J 822: Mourning the death of former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey, respected stateswoman, visionary leader and fearless advocate

 Senate Resolution No. 822 BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS MOURNING the death of former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey, respected stateswoman, visionary leader and fearless advocate WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Nita M. Lowey was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey, a trailblazing public servant who represented New York for 16 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, and whose leadership, dedication, and legacy will continue to inspire generations of Americans; and WHEREAS, Nita M. Lowey died on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and grandchildren, in her home in Harrison, New York; she quietly and bravely battled metastatic breast cancer with the same tenacity and strength that she fought throughout her 32-year career in Congress for women, children and families in the United States and around the world; and WHEREAS, Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988, representing parts of Westchester County, Rockland County, the Bronx, and Queens, where she earned a reputation as a fierce advocate for her constituents and a champion for policies that promoted justice, equality, and opportunity; and WHEREAS, Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey made history by breaking barriers for women in politics and serving as the first woman and first New Yorker to chair the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 2001 and 2002, and as the first woman to lead either party on the House Appropriations Committee as Ranking Member from 2013 to 2018, and Chairwoman from 2019 until her retirement in 2021; and WHEREAS, As Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey became a powerful advocate for federal investments in critical public policy areas, including health care, education, national security, women's rights, and environmental protection; and WHEREAS, Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey was instrumental in passing landmark legislation, including her leadership in pandemic preparedness, support for the U.S.-Israel relationship, and her tireless efforts on behalf of women's health, gun violence prevention, and family planning programs; and WHEREAS, Known for her commitment to bipartisan cooperation, Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey worked across party lines to secure funding for vital programs such as pandemic preparedness, biomedical research, and clean water initiatives, and she was celebrated for her skillful maneuvering through the appropriations process to deliver for her district and the Nation; and WHEREAS, Throughout her career, Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey was a passionate advocate for human rights, democracy, and international development, playing a key role in securing funding for global health, education, and women's empowerment, and establishing the Nita M. Lowey Basic Education Fund to continue her legacy of advancing opportunities for children around the world; and WHEREAS, Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey's leadership and accomplishments were widely recognized; her extraordinary public service was matched by her deep commitment to her family, her roots in the Bronx, and her lifelong advocacy for her community; she was beloved by her constituents, colleagues, and all those who had the privilege to work with her; and WHEREAS, A public servant in the truest sense, Nita M. Lowey was guided by the Jewish core value of 'Tikkun Olam,' repairing the world; she was an unwavering fighter and worked across the aisle to deliver results for her constituents and all Americans; and WHEREAS, Nita M. Lowey 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 a devoted and beloved grandmother to Jillian, Daniel, Jesse, Jonah, Ilan, Rebecca, Jonathan, and Solene; and WHEREAS, Nita M. Lowey's infinite selflessness and benevolence will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives she touched; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Nita M. Lowey leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey, and to express its deepest condolences to her family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey.