Former New York Rep. Charles Rangel, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus who spent more than four decades in the House, has died, according to WABC. He was 94 years old.
Rangel served in the House from 1971 until 2017, serving during his tenure as the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. After leaving Congress, Rangel served as statesman-in-residence at The City College of New York, its website said.
“Rangel was a war hero, history-making congressman, and master lawmaker,” the college wrote in an obit for Rangel, later adding that he was “recognized as one of the hardest working legislators in Congress.”
Charles Rangel attends Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney Fundraiser at the Princeton Club of New York, April 24, 2017, in New York.
Presley Ann/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
House Minority Leader and fellow New Yorker Hakeem Jeffries paid tribute to Rangel Monday morning, acknowledging his service in the military and Congress in a post on X.
“Rep. Charlie Rangel was a phenomenal patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent & champion for justice. The Lion of Lenox Ave was a transformational force of nature. Harlem, NYC & America are better today because of his service. May he forever rest in power,” Jeffries posted on X.
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