Charles Rangel, the former Democratic congressman from New York and pivotal figure in Harlem politics, has passed away at the age of 94. Known for his near five-decade career in Congress, Rangel served as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and was the first Black chair of the Ways and Means Committee. Throughout his tenure, he sponsored multiple significant bills, including the Affordable Care Act. Despite facing ethics scrutiny and censure, he continued to advocate for his community until his retirement in 2017.
Rangel, a veteran of the Korean War, defeated legendary Harlem politician Adam Clayton Powell in 1970 to start his Congressional career.
He became a legend - a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, dean of the New York Congressional delegation, and in 2007, the first Black chair of the influential Ways and Means Committee.
Throughout his tenure, Rangel sponsored 40 bills and resolutions that became law, including the national Empowerment Zone program and the Affordable Care Act.
Despite stepping down amid an ethics cloud and being censured by the House, he successfully secured re-election and served in Congress until 2017.
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