Kaptur Statement on the Retirement of Chairwoman Nita Lowey
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, released the following statement on the retirement of House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (NY-17).
"It has been an honor to serve alongside my dear friend and colleague Chairwoman Nita Lowey for the past 31 years," said Congresswoman Kaptur. "The admiration I hold for Nita is without bounds. I am so thankful for her friendship, the level of decency and insight she brings to the chamber and our committee, and of course for the decades of diligent public service she has so selflessly dedicated to working people in her district, across the United States, and around the world. Nita is a trail blazer, as demonstrated by her service as the first Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee. She has never once deviated from the values that drove her to seek elected office in the first place or the communities she so passionately represents. I join a grateful nation in thanking her for her years of dedicated public service. Her powerful legacy will serve as a guiding light for generations."
"I have received many questions asking if I will seek the gavel following Chairwoman Lowey's departure. Though it is far too early for the Democratic Caucus to begin considering successors to that position, I am interested in placing my name for consideration as the committee member with the most experience and seniority when the time is appropriate. With all that is currently transpiring within the executive branch, as well as challenges abroad, our committee's first responsibility must be to complete our 2020 appropriations bills to ensure the continuing operations of the federal government at home and abroad. Meanwhile, let us all continue helping our dedicated Speaker and Chairwoman Lowey to meet the test of our generation."