[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 67 (Thursday, April 16, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF REPRESENTATIVE ELIOT ENGEL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 16, 2026

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of my 
colleague, Representative Eliot Lance Engel of New York. Congressman 
Engel passed away on April 10, 2026, in New York City at the age of 79. 
My condolences are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
  Prior to his political career, Congressman Engel worked as a teacher 
and guidance counselor in the Bronx. Eliot and I often shared stories 
over our similar experiences as teachers of social studies. After 
teaching, he was elected to the New York State Assembly representing 
the 81st District. During his tenure in the New York State Assembly, he 
concurrently pursued his Juris Doctor at the New York Law School.
  In Congress, Congressman Engel was a dear colleague. I worked closely 
with him on issues related to foreign affairs, travelling around the 
world together from Iraq to India together. In his time in Congress, 
Congressman Engel played an instrumental role in passing key 
international development and humanitarian legislation such as the re-
authorization of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief 
(PEPFAR) which included his Stop Tuberculosis Now Act. He also 
championed efforts here in the United States and around the world to 
protect and expand LGBTQ+ rights. Congressman Engel was also a strong 
advocate for healthcare reform including the Affordable Care Act, and 
the Partnering to Improve Maternity Care Quality Act which improved 
maternity care both for mothers and newborns.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the life and work of 
Congressman Eliot Engel.

                          ____________________