Edolphus Towns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edolphus Towns
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York |
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| In office January 3, 1983 – January 3, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | James H. Scheuer |
| Succeeded by | Hakeem Jeffries (redistricting) |
| Constituency |
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| Chair of the House Oversight Committee | |
| In office January 3, 2009 – January 3, 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Waxman |
| Succeeded by | Darrell Issa |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Edolphus Towns Jr.
July 21, 1934 Chadbourn, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Gwen Forbes |
| Children | 2, including Darryl |
| Education | North Carolina A&T State University (BS) Adelphi University (MSW) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1956–1958 |
Edolphus "Ed" Towns Jr. (born July 21, 1934) is an American educator, military veteran, and politician. He served in the United States House of Representatives for 30 years.
Mr. Towns was a member of the Democratic Party from New York. He was also the Chairman of the House Oversight Committee from 2009 to 2011.
During his time in Congress, Edolphus Towns represented areas in Brooklyn. He first represented New York's 11th district from 1983 to 1993. Later, he represented the 10th district from 1993 to 2013.
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Early Life and Education
Edolphus Towns was born in Chadbourn, North Carolina. He graduated from West Side High School in 1952.
He earned a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1956. This degree was from North Carolina A&T State University. Later, in 1973, he received a master's degree in social work from Adelphi University.
Early Career and Service
Before becoming a politician, Mr. Towns had several important jobs. He worked as an administrator at Beth Israel Medical Center. He also taught as a professor at Medgar Evers College and Fordham University.
He was a public school teacher too. He taught orientation and mobility to students who were blind. In 1956, he joined the United States Army and served until 1958. He was also a Baptist minister.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Edolphus Towns became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1983. He served for 30 years, helping the people of Brooklyn.
Winning Elections
Mr. Towns first ran for an open seat in Brooklyn's 11th congressional district. He won the Democratic primary election with 48% of the votes. He then won the general election with a large majority of 84%.
He continued to win his general elections with strong support. Most of the time, he won the Democratic primary with at least 60% of the votes.
Key Work in Congress
Mr. Towns was a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. He was also part of the Congressional Black Caucus.
In 2009, he proposed a law to make information about presidential donors public. This was one of the first pieces of legislation in the 111th Congress.
He helped create several important federal laws. These include the Student Right To Know Act. This law required colleges to report how many student athletes graduated. He also helped create the Telecommunications Development Fund. This fund helps minority-owned businesses get capital. He also supported a federal program for poison control centers.
Mr. Towns focused on helping communities in Brooklyn that needed more support. He received awards for his efforts. The National Audubon Society honored him for getting federal money to restore Prospect Park. He also worked to ensure the Environmental Protection Agency tested areas outside of Manhattan after the September 11 attacks.
In 2010, he decided not to seek the top leadership role on the House Oversight Committee. He retired from Congress in 2012, after serving 15 terms. His district was renumbered as the 8th district.
Committees and Groups
During his time in Congress, Edolphus Towns was part of several important committees and groups:
- Committee on Energy and Commerce
- Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade
- Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
- Subcommittee on Health
- Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
- Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency and Financial Management (Ranking Member)
- Congressional Black Caucus
- House Democratic Caucus
- Congressional COPD Caucus
- International Conservation Caucus
- Congressional Arts Caucus
After Congress
After leaving Congress, Mr. Towns became a senior advisor. He worked for Gray Global Advisors, a company that helps with government relations.
Personal Life
Edolphus Towns is married to Gwendolyn Forbes. They live in the Cypress Hills area of Brooklyn. They have two children, Darryl and Deidra. Darryl also served in the New York State Assembly.
Mr. Towns is a distant cousin of White House correspondent April Ryan.
See also
