WASHINGTON, DC – Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Representative Nita Lowey of New York:

USGLC joins so many across the country in mourning the loss of an extraordinary leader, Representative Nita Lowey. A stateswoman and a resolute champion for America’s role in the world, Nita’s impact on global development and diplomacy will be felt for generations to come.

From leading the fight to strengthen U.S. investments in global health, education, and empowering women and girls, to her legacy of peacebuilding with the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act, to her steadfast commitment to ensuring America remains a force for good in the world, Nita’s principled leadership was unmatched. As the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, she understood that America’s global engagement is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic one—keeping our nation safer and our economy stronger.

On a personal level, I was privileged to call her a dear friend. It was such an honor for USGLC and our entire community to recognize Nita Lowey with our Global Leadership Award in 2013 and I know her legacy of bipartisanship and commitment to smart, effective U.S. global leadership will continue to inspire us all.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

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