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Farewell to Longtime Public Servant — LMCMedia

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Congresswoman Nita Lowey. Thank you for your decades of service.

In 2020, LMC had the honor of recognizing Congresswoman Lowey for her commitment to our community. You can watch our virtual presentation with comments from elected officials and community leaders below.

County Executive Ken Jenkins Statement on the 

Passing of Former US Congresswoman Nita Lowey

“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.”

DeLauro Statement on the Passing Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey

House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement on the passing of former House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey:

“Chairwoman Nita Lowey was my dear friend. She was courageous, humorous, and tenacious with a smile that lit up even the darkest rooms. Referred to as the ‘perfumed ice pick,’ Nita was a fierce negotiator and loyal public servant.

“A champion for the people of New York for more than three decades and the first woman to ever serve as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Nita shifted the course of our nation’s history. She was a tireless advocate on a range of important issues, from healthcare and the environment to afterschool programs, and public broadcasting.

“When I first joined the Appropriations Committee, Nita, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and I were referred to as the ‘DeLoSi’s’—a band of women who fought for women’s health at a time when women’s issues were on the fringe of our political discourse. People used to see the three of us chatting in a corner on the House Floor and ask what we were scheming about. To be honest, the first few minutes were about the policies we were fighting for, but it quickly turned into chats about shoes, clothes, or the latest fashion.

“Nita helped ensure women and people of color were included in clinical trials at the National Institutes of Health. We fought side-by-side to pass the breast cancer education program, which has saved the lives of thousands of low-income women by ensuring access to lifesaving mammograms and pap tests. We also worked to double NIH funding between 1998 and 2003.

“I am heartbroken by this loss, but Nita’s legacy lives on. Forever my Chairwoman. Nita, I will miss you so much.”

Statement on the Passing of Representative Nita Lowey

Congressman Mark Takano released the following statement on the passing of Rep. Nita Lowey:

“I had the privilege of serving along side Congresswoman Nita Lowey for nearly a decade in Congress until her retirement in 2020,” said Congressman Takano. “She always warm and friendly, but beneath that grandmotherly exterior was woman who wielded enormous influence quietly and effectively.  I thought of her as “non-showy Lowey.” A pioneer in many ways, she was one of the few women serving in Congress in the 1990s. She was among the only seven women members who marched over to the Senate in 1991 to voice objections to the confirmation process for Clarence Thomas.  

“I was proud to support her election to be the first woman chair of the House Appropriations Committee. She was a regular fixture at policy dinners hosted by Rosa DeLauro. With her passing, we have lost a pioneering public servant. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.”

Gillibrand Statement On The Death Of Nita Lowey

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the passing of former United States Congresswoman Nita Lowey:

“Today, New York mourns the loss of former Congresswoman Nita Lowey. Nita was not only my colleague for many years, but she was also a close friend who exemplified persistence and compassion. She loved our nation and had a passion for public service that never wavered throughout her 32 years in office.

Throughout her career, Nita broke barriers that changed the course of our state and improved her community. As the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, she held a deeply influential role in ensuring New York got the federal dollars it deserved. Her decisions and leadership helped get critical infrastructure projects completed and money into the pockets of New Yorkers. When I was a new member in Congress, I learned so much from Nita. Her service to our country will never be forgotten. My condolences go out to her husband, children, and grandchildren. May her memory be a blessing.”

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Statement on the Passing of Nita Lowey

“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. 

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.”

J Street Mourns the Loss of 

Congresswoman Nita Lowey

In response to the sad news that former Congresswoman Nita Lowey has passed away, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami released the following statement:

“We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Nita Lowey. She was a deeply effective pro-Israel leader who fought for a secure, democratic Israel. Our hearts are with her family and loved ones.

Congresswoman Lowey led the charge on the transformative, bipartisan, people-to-people peacebuilding legislation that became her namesake, the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act. This funding significantly expanded peace and reconciliation programs for Israelis and Palestinians in the region, while also supporting projects to bolster the Palestinian economy.

She will forever be remembered for spearheading this monumental pro-peace legislation, and ensuring it passed with broad bipartisan support – no small feat in such polarizing times. May her memory be an enduring blessing.”

Schumer Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Nita Lowey

Senator Schumer said, “Congresswoman Lowey was the heart of the Hudson Valley and my friend of over 40 years. She was a trailblazer who ran the Appropriations Committee with amazing effectiveness. So many stand on her shoulders and her impact continues to resonate years after her retirement. Above all else though, Congresswoman Lowey was a kind hearted person, always putting others first and caring for their well-being. Her work helped improve the lives of millions, especially in the Hudson Valley where she will forever remain a beloved institution. I will very much miss her.”

AJC Mourns the Passing of 

Chairwoman Nita Lowey

With deep sorrow, American Jewish Committee (AJC) mourns the loss of former Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a true friend to AJC and an irreplaceable champion of the Jewish people. 

Throughout her tenure in Congress and long after, Nita was a dedicated, passionate leader on many issues championed by AJC. She was a trusted friend, colleague, advisor, and standard-bearer for the Jewish community and the U.S.-Israel relationship. She was co-Dean of the New York Congressional Delegation and the first woman to Chair the House Committee on Appropriations and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).

AJC was honored to recognize her decades of tireless dedication to this work with AJC’s Congressional Leadership Award in 2007, which recognizes Members who have demonstrated a commitment to international human rights and political and religious freedom, as well as friendship toward Israel and the Jewish people, and a Lifetime Distinguished Leadership Award at AJC Westchester/Fairfield’s 2023 Gala.

“I had the distinct honor and privilege of not only calling Chairwoman Nita Lowey a colleague, but a dear friend,” said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. “During my time in Congress and after, she was an incredible mentor, and I am so fortunate to have witnessed her at work on the House floor, at home, and around the world. She made history as the first woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, and I was proud to work with her to found and co-chair the House Bipartisan Task Force to Combat Antisemitism. Her legacy will live on not only through all the colleagues she mentored and legislation like the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act, but also in all the people her work has helped and will continue to help here at home and around the world.  Nita loved AJC and the Jewish people, and I hope through our collective efforts, we, too, can help honor her memory.”

The Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act, a transformative law, continues to be central to AJC’s advocacy as we work to build trust and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians, and strive for a more peaceful and interconnected Middle East. 

AJC is holding Steve Lowey, a longtime AJC Board of Governors member, and the Lowey family in our hearts. May her memory and inspiration be an eternal blessing. 

DMFI mourns the passing of 

pro-Israel stalwart Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey

Mark Mellman, President & CEO of Democratic Majority for Israel made the following statement:

“All of us at DMFI are mourning the passing of Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a trailblazer, a devoted public servant and a champion of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

“She broke barriers as the first woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee and used her leadership to advance causes she was passionate about including women’s rights, social welfare and strengthening America’s allies, like Israel. During her distinguished career, she sponsored more than 500 pieces of legislation with more than 400 becoming law, uplifting American families.

“Near the end of her time in Congress, she shaped and led the passage of the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act (MEPPA). Named in her honor, the legislation provides unprecedented levels of funding for peacebuilding between Israelis and Palestinians by fostering economic cooperation. DMFI was a proud supporter of this critical legislation. It’s an enduring legacy for Lowey whose strong leadership, dedication to peace, and commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship made this legislation possible.

“On a personal note, I was proud to know Congresswoman Lowey as a client, a friend, a fierce advocate for Israel and for peace.

“All of us at DMFI send our heartfelt condolences to Congresswoman Lowey’s husband, children, grandchildren, friends and loved ones. May her memory always be a blessing.

Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that flags were flown at half-staff in honor of former Congresswoman Nita Lowey beginning immediately and through sunset on March 17, 2025.

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, former Representative Nita Lowey,” Governor Hochul said. “As a freshman member of Congress, Nita helped show me ropes as I was learning how to navigate Washington. She was a tireless fighter for the State of New York and never stopped working to deliver for the people of Westchester and Rockland.”

Former Congresswoman Lowey served for 32 years in the House of Representatives, representing parts of the Hudson Valley. She died on March 15 in Harrison, New York, and is survived by her husband of 64 years, Stephen Lowey; her children Dana, Jackie and Douglas; and eight grandchildren.

Rep. Latimer’s Statement on the 

Passing of Former Congresswoman Nita Lowey

U.S. Representative George Latimer (NY-16) released the following statement honoring former Congresswoman Nita Lowey, who passed away this weekend:

“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.”

Statement of Jodi Grant, Executive Director, Afterschool Alliance

“The afterschool community mourns the passing of Nita Lowey, one of the most powerful, dedicated, and effective champions this country’s children and families have ever had. Former chair of the House Appropriations Committee and longtime co-chair of the House Afterschool Caucus, Lowey served in Congress for 32 years, providing rock-solid support not just to children and families in her congressional district but also to educators and the afterschool community nationwide. Lowey passed away on March 15.

A trailblazer who worked tirelessly to improve children’s education and health, Lowey spent decades helping to protect and increase funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) – the chief federal funding stream for afterschool and summer learning programs – because she understood that these programs keep our kids safe, inspire them to learn, and give working families peace of mind that their children are safe and supervised after the school day ends. In 2020, when she retired from Congress, 21st CCLC was renamed Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers in her honor.

Lowey leaves a remarkable legacy: Millions of children and families are better off because she prioritized their education and welfare. She will be long remembered and deeply missed.”