History of Chuck Schumer in Timeline

Chuck Schumer is the senior United States Senator from New York, serving since 1999. A Democrat, he has led the Senate Democratic Caucus since 2017, serving as Senate Majority Leader from 2021 to 2025. He has also served as Senate Minority Leader. Schumer became New York's senior senator in 2001 and is currently the longest-serving U.S. Senator from New York, having been elected to a fifth term in 2022. He is the dean of New York's congressional delegation.

Sections (6)

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

November 23, 1950: Chuck Schumer Born

On November 23, 1950, Charles Ellis Schumer was born. He is an American politician who has served as the senior United States senator from New York since 1999.

1967: Graduated from High School

In 1967, Schumer graduated as the valedictorian of James Madison High School after scoring 1600 on the SAT.

1968: Switched Major

In 1968, Schumer volunteered on Eugene McCarthy's presidential campaign and changed his major from chemistry to social studies.

1971: Graduated from Harvard College

In 1971, Schumer graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard College.

1974: Graduated from Harvard Law School

In 1974, Schumer earned his Juris Doctor with honors from Harvard Law School.

1974: Elected to the New York State Assembly

In 1974, Schumer was elected to the New York State Assembly, taking the seat previously held by Stephen Solarz.

1975: New York State Assembly Member

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

1975: Service in the NY State Assembly

In 1975, Schumer began serving his term in the New York State Assembly.

1975: Passed New York State Bar

In early 1975, Schumer passed the New York state bar, but chose not to practice law.

September 21, 1980: Married Iris Weinshall

On September 21, 1980, Chuck Schumer married Iris Weinshall. The ceremony took place at Windows on the World atop the north tower of the World Trade Center.

1980: Won Election to the House

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

1980: End of NY State Assembly Tenure

In 1980, Schumer's three-term tenure in the New York State Assembly concluded.

1981: Served as Representative

In 1981, Schumer began serving as a U.S. Representative for New York's 16th congressional district.

1981: End of Service in the NY State Assembly

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

1982: Potential Matchup

In 1982, Schumer prepared for a potential matchup with Solarz due to redistricting, and sought financial support from Wall Street.

1983: Redistricting

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

1983: Redistricting Changes District Number

In 1983, Schumer's district was renumbered to the 10th congressional district due to redistricting.

March 11, 1993: Introduced Religious Freedom Restoration Act

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

1993: Redistricting Changes District Number Again

In 1993, Schumer's district was renumbered again to the 9th congressional district due to redistricting.

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 urge the IRS to revoke the tax-exempt status of the Palestinian-American charity, the Holy Land Foundation.

1994: Schumer Co-Authors Assault Weapons Ban

In 1994, then-representative Schumer and Senator Dianne Feinstein authored the Assault Weapons Ban, receiving credit for its passage along with the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.

1995: Schumer Accused Trump of Indecisiveness for Delaying the Move

In 1995, Schumer had previously accused President Trump of "indecisiveness" for his delays in implementing the move by waiving the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, as previous presidents had done.

1995: Sponsoring the Omnibus Counterterrorism Act

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

1995: House Investigation of Waco Siege

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

1996: Voting 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 December 1998, Chuck Schumer, as a member of the House of Representatives and Judiciary Committee, voted "no" on all counts related to the impeachment charges against President Bill Clinton.

1998: Elected to the Senate

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

1998: Won the Democratic Primary

In 1998, Schumer won the Democratic primary with 51% of the vote against Geraldine Ferraro and Mark Green.

January 1999: Schumer votes not guilty on impeachment charges

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

1999: End of House of Representatives Tenure

In 1999, Schumer's nine terms in the United States House of Representatives ended.

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: Availability of Generic Ciprofloxacin

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

November 2001: Announcing hearings on military tribunals for terrorists

In November 2001, Schumer announced hearings on George W. Bush's decision to try terrorists in military tribunals. The hearing's two goals were to ascertain whether Bush had the power to form a tribunal apart from an attempt at interacting with Congress and whether a military tribunal was the most efficient instrument.

November 2001: Legislation on Sharing Information on Terrorism

In November 2001, Schumer joined Hillary Clinton to call for legislation encouraging the Federal Bureau of Investigation to share information on terrorism with local and state police by removing legal barriers to such cooperation.

2001: Shut Down of Holy Land Foundation

By 2001, the Holy Land Foundation was the country's largest Muslim charity when it was shut down.

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

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

July 2002: Senate Passed Bill to Lower Generic Drug Costs

In July 2002, the Senate passed a bill sponsored by Schumer and McCain to lower the costs of generic drugs more rapidly available to U.S. consumers.

2002: Schumer authors provision to bankruptcy bill

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. Anti-abortion activists opposed the measure, claiming it restricted their ability to use bankruptcy courts to write off court fines.

January 2004: Schumer intends to prevent Pickering confirmation

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

March 2004: Urging Bush to protect whistleblower Richard Foster

In March 2004, Chuck Schumer and several other senators signed a letter to President Bush, urging him to protect whistleblower Richard Foster after he revealed that the White House was trying to hide higher cost estimates for the new Medicare prescription drug program from Congress.

August 2004: Expressing concern over the leak of Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan's arrest

In August 2004, Schumer expressed concern over American officials leaking the arrest of Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan to reporters, citing that the public had learned little of Khan's role in providing the information that led Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to announce a higher terror alert level.

September 2004: Expiration of the Assault Weapons Ban

In September 2004, the Assault Weapons Ban, which banned semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and handguns with certain features, expired despite attempts by Schumer to extend it.

2004: Opposing the Federal Marriage Amendment

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

2004: Re-elected to the Senate

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

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

In October 2005, Chuck Schumer stated that Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers "would not get a majority either in the Judiciary Committee or the floor." He also predicted that her confirmation hearings would generate either strong support or strong opposition, unlike any other recent nominee.

2005: Chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

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

July 2006: Schumer signs letter criticizing al-Maliki for failing to condemn 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 Israel's right to defend itself. The letter raised concerns about Iraq's ability to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis in the Middle East.

November 2006: Nat Hentoff criticizes Schumer's Indifference to the Administration's War on the Constitution

In November 2006, Nat Hentoff of the Village Voice criticized Schumer's indifference to the Bush administration's war on the Constitution and on laws and treaties, particularly on the issue of torture.

2006: Democratic gains in the Senate

In the 2006 elections, the Democratic Party gained seats in the Senate while Schumer chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

January 2007: Published 'Positively American'

In January 2007, Schumer published a book titled "Positively American: Winning Back the Middle-Class Majority One Family at a Time", which outlined strategies for Democrats to appeal to middle-class voters. Daniel Squadron, one of his aides, assisted in writing the book, drawing from Schumer's experience in the 2006 midterm elections.

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

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March 11, 2007: Called for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to resign

On March 11, 2007, Schumer became the first lawmaker in either chamber to publicly call for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to resign for firing eight United States attorneys. Schumer stated that Gonzales didn't understand that he was no longer just the president's lawyer on CBS News's Face the Nation.

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March 2007: Proposing a federal government bailout of subprime borrowers

After the March 2007 meltdown of the subprime mortgage industry, Schumer proposed a federal government bailout of subprime borrowers to save homeowners from losing their residences and to shore up communities that were seeing neighborhoods destabilized due to foreclosures.

April 19, 2007: Demanded Resignation of Alberto Gonzales During Testimony

On April 19, 2007, during Alberto Gonzales's testimony, Schumer, angered by Gonzales's repeated claims of not knowing or recalling details about the controversy, demanded his resignation, saying further questioning was pointless given Gonzales's lack of knowledge regarding his department's operations.

September 2007: Proposing 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 limits from $417,000 to $625,000.

2007: IndyMac's business strategy of originating and securitizing Alt-A loans

In 2007, IndyMac was forced to hold $10.7 billion of loans it could not sell in the secondary market because its business strategy of originating and securitizing Alt-A loans on a large scale.

2007: Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus

In 2007, Schumer became Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the Senate.

2007: Schumer supports Mukasey

In 2007, after Bush nominated Michael Mukasey to become attorney general, Chuck Schumer expressed support for Mukasey, announcing on November 2 that he would vote to confirm Mukasey.

June 3, 2008: Schumer's Op-Ed on Iran and Russia

On June 3, 2008, in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Schumer wrote that cooperative economic sanctions from the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China could topple Iran's theocratic government. He also discussed the importance of Russia's cooperation, referring to Putin as "an old-fashioned nationalist".

June 26, 2008: Publicly releasing letters about IndyMac Bank

On June 26, 2008, Schumer publicly released letters he had written to regulators about IndyMac Bank, expressing concern about its financial deterioration and the risks to taxpayers and borrowers.

October 18, 2008: Wall Street Journal Article Suggesting Conflicts of Interest

On October 18, 2008, The Wall Street Journal published an article suggesting that an investment company's interest in IndyMac might have prompted Schumer's letter, and his reported close ties to the founders of OneWest Bank have long been of interest to many action groups.

December 22, 2008: OTS regional director removed from position

On December 22, 2008, The Washington Post reported that the OTS regional director in charge had been removed from his position for allowing IndyMac to falsify its financial reporting.

2008: Schumer receives "A" grade

In 2008, Chuck Schumer received an "A" grade on the Drum Major Institute's Congressional Scorecard on middle-class issues.

2008: Field and Stream Magazine Honors Schumer

In 2008, Field and Stream magazine honored Schumer in its "Hero Awards" for his efforts supporting hunters, including sponsoring legislation to provide millions in outdoor recreation grants to landowners who allow hunting and fishing on their private property.

2008: Democratic gains in the Senate

In the 2008 elections, the Democratic Party gained seats in the Senate while Schumer chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

March 2009: Announcing support for same-sex marriage

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

March 22, 2009: Backing a full reversal of DOMA

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

April 2009: Approval Rating

In April 2009, a SurveyUSA poll placed Schumer's approval rating at 62%, with 31% disapproving.

May 2009: Schumer calls Sotomayor a mainstream justice

In May 2009, Chuck Schumer characterized Obama's Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor as a "mainstream justice." He predicted that her confirmation process would be a test for the Republican Party, suggesting they had no valid reason to oppose her.

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

In December 2009, Schumer voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, demonstrating his support for Obama's health reform legislation.

December 2009: Lobbying for gay marriage legalization in New York

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

2009: Schumer champions college tuition tax credits

In 2009, Chuck Schumer championed college tuition tax credits, successfully passing a $4,000 tuition tax credit for students as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to stimulate the economy.

2009: Schumer works to ban BPA and cadmium

In 2009, Chuck Schumer worked with Representative Nita Lowey to ban the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), often found in baby bottles and plastic children's food containers. Schumer also sought a ban on the use of cadmium, a carcinogen, in toys and children's jewelry.

2009: Proposing standards for government-run health insurance programs

In 2009, Schumer proposed that any new government-run health insurance programs follow all the standards applicable to private insurance to ensure a level playing field for competition and address fears that a public program would drive private insurers from the market.

2009: End of DSCC Chairmanship

In 2009, Schumer's tenure as chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee concluded.

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

In June 2010, during an Orthodox Union event in Washington D.C., Schumer made comments about Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip that were later criticized. He pointed to economic prosperity in the West Bank due to cooperation with Israel and called for Israel to "strangle them economically" in Gaza for voting for Hamas, while also providing humanitarian aid.

2010: Schumer Denies Owning a Handgun

During a debate during his 2010 reelection campaign, Schumer denied owning a handgun or having a permit for one. He produced a letter from the NYPD stating that neither he nor his wife, Iris Weinshall, has a handgun license from NYC.

2010: Suggesting a hedge-fund tax would be acceptable

In 2010, Schumer suggested that a hedge-fund tax would be acceptable and not hurt the industry, reversing his previous stance as a staunch defender of low taxes on hedge fund and private equity managers.

2010: Voting for the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act

In 2010, Schumer voted for the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, further supporting Obama's health reform legislation.

2010: Re-elected to the Senate

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

2010: Comparing Infosys Technologies to a "chop shop"

In 2010, while discussing an immigration bill on the Senate floor, Schumer compared Indian tech giant Infosys Technologies to a "chop shop," which caused outrage in India and led to him acknowledging his characterization was incorrect.

June 2011: Seeking a crackdown on Bitcoin

In June 2011, Schumer and Senator Joe Manchin sought a crackdown on Bitcoin, saying it facilitated illegal drug trade transactions via anonymizing networks like Tor.

2011: Schumer's neighborhood opposes bike path

In 2011, Chuck Schumer was reported to have joined a group of neighbors on his street in Park Slope, Brooklyn who attempted to remove a new "parking-protected" bicycle path on their street. Schumer's wife, Iris Weinshall, is a prominent opponent of the project, and Schumer has reportedly lobbied against the bike path behind the scenes.

2011: Chaired Senate Democratic Policy Committee

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

January 18, 2012: Demonstration 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 also supported the PROTECT IP Act, a bill that would restrict access to websites judged to be infringing copyrights.

February 2012: Expressing initial disagreement with Obama's tax plan

In February 2012, Schumer at first said he disagreed with the Obama administration's call to raise taxes on those making more than $250,000 a year, calling for a million-dollar floor instead, before standing by the assertion but also saying that raising taxes on those making more than $250,000 was necessary to bring in enough revenue.

March 2012: Called for Investigation of Employers Requesting Facebook Passwords

In March 2012, Chuck Schumer and Senator Richard Blumenthal requested Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice to investigate employers demanding Facebook passwords from employee applicants and workers.

April 2012: Introducing SB 1070 to counter anti-immigration laws

In April 2012, Schumer introduced SB 1070, a bill that would kill Arizona's anti-immigration law, and ones like it if the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the states.

June 2013: Senate passage of immigration reform bill

In June 2013, an immigration bill, written and sponsored by Schumer and a bipartisan group of senators, passed the Senate with a strong majority. However, the House of Representatives refused to take up the bill, and the legislation died.

August 2013: Schumer on Russia and Snowden

In August 2013, after Russia granted asylum to Edward Snowden, Schumer stated that Putin was behaving like a "schoolyard bully" and that the relationship between the United States and Russia was more poisonous than any time since the Cold War because of this.

October 2013: Schumer supports proposal ending restrictions on shipping alcohol

In October 2013, Chuck Schumer announced his support for a proposal ending restrictions on shipping beer, wine, and spirits through the U.S. Postal Service, claiming it would bring in an estimated $225 million in new revenues to the USPS and broaden the availability of beers and wines to consumers.

2013: Schumer states the death penalty would be appropriate in Tsarnaev case

In 2013, Chuck Schumer stated the death penalty would be "appropriate" in the case of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the perpetrator of the Boston Marathon bombing, noting he wrote the law in 1994 allowing the death penalty.

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

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

2015: Expected to Lead Senate Democrats

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

March 2016: Schumer calls for hearings on Merrick Garland

In March 2016, Chuck Schumer urged Mitch McConnell and Chuck Grassley to hold hearings for Obama's Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, so that the American people could decide whether Garland belonged on the court.

October 2016: Lost Confidence in James Comey

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

November 2016: Schumer warns Trump on Supreme Court nominees

In November 2016, Chuck Schumer warned President-elect Trump that Democrats would challenge him if he did not nominate mainstream Supreme Court justices and that Republicans lacked "clean hands" due to their obstruction of Merrick Garland's nomination.

November 2016: Elected Senate Minority Leader

In November 2016, Schumer was elected Senate minority leader.

December 2016: Schumer Demands Congressional Inquiry into Russian Meddling

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

December 2016: Schumer Joins Call for Senate Select Committee on Cyber

In December 2016, Schumer joined John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Jack Reed in a letter to Majority Leader McConnell urging the formation of a Senate select committee on cyber, focusing on Russian meddling and potential threats from other countries.

2016: Analysis of Democratic Party Loss

After the 2016 United States presidential election, Schumer stated that the Democratic Party lost due to not having "a strong, bold economic message", and called for reforms in the affordability of college and trade laws.

2016: Re-elected to the Senate

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

2016: Won Fourth Term in the Senate

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

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

In January 2017, Schumer introduced legislation to limit executive action on Russian sanctions, following his earlier remarks regarding the U.S. intelligence community.

February 2017: Schumer on North Korea and China

In February 2017, Schumer stated that North Korea had proven itself to be "an irresponsible nation in every way" and that China could be leveraged to curtail North Korea as most of North Korea's imports and exports pass through China. He advocated that the United States tell China they need to address North Korea in a more serious way.

March 2017: Schumer opposes Gorsuch confirmation

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

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 encourage or participate in boycotts against Israel and Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

May 2017: Criticizing the American Health Care Act

In May 2017, Schumer criticized an amendment to the American Health Care Act, saying it "leaves Americans with pre-existing conditions as vulnerable as they were before under this bill" and compared it to "administering cough medicine to someone with stage 4 cancer".

May 2017: Comey's Firing

In May 2017, after President Donald Trump fired Comey, Schumer told reporters they were aware the FBI had been investigating whether the Trump campaign had colluded with Russia.

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

In a May 2017 Senate floor speech, Schumer called on the White House to release unedited transcripts of the meeting between Trump and Russian officials from the previous week, citing concerns about the president's ability to handle sensitive secrets.

November 2017: Schumer on net neutrality

In November 2017, Chuck Schumer stated that net neutrality helps build jobs in the 21st century. To take a step back hurts our economy, our job growth and middle-class and working people. It is a disaster.

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: Schumer calls for U.S. support for Kurdish independence

In 2017, Schumer became the first senator to call for U.S. support for Kurdish independence after the Kurdistan Region independence referendum. He released a resolution urging the U.S. government to change its policy to "support a political process that addresses the aspirations of the Kurds for an independent state" and called upon Iraq to engage in dialogue to accommodate the aspirations of the Iraqi Kurds.

2017: End of Democratic Caucus Vice Chairmanship

In 2017, Schumer's tenure as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the Senate concluded and he was elected Democratic leader.

January 2018: Schumer announces Democratic support for net neutrality resolution

In January 2018, Chuck Schumer announced that all 49 members of the Democratic caucus supported a resolution overturning the FCC vote on net neutrality. He urged congressional Republicans to show they were on the side of consumers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, rather than big ISPs and major corporations.

January 2018: Schumer's statement on the Mueller Investigation

In January 2018, Schumer commented on the conspiracy theories surrounding the Mueller investigation.

January 2018: Requested Completion of Veterans Cemetery

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

January 2018: Negotiations on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

In January 2018, Schumer stated that any agreement on DACA before its March expiration would have to be included in the spending bill and offered Trump congressional approval of more than $20 billion for his border wall in exchange for protecting DACA recipients; however, Trump declined the offer.

February 2018: Schumer Signs Letter to Trump on Gun Background Checks

In February 2018, after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Schumer was one of four Democratic senators to sign a letter to Trump asserting that if he were to endorse legislation to require a background check on every gun purchase, without other poison pill provisions attached, that they could finally move closer towards the comprehensive system that he called for.

March 2018: Supporting legislation to assist children of deceased first responders

In March 2018, Schumer supported bipartisan legislation sponsored by Bob Casey and Pat Toomey that would assist the children of deceased first responders afford college by increasing the availability of Pell grant funding.

March 2018: Schumer says Israeli settlements are not related to the Israeli-Palestinian 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.

April 2018: Schumer backs efforts to decriminalize cannabis

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

May 2018: Schumer on Kim Jong-un

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

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

In May 2018, Schumer praised President Trump for opening the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. He said he sponsored legislation to do this two decades ago and applauded President Trump for doing it.

June 2018: Schumer on Supreme Court becoming more political

In June 2018, Chuck Schumer voiced concerns that the Supreme Court was becoming more political, citing the court's ruling in favor of anti-abortion clinics in California. He criticized the court for aligning itself with the "hard right" by affirming a discriminatory travel ban, unleashing dark money in politics, and undermining the Voting Rights Act.

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: Confronted Senator Mark Warner regarding Facebook Regulation

In July 2018, Schumer confronted Senator Mark Warner, urging him to focus on Facebook's handling of right-wing disinformation, election interference, consumer privacy, and other issues. As of 2018, one of Schumer's daughters worked as a marketing manager at Facebook.

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

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

July 2018: Schumer wants Kavanaugh questioned on Roe v. Wade

In July 2018, after Trump nominated Brett Kavanaugh to replace Anthony Kennedy, Chuck Schumer said Kavanaugh should be directly questioned about the precedent set by Roe v. Wade. Schumer also pointed out Kavanaugh's opinion on United States v. Nixon suggesting he might not hold Trump accountable as a justice.

August 2018: Announcing Senate passage of funding for firefighter cancer registry

In August 2018, Schumer announced that the Senate had passed $1 million in FY2019 funding for the national firefighter cancer registry as an amendment to the upcoming FY2019 Health and Human Services minibus appropriations bill.

2018: Schumer concerned about Roe v. Wade

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

January 2019: Schumer Introduces Background Check Expansion Act

In January 2019, Schumer was one of 40 senators to introduce the Background Check Expansion Act, which would require background checks for either the sale or transfer of all firearms including all unlicensed sellers, with certain exceptions.

March 2019: Schumer signs letter to Secretary of Agriculture

In March 2019, Chuck Schumer, along with 37 other senators, signed a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. They warned that dairy farmers were struggling with market instability and urged his department to encourage farmers to consider the Dairy Margin Coverage program.

March 2020: Schumer criticized for statements about Gorsuch and Kavanaugh

In March 2020, Chuck Schumer faced criticism for statements he made about Supreme Court justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. At a rally, Schumer stated that if Kavanaugh and Gorsuch voted against abortion rights, they would "pay the price". His comments were widely condemned and seen as inciting violence. Schumer later apologized for his remarks.

2020: Georgia Senate Election

In 2020, Georgia held runoff elections for the Senate.

January 2021: Became Senate Majority Leader

In January 2021, Schumer became the Senate majority leader, marking the first time a Jewish person held the position in U.S. history.

January 20, 2021: Democrats Gained Control of the Senate

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

July 14, 2021: Schumer releases comprehensive federal legalization bill

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 the Senate with 56% of the vote.

2022: Legislative Initiatives

In 2022, as Senate Majority Leader, Schumer shepherded the Inflation Reduction Act through the Senate.

November 21, 2023: Broadway Debut in Gutenberg! The Musical!

On November 21, 2023, Chuck Schumer made his Broadway debut in a one-night performance as the Producer in "Gutenberg! The Musical!"

March 14, 2024: Schumer calls for elections to replace Netanyahu

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 when the Gaza war abated. He noted that the high number of civilian deaths in Gaza was causing international support for Israel to fall to historic lows, leading Netanyahu to arrange a video address to a Senate GOP conference.

February 2025: DOJ launching investigation into matter

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 12, 2025: Opposition to Continuing Resolution

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