Obama Pays Tribute to Retiring Ackerman
President Barack Obama paid tribute Friday to New York Rep. Gary Ackerman, who announced he would retire from Congress at the end of his current term.
Obama trumpeted Ackerman’s steadfast support for Israel, along with his backing of funding for 9/11 first responders and Wall Street reform.
“Gary’s unique enthusiasm will be greatly missed in the halls of Congress,” the president said in a statement, Politico reported. “I am confident he will continue to serve the people of New York for years to come. Michelle and I wish him and his family well in the future.”
Ackerman announced his retirement Thursday after three decades of public service.
Insiders said he was concerned about a Congressional redistricting that may significantly reshape his Queens-based district. However, a recent proposed map of new districts appeared to favor Ackerman.
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.
Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda.
At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and the protests on college campuses.
Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.
Make a gift of any size and become a Forward member today. You’ll support our mission to tell the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO
Join our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.