Career Timeline of Chuck Schumer: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Chuck Schumer made an impact.

Chuck Schumer is a prominent American politician currently serving as a U.S. Senator from New York since 1999. A leading figure in the Democratic Party, he has held significant leadership positions, including Senate Majority Leader (2021-2025) and Senate Minority Leader (2017-2021 and since 2025). Schumer became New York's senior senator in 2001 and is now the longest-serving U.S. Senator from New York, having been elected to a fifth term in 2022. He is also the dean of New York's congressional delegation.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1974: Elected to New York State Assembly

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

1975: Joins New York State Assembly

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

1975: Passes NY State Bar

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

1980: Ends Term in NY State Assembly

In 1980, Chuck Schumer concluded his service in the New York State Assembly.

1980: Runs for House Seat

In 1980, Chuck Schumer ran for and won Elizabeth Holtzman's vacated House seat after she won the Democratic nomination for Senate.

1981: Elected to US House of Representatives

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

1981: Re-elected to House

In 1981, Chuck Schumer was re-elected from the Brooklyn and Queens based district.

1981: End of term in NY State Assembly

In 1981, Chuck Schumer's tenure in the New York State Assembly concluded.

1982: Redistricting and Potential Matchup

In 1982, redistricting led to a potential matchup between Chuck Schumer and Stephen Solarz, but it did not materialize.

1983: Represents 10th Congressional District

In 1983, Chuck Schumer began representing New York's 10th congressional district.

1983: District Number Changes

In 1983, the district Chuck Schumer represented was renumbered to the 10th congressional district.

1987: Schumer Opposes Repeal of Glass-Steagall Act

In 1987, then-Representative Schumer wrote an op-ed in the New York Times opposing the repeal of the Glass–Steagall Act of 1933, arguing against banks becoming casinos.

March 11, 1993: Introduces Religious Freedom Restoration Act

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

1993: District Number Changes Again

In 1993, the district Chuck Schumer represented was renumbered again to the 9th congressional district.

1994: Schumer Joins Campaign Against 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.

1994: Schumer wrote the law allowing death penalty

In 1994, Schumer, as head of the crime subcommittee in the House, wrote the law that allows the death penalty at the federal level.

1994: Schumer Co-Authors Assault Weapons Ban

In 1994, Schumer, then a representative, co-authored the Assault Weapons Ban with Senator Dianne Feinstein.

1995: Sponsorship of the Omnibus Counterterrorism Act

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

1995: Oversees Waco Siege Hearings

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

1995: Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995

Schumer sponsored legislation two decades prior to May 2018, referencing the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995.

1996: Vote for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

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

December 1998: Schumer votes no on all counts in Clinton impeachment

In December 1998, as a member of the House of Representatives and the Judiciary Committee, Schumer voted "no" on all counts of President Bill Clinton's impeachment during a lame-duck session of Congress.

1998: Elected to the Senate

In 1998, Chuck Schumer was elected to the Senate after defeating Al D'Amato.

1998: Wins Senate Election

In 1998, Chuck Schumer won the general election for the Senate, defeating incumbent Al D'Amato.

January 1999: Schumer votes not guilty in Clinton impeachment trial

In January 1999, newly elected to the Senate, Schumer voted "not guilty" on the two impeachment charges against President Bill Clinton.

1999: Schumer becomes a US Senator

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

May 2001: Introduces Legislation on Generic Drugs

In May 2001, Chuck Schumer and Senator John McCain introduced legislation to make it more difficult for brand-name drug makers to keep cheaper generic drugs off the market. It was intended to reduce prescription drug costs by over 60% per prescription.

October 2001: Advocates for Generic Ciprofloxacin

In October 2001, Chuck Schumer stated his desire for generic ciprofloxacin to be available for government use, suggesting the federal government had the authority to order its immediate production to expand the government stockpile of the drug.

November 2001: Calls for FBI Information Sharing

In November 2001, Chuck Schumer joined Hillary Clinton to call for legislation encouraging the FBI to share information on terrorism with local and state police, citing reports that federal authorities did not share information with the city police. He joined Patrick Leahy to report that the Justice Department supported the legislation.

November 2001: Announcement of Hearings on Military Tribunals for Terrorists

In November 2001, Schumer announced hearings regarding George W. Bush's decision to try terrorists in military tribunals. The hearings aimed to determine if Bush had the authority to form a tribunal independently of Congress and whether a military tribunal was the most efficient instrument.

2001: Holy Land Foundation Shut Down

By 2001, the Holy Land Foundation, which Schumer campaigned against since 1994, was shut down, being the country's largest Muslim charity at the time.

2001: Becomes New York's Senior Senator

In 2001, Chuck Schumer became New York's senior senator upon Daniel Patrick Moynihan's retirement.

March 2002: Schumer Leads Effort to Protect Amendment on Voter Verification

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

April 2002: Schumer Criticizes Bush Administration's Middle East Policy

In April 2002, Senator Schumer criticized the Bush administration's Middle East policy as "muddled, confused and inconsistent." He stated that the planned meeting between Secretary of State Colin Powell and Yasser Arafat would contradict Bush's stance against terrorists.

July 2002: Senate Passes Schumer-McCain Bill

In July 2002, the Senate passed a bill sponsored by Chuck Schumer and John McCain aimed at lowering the costs of generic drugs and preventing frivolous lawsuits by brand-name drug manufacturers. Although the Senate passed the bill, an identical bill introduced in the House did not.

2002: Schumer authors bankruptcy bill provision

In 2002, Schumer authored a provision to a bankruptcy bill, aimed at making it harder for individuals to erase debts through bankruptcy. The provision sparked opposition from anti-abortion activists.

January 2004: Schumer opposes Charles Pickering's renomination

In January 2004, after President Bush renominated Charles Pickering to the federal appeals court, Schumer stated his intent to prevent Pickering's confirmation, believing the US could find a better nominee.

March 2004: Letter to President Bush Regarding Whistleblower Richard Foster

In March 2004, Chuck Schumer, along with Jon Corzine, Ted Kennedy, and Frank Lautenberg, signed a letter to President Bush urging him to instruct staff to avoid taking action against whistleblower Richard Foster. This came after Foster spoke out about White House efforts to keep Congress unaware of higher cost estimates for the new Medicare prescription drug program.

August 2004: Concern over Leak of Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan's Arrest

In August 2004, Schumer expressed concern over the leaking of Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan's arrest by American officials to reporters. He cited that little public information about Khan's role had been revealed, despite it leading to a higher terror alert level announced by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.

September 2004: Assault Weapons Ban Expires Despite Schumer's Efforts

In September 2004, the Assault Weapons Ban, which Schumer helped author, expired despite his attempts to extend it.

2004: Re-elected to Senate

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

2004: Opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment

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

September 2005: Schumer praises Roberts's brilliance but questions his compassion

In September 2005, during John Roberts's confirmation hearings for Chief Justice, Schumer acknowledged Roberts's brilliance and judicial philosophy. However, he expressed concerns about Roberts's "compassion and humanity" and criticized the Bush administration's lack of transparency regarding Roberts's documents.

October 2005: Schumer predicts Harriet Miers will not get a majority vote

In October 2005, Schumer stated that Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers would not receive a majority vote and predicted that her confirmation hearings would be unusually divisive.

2005: Chairs Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

In 2005, Chuck Schumer became the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

March 2006: Schumer Introduces Amendment Barring Companies Owned by Countries Recognizing the Taliban

In March 2006, after the House Appropriations Committee voted to block Dubai Ports World, Schumer introduced an amendment barring companies owned by countries that recognized the Taliban from operating in U.S. ports.

July 2006: Schumer Criticizes al-Maliki's Response to Hezbollah

In July 2006, Schumer, along with Harry Reid and Dick Durbin, signed a letter to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki criticizing him for not condemning Hezbollah's aggression and questioning Iraq's role in resolving the Middle East crisis.

2006: Schumer Criticizes Trade Imbalance Between U.S. and China

In 2006, NPR reported that Schumer, alongside Senator Lindsey Graham, was critical of the trade imbalance between the U.S. and China, attributing it to Chinese currency intervention.

2006: Democratic Gains in Senate

In 2006, the Democratic Party experienced gains in the Senate under Chuck Schumer's leadership as chair of the DSCC.

January 2007: Published 'Positively American'

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

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

Check it on Amazon

March 11, 2007: Called for Attorney General Gonzales' Resignation

On March 11, 2007, Chuck Schumer became the first lawmaker to call for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' resignation due to the firing of eight United States attorneys. He stated that Gonzales didn't understand that he was no longer just the president's lawyer.

March 2007: Proposal for Federal Government Bailout of Subprime Borrowers

Following the March 2007 subprime mortgage industry meltdown, Schumer proposed a federal government bailout of subprime borrowers to prevent homeowners from losing their residences and to stabilize communities affected by foreclosures. He also advocated for mortgage industry regulators to protect borrowers from deceptive lending practices and for the SEC to relocate to New York.

April 19, 2007: Repeated Call for Gonzales' Resignation During Testimony

On April 19, 2007, during Gonzales's testimony, Chuck Schumer repeated his call for Gonzales to resign, citing Gonzales's repeated claims of not knowing or recalling details about the firings of eight attorneys. Schumer argued Gonzales needed to provide a full and convincing explanation for the firings.

September 2007: Proposal to Raise 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 ("affordable") limits from $417,000 to $625,000, allowing these GSEs to back mortgages on homes priced up to $780,000 with a 20% down payment.

2007: Serves as Vice Chair of Democratic Caucus

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

2007: Schumer supports Michael Mukasey for Attorney General

In 2007, Schumer expressed his support for Michael Mukasey as Attorney General, despite concerns about Mukasey's stance on waterboarding. Schumer said Mukasey assured him in private that he would enforce any law declaring waterboarding illegal.

June 3, 2008: Schumer's Op-Ed on Sanctions Against Iran

On June 3, 2008, Schumer wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal arguing that cooperative economic sanctions could topple Iran's government. He also discussed Russia's role and criticized Putin's ambitions.

June 26, 2008: Public Release of Letters Regarding IndyMac Bank

On June 26, 2008, Schumer publicly released letters he had written to regulators about IndyMac Bank, expressing concerns about its financial deterioration and potential risks to taxpayers and borrowers, suggesting the regulatory community may not be prepared to prevent its collapse.

December 14, 2008: NYT Article on Schumer's Role in Wall Street Meltdown

According to a December 14, 2008, New York Times article, Schumer embraced the financial industry's deregulatory agenda, backing measures that contributed to the financial crisis and protecting the industry from government oversight.

2008: Democratic Gains in Senate

In 2008, the Democratic Party experienced further gains in the Senate under Chuck Schumer's leadership as chair of the DSCC.

March 2009: Announcement of 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: Support for Same-Sex Marriage and DOMA Reversal

At a private dinner with gay leaders on March 22, 2009, Schumer said he not only supported same-sex marriage, he also backed a full reversal of DOMA.

May 2009: Schumer calls Sotomayor a mainstream justice

In May 2009, Schumer characterized Obama's Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor as a "mainstream justice," suggesting Republicans had no reason to oppose her confirmation.

October 2009: Schumer Advocates for Scaling Back American Forces in Afghanistan

In October 2009, Schumer questioned the need for stability in Afghanistan at the cost of lives and treasure, advocating for scaling back American forces in favor of unmanned drone attacks.

December 2009: Lobbying 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 when the New York State Senate took up the bill.

December 2009: Vote for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

In December 2009, Schumer voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

2009: End of term as Chairman of DSCC

In 2009, Chuck Schumer's tenure as chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee came to an end.

2009: Schumer champions college tuition tax credits

In 2009, Schumer championed college tuition tax credits, advocating for and securing 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 convicted Pan Am Flight 103 bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi and called for potential economic sanctions on the United Kingdom.

2009: Proposal for Government-Run Health Insurance Program Standards

In 2009, Schumer proposed that any new government-run health insurance programs should follow all the standards applicable to private insurance, aiming to address concerns that a public program would negatively impact private insurers and to ensure a level playing field for competition.

2009: Schumer works to ban BPA and cadmium

In 2009, Schumer worked with Representative Nita Lowey to ban bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles and plastic children's food containers. He also sought a ban on cadmium in toys and children's jewelry. Additionally, he urged the FTC to investigate companies selling products during the swine flu scare, resulting in notices to ten companies and the identification of 140 scams.

June 2010: Schumer's Comments on Gaza Blockade Spark Criticism

In June 2010, Schumer made comments at an Orthodox Union event in Washington D.C. about Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip that were later criticized. He stated that the Palestinian citizens of the West Bank were experiencing "economic prosperity" due to cooperation with the Israeli government and called for Israel to "strangle" the Gaza Strip economically, while continuing humanitarian aid.

2010: Schumer Denies Owning a Handgun During Reelection Campaign

During his 2010 reelection campaign, Schumer denied owning a handgun or having a permit for one. He provided a letter from the NYPD confirming that neither he nor his wife had a handgun license from NYC.

2010: Re-elected to Senate

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

2010: Shift in Stance on Hedge-Fund Tax

In 2010, Schumer suggested that a hedge-fund tax would be acceptable and would not harm the industry. Previously, he had defended low taxes on hedge fund and private equity managers in the mid-2000s.

2010: Vote for the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act

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

2010: Controversial Statement Regarding Infosys Technologies

While discussing an immigration bill in the Senate in 2010, Schumer likened the Indian tech giant Infosys Technologies to a "chop shop", which caused outrage in India. He later acknowledged his characterization was incorrect.

June 2011: Call for Crackdown on Bitcoin

In June 2011, Schumer and Senator Joe Manchin called for a crackdown on Bitcoin, citing its use in facilitating illegal drug trade transactions, particularly through anonymizing networks like Tor. They argued that Bitcoin transactions left no traditional money trail for investigators to follow.

2011: Chairs Senate Democratic Policy Committee

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

January 18, 2012: Protests Against PROTECT IP Act

On January 18, 2012, the NY Tech Meetup and other cybertech organizations held a demonstration with 2,000 protesters in front of the offices of Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, who supported the PROTECT IP Act. Demonstrators expressed concerns that the bill favored wealthy campaign contributors.

February 2012: Initial Disagreement then Support for Raising Taxes on High Earners

In February 2012, Schumer initially disagreed with raising taxes on those earning over $250,000 annually, proposing a million-dollar floor instead. He later supported raising taxes on those earning over $250,000, stating it was necessary for revenue.

March 2012: Called for Investigation of Employer Facebook Password Practices

In March 2012, Chuck Schumer and Senator Richard Blumenthal called on Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice to investigate employers requiring Facebook passwords from job applicants and employees.

April 2012: Introduction of SB 1070

In April 2012, Schumer introduced SB 1070, a bill that would nullify Arizona's anti-immigration law and similar laws if the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the states. He stated that states should not be able to create their own immigration laws and deploy untrained officers with a mission of arresting anyone who might fit the profile of an illegal immigrant.

June 2013: Senate Passage of Immigration Reform Bill

In June 2013, the comprehensive immigration reform bill, written and sponsored by the Gang of Eight which included Schumer, passed the Senate with a 68-32 vote. However, the House of Representatives refused to take up the bill, leading to its failure.

August 2013: Schumer Calls Putin a 'Schoolyard Bully'

In August 2013, after Russia granted asylum to Edward Snowden, Schumer described Putin as behaving like a "schoolyard bully", indicating strained relations between the U.S. and Russia.

October 2013: Schumer supports shipping beer, wine, and spirits through USPS

In October 2013, Schumer voiced his support for a proposal to allow the U.S. Postal Service to ship beer, wine, and spirits, estimating it would generate $225 million in new revenue for the USPS and broaden consumer access to these beverages.

2013: Schumer advocates for the death penalty in Tsarnaev case

In 2013, Schumer stated that the death penalty was appropriate for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the Boston Marathon bomber, citing the federal law he wrote in 1994.

April 2014: Schumer Backs Paycheck Fairness Act

In April 2014, during the United States Senate debate on the Paycheck Fairness Act, Schumer supported the measure, emphasizing the importance of pay equity for women.

2014: Schumer Supports Israel in the 2014 Israel-Gaza Conflict

In 2014, Schumer voiced his support for Israel during the Israel-Gaza conflict.

2014: Recognition for Securing FEMA Compensation for Gowanda

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: Schumer Announces Opposition to Iran Nuclear Deal

On August 6, 2015, Schumer publicly announced his opposition to the Iran nuclear deal. The White House leaked the news during the Republican debate in what CBS News described as an attempt to limit coverage.

2015: Expected to Lead Senate Democrats

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

2015: Schumer-Portman Senate Bill Proposal

In 2015, The Charles Schumer-Rob Portman Senate bill proposed a one-time tax "at a rate significantly lower than the statutory corporate rate" on the $2.2 trillion held outside the country in tax-haven subsidiaries by multinational corporations.

March 2016: Schumer calls for hearings on Merrick Garland's nomination

In March 2016, after Obama nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, Schumer urged Mitch McConnell and Chuck Grassley to hold hearings so the American public could assess Garland's qualifications.

November 2016: Elected Senate Minority Leader

In November 2016, Chuck Schumer was elected as the Senate Minority Leader.

November 2016: Schumer says Democrats will challenge Trump's Supreme Court nominees

In November 2016, Schumer warned that Democrats would challenge President-elect Trump if he nominated Supreme Court justices who were not mainstream, criticizing Republicans for blocking Merrick Garland's nomination.

November 2016: Schumer Discusses Relationship with Trump After Election

In November 2016, following Trump's election, Schumer stated that he and Trump were not friends, but had engaged in civil conversations a couple of times when Trump had contacted him.

December 2016: Schumer Demands Inquiry into Russian Meddling

In December 2016, Schumer demanded a congressional inquiry into Russian meddling in U.S. affairs.

December 2016: Schumer Urges Formation of Senate Select Committee on Cyber

In December 2016, Schumer joined John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Jack Reed in urging the formation of a Senate select committee on cyber, which would focus on Russian meddling and other threats.

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 precedents set by Steve Mnuchin and Tom Price.

2016: Re-elected to Senate

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

2016: Elected Democratic Leader

In 2016, Chuck Schumer was unanimously elected as the Democratic leader in the Senate, succeeding Harry Reid.

January 2017: Schumer Introduces Legislation to Limit Executive Action on Russian Sanctions

In January 2017, Schumer introduced legislation aimed at limiting executive actions related to Russian sanctions. Earlier that month, he responded to questions about the U.S. intelligence community's assessments by suggesting repercussions for those who challenged them.

February 2017: Schumer Calls North Korea Irresponsible and Suggests China Pressure

In February 2017, Schumer stated that North Korea had proven itself to be "an irresponsible nation in every way" and suggested that China should pressure North Korea more seriously.

February 2017: Schumer Predicts Trump's Speech Will Be Unmemorable

In February 2017, before Trump's address to Congress, Schumer predicted the speech would be less memorable than Trump's predecessors due to a disconnect between Trump's words and actions for working Americans.

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

In March 2017, Schumer issued a statement urging Trump to apologize for claiming the Obama administration had wiretapped him during his presidential campaign and advised Trump to stop tweeting to improve focus.

March 2017: Schumer opposes Gorsuch confirmation and calls for filibuster

In March 2017, at the end of Senate hearings for Trump's Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, Schumer announced his opposition to Gorsuch's confirmation and urged Democrats to block an up-or-down vote, which ultimately led to a Republican-led rules change to confirm Gorsuch.

April 2017: Schumer Calls for Caution in Afghanistan

In April 2017, Schumer urged caution regarding Afghanistan, referencing casualties in Iraq, and stated the military would need Congressional approval for more American soldiers.

April 2017: Schumer Responds to Shayrat Missile Strike

In April 2017, following the Shayrat missile strike, Schumer supported a "pinpointed, limited action" against Assad but cautioned against further involvement in Syria.

May 2017: Schumer Co-Sponsors Israel Anti-Boycott Act

In May 2017, Schumer co-sponsored the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, Senate Bill 720, which would make it a federal crime for Americans to participate in boycotts against Israel and Israeli settlements.

May 2017: Response to Upton Amendment and American Health Care Act

In May 2017, Schumer responded to Fred Upton's amendment to the American Health Care Act, arguing it left Americans with pre-existing conditions vulnerable. He criticized the American Health Care Act after the CBO projected millions would lose coverage, urging Republicans to collaborate with Democrats on healthcare solutions. Schumer also requested a bipartisan Senate meeting to address America's challenges and estimated the bill had a 50% chance of passing, while committing to fight the "devastating" legislation.

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

In a May 2017 Senate floor speech, Schumer requested the White House to release unedited transcripts from the Trump-Russia meeting and raised concerns over President Trump's handling of closely kept secrets.

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: Announces Funding for Head Start Programs

In November 2017, Chuck 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.

November 2017: Schumer warns against repealing net neutrality

In November 2017, Schumer emphasized the importance of net neutrality for job creation and economic growth in the 21st century, calling the repeal of net neutrality a "disaster."

2017: Leads the Senate Democratic Caucus

In 2017, Chuck Schumer became the leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

2017: End of term as Vice Chair of Democratic Caucus

In 2017, Chuck Schumer concluded his role as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the Senate.

2017: Schumer Calls for U.S. Support for Kurdish Independence

In 2017, Schumer was the first senator to call for U.S. support for Kurdish independence following the Kurdistan Region independence referendum. He released a resolution urging the U.S. government to support Kurdish aspirations for an independent state and called for dialogue between Iraq and the Kurds.

2017: Schumer Advocates for Blocking Chinese Purchases of American Companies

In 2017, Schumer wrote to Trump advocating for a block on China purchasing more American companies to pressure Beijing on North Korea's nuclear missile program.

January 2018: Requests Completion of Veterans Cemetery

In January 2018, Chuck 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.

January 2018: Schumer announces Democratic support for net neutrality resolution

In January 2018, Schumer announced the full support of the Democratic caucus for a resolution overturning the FCC's vote on net neutrality, urging Republicans to side with consumers and small businesses.

January 2018: Negotiations on DACA and Border Wall Funding

In January 2018, Schumer stated that any agreement on the status of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) before its March expiration would have to be included in the spending bill. Schumer offered Trump congressional approval of over $20 billion for his border wall in exchange for protecting DACA recipients, but Trump declined. Later that month, conversations on immigration and border security resumed between the White House and Schumer.

February 2018: Schumer Calls for Universal Background Checks After Stoneman Douglas Shooting

In February 2018, after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Schumer and other Democratic senators urged Trump to endorse legislation requiring a background check on every gun purchase, without "poison pill provisions".

March 2018: Schumer Urges Stronger Action Against China

Before the Trump administration's measures against China in late March 2018, Schumer and other Democratic leaders urged Trump to focus more on China, citing job and dollar losses.

March 2018: Schumer Claims Israeli Settlements Unrelated to Conflict

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: Support for Bipartisan Legislation Aiding Children of Deceased First Responders

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

April 2018: Schumer backs efforts to decriminalize cannabis

In April 2018, Schumer announced his support for decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level. On April 20, he announced his sponsorship of legislation to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, along with funding for women and minority-owned businesses and research into the public health effects of cannabis.

May 2018: Schumer Calls for Removal of Kim Jong-un from Commemorative Coin

In May 2018, Schumer called for Kim Jong-un to be removed from a commemorative coin memorializing the 2018 North Korea-United States summit, referring to Kim as a "brutal dictator".

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

In May 2018, Schumer praised Trump for opening the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. He noted that he had sponsored legislation to do so two decades prior.

June 2018: Schumer Decries Call to Harass Trump Administration Members

In June 2018, Schumer gave a Senate floor speech opposing Representative Maxine Waters's call to harass members of the Trump administration as a protest of the administration's policies.

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

On June 27, 2018, Schumer formally introduced the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act, a bill to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act.

July 2018: Confronted Senator Mark Warner about Facebook Regulation

In July 2018, Schumer confronted Senator Mark Warner, urging him to address right-wing disinformation, election interference, consumer privacy, and other issues related to Facebook.

July 2018: Schumer Spearheads Resolution Warning Trump Against Allowing Russia to Question U.S. Officials

In July 2018, Schumer led a non-binding resolution "warning President Trump not to let the Russian government question diplomats and other officials". The resolution passed 98-0.

July 2018: Schumer advocates for Trump to nominate Garland

In July 2018, Schumer reportedly suggested that Trump nominate Merrick Garland to foster bipartisan support, contrasting it with nominating someone who opposes the Affordable Care Act and Roe v. Wade.

July 2018: Schumer Condemns Trump's Comments on Russian-German Gas Pipeline

In July 2018, after Trump criticized Germany's approval of a Russian-German gas pipeline, Schumer and House Minority Leader Pelosi released a joint statement condemning Trump's comments.

July 2018: Schumer calls for direct questions to Kavanaugh about Roe v. Wade

In July 2018, following Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court, Schumer insisted that Kavanaugh be directly questioned on the precedent set by Roe v. Wade and raised concerns about Kavanaugh's views on holding Trump accountable as a justice, citing his opinion on United States v. Nixon.

August 2018: Announcement of Senate Passage of Funding for Firefighter Cancer Registry

In August 2018, Schumer announced the Senate's passage of $1 million in FY2019 funding for the national firefighter cancer registry as an amendment to the FY2019 Health and Human Services minibus appropriations bill. He highlighted the need for "first-rate medical care and treatment" for firefighters and the registry's role in aiding researchers to track, treat, and prevent cancer in firefighters.

August 2018: Schumer Responds to Trump's "Disloyal" Charge Against Jewish Democrats

In August 2018, Schumer responded to Trump's charge that American Jews voting for Democrats are "disloyal," stating Trump was encouraging anti-Semitism.

2018: Schumer voices concerns about Trump's Supreme Court pick

In 2018, after Justice Anthony Kennedy retired, Schumer expressed concerns that Trump's Supreme Court nominee would attempt to overturn Roe v. Wade.

January 2019: Schumer Introduces Background Check Expansion Act

In January 2019, Schumer was among the senators who introduced the Background Check Expansion Act, which would require background checks for the sale or transfer of all firearms, including unlicensed sellers, with certain exceptions.

March 2019: Schumer signs letter to Secretary of Agriculture regarding dairy farmers

In March 2019, Schumer joined 37 other senators in signing a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, highlighting the market instability faced by dairy farmers and urging support for the Dairy Margin Coverage program.

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

In October 2020, Schumer urged the Trump administration to immediately halt U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan due to concerns that the aid could be used in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

November 2020: Schumer Announces New Stance on Student Debt Elimination

In November 2020, Schumer, in response to The American Prospect's Day One Agenda, announced a new stance on eliminating student debt, stating that Joe Biden could use a pen to eliminate the first $50,000 of debt.

2020: Georgia Senate Runoff Elections

In 2020, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock were elected as Senators from Georgia, flipping the Senate majority to the Democrats.

January 6, 2021: Schumer Responds to U.S. Capitol Attack

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 by Trump supporters on the U.S. Capitol. After the Capitol was secure, Schumer called it a day "that will live forever in infamy" and blamed Trump for the attack.

January 2021: Becomes Senate Majority Leader

In January 2021, Chuck Schumer became the Senate Majority Leader, marking the first time a Jewish person has held the position in U.S. history. He shepherded key legislative initiatives, and confirmed the most federal judges during the first two years of any presidency since John F. Kennedy.

January 20, 2021: Democrats Gain Control of Senate

On January 20, 2021, the Democrats gained control of the Senate, making Chuck Schumer the Majority Leader.

July 14, 2021: Schumer Releases Cannabis Legalization Bill

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

2021: Serves as Senate Majority Leader

In 2021, Chuck Schumer began serving as the Senate Majority Leader.

July 21, 2022: Schumer Introduces Cannabis Legalization Bill

On July 21, 2022, Schumer formally introduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, a comprehensive federal legalization bill.

2022: Legislative Achievements as Majority Leader

In 2022, As Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act.

2022: Elected to Fifth Term

In 2022, Chuck Schumer was elected to a fifth term, becoming the longest-serving U.S. senator from New York, surpassing Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Jacob K. Javits.

October 2023: Schumer Leads Bipartisan Delegation to China

In October 2023, Schumer led a bipartisan congressional delegation to China, meeting with President Xi Jinping and other officials to discuss fairness, stability, and competition.

March 14, 2024: Schumer Calls for New Elections in Israel

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 after the Israel-Hamas war. He also noted the decline of international support for Israel due to civilian deaths in Gaza.

March 12, 2025: Opposes Continuing Resolution

On March 12, 2025, Chuck Schumer initially announced his opposition to the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) to fund the 2025 United States federal budget.

September 30, 2025: Target date for continuing resolution

On March 12, 2025, Chuck Schumer announced his opposition to the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) to fund the 2025 United States federal budget until September 30, 2025.