THE KIDS AREN’T ALRIGHT Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has come out as a critic of some of America’s trendiest indulgences. It’s gotten to the point that you might just call him Chief Schumer of the Fun Police. Now don’t take this the wrong way: We at Inside Congress understand why Schumer, a traditionalist who is famously loyal to his flip phone, has come out against these newfangled things. But we do find it interesting that he’s willing to butt heads with products that are beloved by young Americans — and by extension, young voters. Here’s three hot products Schumer has tackled in the past year: Prime: Schumer came out with a warning about the buzziest energy drink of last year, launched by social media stars Logan Paul and KSI. The majority leader called the drink out for its “eye-popping” caffeine levels and demanded the Food and Drug Administration investigate. “PRIME is so new that most parents haven’t a clue about it, but it is born from the reels of social media and the enigmatic world of influencers,” said Schumer in a statement at the time. “One of the summer’s hottest status symbols for kids is not an outfit, or a toy — it’s a beverage — but buyer and parents beware because it’s a serious health concern for the kids it so feverishly targets.” Note that Schumer has long taken an interest in overly-amped-up beverages. He was among those pushing for a ban of the original Four Loko back in 2010. Zyn: The flavored nicotine pouches have become a mainstay for those trying to cut other, more taboo tobacco products. But Schumer recently called for the FDA to investigate the Philip Morris International product for its marketing and health effects. To be clear, Schumer doesn’t want Zyn banned, just more tightly regulated as it gains popularity with young consumers. But adults also love the product, which prompted Republicans to come out sharply against Schumer, calling his campaign a slippery slope toward a ban. “To be against these pouches is to be against nicotine lozenges. I mean, what’s the difference?” said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) at the time. TikTok: It’s a bottomless pit of videos about everything from conspiracy theories to how-to guides on fixing your kitchen sink. It's undeniably addicting, especially to the young’uns. It’s also owned by the China-based company ByteDance, hence the concern from lawmakers. A House-passed bill that would ban TikTok unless ByteDance sells its stake in TikTok drew nationwide ire from the app's most rabid users. On paper, this app would appear to be right in Schumer’s sweet spot. Not only is he famously suspicious of youth crazes, he’s also long been one of Congress’s leading China hawks. But with a decision looming on whether to act in the House’s wake, Schumer is staying uncharacteristically lo-pro. Earlier this week, he told reporters he was still reviewing the legislation and would consult with committee chairs before making a decision. — Daniella Diaz and Ursula Perano
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