Nita Lowey, a longtime Democratic congresswoman from New York and the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, has passed away at the age of 87. She died at home, surrounded by family, after battling cancer.
Lowey’s career in Congress spanned over three decades, beginning in 1989 when she was elected to represent New York’s 17th congressional district. She became a leading advocate for women’s health, education, and government funding, shaping policies that impacted millions of Americans.
As chair of the House Appropriations Committee, she played a crucial role in directing federal spending. She championed increased funding for medical research, disaster relief, and education. Her leadership helped secure resources for key programs, including early childhood education and healthcare access.
Beyond domestic policy, Lowey was a strong voice in foreign affairs, particularly in U.S.-Israel relations. She worked to secure American aid for Israel and supported policies that strengthened diplomatic ties. Her efforts also extended to humanitarian aid, ensuring that funding reached communities in crisis.
Her commitment to public service began before her time in Congress. She previously served as an assistant to New York Governor Mario Cuomo, gaining experience that prepared her for national politics. Throughout her career, she was known for her ability to build bipartisan coalitions and negotiate major spending bills.
Lowey’s advocacy in education led to significant expansions in federal funding for schools and financial aid for college students. She played a key role in increasing Pell Grants, making higher education more accessible to low-income families. Additionally, she prioritized maternal health programs, pushing for increased research and funding for women’s healthcare.
Her work extended to food safety regulations, where she fought for clearer labeling laws to protect consumers. She also played a pivotal role in securing emergency relief funding, helping communities recover from hurricanes and natural disasters.
After announcing her retirement in 2019, she left office in 2021, expressing a desire to spend more time with her family. Her departure marked the end of an era in New York politics, as she had become a respected leader whose influence shaped government policy for decades.
Political figures from both parties have recognized her contributions, praising her dedication to public service. Her legacy lives on through the programs she helped establish, which continue to benefit Americans today. A memorial service is expected to be announced in the coming days.
