Longtime Rep. Nita Lowey dead at 87

Former Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., has died at age 87, according to her family.

"Nita's family was central to her life as she was to all of ours," the longtime lawmaker's family said in a statement. "We will miss her more than words can say and take great comfort in knowing that she lived a full and purposeful life."

She married attorney Stephen Lowey in 1961, and was first elected to Congress in 1988 to represent New York's 17th Congressional District.

"The president is an embarrassment and as a member of the Congress and as the leader of the Appropriations Committee, we have the responsibility to serve the people," she said at the time.

Lowey announced her retirement that same year, with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., telling the New York Post that the longtime lawmaker was a "principled, passionate and powerful public servant."

"Over the course of her historic career, Congresswoman Lowey courageously served her constituents and stood up for New Yorkers while shattering multiple glass ceilings along the way," Jeffries said Sunday, adding that Lowey was a "mentor and friend."

Lowey is survived by her husband, three children and eight grandchildren.