Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement today after Congressman John Olver announced he would not seek re-election in 2012:

“I am sad to learn that the House of Representatives will be losing a great Member with the retirement of my friend and colleague, Congressman John Olver.  He has served the people of the first district of Massachusetts and the United Sates for two Decades with the upmost commitment to moral leadership.

It has been a privilege to serve on the first ever Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus with Congressman Olver.  He has been a key member of the Appropriations Committee, fighting to invest in jobs, economic opportunity, and sustainable development in Massachusetts and across our nation. He has always recognized that investments in transportation, infrastructure and urban areas benefit all Americans, including my own constituents in my Manhattan Congressional District.  John has also been a champion of broader health insurance access, education, worker’s rights and the environment.

I wish John, his wife and family the best of luck and happiness in the next step of their lives.”