RESULTS Honors Rep. Lowey for Her Leadership on Global Education

Last Wednesday night, RESULTS partnered with the Global Campaign for Education – US and the Basic Education Coalition to honor Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) for her longtime leadership in Congress on global basic education programs.

Twenty five years ago this month, Congresswoman Lowey was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. As RESULTS volunteers know well, since her election, Ms. Lowey has become an unparalleled champion for the right for all children around the world to access a quality education. Congresswoman Lowey has continuously and successfully fought for funding for U.S. global basic education programs, and worked to strengthen U.S. global education policy through the introduction of the Education for All Act the past several congressional sessions. Her commitment has helped ensure millions of children access a classroom and the skills they need to become productive, healthy, and educated members of their communities.

And we're not the only ones who recognize the amazing work she has done and continues to do. The show of support for Congresswoman Lowey was incredibly moving, and a bright light amongst the fighting and frustration on Capitol Hill right now. Wednesday's program kicked off with remarks from Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. RESULTS Legislative Director John Fawcett then introduced Congresswoman Lowey's counterpart on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX) who delivered heartfelt words about the close working relationship she shares with Ms. Lowey.

Then, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) thanked Ms. Lowey for her leadership and her commitment. The program was rounded out by remarks from USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah, who encouraged Congresswoman Lowey to continue to push USAID to improve their education programs, crediting much of the U.S. government's progress to her work.

And that's not all – 170 attendees and a total of a dozen members of Congress came by to honor Congresswoman Lowey, including Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Rick Nolan (D-MN), Charlie Rangel (D-NY), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). We were also joined by a number of officials from USAID.

It was a rare opportunity to thank a congressional champion and her staff in public, and to invite her colleagues to show their support as well. As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I encourage you to find something to thank your members of Congress for, and urge them to continue working to support the health, education, and economic opportunity of the poorest and most vulnerable people at home and around the world.

Photos, from top: Congresswoman Lowey speaking on Wednesday night; leaders of BEC and GCE-US along with RESULTS Legislative Director John Fawcett celebrate with Congresswoman Lowey, her colleagues in Congress, and USAID Administor Raj Shah; the RESULTS, GCE-US, and BEC teams thank Congresswoman Lowey for leading on education.