Ex-Rep. Charlie Rangel, fixture on Capitol Hill for nearly half a century, dead at 94
New York Post1 day
Former New York City Rep. Charles Rangel Passes at 94
Above: Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., is interviewed by Roll Call in his Rayburn Building office on Dec. 2, 2016. Image copyright: Tom Williams/Contributor/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Rangel's legacy represents transformational leadership and unwavering dedication to justice that elevated communities and broke down racial barriers. His legislative accomplishments include creating empowerment zones with tax credits for economically depressed areas, expanding the earned-income tax credit, and championing the "Rangel Amendment" that denied foreign tax credits to companies investing in apartheid-era South Africa.
Republican narrative
Rangel's passing is tragic and his public service is well noted. The ethics violations associated with his tenure unfortunately are also a component of his past but, nevertheless, Rangel had a long and decorated career serving his country and his constituents.