Nita Lowey's influential career has come to a solemn end.
According to the New York Post, Former Representative Nita Lowey passed away in her home in Harrison, New York on Saturday after a prolonged struggle with metastatic breast cancer.
Born in 1937 in the Bronx, Nita Lowey's journey began as the daughter of a homemaker and an accountant. She excelled academically, graduating from Bronx High School of Science and later earning a degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1959. Her academic foundation set the stage for a celebrated political career.
Lowey's political career spanned over three decades, during which she served New Yorkers diligently from 1988 to 2020. In her tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, she became the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee starting in 2019, marking a significant milestone in U.S. politics for women.
Alongside her political engagements, Lowey's personal life was filled with joy and challenges. She was married to Stephen Lowey in 1961. The couple initially lived in Queens and later moved to Harrison in 1981. Together, they raised three children and cherished the growth of their eight grandchildren.
Lowey was a staunch advocate for numerous liberal policies, significantly impacting health and education. Notably, she pushed for legislation that mandated clear allergen labeling on food packages, a move that benefited millions with food allergies.
Her dedication to serving public interests was also evident in her unique defense of public television funding when she famously used Bert and Ernie puppets during a 1995 Congressional presentation.
Her influence stretched beyond local policies into national politics, where she often found herself in direct opposition to figures like President Trump. Their most notable clash was over the border wall funding, which was a central issue during a government shutdown.
A known friend of the Clintons and having connections with Nancy Pelosi, Lowey's political and personal relationships were as influential as her policies. These relationships allowed her to maneuver effectively within the political landscape, advocating for New York and its residents vigorously.
Commending her fearless approach to her duties, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries remarked, "Throughout her historic career, Congresswoman Lowey courageously served her constituents and stood up for New Yorkers while shattering multiple glass ceilings along the way."
Nita Lowey once expressed her passionate commitment to her role in appropriations during a time of tension in Congress, emphasizing the need to prioritize citizen welfare over political strife. Following this approach, she notably criticized then-President Donald Trump for his handling of essential funding debates.
The president is an embarrassment and as a member of the Congress and as the leader of the appropriations committee, we have the responsibility to serve the people.
The Lowey family expressed deep sorrow and admiration for Nita, noting, "Nita’s family was central to her life as she was to all of ours. We will miss her more than words can say and take great comfort in knowing that she lives a full and purposeful life."
Nita Lowey leaves behind a legacy that is etched into the foundations of U.S. politics, characterized by pioneering achievements for women in government, advocacy for health and public services, and an unwavering commitment to her constituents. Her story and her impacts, particularly in fostering policies inclusive of public needs, remain influential.
