Schumer & Food
By RUSSELL BERMAN,
Through more than 25 years in Congress, Senator Schumer has often taken on the issue of food costs, although not always on the side of lower prices for consumers. Some highlights:
1990: While in the House, joins with Rep. Richard Armey, a Republican of Texas, to push for cutting a $12 billion farm subsidy program that they contended benefited only rich farmers and led to higher food prices for consumers.
1993: Demands a study by the General Accounting Office that shows that a federal price guarantee for sugar growers and processors adds $1.4 billion to the cost of food for consumers.
1995: Leads a campaign alleging collusion among the major cereal companies to keep prices high, calling the issue a "pet peeve." Companies eventually agree to cut prices.
2004: Now a senator, proposes a bill aimed at protecting upstate dairy farmers by maintaining price floors. The measure would suspend the salaries of "D.C. bureaucrats" who allow the farm price of milk to fall below the mandated minimum.
2004: Releases a study showing a spike in the price of milk in New York City and on Long Island. Warns that the sale of a major milk producer, Parmalat, could send prices even higher.
2005: Supports bill to extend federal program that sets price floors for milk farmers.
2008: Introduces bill to temporarily repeal tariff on imported ethanol. Says measure would help to bring down milk prices.
2008: Convenes first congressional hearing on the impact of rising food prices on American families.
Sources: Schumer Senate office, news reports
