Former U.S. Representative Charles Rangel of New York, a prominent figure in American politics and an advocate for civil rights, passed away on Monday at the age of 94. His family confirmed the news in a statement provided by a spokesperson for the City College of New York. Rangel died at a hospital in New York City.

Born into a life of public service, Rangel was a veteran of the Korean War and began his congressional career in 1971 after defeating the legendary Harlem politician Adam Clayton Powell in the Democratic primary of 1970. Over the next 40 years, Rangel became a significant figure in U.S. politics, known for his gravelly voice and sense of humor. He was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and became the first African American to chair the Ways and Means Committee in 2007.

Despite his accomplishments, Rangel's career was not without controversy. He stepped down from his committee chairmanship amidst an ethics investigation and was censured by the House in 2010 for multiple ethics violations, which included failing to pay taxes and soliciting donations improperly. His ethical troubles did not stop him from continuing to serve until 2017, when he chose not to seek reelection.

Rangel was a member of the distinguished group known as the Gang of Four, alongside other influential African American leaders such as David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson. Throughout his tenure, Rangel was known for his fiery opposition to the Iraq War, which he referred to as a "death tax" on minorities and the poor. In 2004, he controversially proposed a bill to reinstate the draft, which was perceived as a critique of the war effort.

Notably, Rangel's confrontations extended into the realm of personal politics, as demonstrated in his exchange with then-Vice President Dick Cheney. Rangel speculated about Cheney's health, suggesting he might be "sick rather than just mean and evil," which prompted a retort from Cheney accusing Rangel of "losing it."

The charismatic lawmaker was dedicated to his constituents, advocating for tax credits to incentivize businesses' movement into economically distressed neighborhoods and supporting the development of low-income housing. Rangel often expressed his commitment to fighting for "the little guy," reflecting the spirit of his legislative efforts.

During his service in the Korean War, Rangel earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He often referenced his military service as a measure for his life, even during challenging times in his political career. His personal narrative was captured in his autobiography, titled And I Haven't Had a Bad Day Since.

Rangel's educational journey was significant, as he was a high school dropout who later attended college under the G.I. Bill, earning degrees from New York University and St. John's University Law School. His legacy encompasses both his storied career on Capitol Hill and his impact on the community he represented throughout his life.