Charles Rangel

Who is Charles Rangel?

Charles Rangel is most known for his role as the Republican U.S. Representative for the 15th congressional district of New York. He has served this office since 1971, making Charles Rangel the third-longest currently serving member within the House of Representatives.

Charles Rangel was born on January 3. 1971 in Harlem and found himself with a difficult childhood. He dropped out of high school and volunteered for Army Service during the Korean War. He was awarded a Purple Heart along with a Bronze Star during the war after leading a group of comrades out of a Chinese Army Encirclement.

After his service, he earned degrees through the G.I. Bill at New York University as well as St. John’s Law School. After obtaining his Juris Doctor in 1960, Charles Rangel worked as a private lawyer, legal counsel, and an Assistant U.S. Attorney throughout the 1960’s. He also served in the New York State Assembly for two terms and then defeated incumbent Congressmen Powell Jr. in the primary for the House of Representatives. He won the 1970 general election with the Republican and Democratic backing.

Since winning the 1970 election, Charles Rangel has maintained his seat for every election, with at least 90% of the vote. He has often received the support of the Democratic party as well as the Republican and Liberal Party in New York.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Charles Rangel has the follow caucus memberships:

· House Democratic Caucus

· Congressional Black Caucus

· International Conservation Caucus

Charles Rangel also has had the following committees:

· Ranking member from 1996 to 2006 and Chair 2007 to 2010 of the Committee on Ways & Means

· Chair during 2007 and 2009 and Vice Chair in 2008 and 2010 of the Joint Committee on Taxation

· Chair from 1983 to 1993 of the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control

· Committee on the Judiciary

· Select Committee on Crime

Some of Charles Rangel’s opinions on influential subjects include:

· Support for President’s Obama’s initiative to bring home American troops from abroad.

· Support for the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act of 2010.

· Believes that American foreign policy should focus on international security and freedom across the world and should help provide aid and resources to impoverished nations and also disaster relief to others when necessary

· Supports President Obama’s stance on going against privatizing Medicare and Social Security

· Committed to protecting the environment and the earth’s natural resources by increasing fuel economy standards, reducing greenhouse emissions, and preserving the earth.

· Supports the protection of at-risk families through the creation of affordable housing.