Challenges Faced by Chuck Schumer: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Chuck Schumer faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Chuck Schumer is a prominent American politician serving as the senior U.S. Senator from New York since 1999. A Democrat, he has held significant leadership roles in the Senate, including Senate Majority Leader (2021-2025) and Senate Minority Leader in two stints (2017-2021 and since 2025). He became New York's senior senator in 2001. Elected to a fifth term in 2022, Schumer has become the longest-serving U.S. Senator from New York, surpassing Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Jacob K. Javits.

Sections (6)

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

1982: Redistricting and Potential Matchup

In 1982, as a result of redistricting, Schumer prepared for a potential matchup with Solarz by seeking campaign donations.

1994: Authorship of the Assault Weapons Ban

In 1994, Chuck Schumer co-authored the Assault Weapons Ban as a representative, which banned semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and handguns with specific features.

January 2004: Opposition to Charles Pickering Nomination

In January 2004, Chuck Schumer stated his intent to prevent Charles Pickering's confirmation to the federal appeals court, arguing that the U.S. could find a better candidate.

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

In September 2004, despite Chuck Schumer's efforts to extend it, the Assault Weapons Ban, which he co-authored, expired.

June 2013: Immigration Bill Passes Senate

In June 2013, the comprehensive immigration reform bill, written and sponsored by the Gang of Eight, including Schumer, passed the Senate with a strong majority (68-32). However, the House of Representatives refused to take up the bill, and the legislation died.

November 2016: Warning to Trump on Supreme Court Nominations

In November 2016, Chuck Schumer stated that Democrats would challenge President-elect Trump if his Supreme Court nominees were not mainstream, citing Republicans' actions in blocking the Garland nomination.

February 2017: Criticism of Trump's Governance

In February 2017, Chuck Schumer predicted that Trump's speech to Congress would be less memorable due to the disparity between Trump's words and his administration's actions, characterizing Trump's governance as pro-corporate and hard-right.

March 2017: Opposition to Neil Gorsuch Nomination

In March 2017, Chuck Schumer announced he would vote against the confirmation of Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, and called on Democrats to block an up-or-down vote, suggesting the nominee should be changed if they couldn't secure 60 votes. He also argued against changing the rules to force a vote.

March 2017: Call for Apology Over Wiretapping Claims

In March 2017, Chuck Schumer called on Trump to apologize for claiming the Obama administration had wiretapped him, urging Trump to stop tweeting and focus on governing, and stating that Trump had "severely damaged his credibility."

May 2017: Schumer on the American Health Care Act

In May 2017, Chuck Schumer criticized the American Health Care Act, stating that it left Americans with pre-existing conditions vulnerable and requesting a bipartisan meeting to find solutions.

January 2018: DACA and Border Wall Negotiations

In January 2018, Schumer stated that any agreement on DACA would have to be included in the spending bill. Schumer offered Trump congressional approval of more than $20 billion for his border wall in exchange for protecting recipients of DACA, but Trump declined the offer. Later in January 2018, conversations on immigration and border security resumed between the White House and Schumer.

February 2018: Schumer on Background Checks After Stoneman Douglas Shooting

In February 2018, Chuck Schumer and other Democratic senators signed a letter urging President Trump to endorse legislation requiring background checks on all gun purchases after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

July 2018: Call for Scrutiny of Brett Kavanaugh

In July 2018, after Trump nominated Brett Kavanaugh, Chuck Schumer insisted Kavanaugh should be questioned directly about the precedent set by Roe v. Wade and other cases, also pointing out Kavanaugh's past opinions that could suggest he would not hold Trump accountable.

2018: Concern Over Supreme Court Replacement

In 2018, after Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy retired, Chuck Schumer expressed concern regarding Trump's choice of replacement, fearing they would attempt to overturn Roe v. Wade.

January 6, 2021: Schumer's Reaction to the U.S. Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, during the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count, Chuck Schumer and other members of Congress were removed from the Senate chambers due to the attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. Schumer and Pelosi released a joint statement calling on Trump to demand the rioters leave the Capitol and its grounds immediately. After the Capitol was secure, Schumer called it a day that will live forever in infamy and blamed Trump for the attack, calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the Twenty-fifth Amendment and also said he would support impeachment.