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Take Five: Charles E. Schumer

The new Senate minority leader is hoping his routine doesn’t change too much

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer is sworn in by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. on Tuesday, as Schumer’s wife Iris Weinshall looks on. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer is sworn in by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. on Tuesday, as Schumer’s wife Iris Weinshall looks on. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Just hours into his new job in leadership, New York Democratic Sen. Charles E. Schumer, the new minority leader who is rarely at a loss for words, squeezed in some time to chat (very briefly) with Heard on the Hill.

Schumer’s first day on the job was a busy one. Between sitting in the minority leader seat for the first time and getting ceremonially sworn in by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. with predecessor Harry Reid of Nevada by his side, he wasted no time making a fiery introduction speech, criticizing President-elect Donald Trump for his tweets. 

But later, in a spare minute, Schumer showed his New York state pride — his love for the New York Giants and New York City pizza — and said he is hopeful that not much of his daily routine will change with his promotion.

Q: What did you do for New Year’s Eve?

A: For the last 20 years, we’ve gone out with the same set of friends to a restaurant. It’s tradition.

Q: What have you always wanted to do in D.C. but haven’t had the chance yet?

A: Watch the Giants beat Washington here in D.C. 

[Editor’s note: The New York Giants beat the Washington Redskins 19-10 on Sunday, eliminating the Redskins from the NFL playoffs.]

Q: Now that you’re leader, what will be different about your daily routine?

A: Hopefully, not much.

Q: If you could have any other job, what would it be?

A: General manager of the New York Giants.

Q: What do you most miss most about New York while you’re in D.C.?

A: My family, friends and my favorite pizza place: Roma Pizza in Brooklyn. Best pizza in the world.

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