Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement upon the news of the death of the late Congresswoman Nita Lowey: 

The Empire State and the entire country have lost a principled, passionate and powerful public servant with the passing of Congresswoman Nita Lowey. Over the course of her historic career, Congresswoman Lowey courageously served her constituents and stood up for New Yorkers while shattering multiple glass ceilings along the way. 

As the first woman to serve as Chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Nita Lowey’s life was defined by breaking boundaries. Born and raised in the Bronx, Nita was a true New Yorker to her core. In 1988, she was elected to a district in Westchester and Rockland Counties, which she represented passionately for over three decades. Congresswoman Lowey always used her hard-fought power to make sure that New York was front and center at the negotiating table, helping deliver much-needed resources to our state following the devastation of September 11, 2001, Superstorm Sandy and the coronavirus pandemic.

As the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Nita believed that our national security was strongest when development, diplomacy and defense are well funded and equally prioritized. Thanks to Congresswoman Lowey, millions of kids around the world have been afforded the opportunity to receive a basic education and a shot at a better life. Here at home, Congresswoman Lowey fought hard to make sure that clinical research at the National Institutes of Health prioritized women’s health. We will never know how many lives will be saved as a result of the investments Nita Lowey championed, in addition to her historic work to set the nationwide impaired driving standard.

As Dean of the New York delegation, Nita Lowey was a mentor and friend to me and countless other Members of the House Democratic Caucus. So many of us sought Nita’s advice and counsel during our public service journeys and it was always delivered with a smile. May the family Nita adored so much, the New Yorkers she touched, her legions of devoted staff and all who loved her find comfort in the knowledge that she will be tremendously missed. May she rest in power.

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