Speaker Heastie Statement on the Passing of Former Representative Charlie Rangel

It is with deep sadness that I learned today of the passing of former Representative Charlie Rangel. He was a role model. As a kid growing up and getting into politics, he was a person you looked up to and wanted to emulate. He dedicated his life to public service – earning a Purple Heart in the U.S. Army, and going on to serve in the New York State Assembly and in Congress. He was a champion for Harlem and fought to uplift and improve the lives of New Yorkers and people across our country. My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time.