Former Rep. Nita Lowey, who represented New York in Congress for 32 years and became the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, died at 87, her family said. The Democrat – a

A Democrat, she represented Westchester County for three decades and became the first woman to lead the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

"With great sadness, we announce that former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey died peacefully on March 15 at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and grandchildre