Former longtime New York Rep. Nita Lowey, who served in Congress for 32 years and became the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, died Saturday, March 15th, at the age of 87, her family confirmed in a statement:
“With great sadness, we announce that former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey died peacefully on March 15 at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and grandchildren, in her home in Harrison, NY. Nita has quietly and bravely battled metastatic breast cancer in recent years with the same tenacity and strength that she fought throughout her 32-year career in Congress for women, children and families in the U.S. and around the world.
“Nita was a beloved wife, partner, and best friend to her cherished husband of 64 years, Stephen Lowey. An adored mother to Dana (David), Jackie (David) and Douglas (Ellen). And devoted and beloved grandmother to Jillian, Daniel, Jesse, Jonah, Ilan, Rebecca, Jonathan, and Solene. 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 lived a full and purposeful life.
“A public servant in the truest sense, she was guided by the Jewish core value of ‘Tikkun Olam,’ repairing the world. She was an indefatigable fighter and worked across the aisle to deliver results for her constituents and all Americans. She served on the House Appropriations Committee for 28 years, where she was elevated by her colleagues to serve as Chair. She sponsored life-changing legislation in the fields of education, medical research, and international relations.
“Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who had the honor of knowing and loving her, and to the millions of people whose lives she touched.”
A private family funeral and burial will be followed by a memorial service at a later date.
Lowey made history as the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, which she often said was one of her proudest achievements, “breaking the glass ceiling for women.” She held several Caucus memberships, including the House Pro-Choice Caucus, Hudson River Caucus, Isreal Allies Caucus, National Eating Disorders Awareness Caucus, and the Congressional Arts Caucus. During her tenure in Congress Lowey sponsored and cosponsored numerous bills including, the international Violence Against Women Act, Protect Access to Birth Control Act, The Heroes Act, and Further Continuing Appropriations Act.
Before running and winning a seat in the House of Representatives for New York’s 20th Congressional District (now NY-17) in 1988, Nita Lowey worked on Muimo’s 1974 campaign for Lieutenant Governor. For 13 years she served as the assistant Secretary of State in New York from 1975-1988. She served as a U.S. Representative from 1989 until 2021 after beating two-term Republican incumbent, Joseph J. DioGurdi. Her district was numbers NY-20 from 1989-1993, NY-18 from 1993-2013 and NY-17 beginning in 2013. She was succeeded by Mondaire Jones, the first African-American to be elected to represent the district.
She also decried sexual harassment and in 1991 was one of the group of female House members who marched to the Senate side of the Capitol to demand the Judiciary Committee hear Anita Hill’s accusation against Clarence Thomas in his Supreme Court nomination hearing.
More than once she occasionally upset fellow liberals. She voted early in her tenure for the The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 It is often blamed for the mass incarceration of Black Americans, extending tough-on-crime policies that overly criminalized Blacks, commonly known as the crime bill, that was sponsored by Joe Biden.
She is remembered by several local leaders
“It is with a heavy heart that we remember Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a principled and passionate public servant whose impact will resonate for generations to come. Her remarkable career was defined by a steadfast commitment to her constituents and an unyielding fight for justice and equality. As the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Nita broke barriers and set a powerful example for future leaders,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins shared on the passing of Nita Lowey. “Born in the Bronx and serving Westchester and Rockland Counties for over three decades, she was truly a New Yorker at heart. Congresswoman Lowey was not only a fierce advocate for her state, ensuring that New York secured vital resources in times of crisis, but she also championed global initiatives that transformed the lives of millions. To Nita’s family, her many friends, and all those who were touched by her generosity and spirit, we extend our deepest condolences. May they cherish their memories of her, knowing she left an indelible mark on our hearts and our nation.”
“Westchester County mourns the passing of former U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey. She was a tireless advocate for our County, a mentor, a friend, and always a beacon of hope. Serving as a U.S. Representative from 1989 until 2021, she championed integrity, honesty, and the values of good government. Lowey made history as the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, leaving a legacy of breaking barriers and improving lives. Her commitment to public service will continue to inspire and guide us,” County Executive Ken Jenkins shared.
“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,” Democratic Minority Leader and fellow New York Democrat Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement. “So many of us sought Nita’s advice and counsel during our public service journeys, and it was always delivered with a smile.”
“Doina and I are saddened by the loss of Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a champion for the Hudson Valley who dedicated her life to the people of New York’s 17th district. A trailblazer who made history as the first Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, Nita Lowey impacted the lives of every New Yorker and American. Her passion for our communities will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and neighbors. May her memory always be a blessing for us all,” shared Congressman Mike Lawler who now sits in her former seat representing NY-17.
“She was my model for real government service — empathetic, effective & tough at the same time, Congresswoman Lowey left our nation better for her service.” shared State Senator Shelley Mayer, one of the numerous women Lowey mentored in politics.
“She was the definition of an excellent public servant: smart, warm. Principled and fearless. For over 30 years, she represented our home area in Congress with grace and fortitude. Nita Lowey has passed away… but she will be forever remembered. And forever praised,” U.S. Representative George Latimer (NY-16) shared in a statement sent to Black Westchester.
At her retirement in 2021, she represented New York’s 17th Congressional District (Westchester and Rockland counties), but due to the reshaping of district lines over the years, she also represented parts of the Bronx and Queens during her tenure.
