New York, NY - Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement on the retirement of Congressman Gary Ackerman (NY-5):

“I am sad to learn that my very dear friend and Colleague Congressman Gary Ackerman will be retiring at year’s end.  Since he entered office after winning a special election in 1983, I have witnessed Gary’s unyielding dedication to the people of Queens and Long Island.  As Dean of the New York’s Congressional Delegation, I can surely say that the State and City of New York have lost a great advocate of the people. Gary’s passion for public service has also been felt throughout the rest of the nation and around the world during his tenure in Congress.

Gary and I have long shared a special brotherhood.  We have both been privileged to represent the community in which we were raised and the City we love.  Civic duty has always been embedded deep in Gary as an educator, local newspaper publisher, State Senator and Member of Congress. As a senior Member of the Committee on Financial Services he has been a champion of working families and frontrunner in the effort to rebuild our economy.  Gary has worked to reform Wall Street while protecting American consumers.  Gary’s influence as a Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs reached far outside the United States.  Gary was dedicated to advancing peace in the Middle East and strengthening our country’s friendship with Israel, as well as promoting non-proliferation in North Korea.  His tenure as Chair of both the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia, and Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific will have a long-lasting legacy.

Gary’s loyalty, affection and leadership will be greatly missed by his constituents and Colleagues.  I know he will continue to do many great things as a private citizen.  I wish him well on his next journey.”