Former United States Congressman Charles B. Rangel, a decorated war veteran and a political titan who dedicated 46 years to the House of Representatives before committing his later years to addressing infrastructure job shortages in his former district, passed away on Memorial Day at the age of 94.
A founding member of the influential Congressional Black Caucus, Rangel made history as the first African American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. He represented what is now New York’s 13th Congressional District from 1971 to 2017, subsequently serving as Statesman-in-Residence at The City College of New York.
Continuing his lifelong mission of service, Rangel launched the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative (RIWI) at CCNY in 2022. This program aimed to bolster modern infrastructure job opportunities within upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
Revered as a war hero, a history-making congressman, and a master legislator, Rangel served 23 terms in the House and was often cited as one of its most effective lawmakers. Notably, he served as the primary sponsor of President Obama’s landmark Affordable Care Act.
Throughout his distinguished tenure, recognized by his colleagues for his tireless work ethic, Rangel sponsored 40 bills and resolutions that were enacted into law. His significant legislative achievements include championing 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 played a crucial role in dismantling Apartheid in South Africa.
Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to education, Rangel was instrumental in creating financial mechanisms for the construction and rehabilitation of public schools across the nation. Adhering to the principles of social justice, he was a steadfast advocate for the most vulnerable in society, tirelessly working to improve the lives of working families, fighting for job creation and educational opportunities, and championing equality and justice for all.
Born and raised in Harlem, Rangel began his career in public service with his election to the New York State Assembly. He subsequently served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney before being first elected to Congress in 1970. Congressman Rangel retired from the United States Congress in 2017. His service to the nation extended to the Korean War, where he bravely served and was awarded a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his valor.
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