Overview

• He represented Harlem in the U.S. House for 46 years, serving 23 terms from 1971 to 2017 and becoming the first African American to chair the Ways and Means Committee in 2007.
• A decorated Korean War veteran, he earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star before using the G.I. Bill to complete his university and law degrees.
• He spearheaded major legislation including the Affordable Care Act and the Rangel Amendment, which denied tax breaks to companies investing in apartheid South Africa.
• In 2010, the House censured him for ethics violations over undisclosed rental income and fundraising improprieties, yet he continued to win reelection until his retirement.
• Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered flags at half-staff and leaders from Mayor Eric Adams to Senators Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries issued statements praising his dedication to Harlem and social justice.