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.