Congressman Charles B. Rangel
U.S. House of Representatives
Congressman Charles B. Rangel is serving his 20th term in the U.S. House of Representatives representing the 15th Congressional district of Upper Manhattan, New York. He was elected chairman of the Ways and Means Committee in 2007, and is the Dean of the New York State Congressional delegation.
One of the most powerful committees in Congress, Ways and Means has oversight authority over economic policy, taxes, international trade, welfare, Social Security, Medicare and health care policy. As chairman, Congressman Rangel has been a leading player in moving President Obama's recovery initiative. He also led the Committee in passing the House's version of President Obama's healthcare reform legislation.
While supporting the President's program, Congressman Rangel continues to press a broad personal agenda geared to preparing an educated and better trained workforce to meet the challenges of global competition, expanding economic opportunities for all Americans, and addressing the unique concerns of returning military veterans.
From Harlem to Washington
Congressman Rangel was first elected to Congress in 1970. Unseating the legendary Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., he became the second representative from his district which was created in 1945. The 15th district encompasses Central Harlem--the Congressman's birthplace, East Harlem, the Upper West Side, Washington Heights and Inwood. It is one of the most racially and culturally diverse Congressional districts in the country.
Upon entering Congress in 1971, Congressman Rangel helped found the Congressional Black Caucus. He participated in the historic Congressional investigation of the Watergate scandal which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
Congressman Rangel has compiled an outstanding record of accomplishments. He was the principal author of the $5 billion Federal Empowerment Zone program which is responsible in large part for the revitalization of Harlem and other communities around the country.
He has been a champion for the poor while, at the same time, promoting overall economic development. Among his major legislative accomplishments: the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, which has financed most of the nation's affordable housing; the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to create jobs for underprivileged workers; and the Earned Income Tax Credit, which has boosted the income of millions of lower-income families.
Reflecting his career-long commitment to education, the Congressman spearheaded enactment of the Qualified Zone Academy Bond program which authorized financing for the rehabilitation of public schools across the country. Working with major corporations, he has attracted millions of dollars in private investments in local schools. Among his proudest achievements is the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program which has opened diplomatic careers to hundreds of low-income young people.
The Foreign Policy Record
On foreign policy, Congressman Rangel has been a staunch supporter of Haiti, most recently spearheading legislation to enhance contributions to the devastated island. He authored landmark legislation promoting U.S trade with the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa. He was a forceful advocate for democracy in South Africa and remains a leader in the movement to normalize trade and diplomatic relations with Cuba.
Harlem Is His Home
Congressman Rangel was born and raised in Harlem and continues to reside there. He is a Purple Heart and Bronze Star veteran of the Korean War and a graduate of New York University and St. John's Law School. He and his wife, Alma, have two adult children and three grandchildren.
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