Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y, a 30-year veteran of Congress and the chamber’s oldest sitting member, died Friday morning at the age of 88.
Liam Fitzsimmons, Slaughter’s chief of staff, said the Rochester area congresswoman passed away in the presence of her family.
“To have met Louise Slaughter is to have known a force of nature,” said Fitzsimmons in a statement. “She was a relentless advocate for Western New York whose visionary leadership brought infrastructure upgrades, technology and research investments, and two federal manufacturing institutes to Rochester that will transform the local economy for generations to come.”
Last week, Slaughter was hospitalized after falling at her home in Washington and was treated at George Washington University Hospital for a concussion.
Slaughter, who served in Congress since 1987, was the ranking member on the House Rules Committee and the first woman to chair the committee.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called Slaughter a leader throughout her time in office.
“Louise was a trailblazer,” Pelosi said. “The first woman to ever chair the powerful House Rules Committee, she used her leadership position to fight for women and working families in New York and across the country. Her strong example inspired countless young women to know their power, and seek their rightful place at the head of the decision-making table.”
“Her tireless leadership was invaluable to passing legislation to expand access to affordable, high-quality health care and to help young people climb the ladders of opportunity with a good education,” Pelosi said. “She made it her mission to help every man and woman chase their American Dream.”
Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, chairman of the House Rules Committee, spoke glowingly of Slaughter after serving atop the committee alongside her.
“As the first female Chairwoman of our Committee she was a force to be reckoned with who always brought her spunk, fire, and dynamic leadership to every meeting,” Sessions said. “Louise was a fearless leader, deeply committed to her constituents, and a dear friend. I have had the immense privilege of working side by side with her for the past 20 years.”
“I will always cherish our friendship, comradery, and of course her rhubarb pie. Although we sat on different sides of the aisle, I have always considered her a partner and have the utmost respect for her,” he said.
