Former U.S. Rep. Major R. Owens, a champion of disadvantaged students, died last week at the age of 77.
Elected to the House of Representatives in 1982, the New York Democrat served on the education committee and chaired several of its subcommittees during his 24 years in Congress.
He was instrumental in passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act and pushed legislation aimed at helping poor and minority students and children with disabilities. He was also a prominent supporter of 鈥渙pportunity to learn鈥� goals.
A former librarian, Mr. Owens also promoted education research.
