Rep. Louise Slaughter, 88, died early Friday, her office has announced.
Liam Fitzsimmons, chief of staff to the congresswoman, said she passed away surrounded by family at George Washington University Hospital after suffering an injury in her Washington, D.C., residence last week.
Slaughter was the first woman to chair the powerful House Committee on Rules since it was formally constituted on April 2, 1789, and was serving as its ranking member. Her office said she was "a relentless fighter for families in Monroe County and across the nation, and authored the landmark Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and the Stop Trading On Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, among many other accomplishments."
Slaughter was serving her 16th term in Congress. She was planning on running for a 17th term in November. With the seat now empty, it is up to Governor Andrew Cuomo on whether there will be a special election to fill it. If he does call for a special election, Monroe County Board of Elections says it would take place 70 to 80 days after it's announced. The winner would serve the rest of Slaughter's term (which ends January 2, 2019), and would have to run again in November if that person wants to serve a full term.
“To have met Louise Slaughter is to have known a force of nature,” Fitzsimmons said. "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.
"As the first chairwoman of the House Rules Committee, Louise blazed a path that many women continue to follow. It is difficult to find a segment of society that Louise didn’t help shape over the course of more than 30 years in Congress, from health care to genetic nondiscrimination to historic ethics reforms. The Slaughter family is incredibly grateful for all the support during this difficult time. Details on funeral arrangements will be provided when they are available."
Slaughter was also a member of the Great Lakes Task Force. After some blamed the massive flooding that damaged homes and the Lake Ontario shoreline on Plan 2014 from the International Joint Commission, she defended the plan, saying rains of 'biblical proportions caused the flooding, not Plan 2014.
"Frankly the idea that what the IJC planned in 2014 had to do with this is absolutely not possible. It did not even go into effect until January, and I'd be very much surprised if it's had any effect on anything," she said.
Slaughter was instrumental in acquiring $16 million in federal funds from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER program, to fill a portion of the Inner Loop, creating an at-grade roadway between Charlotte Street and Monroe Avenue. The project got started in November 2014, and is nearing completion. The same program funded the new train station in Rochester, and was in danger of being cut from the federal budget.
Slaughter helped push for the new integrated photonics manufacturing innovation hub for the U.S. to be located in Rochester. When Rochester was chosen in 2015, Slaughter helped make the announcement along with then-Vice President Joe Biden.
"This is a huge win that will shape our region's economy for decades to come,'' she said.
Slaughter was born in Harlan County, Kentucky, and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor's degree in microbiology and a master's degree in public health. After graduate school, she and her husband, Robert “Bob” Slaughter, moved to the village of Fairport. She and Bob were married for 57 years, until his passing in 2014. Together they had three daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
She was elected to Congress in 1986. Prior to that, Slaughter served in the New York State Assembly from 1982 to 1986 and the Monroe County Legislature between 1976 and 1979. While holding elected office, she was regional coordinator to Mario Cuomo from 1976 to 1978 while he served as secretary of state and from 1979 to 1982 while he served as lieutenant governor.
In Slaughter's honor, Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo has ordered flags to fly at half-staff at all Monroe County facilities starting today, Friday, March 16.
Condolences and honors for Louise Slaughter started pouring in after her death was announced. Here are some of the statements various local officials made to honor Slaughter:
County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo:
“On behalf of residents and families across Monroe County, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. Above all else, Louise was always a great reflection of the community and people she represented – a strong, principled and resilient public servant who dedicated much of her life to helping her neighbors. She was also a trailblazing woman leader both in Washington and here at home, serving as an inspiration for many women who have since followed in her footsteps to serve in elected office on both sides of the aisle. Out of respect for Louise’s incredible life and legacy, I am ordering flags to fly at half-staff at all Monroe County facilities beginning today. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Slaughter family and the Congresswoman’s many friends and colleagues.”
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren:
"I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, who was the embodiment of leadership and tireless advocacy for her constituents. I offer my condolences to her family and friends in this time of mourning. From the Monroe County Legislature, to the New York State Assembly to the Halls of Congress, Congresswoman Slaughter set an example of public service that put people first. The citizens of Rochester, along with women and minorities across our entire country, have lost a voice in Washington. But the legacy of Louise Slaughter is truly enduring and I am confident her accomplishments will benefit our city and nation for generations to come."
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy:
“Louise was a friend and a colleague for years and I am shocked by her passing. Words cannot express how saddened I am by her death. She was such a tireless advocate and great public servant for our community and region throughout her tenure in Congress. Whether people agreed or disagreed with her positions, I can assure you that they were established with the utmost integrity because Louise always took stands that she firmly believed in. To me, that is the essence of great public service. I express my deepest condolences to her family.”
Congressman Tom Reed:
"I am sad to learn about the passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. Louise worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of those in the Rochester region and Western New York. It was an honor to serve in the House with her over the years. My deepest sympathies go out to her family. She will be missed."
Greece Town Supervisor Bill Reilich:
"At this difficult time, I want to first and foremost express my deepest condolences to Congresswoman Louise Slaughter's family. She has long served her constituents with strength and passion and as a senior member in Congress is responsible for many initiatives and has secured both funding and support for many critical issues."
NYS Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle:
“For nearly 50 years, Louise Slaughter was a tireless advocate for our community and one of our nation’s most fearless champions for fairness, equality, and justice. Her work and legacy will forever be an inspiration to me and I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to call her my friend and partner in public service."
“As a community and a nation, we mourn her passing but take comfort in the knowledge that Louise’s legacy and contributions will be felt for many, many years to come.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the entire Slaughter family during this difficult time. Please know that you are surrounded by the prayers and gratitude of an indebted community.”
Democratic Committee Chairwoman Jamie Romeo:
"It is difficult to put in words the the loss our community has suffered today. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter was a living icon for women from all walks of life who wanted to get off the sidelines and make positive change in their community. I know many, including myself, would not be where they are today without the support and guidance from Louise, and also thanks to the trial she blazed in her first ventures into politics in Monroe County."
"Our hearts are heavy with sorrow and we are full with the love we have for Louise. Today we pause to thank you Louise, for everything you have done. Our deepest condolences to her family and everyone who's lives she has touched."
Monroe County Clerk Adam Bello:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. Some of my earliest experience learning about responsive and effective government came from serving as an intern in her D.C. office – including watching her and her colleagues spring into action on 9/11.
From the Monroe County Legislature to the New York State Assembly to the halls of Congress, Louise embodied principled leadership, having courage in one’s convictions, and using positions of authority to improve the lives of hardworking, ordinary Americans. Louise’s support and advice have helped not only me, but countless other public servants in our area, become more effective leaders. Rochester is a better place today because of Louise.”
Assemblyman Mark Johns:
"Having served our region in Congress for over 31 years, Louise Slaughter has been an icon in our community. We appreciate her dedication throughout all her years of public service and extend our warmest prayers and sympathies to her family."
Assemblyman Harry Bronson:
"Louise Slaughter was an extraordinary woman and leader. It saddens me to hear of the passing of our friend and Congresswoman, Louise Slaughter. I send my thoughts to her daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren and Louise’s extended family. To me she is and will always be a friend, mentor and a political confidant: Louise will forever remain in my heart. For our community, she is a beacon of hope that will shine toward truth, for she always looked toward the future and what was possible. As I heard her say often, “if it can’t be done in Rochester, it can’t be done…” Today I join with you in saying thank you and good bye to a pioneer and trailblazer for our families and our community. "