Outpouring of praise and thank you from Westchester to Washington for First Chairwoman of House Appropriations Committee
In recognition of her 32 years of service in the House of Representatives and her historic tenure as the first Woman Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, a virtual celebration of Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey, including an unveiling of her portrait, pictured above, in the Committee room, was held on December 7.
On December 21, Rep. Lowey delivered her farewell remarks on the House floor. Her comments came after the House finished their debate on a spending measure to keep government funded until a bipartisan agreement on COVID relief and spending bills for fiscal year 2021 was passed.
While Lowey was respected and revered for her work in Washington, much of her final address was pointed toward to her constituents in the xxth district and the people of Westchester.
“While I leave Congress as the first Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, the title I still cherish most is United States Representative from New York.To those I have represented: thank you for your trust and confidence.”
Lowey’s 32 years of service will end when this session of Congress concludes on January 2, 2021. Since her election in 1988, she has represented four different Congressional districts, including portions of Queens, the Bronx, and Westchester County, and all of Rockland County. Lowey thanked her family, staff, colleagues in Congress, and advocates who have been partners on various issues.
“Mr. Speaker, …
“As my time in Congress nears a close, I must briefly reflect on my 32 years of service, which has been guided by a basic principle — when you see a problem, do something about it.
“In times of crisis like we face today and after September 11th and Superstorm Sandy, delivering relief has been my sacred duty.
“I will be forever grateful to colleagues, advocates, and excellent staff who helped me secure critical federal funds directly for my district; indelibly shape women’s health policy; enact life-saving food allergy labeling and the .08 BAC drunk driving standard; and too many other achievements to fully recount now.
“Limited debate time leaves me unable to acknowledge by name all of my exceptional staff. But I must thank my Chief of Staff for the last 16 years, Elizabeth Stanley, and my unequaled District Director, Pat Keegan, who for more than 26 years has led my outstanding district staff in solving thousands of cases for constituents who needed help.
“Our successes are often overlooked amid partisan rancor and the notion that institutions of governance are irrevocably broken.
“I do not believe they are.
“To my colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, across the country and the political spectrum: our work together is a testament to the enduring values of public service and of a collective commitment to better the world. You inspired me to be a better legislator, and I am grateful.
“And, to my family – my wonderful husband Steve; my children and their spouses, Dana and David, Doug and Ellen, and Jackie and David; and my grandchildren, Jillian, Daniel, Ilan, Jesse, Jonah, Rebecca, Jonathan, and Solene: your endless support has made my career possible, and I hope you’re ready for a lot more of me.
“With gratitude for having had the honor and privilege to serve, I yield back my time,” said Lowey.
During our 20+ years covering Rep. Lowey, we have proudly called her “Westchester’s Congresswoman,” because of the many communities in our county that she has represented over five decades, from Yonkers to Yorktown.
We hope to write more about Nita Lowey’s legendary political career, her connection to Hillary Clinton, and her service to the people of Westchester.
please email us at dmurphy@risingmediagroup.com with your thoughts.
