• Former U.S. Representative Charles Rangel passed away at the age of 94.
• Rangel served in Congress for nearly five decades, from 1971 until 2017.
• He was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first Black chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
• Rangel's death was confirmed by his family and reported by several news agencies.

Charles Rangel, the prominent former U.S. Congressman from Harlem, has died at the age of 94. Known for his outspoken nature, Rangel served nearly five decades in Congress, first being elected in 1970 after defeating the legendary Adam Clayton Powell Jr. His career was marked by significant achievements, including being a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first African American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee in 2007, although he stepped down amid ethics violations and was censured in 2010, according to ABC News and Los Angeles Times.

Rangel’s family confirmed his passing through a statement from the City College of New York, where he served as a statesman-in-residence after retirement. Several political figures expressed their condolences and admiration, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling Rangel “a patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent and champion for justice,” highlighting Rangel's support for low-income communities throughout his career and his notable policy contributions, according to CBS News and HuffPost.

Rangel’s legacy includes pivotal legislation such as the "Rangel Amendment" which aimed to cut tax breaks for U.S. firms investing in apartheid-era South Africa. A veteran of the Korean War, he was also recognized for his commitment to serving his constituents passionately. Rangel’s unique gravelly voice and fervent speeches made him a memorable figure in American politics, detesting equality for all, as noted by sources including The New York Times and India Times.