Just over four years ago, Congress achieved a major breakthrough when it came to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: It allocated up to $250 million for people-to-people peace-building efforts. Named after a longtime Jewish lawmaker who championed peace,

Nita Lowey become assistant secretary of state in 1988 when she defeated a Republican incumbent to enter Congress. She then represented her district for more than three decades — opting to remain

"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