Reply #18: Nita M. Lowey [View All]

[MrBenchley]

"Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey is currently serving her eighth term in Congress, representing parts of Westchester and Rockland counties. She was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988 and has served in the Democratic Leadership.



Lowey has been described as "courageous" by The New York Times, and recognized by the New York Daily News as one of "New York's key Members of Congress." Newsday said she is "terrific" and "delivers for New York." The Journal News called Lowey "one of the most influential Members of Congress."

Lowey was the first woman and the first New Yorker to chair the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, leading the organization from 2001 to 2002.

As a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, and the Ranking Democrat on the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Subcommittee, Lowey has developed a reputation as an extremely effective, committed legislator with a substantial record of accomplishment. Congressional Quarterly cited her as one of the 50 most effective Members of Congress, saying she "maneuvers skillfully through the appropriations process."

Lowey is known as a strong advocate for women, children, and families. She has been a champion of education since her election to the House, fighting for school modernization, teacher development, and literacy programs. Under Lowey's leadership, federal funding for after-school programs has increased from $1 million in 1996 to $1 billion today. Lowey supported monumental education reform, the No Child Left Behind Act, and is working to ensure full funding for the bill's initiatives."

http://www.house.gov/lowey/aboutNita.htm