Charles Rangel

Charles Rangel is an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for New York from 1971 to 2017. A prominent member of the Democratic Party, he represented various districts in Manhattan, including Harlem, and rose to become the powerful chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Rangel, a decorated Korean War veteran, was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and a key figure in legislative efforts on taxation, trade, and social welfare.

Early Life and Education

Charles Bernard Rangel was born on June 11, 1930, in Harlem, New York City, to parents of African American and Puerto Rican descent. He dropped out of DeWitt Clinton High School but later earned a high school equivalency diploma after serving in the United States Army. During the Korean War, he served with the 503rd Artillery Regiment and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal for his actions in the Battle of Kunu-ri. After his military service, he used the G.I. Bill to attend New York University, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1957, and then a Juris Doctor from St. John's University School of Law in 1960.

Career

After passing the New York State Bar Examination, Rangel worked as an assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York under Robert M. Morgenthau. He also served as legal counsel to the New York City Housing and Development Administration and as a general counsel for the National Advisory Commission on Selective Service. His early legal and public service work established his connections in New York City politics, leading to his election to the New York State Assembly in 1966, where he represented the Harlem-based 72nd district.

Political Career

In 1970, Rangel successfully challenged incumbent Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in the Democratic primary for New York's 15th congressional district, winning the general election and taking his seat in the 92nd United States Congress. He quickly became a influential voice, co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus and serving on the House Judiciary Committee during the Watergate hearings. A staunch liberal, he championed legislation like the Federal Assault Weapons Ban and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. His greatest power came with his ascension to the chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee in 2007, where he oversaw major policy on taxation, Social Security, Medicare, and international tariffs.

Controversies

Rangel's tenure was marred by several ethics investigations. In 2008, the House Committee on Ethics began probing allegations concerning his use of rent-stabilized apartments in Manhattan, failure to report rental income from a villa in the Dominican Republic, and improper solicitation of donations for the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at City College of New York. In 2010, the committee found him guilty of 11 counts of ethics violations, leading to a rare censure by the full House of Representatives. He was also pressured to step down from his chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee during the investigation.

Later Life and Legacy

After his censure, Rangel remained in Congress, winning re-election in 2012 and 2014. He did not seek re-election in 2016 and was succeeded by Adriano Espaillat. In his post-congressional life, he has taught public policy at institutions like Columbia University and remains a vocal commentator. His legacy is that of a trailblazing figure in the Congressional Black Caucus, a formidable legislator on fiscal policy, and a complex political icon whose career was marked by significant achievement and notable scandal. Key legislative landmarks bearing his influence include the Harlem Renaissance empowerment zone and the Trade Act of 2002. Category:1930 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from New York Category:New York Democrats Category:American army personnel of the Korean War Category:People from Harlem