Former New York congressman Charles Rangel passes away at 94: spent 4 decades in Congress
Charles Rangel, former Harlem congressman and founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, passed away at 94 after serving 46 years in Congress and leaving a lasting legacy as a veteran, legislator, and civil rights leader.
Charles Rangel, a giant in American politics, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and a member of Congress for 46 years, has passed away at the age of 94. Charles Rangel made his mark as a hero in the Korean War, and as a decorated soldier, a member of Congress, a civil rights leader, and lawmaker.
Rangel's role in historic legislation from the years after the Korean War, to his leadership in the Congress as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, led to legislation that changed America, especially the Affordable Care Act. Rangel is known for embracing the title of "The Lion of Harlem" after years of contributions to public service, and for the communities he represented.
Charles Rangel, congressman from Harlem, died at the age of 94
Charles Rangel, former Harlem congressman and founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, as well as the last surviving member of the influential "Gang of Four," has passed away at the age of 94.
Rangel was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1971 after defeating Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Over his 46-year career, he notably chaired the House Ways and Means Committee starting in 2007. He represented what is now New York’s 13th Congressional District and was a decorated Korean War veteran, earning both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.
The City College of New York confirmed Rangel’s passing, honoring him as a war hero, trailblazing congressman, and close friend.
"He served for 23 terms in the House of Representatives and was cited as the most effective lawmaker in Congress, leading all of his colleagues in passing legislation. He was the primary sponsor of President Obama's historic health care reform law. Recognized as one of the hardest working legislators in Congress, he sponsored 40 bills and resolutions that became law throughout his tenure.", the college highlighted.
CCNY stated Rangel's most important achievements in legislation were: the national Empowerment Zone program; the Affordable Care Act; the Low Income Housing Tax Credit; the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); the Work Opportunity Tax Credit; the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI); the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act; and the 'Rangel Amendment' which was the last nail in the coffin for Apartheid in South Africa.
Rangel continued to enjoy the limelight of politics even in retirement from Congress in 2017. He kept busy with the City College and started the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative to create jobs, mainly in the Bronx.
Rangel met the love of his life, Alma, on the dance floor at the iconic Savoy Ballroom in Harlem in the 1950s. Alma died last October, also at the age of 94.
The couple had 2 children and many grandchildren.
There has not been a notice yet regarding funeral arrangements.
News of Rangel's death prompted across New York
As news of his death spread, reaction started to pour in from across New York City and beyond.
Mayor Eric Adams praised Rangel's lifelong dedication to public service, calling him a "dear friend and exemplary model of devotion and courage. My prayers are with his family, Harlem, and all who knew him."
Moreover, former New York Gov. David Paterson's father, Basil Paterson, was a member of the "Gang of Four," with David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Rangel.
"We lost one of the greats today. Charlie Rangel's commitment to public service was legendary. I grew up listening to him, my father, Percy Sutton and David Dinkins establish plans and follow them through to completion to enrich Harlem and our great state," Paterson said.
At the same time, Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton described Rangel as a "lion of Harlem" and praised his lifelong activism and leadership. Finally, New York Governor Kathy Hochul reflected on his decades of service, expressing heartbreak over the loss of "The Lion of Harlem."
