction will serve to modernize the facility, and support an expansion that will support two-way travel between Canada and the United States. Cosponsored Legislation to Stop Military Counterfeits: Schumer cosponsored legislation to prevent companies from defrauding and harming the armed forces. This legislation would dramatically increase the penalties for companies that defraud the armed forces and create national security problems by selling counterfeit military hardware. This hardware is used in airplanes and weapons sys29

National and Legislative accomplishments

tems, and the counterfeit products are leading to a 5 to 15% percent decrease in weapons systems reliability.

Transportation
Encouraged establishment of Commuter Bill of Rights: Schumer urged the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to establish a commuter bill of rights for both the Long Island Metro-North Rail Road commuter systems. With the damage sustained by natural disasters like Hurricane Irene and unpredictable weather patterns, New York commuters have faced massive delays, lack of information and limited options on how to get to and from work. Moreover, ongoing conditions on both the Long Island and MetroNorth Rail Roads have left commuters and passengers with less confidence in MTAs ability to actively communicate with those who depend on the trains for their daily commute. By establishing a commuter bill of rights, millions of commuters will have a safer, more pleasant experience on the train each time they ride. Secured NTSB study into rash of motor coach crashes. In the wake of numerous crashes in New York and around the country, beginning with the March crash between the Bronx and Westchester, which killed 15 people, Schumer called on NTSB to conduct a comprehensive investigation in the low-cost, curbside industry. NTSB conducted a six month investigation, which found that that oversight of this industry has not kept pace with its growth and the consequences have been deadly. Schumer will use this information to push for real changes to improve oversight of the low-cost, curbside bus industry. Fought to secure over $17 Million in federal aid to repair New York roads, highways, and bridges damaged by storms Irene and Lee. Schumer Called on Federal Highway administration to tap Emergency Relief for New York to repair washed out roads and bridges, debris deposits on roadways, damaged roadway surfaces and more. The U.S. Department of Transportation agreed to provide this critical aid to the state in its rebuilding efforts from these devastating storms.

Military and Veterans

Successfully obtained legislation protecting veterans using the GI Bill from a tuition spike: In April, Schumer personally introduced legislation to allow certain GI Bill recipients to receive tuition benefits at a constant level while they complete their degree programs. Otherwise, several thousand New York veterans would have seen their GI Bill benefits drop significantly in August. Many veterans would have seen their benefits drop by $10,000 per year or more. Schumer was instrumental in ensuring that the government followed through on its original commitment to these veterans. The bill protecting these students was signed into law in August. Championed legislation honoring fallen military chaplains: In January, Schumer introduced legislation establishing a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, to honor the fourteen Jewish Chaplains who made the ultimate service while serving in the military. The memorial was funded with private donations, and was installed in October. It sits alongside similar memorials dedicated to chaplains of other faiths who died while in service. Led successful effort to recognize first African American Marines: In September, Schumer and a bipartisan group of Senators introduced legislation granting the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the government, to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of the Montford Point Marines, the first African Americans to join the Marine Corps in the 1940s a 30

National and Legislative accomplishments

group which includes the Honorable David Dinkins, former Mayor of New York City. In November, the legislation was signed by the President, authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal for the group. Helped bring child care to veterans receiving medical care at VA facilities: In May, Schumer called on the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to bring a child care pilot program to Upstate New York. The region had experienced a 24% increase in healthcare enrollment among female veterans in just one year, and many had identified the lack of child care as being an impediment to receiving needed medical care. In July, the VA announced that it would establish a pilot program at the Buffalo VA Medical Center, and the program began operations in November. Nearly 6,000 female veterans in the Buffalo region stand to benefit from the new program. Aided fight to stop VA from allowing private developers to take public property in Queens: In April, Schumer personally called on VA Secretary Shinseki to halt a planned private development project at the VAs St. Albans Community Living Center. The planned development would have jeopardized veterans care at the St. Albans site, and was strongly opposed by community members and veterans organizations. Schumers intervention helped bring the VA to a decision in June to abandon the project, returning VAs focus to much-needed improvements in veterans care at the site. Persuaded the Defense Department to provide protection for troops operating unsafe burn pits: Following the death of a New York veteran whose illness was attributed to exposure to burn pits in Iraq, in January, Schumer urged Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to provide respiratory protection to troops operating these unsafe sites used to get rid of trash in combat zones. In response, in May, the Defense Department established a respiratory protection program for troops operating these sites. Ensured participation by the USS New York in the ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of 9/11: Just a few weeks before the tenth anniversary of 9/11/01, the Navy had not yet made plans to bring the USS New York to its namesake state to participate in the memorial events. Bringing the ship the ceremonies was particularly important to many involved because steel from the World Trade Center had been incorporated into the ships hull. At Schumers urging and with his assistance, the Navy and New York City quickly made plans to include the ship in planned events. Facilitated transfer of federal property at Brooklyn Navy Yard, spurring needed development: When Schumer intervened in February, the Army had been dragging its feet for years on the disposition of several acres of land at the former Brooklyn Navy Yard. The property included several vacant and neglected historic structures, which were quickly found to be at risk of imminent collapse. Schumer obtained a personal commitment from the Secretary of the Army to accelerate the sale of the property, enabling a local effort to proceed in protecting and rebuilding historic elements of the property. Aided City of Rochester in acquisition of Coast Guard property: After years of bureaucratic back-and-forth between the City and the Coast Guard, Schumer appealed to the Commandant of the Coast Guard for quick action on transferring property critical to the Citys port revitalization plan. As a result of Schumers intervention, the action which was expected to take an additional five years will likely be concluded within one year.

Foreign Policy
Saved funding for Department of Homeland Securing the Cities Program. While the House-gutted homeland security funding, the Senate was able to preserve its FY12 funding request for Securing the Cities. Securing the Cities is a federally funded effort to protect New York City from the threat of a nuclear device or a radiological dispersal device, also known as a dirty bomb. Funding has ensured that law enforcement institutions will have the resources to prevent a terrorist attack and that vital infrastructure, such as bridges and tunnels, will be protected from the threat of an enemy nuclear attack. Secured sanctions against Central Bank of Iran. Schumer initiated the call to sanction the Central Bank of Iran, which has become one of the key financiers of Irans nuclear ambitions, in a letter to President Obama. Schumer, lead the effort in drafting legislation, against the Central Bank of Iran which was ultimately passed by the Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

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National and Legislative accomplishments

Secured compensation for victims of Libya terrorism: Schumers legislation requiring the State Department to assist victims of Libyan terrorism and their families in obtaining just compensation from frozen assets passed Congress as part of the year end Omnibus Bill. The language that made it into the final bill was an effort by Schumer and Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) to help provide access to frozen assets of the Qaddafi regime as compensation for terrorist acts at the Lod and Rome Airports, and well as for relatives of the victims of the Lockerbie bombing. Schumer and Isakson called on the U.S. State Department in September to assist victims families in receiving just compensation. The bill that passed directs the State Department to work with families to ensure they receive their just compensation. Fought to secure the safe return of New Yorker, Illan Grapel, held in Egypt. Illan, a New York resident and law student, was detained in Egypt while doing volunteer work at a refugee service in Cairo believed by Egyptian authorities to be an Israeli spy. Schumer sent a letter to Secretary Clinton and worked in coordination with the State Department to secure Illans safe return.

Agriculture and Farming

Successfully pushed the FDA to check arsenic levels in imported juice products: Schumer has raised concerns about the quality and safety of imported foodstuffs, including fruit and vegetable juices and juice concentrates that may contain high levels of inorganic arsenic. Schumer urged the Food and Drug Administration to increase inspections, testing and analysis of imported juices and juice concentrates and the FDA has agreed to do so. Secured commitment from EPA; Milk tanks will not be regulated like oil tanks: At Schumers Urging, the EPA agreed to exempt dairy farmers from provisions of the Clean Water Act that would have required them to develop and implement plans to handle a milk spill the same provision that requires oil companies to develop plans to deal with oil spills. Previously, the EPA had claimed this authority to require such spill prevention plans because milk contains animal fat an oil. Schumer has long fought for this EPA regulation to change, because the intention of Congress in these regulations was meant to apply to toxic substances and companies like ExxonMobil and BP, and to oil, not a 75-cow dairy farm and milk. The EPAs announcement is a long-awaited change in regulation that will save the New York dairy industry thousands of dollars that they would have had to spend complying with the regulation. The new rule will potentially save the U.S. milk and dairy industries over $140 million per year. Fought for disaster aid to assist New York farmers in rebuilding from Irene and Lee: Tropical Storms Irene and Lee battered New York, causing significant damage to farms across the state. In the wake of this disaster, Schumer went to bat for New York farmers by advocating to the federal government and in the Congress for immediate aid. Schumer called on FEMA and USDA to declare regions of New York hit by the storms as disaster areas so that farmers can benefit from federal disaster assistance programs. Schumer pushed a bill in the Senate to provide over $300 million to aid farmers in cleaning up their damaged farms through the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Watershed Program. Nearly $40 million of this funding will go to New York State. Schumer was instrumental in drumming up support among his colleagues and securing this money for New York. Schumer also pressed USDA to aid dairy farmers forced to dump milk that spoiled due to power outages and washed out roads and bridges. USDA subsequently took action that resulted in dairy farmers receiving a check as if they had sold their spoiled milk at the market. For many farmers who were facing huge bills to rebuild their farms, these payments provided a key source of relief.

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