Honoring the legacy of Nita Lowey with flowers and candles
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Nita M. Lowey, a pioneering former Congresswoman and first female chair of the House Appropriations Committee, passed away at 87. Her legacy includes championing women’s issues, extensive public service, and leading post-9/11 recovery efforts. Lowey’s impact on legislation and her dedication to various causes made her a beloved figure in politics. Tributes have poured in following her passing, celebrating her commitment to justice and integrity.
Nita M. Lowey, the groundbreaking former Congresswoman and first female chair of the House Appropriations Committee, passed away on March 15 at the age of 87 at her home in Harrison, New York. Her family has shared that she succumbed to complications from metastatic breast cancer, a difficult battle she fought bravely.
Lowey’s journey in Congress began in 1988, when she won her seat after defeating a conservative incumbent. From there, she dedicated over 32 years to public service, stepping into the political spotlight in her early 50s. Over her illustrious career, she sponsored more than 500 pieces of legislation, with over 400 of them becoming law. Her dedication to various causes made her a beloved figure in Washington.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Lowey’s legacy is her unwavering commitment to women’s issues. She worked tirelessly to secure increased funding for breast cancer research. Additionally, she was pivotal in the push for clear food labeling for allergens, a law that received bipartisan support and improved food safety for many Americans.
Lowey also played a significant role in post-9/11 recovery efforts, serving on the Select Committee on Homeland Security. She helped secure over $20 billion in recovery funds dedicated to rebuilding and revitalizing New York after the September 11 attacks, showcasing her dedication to both her state and the nation.
In 2013, she became the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee and ascended to the chair position in 2019 when her party regained control of the House. During her time as chair, many noted her ability to navigate intricate legislative processes with skill. Her peers recognized her contributions, with some calling her a “master legislator.”
Nita Sue Melnikoff was born on July 5, 1937, in the vibrant Bronx neighborhood. Raised in a middle-class Jewish family, her education included attending the renowned Bronx High School of Science before graduating from Mount Holyoke College with a degree in political science in 1959. She married her husband, Stephen Lowey, a lawyer, in 1961, and they had three children—Dana, Jackie, and Douglas—along with eight grandchildren. Family was always a cornerstone of her life, and she was known as a devoted grandmother.
Before her congressional career, Lowey’s passion for advocacy shone through while she worked in the New York Secretary of State’s office from 1975 to 1987, where she focused on issues relating to child care, housing, and elderly citizen rights. She also played an essential role in establishing the New York State Association of Women Officeholders in 1986, aimed at training and empowering women to take up political positions.
Throughout her life, Nita Lowey became an advocate for sexual harassment awareness, notably participating in a major march to the Senate in 1991 in support of Anita Hill’s allegations against Clarence Thomas. Her drive for women’s health care saw significant advancements, including improved funding for AIDS research and contraception coverage for federal workers.
As Lowey announced her retirement in 2020, she exited the stage having faced no significant electoral challenges throughout her career, a testament to her integrity and public support. Her legacy will significantly impact the ongoing fight for women’s representation in politics, especially in what was dubbed the “Year of the Woman” in 1992.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Lowey’s honor. Following her passing, tributes from former colleagues and various political figures have poured in, celebrating her as a fighter for justice, integrity, and steadfast public service.
Her family shared that she embodied the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, or “repairing the world,” and her spirit will undoubtedly live on in the countless lives she has touched. A private funeral and burial are being planned by her family, with a memorial service to follow later.
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