Nita Lowey, a Jewish Democrat from New York who served in the US House of Representatives for 32 years, has died at 87. Lowey was a longtime advocate for Mideast peace and a staunch supporter of Israel. She was the first woman to head the House Appropriations Committee and played a key role in passing the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act. Lowey's death has been mourned by colleagues and organizations, who praised her dedication to public service and her efforts to build trust and understanding in the Middle East.