Tenacious NY Rep Nita Lowey Passes Away at 87

Former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey Passes Away at 87

Nita M. Lowey, renowned for her steadfast support of liberal causes during her 32-year tenure as a U.S. Representative from Westchester County, New York, passed away on Saturday at her Harrison, New York home. She was 87 years old, and her family revealed that she had been battling metastatic breast cancer.

A Democrat with a reputation for her warm and approachable demeanor, Lowey, often affectionately described as having a “grandmotherly image,” was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1988 at the age of 51. Throughout her impressive career, she became a prominent voice for various progressive initiatives, skillfully navigating the complex landscape of congressional legislation.

Lowey served on the House Appropriations Committee for nearly the entirety of her time in Congress, ultimately becoming the first woman to chair the influential committee. This role positioned her at the forefront of federal budget negotiations, allowing her to play a vital role in determining funding allocations for a myriad of government programs. Nancy Pelosi, the California Democrat and former House Speaker, praised Lowey as a “master legislator,” highlighting her blend of grace and tenacity in pursuing common ground while standing firm on critical issues.

Despite her amiable personality, colleagues, including longtime Republican Congressman Henry J. Hyde, cautioned others not to underestimate her effectiveness in policymaking. Hyde famously remarked, “She can make you smile while you’re bleeding,” referring to her ability to negotiate fiercely while maintaining a cordial demeanor, coining the phrase “the perfumed ice pick.”

Lowey’s legislative career was characterized by her commitment to advancing women’s rights, health services, and education. She was a robust advocate for reproductive rights, consistently opposing legislation that sought to restrict access to abortion. In a notable instance, she voted against a 1999 bill that would criminalize adults who traveled with minors across state lines for abortion services to evade parental notification laws. "This bill could throw grandmothers in jail for helping their granddaughters," she stated, underscoring her dedication to protecting women’s rights.

Throughout her years in Congress, Lowey championed numerous causes, including enhanced federal funding for homeless programs, low-cost housing initiatives, and early childhood education. She vehemently criticized reproductive health policies established under both Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump that barred federal aid for organizations providing abortion services. “This is a cruel and unprecedented attack on the world’s most vulnerable women,” she remarked.

A fierce advocate against sexual harassment, Lowey took part in significant political movements, including a march in 1991 alongside fellow legislators to demand that the Senate Judiciary Committee address Anita Hill’s allegations against Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. Despite their efforts, the Senate confirmed Thomas.

Her attention to New York-specific issues was unwavering. Lowey was particularly instrumental in defending New York’s financial assistance following the September 11 attacks, advocating against efforts to diminish the $20 billion promise made by President Bush for the city’s recovery. Moreover, she persistently urged federal regulators to close the Indian Point nuclear power station due to safety concerns, asserting that “no amount of energy capacity could outweigh the risk” associated with its operation.

During the Trump administration, Lowey voiced her opposition to what she deemed misguided priorities like budget cuts affecting essential domestic programs while advocating for border wall construction. Her ability to straddle the line between progressive ideals and necessary compromises exemplified her skillful navigation of the often contentious political landscape.

Born Nita Sue Melnikoff in the Bronx on July 5, 1937, she was the daughter of Jack, an accountant, and Beatrice Melnikoff, a homemaker involved in community services. She graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and attended Mount Holyoke College. Before entering politics, Lowey worked in advertising and later served in various capacities within the New York Secretary of State’s office focusing on economic development.

Her political journey began when she ran for a congressional seat in Westchester County in 1988, defeating incumbent Republican Joseph J. DioGuardi. Lowey’s successful campaign highlighted her commitment to securing adequate funding for housing and social programs in a period marked by a struggling economy.

After almost three decades of service, Lowey decided not to seek re-election in 2019, stating during her announcement that she had reached the conclusion that “the time was right” to step back from public office. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers for women in politics, with her time as the first woman to lead the Appropriations Committee being a point of significant pride for her.

She is survived by her husband, Stephen Lowey, alongside their three children—Dana, Jackie, and Douglas—and eight grandchildren. Nita M. Lowey’s indelible mark on American politics will be remembered as one characterized by unwavering support for social justice, women’s rights, and a relentless pursuit of equity in federal budgeting and spending.