Congresswoman Beatty’s Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Charles B. Rangel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus, issued the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Charles Rangel:

“I mourn the loss of former Congressman Charles B. Rangel—a giant in Congress, a civil rights champion, and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. As the first African American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, former Congressman Rangel broke barriers and paved the way for generations of leaders. His decades of service were marked by courage, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to justice.

My heart is saddened like all of my colleagues who were blessed to have sat with this giant. We learned from one of the best, stood on his shoulders, and now walk forward carrying his legacy. I will always cherish his words, his stories, and the joy of being—what he called me—‘the girl from Ohio.’

May we honor former Congressman Rangel by continuing to advance the values for which he stood so powerfully.”

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