Press Releases
Following Spring Freeze that Destroyed Crops, Gillibrand Calls on USDA to Issue Disaster Declarations for 34 NY Counties
Washington D.C. - After a spring freeze that destroyed cropland on farms stretching from Western New York to the Hudson Valley, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York's first member of the Senate Agriculture Committee in four decades, is calling on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to declare 34 New York counties as federal disaster areas. In a letter to Secretary Vilsack, Senator Gillibrand pressed for the disaster declarations so New York farmers can access … Continue Reading
May 31, 2012
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Federal Investment to Repair Runway at Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport – Over $1.6 Million Will Fund Important Apron Rehabilitation
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that $1,620,000 in federal funding was awarded to the County of Tompkins through the Department of Transportation Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Tompkins will use this federal grant to expand the apron at Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. The terminal apron rehabilitation was recommended as part of an FAR Part 139 inspection and is needed to meet safety requirements. "This Department of Transportation grant will … Continue Reading
May 31, 2012
After Meeting with Young Veterans Across the State Earlier this Month, Gillibrand Announces Key Senate Panel Passage of TAP Amendment
Washington, D.C. - After meeting with young veterans across the state earlier this month, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced Committee passage of an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow veterans access to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for up to one year after separation. Last year, Senator Gillibrand hosted roundtable discussions across the state with local business and veterans leaders to … Continue Reading
May 31, 2012
Gillibrand Statement on Appeals Court Ruling DOMA Unconstitutional
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, one of the Senate's leading voices for marriage equality, issued the following statement today after the First Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional: "Today's ruling is a major step forward to end the discrimination that is currently enshrined into U.S. law. Marriage is the true foundation for strong families. Every loving, committed couple deserves the basic human right to get married, start … Continue Reading
May 30, 2012
Schumer, Gillibrand, Slaughter, Higgins and Hochul Say Decision to Close Canadian Consulate in Buffalo is a Mistake and Would be Sharply Felt by Citizens & Businesses on Both Sides of the Border; Reps Strongly Urge Canadian Government to Reverse Course
Buffalo, NY - Today, in light of news that the Canadian government will close its Consulate in Buffalo, the Western New York Congressional delegation wrote to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper strongly urging him to reverse course and consider the negative effects of this closure. The representatives noted that this decision will negatively impact Western New Yorkers, Canadians and businesses on both sides of the border. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) along … Continue Reading
May 30, 2012
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Federal Investment to Repair Runway at Lake Placid Airport – Over $780,000 Will Fund Important Apron Expansion
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that $783,750 in federal funding was awarded to the Town of North Elba through the Department of Transportation Airport Improvement Program (AIP). North Elba will use this federal grant to expand the apron at Lake Placid Airport. The expansion of the apron will provide additional space for aircraft parking. "This Department of Transportation grant will ensure that Lake Placid's Airport can continue to serve residents … Continue Reading
May 30, 2012
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Job-Generating Federal Investment for Capital District Transportation Authority –$5.5 Million Will Fund Critical Bus System Improvements
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the Department of Transportation is releasing $5,500,000 in grant funding through the Federal Transit Administration's Bus Livability Initiative Project for the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). The CDTA will use these funds along the Route 5 corridor for capital improvements to intersections and bus stations, including connecting Bus Rapid Transit stations with high-speed fiber optic connectivity for … Continue Reading
May 30, 2012
Gillibrand Congratulates Presidential Innovation Award Winner Patricia Lockhart from the Hubert Humphrey School
Staten Island, NY - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today congratulated Staten Island science teacher Patricia Lockhart from The Hubert Humphrey School PS 57 for winning the 2011-2012 President Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. Ms. Lockhart was one of eighteen teachers nationwide recognized for their exceptional work as leaders in the field of environmental education. "I congratulate Patricia Lockhart for her dedication and excellence in preparing our students for the new … Continue Reading
May 30, 2012
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Malone-Dufort Airport is Set to Receive Nearly $120,000 in Department of Transportation Funding for Runway Improvements
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the Malone-Dufort Airport is set to receive $118,080 in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds to help rehabilitate the airport's runway. Specifically, the grant will fund the design of an updated runway to maintain structural integrity of the pavement and minimize debris. Schumer and Gillibrand applaud DOT for their work to increase safety at all airports. "This Department of Transportation grant will ensure … Continue Reading
May 30, 2012
Gillibrand Urges Feds to Support SUNY-ESF - Syracuse Police Effort to Fight Gun Violence
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today urged the U.S. Department of Justice to fully fund SUNY-ESF and the Syracuse Police Department's joint request for federal funding to invest in the research and development of forensic technology to be developed by SUNY-ESF and used by law enforcement officials in the Greater Syracuse Area. Senator Gillibrand pressed the Justice Department to support this effort to strengthen investigations into gun violence in a letter to U.S. … Continue Reading
May 30, 2012
Schumer, Gillibrand, Owens Urge Feds to Approve Plattsburgh - North Country Chamber’s Application for Funding to Attract New Businesses, Jobs to Region
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Bill Owens today announced a new effort to help attract new businesses and new jobs to the North Country by filling gaps in supply chains for local businesses that specialize in advanced manufacturing, such as transportation technology, clean energy, computer technology, biotechnology and aerospace. Currently, North Country manufacturers can sometimes suffer from long waits and high shipping costs for … Continue Reading
May 30, 2012
Gillibrand, Bishop Urge Commerce Secretary to Appoint New Yorker on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Tim Bishop today urged Commerce Secretary John Bryson to appoint a New Yorker for an at-large seat at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and to seriously consider Governor Cuomo's three nominees for this appointment. Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Bishop noted that it is critical that the seat, currently held by New Yorker Steven Schafer and set to open up later this summer, is filled by a nominee who … Continue Reading
May 25, 2012
On the Eve of Memorial Day Weekend, Gillbrand Announces Key Senate Committee Approval of Amendment to Establish Yellow Ribbon Day to Honor Members of the Armed Forces Serving Overseas
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that a key Senate Committee included her amendment to establish "Yellow Ribbon Day" to honor U.S. Armed Forces currently in combat and crisis situations abroad, and to serve as a reminder to the American people of the sacrifice made by U.S. troops both present and past in the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. "Our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line … Continue Reading
May 25, 2012
Key Senate Committee Passes Legislation Requiring a Report on Defense Department Plans to Open Combat Roles to Women
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a Senate Armed Services Committee member, announced today that a key Senate panel passed legislation which encourages the Department of Defense to repeal the Ground Combat Exclusion policy for female members of the Armed Forces - an outdated policy that does not acknowledge the combat role our service women in Afghanistan and around the world are already filling successfully. Women currently comprise approximately 15 percent of the Armed … Continue Reading
May 25, 2012
Vermont and New York Senators Push for Improved Passenger Train Service to Montreal
WASHINGTON (THURSDAY, May 24) -- U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Charles Schumer, (D-N.Y.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) are urging federal negotiators to move quickly to reach an agreement with their Canadian counterparts on allowing essential security inspections for Amtrak trains to take place in Montreal. An agreement would lay the groundwork for a dramatic improvement of service on Amtrak's Adirondack line in New York and would mark the first crucial step … Continue Reading
May 24, 2012
Gillibrand Announces Senate Passage of Legislation to Provide Relief for Sick Patients & Children, Ensure Access to 14 Life-Saving Medicines Currently in Short Supply
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today announced that the U.S. Senate passed legislation that will combat drug shortages, expedite approval process for life-saving medicines, enhance safety monitoring of devices after clearance and ensure the safety of drugs from foreign manufacturers. The Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA) passed the full Senate and now heads to the House for a vote. The legislation comes after 100 drug shortages have been … Continue Reading
May 24, 2012
Gillibrand Announces $320,000 for City of Ogdensburg in Brownfields Assessment Grants
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced the City of Ogdensburg has been awarded two Brownfields Assessment Grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) totaling $320,000 for a community-wide environmental site assessment of hazardous substances as part of the redevelopment of the City's waterfront properties and other polluted sites. Funds will be used to conduct up to 20 Phase I and six Phase II environmental site assessments focused on the City's efforts to … Continue Reading
May 24, 2012
With One of Two New York Terrorism Emergency Task Forces At-Risk of Being Cut from Defense Budget, Gillibrand And Schumer Announce Key Senate Committee Passes Provision to Preserve New York’s National Guard WMD Civil Support Teams
Washington, D.C. - With a New York City terrorism emergency task force at-risk of being eliminated in the Pentagon's upcoming budget, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senator Charles Schumer, a long-time supporter of operations at Fort Hamilton, announced today that a key Senate panel passed her provision that would permanently authorize New York's two National Guard teams. Currently, New York has one unit that helps authorities fight terror … Continue Reading
May 24, 2012
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $24 Million Investment for Stormville Army National Guard Base Construction Project Clears Key Committees Vote – Military Construction Project Will Build State Of The Art Maintenance Shop on Base
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that a $24 million construction project in Stormville, NY, for the New York Army National Guard has passed two critical committees as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 that will now head to the Senate floor for a vote. Specifically, the $24 million federal investment would allow the construction of a new maintenance shop to provide field and sustainment maintenance for … Continue Reading
May 24, 2012
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $6.1 Million Investment for Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Construction Project Clears Key Senate & House Committees – Military Construction Project Will Build Facility for State-Of The-Art Flight Simulator on Base
Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that a $6.1 million construction project for the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (NFARS) has passed two critical committees as part of the 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill that will now head to the Senate floor for a vote. Specifically, the federal investment would allow the construction of a facility at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve … Continue Reading
