Letter to the Editor: Kudos to Lowey for Committee Apointment

To the editor:

When the 113th Congress convenes in Jan. 1, our own Congresswoman Nita Lowey will serve as the top Ranking Member on the Appropriations Committee. This is no small achievement, given that it is one of the most powerful committees in the House.

Congresswoman Lowey has had a stellar 24-year career in Congress, distinguished by hard work, an unfailing advocacy for progressive goals, and a solid ability to work constructively across party lines. Who better to hold this well deserved position, particularly in times like these, when we are dealing with a deep and ongoing economic crises and the very real fallout from Hurricane Sandy and other natural disasters. At this time, more than any other, the sensibilities of the members of this committee, their focus on our economy and their compassion for people’s circumstances is paramount.

In addition, when the Democratic Caucus voted to elect Congresswoman Lowey to this seat, it also voted to break the glass ceiling of the Appropriations Committee. Congresswoman Lowey is, in fact, the first woman in American history selected for this influential position. Again, no small achievement in the wake of the recent “war on women” that went far beyond simple GOP campaigning but seeped into the passage of reactive legislation in areas across the country.

So, given all of the issues currently facing our country: the expiring tax reductions for middle-class families; the need to reduce spending while maintaining essential services; the desperate need for job creation and relief to those most affected by Hurricane Sandy and other natural disasters; the support needed to improve our schools and health care system; the condition of our aged and crumbling infrastructure; and our need to ensure security at home and abroad, I applaud the Democratic caucus for electing Congresswoman Lowey to be the ranking member of House Appropriations Committee.

Congratulations, Congresswoman Lowey, for a seat well deserved, and for a job well done.
Sincerely,
Drew Claxton
Deputy Mayor, City of Peekskill