Flags Will Fly at Half-Staff to Honor Former Congresswoman Nita Lowey

Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Sunday that flags across New York State will be flown at half-staff until March 17, 2025, in memory of former Congresswoman Nita Lowey, who pass away on March 15 in Harrison, New York. Lowey represented parts of the Hudson Valley for 32 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and was celebrated for her dedication to public service and contributions to the Democratic Party. Born Nita Sue Menikoff in 1937 in the Bronx, Lowey graduated from Bronx High School of Science and later earned a degree from Mount Holyoke College. She began her political career after marrying attorney Stephen Lowey in 1961 and was first elected to Congress in 1988, representing New York’s 17th Congressional District. Lowey's leadership skills were evident as she became chair of the House Appropriations Committee in 2019, where she was known for her staunch opposition to President Donald Trump, whom she described as an 'embarrassment' during a budget hearing in 2017. Her family released a heartfelt statement expressing how central family was to her life and how they will miss her dearly. They noted that she lived a full and purposeful life, a sentiment echoed by many colleagues and constituents. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Lowey as a 'principled, passionate and powerful public servant' who had shattered 'multiple glass ceilings' throughout her career. In reflecting on Nita Lowey’s legacy, it becomes clear that her contributions go beyond her decades in Congress; she served as a role model for women in politics, embodying resilience and dedication to public service. Her retirement marked the end of an era that saw significant accomplishments for her constituents and the Democratic Party. The decision to lower flags in her honor acknowledges her significant impact on both New York and national politics. This article has been analyzed and reviewed by artificial intelligence to ensure accuracy and provide deeper insight into Lowey’s long-lasting legacy and the reactions to her passing.