Press Releases
Schumer, Gillibrand Urge President To Swiftly Declare New York Counties Federal Major Disaster Areas; Irene Caused Millions Of Damage To Homes, Business, & Critical Infrastructure
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand wrote to President Barack Obama and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, urging the immediate approval of New York State's recent request for a major federal disaster declaration in response to Irene, which caused unprecedented damage throughout the state. The affected counties include Albany, Bronx, Clinton, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Kings, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, … Continue Reading
August 29, 2011
Schumer, Gillibrand Urge President & FEMA To Approve Emergency Declaration For Dutchess County
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand called on President Obama to approve New York State's anticipated request and declare a federal state of emergency for Dutchess County in light of the severe flooding in Dutchess County following Irene. In their letter to the president, the Senators pointed out that other Hudson Valley Counties have already been declared eligible for emergency assistance, and that the flooding in Dutchess County clearly warrants the same … Continue Reading
August 28, 2011
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Catskills, Hudson Valley And Mohawk Valley Counties Included In FEMA Emergency Declaration
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced that President Obama has approved an emergency declaration for Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester Counties in the wake of Hurricane Irene. Governor Cuomo officially requested the pre-landfall declaration yesterday. Many counties have already experienced severe flooding, which could get worse in coming days. An emergency declaration was declared prior to … Continue Reading
August 26, 2011
Schumer, Gillibrand Urge President To Declare State Of Emergency For New York
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand called on President Obama to declare a federal state of emergency for New York in light of the projected path of Hurricane Irene. Governor Cuomo officially requested the declaration yesterday. In their letter to the president, Schumer and Gillibrand pointed out that New York has seen near record rainfall amounts during August and grounds in and around New York City are already saturated. "New York has already been battered … Continue Reading
August 25, 2011
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $160,000 Coming To Port Of Oswego To Beef Up Port Security, Surveillance, And Improve Emergency Preparedness
Today, Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the Port of Oswego Authority is set to receive $160,400 through the Port Security Grant Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding will be used to build and install a 17 camera Integrated Surveillance System at the Port of Oswego Authority. This surveillance system will be accessible to all levels of law enforcement involving the Oswego Harbor, and will help the U.S. port prepare for … Continue Reading
August 25, 2011
Gillibrand Meets With Finger Lakes Region Farmers, Continues Listening Tour To Discuss 2012 Farm Bill
Wolcott, NY - As Congress begins debate over the next Farm Bill, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the first New Yorker to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 40 years, today met with Finger Lakes Region farmers to continue her statewide listening sessions to discuss new efforts to help New York farmers and farming communities. Senator Gillibrand plans to focus on key areas of the Farm Bill that will have major influence on New York, including access to financing, new market … Continue Reading
August 24, 2011
At Elna Magnetics In Ulster County, Gillibrand Announces “Made In America” Grants To Bolster High-Tech Manufacturing For New York
Saugerties, NY - While New York has lost a total of more than 123,000 manufacturing jobs since 2005, advanced and high-tech manufacturing jobs are thriving. Computer and electronic manufacturing industries increased employment by 9 percent from 2004 to 2008. To spark more growth in high-tech manufacturing in New York and create more of these good-paying jobs right here, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced her new manufacturing agenda. Senator Gillibrand's plan creates a Made In … Continue Reading
August 24, 2011
At Glynwood Farm In Putnam County, Gillibrand Announces Legislation To Promote Community Supported Agriculture
Cold Spring, NY - After touring Glynwood Farm in Putnam County, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced legislation that would create a competitive grant program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) dedicated to the promotion of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). CSA is a renowned and proven system that directly connects consumers with the farmers who grow their food. At the beginning of each growing season, members of CSA pay for a share of a farm's produce. Throughout … Continue Reading
August 22, 2011
Gillibrand Urges Libyan Transitional National Council To Hold Lockberbie Bomber Accountable For Terrorism
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement today urging the Libyan Transitional National Council to hold Abdelbaset al-Megrahi fully accountable for his terrorist actions in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103: "The release of al-Megrahi was a total miscarriage of justice. Seeing him participate in good health at a pro-Qaddafi rally recently was another slap in the face not just for the families of the Lockerbie victims, but for all Americans and all … Continue Reading
August 19, 2011
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Watertown Int’l, Ogdensburg Int’l, Massena Int’l Airports Set To Receive Over $430,000 In Department Of Transportation Funding For Taxiway Rehabilitation, Infrastructure Improvements
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Watertown International Airport is set to receive $193,800, Ogdensburg International Airport is set to receive $166,250 and Massena International-Richards Field is set to receive $72,200 in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds for airport facility upgrades. Specifically, the grant will allow Watertown International Airport to plan the design of the runway, which will ensure safe airfield operations at the … Continue Reading
August 18, 2011
At Ioxus In Otsego County, Gillibrand Announces “Made In America” Grants To Bolster High-Tech Manufacturing For New York
Oneonta, NY - While New York has lost a total of more than 123,000 manufacturing jobs since 2005, advanced and high-tech manufacturing jobs are thriving. Computer and electronic manufacturing industries increased employment by 9 percent from 2004 to 2008. To spark more growth in high-tech manufacturing in New York and create more of these good-paying jobs right here, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced her new manufacturing agenda. Senator Gillibrand's plan creates a Made In … Continue Reading
August 18, 2011
Gillibrand Statement On Obama Administration’s Call For Syrian President Assad To Step Down
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement today after the Obama Administration called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down: "President Assad has brutally violated the human rights of his own people while killing thousands of Syrian citizens and fostering terrorism across his borders. I commend President Obama for sending a clear message to Syria that the Assad regime must respond to the democratic urging of the Syrian people by stepping … Continue Reading
August 18, 2011
At Sanmina-SCI In Tioga County, Gillibrand Announces “Made In America” Grants To Bolster High-Tech Manufacturing For New York
Owego, NY - While New York has lost a total of more than 123,000 manufacturing jobs since 2005, advanced and high-tech manufacturing jobs are thriving. Computer and electronic manufacturing industries increased employment by 9 percent from 2004 to 2008. To spark more growth in high-tech manufacturing in New York and create more of these good-paying jobs right here, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced her new manufacturing agenda. Senator Gillibrand's plan creates a Made In … Continue Reading
August 17, 2011
Gillibrand Announces $7 Million For Kinderhook Bank To Boost Lending To Small Businesses, Create Jobs
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that Kinderhook Bank Corp. is receiving $7 million in funding provided through the Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF). The SBLF, established as part of the Small Business Jobs Act that Senator Gillibrand voted to pass, encourages community banks to increase their lending to small businesses, helping them expand their operations and create new jobs. Last year, Senator Gillibrand fought hard to include measures that enhance … Continue Reading
August 17, 2011
With Significant Defense Cuts Starting Next Year, Gillibrand Announces Efforts To Protect Fort Hamilton
Brooklyn, NY - With deep cuts in defense spending and New York State military installations at-risk for reductions in resources beginning next year, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, stood at Fort Hamilton's Armed Forces Reserve Center today announcing that she will convene a statewide conference in New York on October 14th to begin efforts to prepare and protect Fort Hamilton. The Senator aims to bring together military communities and business … Continue Reading
August 17, 2011
Gillibrand, FDNY Commissioner Cassano, NYPD Commissioner Kelly Urge Passage Of First Responder Communications Bill To Effectively Respond To Major Crisis, Thwart Attacks
Staten Island, NY - As the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks nears, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), New York City Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, and Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro stood in front of Engine 160, Rescue Company 5 calling on Congress to pass critical first responder communications legislation once Congress returns to session in September. The Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act would … Continue Reading
August 17, 2011
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $500,000 For Pedestrian Safety Improvements In Fonda, Ny
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded a total of $502,073 to the Village of Fonda. The grant will be used for the redesigning and rebuilding of roadway approaches in two crossings in the area. The funding is part of the DOT's Railway-Highway Crossing Hazard Elimination in High-Speed Rail Corridors program and will be allocated through the Federal Railroad Administration. "This … Continue Reading
August 16, 2011
Gillibrand Announces More Than $735,000 For Stone Barns Center To Train New Farmers Across NYS In Sustainable Farming Practices
Washington, D.C. - U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $735,130 in federal funding for the Growing Farmers Initiative, a program at the Stone Barns Center in Pocantico Hills that will help train over 1,000 new farmers across New York State over a three-year period. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and will be allocated through its Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development program. In January, Senator Gillibrand wrote to Agriculture Secretary Thomas … Continue Reading
August 16, 2011
With More Than One-Third Of Minority Youth Unemployed, Gillibrand, Heastie, Bronx Clergy Leaders Hold Roundtable Discussion To Connect At-Risk Bronx Youth With Job Opportunities
Bronx, NY - With more than one-third of the nation's minority youth unemployed, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Assemblyman Carl Heastie (D-NY), and Bronx clergy leaders convened a roundtable at the Bronx Christian Fellowship Church discussing the need for federal legislation aimed at increasing employment among at-risk Bronx youth. The Urban Jobs Act that Senator Gillibrand is advocating for in the U.S. Senate would provide federal funding to nonprofit organizations, allowing them to … Continue Reading
August 16, 2011
With More Than One-Third Of Minority Youth Unemployed, Gillibrand, Rangel, National Urban League Push For Legislation To Connect At-Risk City Youth With Job Opportunities
New York, NY - With more than one-third of the nation's minority youth unemployed, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Congressman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Assemblyman Keith Wright (D-NY), National Urban League President Marc Morial, New York Urban League (NYUL) President Arva Rice, and New York City youth today stood at New York Urban League in Harlem to continue their push for federal legislation aimed at increasing employment among at-risk New York City youth. The Urban Jobs Act would … Continue Reading
