Schakowsky Statement on Retirement of Nita Lowey

EVANSTON, IL – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chairwoman of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, made the following statement today on news of the retirement of her colleague Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee.

"The retirement announcement from my dear friend and mentor Nita Lowey, for me personally, is sad news. I have relied on her steady leadership and advice for so many years and marveled as she has navigated one of the most important positions in the entire Congress, Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee. This session she has deftly shepherded bills that have passed out of her committee that reflect Nita's lifelong, deeply held values, striving to make sure the needs of everyday Americans are met, protecting our environment and ensuring the safety and security of our nation. There are very few people who have graced the halls of Congress that possess the courage, strength, grace and passion for improving this world more than Nita Lowey. In her 30+ years in Congress, Nita has achieved so much. Nita has always been there for her beloved New York, especially helping rebuild the city following September11th. She has made us all safer by developing homeland security grants for our nation's airports, and helped to found countless homeland security and counterterrorism initiatives at home and abroad. Nita may have single-handedly saved PBS when Republicans tried to eliminate our public broadcasting system.

"As an appropriator, Nita has helped to increased federal investments in biomedical research on diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's at the National Institutes of Health. And as a fellow consumer advocate, Nita is responsible for passing the first-ever bill mandating clear, concise food allergen labeling. Nita has improved women's health by passing a law that ensures women have direct access to their ob-gyns; fighting for women's reproductive rights; and ensuring that insurance companies cover prescription contraceptives for federal employees. And she has been a leader in the fight against domestic violence, securing record increases in federal funding for battered women's shelters. Around the world, Nita is well known as a champion for the education of women and girls. She is the foremost champion of human rights and enhancing the role of women in development.

"Nita will be missed, but she leaves a legacy behind that is second to none. And she has and will continue to inspire lawmakers from all walks of life. The world needs more Nita Loweys.

"To be continued, Nita, I love you."