(RightIsRight.co) – Former U.S. Representative Nita Lowey, a New York Democrat who broke new ground as the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, has passed away at 87.
The liberal stalwart, who retired in 2020 after 32 years in Congress, spent her career pushing progressive policies while controlling the federal purse strings.
Lowey died peacefully on March 15 at her home in Harrison, New York, surrounded by family members.
She had been battling metastatic breast cancer in recent years but fought the disease with the same determination she displayed throughout her political career pushing Democrat priorities in Washington.
First elected to Congress in 1988, Lowey represented New York’s 17th Congressional District, including affluent Westchester and Rockland counties.
Her decades-long tenure culminated in her becoming the first woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee in 2018.
This position gave her enormous control over government spending and the ability to advance liberal causes with taxpayer dollars.
Lowey’s close political connections reveal much about her positions and priorities. She was a loyal ally of Nancy Pelosi and the Clintons, forming part of what insiders called the “DeLoSi’s” along with Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Pelosi herself.
During her time controlling government purse strings, Lowey frequently clashed with President Trump, particularly over border wall funding.
In a revealing statement about her priorities, she once declared, “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.”
Throughout her congressional tenure, Lowey was known for being a staunch advocate for federal funding of liberal causes.
In the late 1990s, she pushed for contraception coverage for federal workers and secured taxpayer money for Public Television.
In 1995, she famously used Bert and Ernie puppets during a congressional session to advocate for continued PBS funding.
Her family confirmed her passing, noting that “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 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,” the family’s statement read.
The added, “She was an indefatigable fighter and worked across the aisle to deliver results for her constituents and all Americans.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Lowey’s honor, praising her former colleague.
Lowey is survived by her husband of 64 years, Stephen, their three children, and numerous grandchildren.
She leaves behind a legacy of advancing progressive policies through her powerful position controlling government spending.
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