Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement upon the news of the death of the late Congressman Charles B. Rangel:

Today, New York City and the nation mourn a giant with the passing of Congressman Charles B. Rangel. Known as the Lion of Lenox Avenue, and to me as a friend and mentor, Chairman Rangel was truly one-of-a-kind. He was a patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent and champion for justice who made his beloved Harlem, the City of New York and the United States of America a better place for all.

Mr. Rangel’s matchless career began in the Korean War, where his brave and courageous actions in battle earned him a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He brought the same spirit to his time as a federal prosecutor, where he stood up for the rule of law and held the powerful to account.

In Congress, Mr. Rangel broke barriers as the first African American to Chair the Ways and Means Committee. As the author of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, he helped facilitate the development of millions of affordable housing units across the nation. In 1987, the “Rangel Amendment” denied foreign tax credits to U.S. companies investing in South Africa and was instrumental in dismantling apartheid. He was clear-eyed about his responsibility to look out for the least, the lost and the left-behind and made it his life’s work to deliver on their behalf.

Myself and countless others stand on his broad shoulders because of his transformational approach to political empowerment. From serving as a founding Member of the Congressional Black Caucus to establishing the historic Rangel Program to ensure the Foreign Service reflects the great diversity of our country, Mr. Rangel’s impact can be seen and felt through the generations of new leaders in all levels of government.

There are many who will attempt to imitate, but the great Charlie Rangel will never be replicated. Whether in the United States Army, the federal courtroom, the halls of Congress or the streets of Harlem, Congressman Rangel led a life of public service that is second to none. The prayers of a grateful nation are with his family and the legions who loved this iconic leader. May Charles B. Rangel forever Rest in Power.

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