IN ONE-ON-ONE MEETING, SCHUMER URGES SECRETARY OF THE ARMY NOMINEE, DR. MARK ESPER, IF CONFIRMED, TO CONTINUE MAKING FORT DRUM AN ARMY PRIORITY AND TOUTS BASE’S POSITIVE IMPACT ON REGION; SCHUMER ALSO URGES NOMINEE TO VISIT FORT DRUM

In Recent Years, Schumer Has Successfully Fought To Shield Fort Drum From Budget Cuts And Has Secured Significant Investments For The Base

Schumer Stressed To Nominee, Dr. Mark Esper, How Essential Fort Drum Is To Both Our Nation’s Defense And The North Country’s Economy

Schumer To Army Secretary Nominee: Come Witness Fort Drum’s Capabilities First-Hand

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, during an in-person meeting with the nominee for U.S. Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark Esper, urged him to visit Fort Drum if and when he is confirmed by the Senate. Additionally Schumer urged Nominee Esper to protect Fort Drum from budget cuts and to ensure the base has the resources to remain at the vanguard of the Army.

“During our meeting I made it clear to Dr. Esper that Fort Drum is not only a key asset to the Army, but that it is also woven into the very fabric of the North Country,” said  Senator Schumer. “I am committed to working with the Army to ensure Fort Drum maintains a strong presence in the region and has the resources it needs to train and support the dedicated men and women in uniform and their families for years to come.”

Schumer has long fought on behalf of Fort Drum. In 2015, Schumer helped protect the base from significant job cuts, even in the face of nationwide military downsizing. Also in 2015, Schumer helped secure $19 million in funding for a new non-commissioned officer (NCO) training academy at Fort Drum. During their in-person meeting, Schumer stood up for New York’s priorities and urged the Army to continue investing in this critical installation. 

Schumer explained that Ft. Drum is one of the most important resources in the North Country and across Upstate New York. The base trains tens of thousands of troops annually and is the largest employer in the region, contributing nearly a billion dollars a year to the region’s economy. In order to continue Ft. Drum’s commitment to training and supporting members of the Army, Schumer urged the nominee to continue the Army’s long-standing support of the base if confirmed. In the past, Schumer has helped shield Ft. Drum from devastating cuts that would have undermined the base’s mission and reduced manpower levels. 

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