Lengel served in the Legislature for 46 years from 1971 to 2017, co-founded the Black Caucus of Parliament.
Charles Wrangel, a former 23rd term House member from New York, passed away Monday at the age of 94, according to his family.
Democrat Wangel was the last surviving co-founder of “Gang of Four,” a political coalition of Congressional Black Caucus and Harlem lawmakers.
His family confirmed Lengel’s death in a statement from New York City College (CCNY) on Monday and served as a politician resident after retiring from the council.
CCNY said Rangel was the “hardest working lawmaker” in Congress and it became law citing 40 bills and resolutions he sponsored. The university also recognized lingel for his military service. He won a purple heart and a bronze star for his courageous actions in the US military during the Korean War.
He was also a major sponsor of Obamacare. This is President Barack Obama’s Healthcare Reform Act.
At CCNY, Rangel launched the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative to support infrastructure jobs in Manhattan and Bronx.
Before that, Wrangel served in Parliament for 46 years from 1971 to 2017. He represented five different council districts and became known as the “Lion of Lennox Avenue.” During his tenure, Rangel co-founded Congress’ Black Caucus and became the first black president of the powerful Ways and Means committee. When he retired, he was the second-longest serving incumbent member of the House.
New York lawmakers on Saturday paid tribute to his legacy.
House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (DN.Y.) said longtime House lawmakers had broken the barrier as the first African American. Jeffries also acknowledged that he is the author of the low-income housing tax credit. Jeffries said it helped to promote the development of millions of affordable housing units across the country.
Rep. Charles Schumer (DN.Y.) said Wangel was “a great man, a great friend and someone who never stopped fighting for America’s best with his constituents.”
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called Wrangel a mentor and friend.
