Chuck Schumer makes lively visit to Oswego County

“It’s childish. It’s juvenile. It’s stupid.” remarks U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer during his visit to the Port of Oswego on Thursday, Oct. 29, as he introduces a new legislation known as the End Trump’s Tariff Tax Act. The act claims to remove the current 50 percent tariff on goods from Canada, which was previously introduced on Aug. 22, 2026.

Schumer says that the tariffs are hurting businesses in the area, as well as hurting tourism in the major bridge ports of entry between New York and Canada compared to 2024. “[President Trump] raised it to 50 percent just because he got mad at Canada.” Schumer said, “He doesn’t realize that hurts millions and millions of Americans.”

Schumer’s End Trump’s Tariff Tax Act promises to refund businesses affected by the 50 percent Canadian tariff, although it never specifies any concrete plan on how businesses are being refunded. When asked by a reporter what the reality of the refunds are, Schumer quickly responded “It’s that, the money will be allocated and sent to the people who suffered.”

Despite the ambiguity from Schumer surrounding the refunds, he highlighted certain businesses local to the Central New York area that have been affected by the tariffs, including The Port of Oswego Authority, which has lost upwards of $1 million in potential revenue as a result of the tariffs, with more on the horizon, according to Schumer. Eagle Metalcraft, a metal fabricator located in Syracuse, said that it lost 50 percent of its revenue from one of its primary customers, who moved manufacturing and much of its purchasing to Asia to avoid the impact of tariffs, as well as being forced to layoff six employees. 

Sterling House Farm in Cayuga and St. Lawrence Counties had to move its business from local lumber yards, including Ace Hardware in Oswego, to specialty mills to avoid surging prices caused by the tariffs, accumulating to thousands of dollars over budget. 114 Reserve, a small cafe located in Fulton, says they pay one dollar more per pound for coffee beans and nearly 50 percent more for oat milk and heavy whipping cream as well as other products due to the tariffs. 114 Reserve remarks that they are unable to raise prices, leading to thousands of dollars in lost profit. “Families can’t afford an extra six thousand dollars a year. Small businesses are struggling.” Schumer said.

In addition to naming multiple local businesses, Schumer also voiced his frustration at the name change from Lake Ontario to Lake America. “I get mad when I hear about this! It’s childish. It’s juvenile. It’s stupid.”

Even the City of Oswego has reported fewer visitors to city attractions from the Oswego Speedway to local shops, restaurants, hotels, and fishing. With fewer visitors generating less income, the effects of the tariffs are undeniable, making the city a perfect place for Schumer to hold this speech.

At the end, Schumer made a bold statement, claiming that if “one house turns democratic, House or Senate, and we think both will, we’ll be able to put the bill on the floor. Both Democrats and Republicans will be forced to vote for it. A lot of them have been quiet now because they’re afraid of Trump, but when forced to vote yes or no and siding with the people like these folks here, or turning it down, I think a lot of both parties, particularly republicans, who are not supporting it now will vote yes.”