Biographical Profile for Nita M. Lowey
| Currently Elected Rep. In Congress District 17, New York |
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General: (political statement of goals, objectives, views, philosophies)
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Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey is currently serving her ninth 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 was the first woman and the first New Yorker to chair the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, leading the organization from 2001 to 2002.
Lowey has been described as "courageous" by The New York Times, "terrific" by Newsday, and one of "New York's key Members of Congress" by the New York Daily News. The Journal News called Lowey "one of the most influential Members of Congress."
As a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, and the Ranking Democrat on the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Subcommittee, Lowey is as an extremely effective, committed legislator with a substantial record. Congressional Quarterly called her one of the 50 most effective Members of Congress, saying she "maneuvers skillfully through the appropriations process," and Newsday said she "delivers for New York."
Few members of Congress have taken key leadership roles on so many vital public policy issues. Lowey is a leading Congressional proponent of educational opportunity, health care quality and biomedical research, stricter gun control and public safety laws, environmental protection, women's issues, a leading international role for the United States, and national security.
In 2003, she was chosen by her colleagues to serve on the Select Committee on Homeland Security. An outspoken supporter of federalizing air and nuclear security and increasing port and rail security, Lowey was recognized by the New York Post as "a key general in the battle to rebuild New York" for her leadership in securing over $20 billion for recovery efforts after September 11, 2001.
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Personal: (gender, age, marital status, spouse's name and age, children's name and
ages, home town, current residence)
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Lowey was born in the Bronx. Nita and Stephen Lowey have been married for over 40 years and have three grown children and seven grandchildren.
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Education: (times and places of schools, colleges, major, degrees, activities, sports)
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Lowey graduated from the Bronx High School of Science, where she was the senior class president; and received a Bachelor's Degree from Mount Holyoke College.
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Profession: (profession and work experience outside politics)
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New York Assistant Secretary of State, 1985-1988
Economic Development and Neighborhood Preservation, and Deputy Director, Division of Economic Opportunity, 1975-1985.
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Military: (branch, years of service, active duty experience, highest rank, medals,
honors, discharge date and type)
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None.
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Civic: (past and present organizations, charities involvement)
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Close-Up Foundation
Effective Parenting Information for Children
National Committee of Police Corps
Westchester Jewish Conference
Westchester Opportunity Program
Windward School
Young Women's Chrostian Association, Women's Network.
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Political: (dates and titles of previously held political offices)
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Lowey joined the House of Representatives in 1989.
Lowey is a leading Congressional proponent for strengthening our economy, improving education, providing quality and affordable health care, increasing funding for biomedical research, safeguarding a women's right to choose, relieving our dependence on foreign oil, and protecting the environment.
As the Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Lowey plays a vital leadership role in strengthening America's alliances around the world and ensuring that the United States meets the challenge of global leadership.
In the aftermath of September 11th, Lowey was chosen to be a Member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security. She has fought successfully to provide first responders with resources to confront emergencies, to obtain a fair share of federal homeland security funding for New York State, and to bolster security at critical facilities, including our airports, nuclear plants, and ports.
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Religion: (current and past religious affiliations, beliefs)
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Jewish.
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Accomplishments: (significant accomplishments, awards, achievements)
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Among Lowey's many personal accomplishments are:
Dramatically increasing federal funding for after-school education from $1 million in 1996 to $1 billion today.
Passing the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act to bolster federal research and combat potential environmental causes of breast cancer.
Saving the Public Broadcasting System and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Authoring and adopting a new food allergen labeling law called by The New York Times "an all too rare example . . . of bipartisan cooperation to serve the public good."
Leading the fight for a national DWI standard of .08 to crack down on drinking and driving and improve the safety of our roads.
Creating the Long Island Sound Office at the EPA and Co-Founding the Hudson River Caucus to ensure that these essential waterways receive the attention and resources they need.
Obtaining record federal support for battered women's shelters.
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