Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Chairman Charles Rangel

San Francisco – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the passing of former Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel:

“Today, I join my colleagues in Congress and many across America in mourning the Lion of Lenox Avenue: Chairman Charles Rangel.  Serving in Congress for nearly half-a-century, Chairman Rangel was an impactful legislator and a lifelong voice for the voiceless and champion of the oppressed. 

“Chairman Rangel’s life was a tribute to service. He earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart in the Korean War — and it was my privilege to witness Chairman Rangel receive an award from the Korean government for his service to peace. He faced down the forces of hate in the Civil Rights Movement — and as a founding Member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first Black American to serve on and Chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee, he fought to promote economic opportunity in underserved communities and advance historic investments in affordable housing and health care.  Always shining a light on oppression abroad, he secured passage of the Rangel Amendment to repeal tax breaks for corporations doing business in South Africa – and championed tax and trade agreements in the Caribbean and Africa.  As Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, he used his gavel to advance financial security for working families amid the hardship of the Great Recession. He played an essential role in crafting both the Recovery Act and the Affordable Care Act where I saw firsthand his fight for low-income families.

“Throughout his decades of public service, Chairman Rangel was a skilled, relentless advocate for justice, for equality and for the people of Harlem.  May it be a comfort to his beloved children Steven and Alicia and the entire Rangel family that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.”