Career Timeline of Chuck Schumer: Major Achievements and Milestones

1974: Elected to the New York State Assembly

In 1974, Schumer was elected to the New York State Assembly.

1975: New York State Assembly Member

In 1975, Schumer became a member of the New York State Assembly, representing a district.

1975: Began Service in the New York State Assembly

In 1975, Schumer began his service as a member of the New York State Assembly.

1975: Passed the New York State Bar Exam

In early 1975, Schumer passed the New York state bar exam but opted for a career in politics instead of practicing law.

1980: End of New York State Assembly Service

In 1980, Schumer concluded his service as a member of the New York State Assembly.

1980: Won House Seat

In 1980, Schumer won election to Elizabeth Holtzman's vacated House seat.

1981: Began Serving in the House

In 1981, Schumer began serving in the United States House of Representatives for New York's 16th congressional district.

1981: End of Service in the New York State Assembly

In 1981, Schumer concluded his service in the New York State Assembly.

1981: Elected to the House of Representatives

In 1981, Schumer was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing New York's 16th congressional district.

1983: Redistricting to 10th District

In 1983, Schumer's congressional district was redistricted and became the 10th district.

1983: Redistricting to the 10th Congressional District

In 1983, Schumer's district was redistricted to the 10th congressional district.

1987: Schumer Opposes Repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act

In 1987, then-Representative Schumer wrote a New York Times op-ed titled "Don't Let Banks Become Casinos" opposing the repeal of the Glass–Steagall Act of 1933.

March 11, 1993: Introduced Religious Freedom Restoration Act

On March 11, 1993, Schumer introduced the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

1993: Redistricting to 9th District

In 1993, Schumer's congressional district was redistricted and became the 9th district.

1994: Authorship of the Assault Weapons Ban

In 1994, Chuck Schumer, then a representative, co-authored the Assault Weapons Ban with Senator Dianne Feinstein. He is credited by supporters of gun control legislation for the passage of both the Assault Weapons Ban and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.

1994: Campaign to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status of Holy Land Foundation

In 1994, Schumer joined the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Congress in a campaign to get the IRS to revoke the tax-exempt status of the Palestinian-American charity the Holy Land Foundation, which was the country's largest Muslim charity by the time it was shut down in 2001.

1994: Schumer Wrote the Law for the Death Penalty

In 1994, Schumer wrote the federal law that allows the death penalty when he was head of the crime subcommittee in the House.

1995: Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995

In 1995 the Jerusalem Embassy Act was created. This act played a part in actions Schumer took later in his career

1995: Sponsorship of Omnibus Counterterrorism Act

In 1995, Chuck Schumer sponsored the Omnibus Counterterrorism Act of 1995 (H.R. 896) in the House of Representatives.

1995: Oversaw Waco Siege Hearings

In 1995, as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Schumer oversaw the House investigation of the Waco siege hearings, leading the Democratic party's defense of the Clinton administration.

1996: Schumer votes for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

In 1996, Schumer voted for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

December 1998: Schumer Votes on Clinton Impeachment Charges in House

In December 1998, as a member of the House of Representatives, Chuck Schumer voted "no" on all counts during the impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton.

1998: Elected to Senate

In 1998, Schumer was elected to the Senate, defeating three-term Republican incumbent Al D'Amato.

1998: Won Senate Election

In 1998, Schumer won the Democratic primary for the Senate with 51% of the vote and went on to win the general election with 54% of the vote, defeating incumbent Al D'Amato.

January 1999: Schumer Votes on Clinton Impeachment Charges in Senate

In January 1999, as a newly elected member of the Senate, Chuck Schumer voted "not guilty" on the two impeachment charges against President Bill Clinton.

1999: Schumer becomes US Senator from New York

In 1999, Schumer became the US Senator from New York.

1999: Elected to the Senate

In 1999, Schumer began serving as a United States Senator for New York.

1999: Schumer Supports Repeal of Glass-Steagall Act

In 1999, Schumer supported Congress's repeal of Glass–Steagall, saying it was necessary to ensure U.S. financial firms remained competitive.

May 2001: Legislation on Generic Drugs

In May 2001, Schumer and Senator John McCain introduced legislation intended to make it more difficult for makers of brand-name drugs to keep cheaper generic drugs off the market.

October 2001: Generic Ciproflaxin

In October 2001, Schumer stated his desire that generic ciprofloxacin be available for government use.

November 2001: Schumer Announces Hearings on Military Tribunals for Terrorists

In November 2001, Chuck Schumer announced hearings to examine George W. Bush's decision to try terrorists in military tribunals,amid concerns that Bush would bypass the American legal system. The hearings aimed to determine the legality of Bush's unilateral creation of a tribunal and whether such a tribunal was the most effective method.

November 2001: Legislation on Terrorism

In November 2001, Schumer joined Hillary Clinton to call for legislation encouraging the FBI to share information on terrorism with local and state police.

2001: Shut Down of the Holy Land Foundation

In 2001, the Holy Land Foundation, the Palestinian-American charity that Schumer campaigned against, was shut down.

March 2002: Schumer Leads Effort to Protect Signature Verification for First-Time Voters

In March 2002, Schumer and Senator Ron Wyden led a successful effort to protect an amendment allowing first-time voters to be verified with only a signature, during Senate compromise efforts on an election reform bill.

April 2002: Criticism of Bush Administration's Middle East Policy

In April 2002, during a Senate speech, Schumer criticized the Bush administration's Middle East policy as "muddled, confused and inconsistent." He also voiced opposition to the planned meeting between Secretary of State Colin Powell and Yasser Arafat, stating it contradicted Bush's stance against terrorists.

July 2002: Senate Passed Bill

In July 2002, the Senate passed a bill sponsored by Schumer and McCain that could lower the costs of generic drugs and prevent frivolous lawsuits by brand-name drug manufacturers.

2002: Schumer Authors Bankruptcy Provision

In 2002, Chuck Schumer authored a provision to an industry-sponsored bill intended to make it harder for people to erase their debts by filing for bankruptcy. The provision was opposed by anti-abortion activists, leading to controversy.

January 2004: Schumer Opposes Pickering Renomination

In January 2004, after President Bush renominated Charles Pickering to the federal appeals court, Chuck Schumer stated his intent to prevent Pickering's confirmation, stating that the US could do better.

March 2004: Schumer Urges Bush to Protect Whistleblower

In March 2004, Chuck Schumer, along with Jon Corzine, Ted Kennedy, and Frank Lautenberg, signed a letter to President George W. Bush, urging him to prevent action against whistleblower Richard Foster after he spoke out about White House efforts to conceal alternative, higher cost estimates for the new Medicare prescription drug program.

August 2004: Schumer Troubled by Leak of Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan's Arrest

In August 2004, Chuck Schumer expressed concern over the public disclosure of Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan's arrest by American officials. Schumer noted that little information about Khan's role in providing information leading to a higher terror alert level by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge had been revealed.

September 2004: Schumer's Attempt to Extend Assault Weapons Ban

In September 2004, Chuck Schumer made attempts to extend the Assault Weapons Ban, which ultimately expired. He was also one of 16 senators to vote against the Vitter Amendment, which aimed to prevent the confiscation of legally owned firearms during disasters.

2004: Schumer opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment

In 2004, Schumer opposed the Federal Marriage Amendment, stating that DOMA made it obsolete.

2004: Senate Re-election Victory

In 2004, Schumer was re-elected to the Senate with 71% of the vote, defeating Howard Mills and Marilyn F. O'Grady, winning all but one county in New York.

2004: Re-elected to the Senate

In 2004, Schumer was re-elected to the Senate with 71% of the vote.

September 2005: Schumer on John Roberts Nomination

In September 2005, Chuck Schumer praised John Roberts' brilliance and judicial philosophy during his confirmation hearings for Chief Justice of the United States. However, Schumer questioned Roberts' compassion and humanity and objected to the Bush administration's refusal to release documents Roberts wrote as deputy solicitor general.

October 2005: Schumer on Harriet Miers Nomination

In October 2005, Chuck Schumer said that Bush's Supreme Court nominee, Harriet Miers, would not get a majority in the Judiciary Committee or on the floor, and that her confirmation hearings would be unusually contentious.

2005: Chaired Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

In 2005, Schumer began chairing the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

March 2006: Schumer Introduces Amendment Barring Companies Owned by Countries Recognizing the Taliban from Operating in U.S. Ports

In March 2006, following a House vote blocking Dubai Ports World from operating some terminals at U.S. ports, Schumer introduced a similar amendment barring companies owned by a country that recognized the Taliban's regime in Afghanistan from operating in a U.S. port.

July 2006: Letter to al-Maliki Regarding Hezbollah and Israel

In July 2006, after Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki urged the international community to stop the aggression against Lebanon, Schumer, along with Harry Reid and Dick Durbin, signed a letter to al-Maliki. The letter charged al-Maliki with failing to condemn Hezbollah's aggression and Israel's right to defend itself, raising concerns about Iraq's constructive role in the Middle East crisis.

2006: Schumer helps his party win the midterm elections

In 2006, Schumer drew on his experience helping his party win in the 2006 midterm elections when writing his book "Positively American".

2006: Democratic Gains in the Senate

In 2006, Schumer, as chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, oversaw Democratic gains in the Senate.

January 2007: Schumer publishes 'Positively American'

In January 2007, Schumer published the book, "Positively American: Winning Back the Middle-Class Majority One Family at a Time", which outlines strategies for Democrats to appeal to middle-class voters.

Positively American: Winning Back the Middle-Class Majority One Family at a Time

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March 11, 2007: Schumer calls for Attorney General Gonzales to resign

On March 11, 2007, Schumer became the first lawmaker to call for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to resign for firing eight United States Attorneys, stating that Gonzales didn't understand he was no longer just the president's lawyer.

March 2007: Schumer proposes federal bailout of subprime borrowers

In March 2007, following the subprime mortgage industry's downturn, Schumer proposed a federal government bailout for subprime borrowers. He also advocated for mortgage industry regulators and for the Securities and Exchange Commission to relocate to New York.

April 19, 2007: Schumer repeats call for Gonzales to resign during testimony

On April 19, 2007, during Gonzales's testimony, Schumer repeated his call for Gonzales to resign, citing Gonzales's frequent "I don't know" or "I can't recall" answers to questions about the firings of eight attorneys.

September 2007: Schumer proposes raising Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's conforming loan limits

In September 2007, Schumer proposed that the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) raise Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's conforming loan limits from $417,000 to $625,000, which would allow backing mortgages on homes priced up to $780,000 with a 20% down payment.

2007: Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus

In 2007, Schumer began serving as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the Senate.

2007: Schumer Supports Mukasey Nomination

In 2007, after Bush nominated Michael Mukasey to become attorney general, Chuck Schumer expressed support for Mukasey, announcing he would vote to confirm him despite concerns about Mukasey's views on waterboarding.

June 3, 2008: Wall Street Journal Op-Ed on Iran

On June 3, 2008, Chuck Schumer wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal advocating for cooperative economic sanctions from the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China to potentially topple Iran's government. He also discussed Russia's role and Putin's ambitions in Eastern Europe.

June 26, 2008: Schumer releases letters about IndyMac Bank

On June 26, 2008, Chuck Schumer publicly released letters to regulators regarding IndyMac Bank, expressing concerns about its financial stability and potential risks to taxpayers and borrowers. He feared regulators were not prepared to prevent IndyMac's collapse.

December 14, 2008: The New York Times Reports on Schumer's Free-Market Stance

On December 14, 2008, The New York Times reported that Schumer had embraced the free-market and deregulatory agenda more than any other Democrat in Congress, supporting measures later blamed for the 2008 financial crisis. The article noted his efforts to protect the investment banking industry and limit regulations on credit-rating agencies.

2008: Democratic Gains in the Senate

In 2008, Schumer, as chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, oversaw Democratic gains in the Senate.

March 2009: Schumer announces support for same-sex marriage

In March 2009, Schumer announced his support for same-sex marriage, stating that it "was time". He had previously supported civil unions.

March 22, 2009: Schumer backs full reversal of DOMA

On March 22, 2009, at a private dinner with gay leaders, Schumer expressed his support not only for same-sex marriage but also for a full reversal of DOMA.

May 2009: Schumer on Sotomayor Nomination

In May 2009, Chuck Schumer said that the confirmation process for Obama Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor would be more of a test for the Republican Party than for Sotomayor herself, calling her a "mainstream justice".

October 2009: Schumer Advocates Scaling Back American Forces in Afghanistan

In October 2009, Schumer questioned the need to replicate the Iraq experience in Afghanistan, citing the cost in lives and resources. He suggested scaling back American forces and relying more on unmanned drone attacks to maintain safety without necessarily achieving stability in Afghanistan.

December 2009: Schumer Votes for Affordable Care Act

In December 2009, Chuck Schumer voted in favor of the Affordable Care Act.

December 2009: Schumer lobbies for gay marriage legislation in New York State Senate

In December 2009, Schumer and other statewide officials aggressively lobbied wavering senators to support the legislation to legalize gay marriage in the New York State Senate.

2009: Schumer Proposes Standards for Government-Run Health Insurance

In 2009, Chuck Schumer proposed that any new government-run health insurance programs should adhere to all standards applicable to private insurance. He aimed to allay concerns that a public program would eliminate private insurers from the market and called for "a level playing field for competition".

2009: Schumer Championed College Tuition Tax Credits

In 2009, Schumer championed college tuition tax credits, advocating for and successfully including a $4,000 tuition tax credit for students as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

2009: Schumer Criticizes Release of Pan Am Flight 103 Bomber

In 2009, Schumer criticized Scotland's release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, the convicted Pan Am Flight 103 bomber, and suggested the U.S. should impose economic sanctions on the UK if the release was tied to a massive oil deal between the UK and Libya.

2009: End of term as Chairman of the DSCC

In 2009, Schumer's term as Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee concluded.

2009: Schumer Sought Investigation into Swine Flu Scams

In 2009, amid the swine flu scare, Schumer urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate companies selling products like gloves, pills, and shampoos with misleading claims. The FTC subsequently put ten companies on notice and identified 140 scams.

June 2010: Comments on Israel's Blockade of Gaza Strip

In June 2010, at an Orthodox Union event, Schumer commented on Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip. He stated that statistics showed "economic prosperity" in the West Bank due to government cooperation with Israel and called for Israel to "strangle them economically until they see that's not the way to go" while continuing humanitarian aid. He justified the blockade as a means to keep weapons out and show Palestinians the benefits of moderation and cooperation, while also expressing that the Palestinian people still didn't believe in a Jewish state.

2010: Schumer Votes for Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act

In 2010, Chuck Schumer voted for the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act.

2010: Schumer suggests a hedge-fund tax would be acceptable

In 2010, Schumer suggested that a hedge-fund tax would be acceptable and not harm the industry, a shift from his previous defense of low taxes on hedge fund and private equity managers.

2010: Re-elected to the Senate

In 2010, Schumer was re-elected to the Senate with 66% of the vote.

June 2011: Schumer seeks crackdown on Bitcoin

In June 2011, Schumer and Senator Joe Manchin sought a crackdown on Bitcoin, citing its use in illegal drug trade transactions due to its anonymizing nature. They aimed to disrupt the Silk Road drug website.

2011: Chaired Senate Democratic Policy Committee

In 2011, Schumer became the chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee.

January 18, 2012: Demonstration against PROTECT IP Act at Schumer's office

On January 18, 2012, a demonstration was held in front of Schumer's and Kirsten Gillibrand's offices, with 2,000 protesters opposing S. 968, the PROTECT IP Act, which Schumer sponsored.

February 2012: Schumer initially disagrees with Obama administration's tax plan, later supports it

In February 2012, Schumer initially disagreed with the Obama administration's call to raise taxes on those making more than $250,000 a year, suggesting a million-dollar floor instead. He later supported raising taxes on those making over $250,000.

March 2012: Schumer calls for investigation into employers requiring Facebook passwords

In March 2012, Schumer and Senator Richard Blumenthal called on the Attorney General and the Department of Justice to investigate employers' practices of requiring Facebook passwords from employee applicants and workers.

April 2012: Schumer Introduces Bill to Counter Arizona's Anti-Immigration Law

In April 2012, Chuck Schumer introduced SB 1070, a bill designed to nullify Arizona's anti-immigration law and similar laws if the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the states. He argued that states should not be able to create their own immigration laws under the guise of "helping the federal government".

June 2013: Senate Passage of Immigration Reform Bill

In June 2013, Chuck Schumer, as part of the "Gang of Eight," saw the comprehensive immigration reform bill he co-sponsored pass the Senate with a significant majority of 68-32. However, the House of Representatives, under Speaker John Boehner, declined to consider the bill, leading to its failure.

August 2013: Schumer's comments on Russia granting asylum to Edward Snowden

In August 2013, Chuck Schumer criticized Vladimir Putin's behavior after Russia granted asylum to Edward Snowden, likening Putin to a "schoolyard bully" and describing U.S.-Russia relations as being at their most strained point since the Cold War.

October 2013: Schumer Supports Ending Restrictions on Shipping Alcohol

In October 2013, Schumer announced his support for ending restrictions on shipping beer, wine, and spirits through the U.S. Postal Service. He stated this would help local post offices by generating an estimated $225 million in new revenues and broaden consumer access to these beverages.

2013: Schumer Supports Death Penalty for Boston Marathon Bomber

In 2013, Schumer stated that the death penalty would be "appropriate" for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the perpetrator of the Boston Marathon bombing, referencing the law he wrote in 1994.

April 2014: Schumer Backs the Paycheck Fairness Act

In April 2014, during the United States Senate debate on the Paycheck Fairness Act, Schumer supported the measure and told reporters that "pay equity, that's women, that's 53 percent of the vote."

2014: Support for Israel in the 2014 Israel-Gaza Conflict

In 2014, Schumer supported Israel in the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict.

2014: Schumer Recognized for Assisting Gowanda Flood Compensation

In 2014, Schumer was recognized for his role in securing $700,000 in compensation from FEMA for Gowanda, New York, following the devastating 2009 flood.

August 6, 2015: Announcement of Opposition to Iran Nuclear Deal

On August 6, 2015, Schumer announced his opposition to the nuclear deal with Iran. The White House leaked the news during the Republican debate, which was seen as an attempt to limit coverage. Arms control expert Jeffrey Lewis criticized Schumer's decision, and White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest suggested fellow Democrats might remember Schumer's decision when electing their next majority leader.

2015: Expected to Lead Senate Democrats

In 2015, Schumer was widely expected to lead Senate Democrats after Reid announced his retirement.

2015: Schumer-Portman Senate Bill on Multinational Corporation Taxes

In 2015, the Charles Schumer-Rob Portman Senate bill proposed to tax the $2.2 trillion held outside the country by multinational corporations in tax-haven subsidiaries, at a rate lower than the standard corporate rate.

March 2016: Schumer Calls for Hearings on Garland Nomination

In March 2016, after Obama nominated Merrick Garland to replace Antonin Scalia, Chuck Schumer called for Mitch McConnell and Chuck Grassley to hold hearings so America could judge whether Garland belonged on the court.

October 2016: Schumer Loses Confidence in Comey

In October 2016, Chuck Schumer announced he had lost confidence in FBI director James Comey after Comey announced the reopening of an investigation into Hillary Clinton's handling of classified emails.

November 2016: Schumer on Potential Trump Supreme Court Nominees

In November 2016, Chuck Schumer said the Democrats would challenge President-elect Trump if he did not nominate mainstream Supreme Court justices, criticizing Republicans for blocking the Garland nomination.

November 2016: Elected Senate Minority Leader

In November 2016, the Senate Democratic Caucus elected Schumer minority leader.

December 2016: Schumer Demands Inquiry into Russian Meddling

In December 2016, Chuck Schumer called for a congressional inquiry into Russian interference in U.S. affairs.

December 2016: Schumer Joins Call for Senate Cyber Committee

In December 2016, Chuck Schumer, along with John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Jack Reed, co-signed a letter to Majority Leader McConnell advocating for the establishment of a Senate select committee on cyber issues, focusing on Russian meddling and potential threats from countries such as China and Iran.

December 2016: Schumer Calls for Trump Cabinet Nominees to Release Tax Returns

In December 2016, Schumer urged Trump's cabinet nominees to release their tax returns, following the precedent set by Steve Mnuchin and Tom Price.

2016: Schumer supports Facebook during Russian interference investigations

In 2016, Schumer offered political support to Facebook, acting as an ally and seeking to advance the company's interests in Senate debates about regulating it or probing its involvement in various controversies, including Russian interference in the 2016 election.

2016: Re-elected to the Senate

In 2016, Schumer was re-elected to the Senate with 70% of the vote.

2016: Elected Democratic Leader

In 2016, Schumer won his fourth term in the Senate and was unanimously elected Democratic leader.

January 2017: Schumer's Response to Intelligence Community Skepticism

In January 2017, Chuck Schumer responded to those questioning the U.S. intelligence community's assessments by stating, "Let me tell you, you take on the intelligence community, they have six ways from Sunday at getting back at you." He also introduced legislation to limit executive action on Russian sanctions later that month.

February 2017: Comments on North Korea and China

In February 2017, Schumer stated that North Korea was an "irresponsible nation" and advocated using China to curtail North Korea, suggesting the U.S. should pressure China to take more serious action.

February 2017: Schumer Predicts Trump's Speech Will Be Less Memorable

In February 2017, before Trump's address to Congress, Schumer predicted Trump's speech would be less memorable than his predecessors' due to the perceived gap between Trump's words and his administration's actions. He criticized Trump's governance as pro-corporate and pro-elite.

March 2017: Schumer Calls on Trump to Apologize for Wiretapping Claims

In March 2017, Schumer released a statement urging Trump to apologize for claiming the Obama administration had wiretapped him during his presidential campaign. He also advised Trump to stop tweeting and focus on working for the country, stating that Trump had damaged his credibility by promoting conspiracy theories.

March 2017: Schumer to Vote Against Gorsuch Confirmation

In March 2017, at the end of Senate hearings for Trump Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, Chuck Schumer announced he would vote against confirmation and called on Democrats to block an up-or-down vote on Gorsuch.

April 2017: Schumer Calls for Caution in Afghanistan

In April 2017, Schumer cautioned against increased involvement in Afghanistan, referencing casualties in Iraq, and stated the military would need Congressional approval for more American soldiers in Afghanistan.

April 2017: Schumer Comments on Shayrat Missile Strike

In April 2017, following the Shayrat missile strike, Schumer said a "pinpointed, limited action to punish and hopefully deter Assad from doing this again is appropriate" while cautioning against further U.S. involvement in Syria.

May 2017: Schumer Calls for Release of Trump-Russia Meeting Transcripts

In May 2017, Chuck Schumer delivered a speech on the Senate floor urging the White House to release unedited transcripts of the meeting between President Trump and Russian officials, stating that continued confidentiality would raise doubts about the president's ability to handle national secrets.

May 2017: Schumer Responds to Upton Amendment and CBO Report on American Health Care Act

In May 2017, Chuck Schumer released a statement criticizing Fred Upton's amendment to the American Health Care Act, arguing that it did not adequately protect Americans with pre-existing conditions and comparing it to "administering cough medicine to someone with stage 4 cancer". After the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report projecting millions of Americans would lose health coverage under the American Health Care Act, Schumer called on Republicans and the President to abandon the bill and collaborate with Democrats on a better plan.

May 2017: Co-sponsoring the Israel Anti-Boycott Act

In May 2017, Schumer co-sponsored the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, Senate Bill 720. The bill made it a federal crime for Americans to encourage or participate in boycotts against Israel and Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories if protesting actions by the Israeli government, punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.

May 2017: Schumer on Comey's Firing and Russia Investigation

In May 2017, after President Donald Trump fired FBI director James Comey, Chuck Schumer told reporters that the FBI had been investigating the Trump campaign's possible collusion with Russia and questioned whether the investigation was "getting too close to home for the president".

July 2017: Schumer Votes for Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act

In July 2017, Schumer voted in favor of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which included sanctions against Iran, Russia, and North Korea.

November 2017: Schumer on Net Neutrality

In November 2017, Chuck Schumer stated that net neutrality helps build jobs in the 21st century and that repealing it would hurt the economy, job growth, and middle-class workers.

November 2017: Funding for Head Start Programs

In November 2017, Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $1,908,486 in funding for Head Start and Early Head Start programs at the Community Action Organization of Erie County.

2017: Advocating for a block on China

In 2017, Schumer wrote to Trump advocating for a block on China to prevent it from purchasing more American companies. This was aimed at increasing pressure on Beijing to help rein in North Korea's nuclear missile program.

2017: End of Term as VP of Democratic Caucus

In 2017, Schumer's service as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the Senate concluded.

2017: Call for U.S. Support for Kurdish Independence

In 2017, following the Kurdistan Region independence referendum, Schumer became the first senator to call for U.S. support for Kurdish independence. He released a resolution urging the U.S. government to support a political process addressing Kurdish aspirations for an independent state and called on Iraq to engage in dialogue.

January 2018: Schumer on FCC Vote on Net Neutrality

In January 2018, Chuck Schumer announced that all 49 members of the Democratic caucus supported a resolution overturning the FCC vote on net neutrality, urging Republicans to side with consumers over big ISPs and corporations.

January 2018: Schumer Criticizes Republicans on Mueller Investigation

In January 2018, Chuck Schumer criticized Republicans for their views on the FBI and for promoting conspiracies regarding the Mueller investigation, stating that their efforts to discredit Mueller had devolved into "delusional, self-serving paranoia".

January 2018: Schumer's Stance on DACA and Border Wall Funding

In January 2018, Chuck Schumer declared that any agreement on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program before its March expiration needed to be incorporated into the spending bill. He proposed to President Trump that Congress would approve over $20 billion for his border wall in exchange for protecting DACA recipients, an offer Trump declined. Later that month, Schumer announced renewed talks on immigration and border security between the White House and himself.

January 2018: Requested VA complete acquisitions

In January 2018, Schumer requested that the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs complete final acquisitions for parcels in Pembroke, New York, and initiate construction of the New Western New York National Veterans Cemetery.

February 2018: Schumer on Gun Control After Stoneman Douglas Shooting

In February 2018, following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Chuck Schumer joined three other Democratic senators in signing a letter to President Trump, urging him to endorse legislation requiring background checks on every gun purchase without "poison pill provisions," and criticizing the ability of individuals denied firearms by federally licensed dealers to purchase guns at gun shows or online.

March 2018: Schumer Supports Legislation for Children of Deceased First Responders

In March 2018, Chuck Schumer voiced his support for the bipartisan legislation sponsored by Bob Casey and Pat Toomey. This legislation aimed to assist the children of deceased first responders with college expenses by increasing the availability of Pell grant funding.

March 2018: Remarks on Israeli Settlements in the West Bank

In March 2018, Schumer told AIPAC's delegates that Israeli settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have nothing to do with the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

March 2018: Pressing Trump to focus on China

In March 2018, before the Trump administration took concrete measures against China, Schumer and other Democratic leaders pressed Trump to focus more on China, highlighting the theft of jobs and trillions of dollars.

April 2018: Schumer Supports Decriminalizing Cannabis

In April 2018, Chuck Schumer said he would back efforts to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level. On April 20th, he announced his sponsorship of legislation to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act.

May 2018: Call for Kim Jong-un's Removal from Commemorative Coin

In May 2018, Schumer called for Kim Jong-un to be removed from the commemorative coin memorializing the 2018 North Korea–United States summit, referring to Kim as a "brutal dictator" and suggesting the Peace House as a more suitable alternative.

May 2018: Praising Trump for Opening U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem

In May 2018, Schumer praised Trump for opening the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, noting his prior sponsorship of legislation to do so two decades prior. He had previously criticized Trump's delays in implementing the move.

May 2018: Schumer's observation on Trump's willingness to ease sanctions on ZTE

In May 2018, after Trump signaled his willingness to ease sanctions on ZTE for a trade deal with Beijing, Schumer observed the bipartisan consensus to be tough on China, urging the President's actions to align with his rhetoric.

June 2018: Schumer Criticizes Roberts and the Supreme Court

In June 2018, Chuck Schumer stated that John Roberts was demeaning the Supreme Court as it became more political, citing the court's rulings on anti-abortion clinics and other issues that Schumer aligned with "the hard right".

June 2018: Schumer Decries Harassment of Trump Administration Members

In June 2018, Schumer delivered a Senate floor speech disagreeing with Representative Maxine Waters' call to harass members of the Trump administration. He advocated for organizing and voting out politicians one disagrees with rather than harassment.

June 27, 2018: Schumer Introduces Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act

On June 27, 2018, Chuck Schumer formally introduced the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act.

July 2018: Schumer Spearheads Resolution on Russian Questioning of U.S. Officials

In July 2018, Chuck Schumer spearheaded a non-binding resolution that passed 98-0, warning President Trump against allowing the Russian government to question U.S. diplomats and other officials. The resolution asserted that the U.S. should refuse to make current or former officials available for questioning by Vladimir Putin's government.

July 2018: Schumer confronts Warner about Facebook's issues

In July 2018, Schumer confronted Senator Mark Warner, urging him to address Facebook's issues with disinformation, election interference, and consumer privacy.

July 2018: Schumer Condemns Trump's Criticism of Germany's Gas Pipeline Decision

In July 2018, after Trump criticized Germany's decision to approve a new Russian-German gas pipeline, Schumer and House Minority Leader Pelosi jointly condemned Trump's comments as an embarrassment, suggesting his loyalty was with President Putin more than NATO allies.

July 2018: Schumer on Kavanaugh Nomination

In July 2018, after Trump nominated Brett Kavanaugh to replace Anthony Kennedy, Chuck Schumer said Kavanaugh should be questioned about the precedent set by Roe v. Wade and other cases, noting Kavanaugh's opinion on United States v. Nixon.

July 2018: Schumer Suggests Garland Nomination by Trump

In July 2018, it was reported that Chuck Schumer had suggested Trump nominate Merrick Garland to attract bipartisan support for Supreme Court Justice nomination.

August 2018: Schumer Announces Funding for Firefighter Cancer Registry

In August 2018, Chuck Schumer announced that the Senate had approved $1 million in FY2019 funding for the national firefighter cancer registry as part of the FY2019 Health and Human Services appropriations bill. He emphasized the need for firefighters to have access to "first-rate medical care and treatment" and highlighted the registry's importance in helping "researchers track, treat, and eventually prevent firefighters being stricken by cancer".

August 2018: Schumer Responds to Trump's "Disloyal" Comment About Jewish Voters

In August 2018, Schumer responded to Trump's comment that American Jews who vote for Democrats are "disloyal," stating that Trump was encouraging anti-Semitism by using a trope historically used against Jewish people.

2018: Schumer Concerned About Supreme Court Justice Replacement

In 2018, after Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy retired, Chuck Schumer voiced concern about Trump's choice of replacement, believing they would try to overturn Roe v. Wade.

January 2019: Schumer Introduces Background Check Expansion Act

In January 2019, Chuck Schumer was among 40 senators who introduced the Background Check Expansion Act. This legislation sought to mandate background checks for all firearm sales or transfers, including those involving unlicensed sellers, with some exceptions for law enforcement, temporary loans for hunting or sporting events, gifts to immediate family, inheritances, and temporary transfers for immediate self-defense.

March 2019: Schumer Signs Letter on Dairy Farmers' Struggles

In March 2019, Chuck Schumer was one of 38 senators to sign a letter to the U.S. secretary of agriculture, Sonny Perdue, warning that dairy farmers were struggling due to market instability and low prices, urging support for the Dairy Margin Coverage program.

March 2020: Schumer Criticized for Comments About Gorsuch and Kavanaugh

In March 2020, Chuck Schumer was criticized for comments he made about Supreme Court justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh at a rally outside the United States Capitol. Schumer said they would "pay the price" and "won't know what hit you" if they voted against abortion rights. He later apologized for the comments.

October 2020: Schumer Calls for Suspension of Military Aid to Azerbaijan

In October 2020, Schumer requested the Trump administration to immediately halt U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan, sent through the Pentagon's "building partner assistance program", due to concerns it could be used in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

November 2020: Schumer Announces New Stance on Eliminating Student Debt

In November 2020, Schumer announced a new stance on eliminating student debt, proposing with Elizabeth Warren that the first $50,000 of debt be vanquished, suggesting Joe Biden could achieve this through executive action.

2020: Senate Control

In 2020, The Georgia runoff determined control of the senate.

January 6, 2021: Schumer Addresses Capitol Attack, Blames Trump

On January 6, 2021, during the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count, Schumer and other members of Congress were removed from the Senate chambers due to an attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. After the Capitol was secured, Schumer gave remarks calling it a day "that will live forever in infamy" and blamed Trump for the attack, supporting impeachment and calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the Twenty-fifth Amendment.

January 2021: Became Senate Majority Leader

In January 2021, Schumer became the Senate majority leader, becoming the first Jewish Senate leader in U.S. history.

January 20, 2021: Democrats Gained Control of Senate

On January 20, 2021, Democrats gained control of the Senate, making Schumer the majority leader.

July 14, 2021: Schumer Releases Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act

On July 14, 2021, Chuck Schumer, along with senators Ron Wyden and Cory Booker, released for public comment a comprehensive federal legalization bill known as the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act.

July 21, 2022: Schumer Introduces Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act

On July 21, 2022, Chuck Schumer formally introduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act.

2022: Re-elected to the Senate

In 2022, Schumer was re-elected to a fifth term in the Senate with 56% of the vote.

2022: Legislative Achievements

In 2022, as majority leader, Schumer shepherded through the Senate major legislative initiatives, including the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act.

October 2023: Leading a bipartisan congressional delegation's visit to China

In October 2023, Schumer led a bipartisan congressional delegation's visit to China. During the visit, he met with Chinese president Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials to discuss fairness, stability, and responsible competition in the relationship between the two countries.

March 14, 2024: Senate Speech on Netanyahu and Israeli Elections

On March 14, 2024, in a Senate speech, Schumer stated that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was an impediment to peace in the Middle East and called for elections to replace him once the Gaza war subsides. He noted that civilian deaths in Gaza were causing international support for Israel to fall.

2024: Senate Vote on Aid Package to Israel

In 2024, during a Senate vote on the largest aid package to Israel in history, Schumer noted that only three Democrats, including Bernie Sanders, opposed it, indicating the Democratic caucus remained "overwhelmingly pro-Israel."

February 2025: DOJ Launches Investigation

In February 2025, interim U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C. Ed Martin announced the Department of Justice was launching an investigation into the matter.

March 2025: Interview on Keeping the Left Pro-Israel

In a March 2025 interview with Bret Stephens, Schumer stated his job was to "keep the left pro-Israel." He warned of the dangers to Israel if it loses the support of the United States' liberal half and recounted advising Netanyahu to appear on progressive platforms. He also drew attention to right-wing antisemitism.

April 27, 2025: Schumer Criticizes Trump's Plan to End the Russo-Ukrainian War

On April 27, 2025, Schumer criticized Trump's 28-point plan to end the Russo-Ukrainian war, deeming it pro-Putin and a surrender for Ukraine, while pledging support for the Ukrainian people.

2025: Non-Endorsement of Zohran Mamdani

In 2025, Schumer did not endorse Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee in the New York City mayoral election, citing Mamdani's criticism of Israel.

February 1, 2026: Address to Jewish Leaders on Aid to Israel

On February 1, 2026, in an address to Jewish leaders in New York City, Schumer pledged to "always fight to give Israel what it needs to protect itself" and highlighted his leadership in delivering security assistance to Israel.

April 2026: Opposition to Resolutions Blocking Sales to Israel

In April 2026, Schumer was one of seven Democratic senators to join all Republicans in opposing resolutions that would have blocked sales of bulldozers and 1,000-pound bombs to Israel.