New York lawmakers remember U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter, who died at 88

She died at George Washington University Hospital after sustaining an injury in her Washington, D.C. residence last week, her office said.

Slaughter rose to become 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, according to her office.

She was also described as a “relentless fighter” for families in Monroe County and across the nation. Slaughter’s accomplishments included authoring the “landmark” Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and the Stop Trading On Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, her office said.

Lawmaker reaction

Gov. Andrew Cuomo called Slaughter a “champion for New York who had a larger than life presence in Rochester area politics.”

“For more than 30 years, she served in the U.S. House of Representatives with unmatched charm, sharp wit and an insatiable passion to improve the lives of everyone in her community … With her training as a scientist, Louise fought for fairness and led the way on the major issues of our time, from environmental preservation to women’s rights to attracting 21st century jobs in cutting edge industries like photonics,” Cuomo said in a statement released Friday morning.

Cuomo’s statement went on to say, “She was trailblazer, a partner and friend ever since we worked together for my father more than four decades ago. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her, but she will not be forgotten anytime soon by all those she served.”

In a statement his office issued, U.S. Representative John Katko (R–Camillus) said he is “incredibly saddened” to hear of Slaughter’s death.

“Despite our party differences, Louise was always willing to work together in a bipartisan manner to fight for the people of our neighboring districts in Upstate New York. It was an honor to serve alongside her. During this difficult time, Robin and I keep her family, loved ones, and the people of Rochester and Monroe County in our thoughts and prayers,” said Katko.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) called Slaughter a “giant.”

“She had deep convictions — on both issues important to the people of Rochester, and for the integrity and honesty of the political system. Throughout her entire career, Louise worked with people from so many different philosophies and backgrounds, because she was such a genuine human spirit. The ferocity of her advocacy was matched only by the depth of her compassion and humanity. Her passing will leave a gaping hole in our hearts and our nation. My sincere condolences go out to her daughters and grandchildren and to the legions of people who loved and admired her,” Schumer said in statement his office released Friday morning.

In a statement, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) said she is “deeply saddened” at the death of Slaughter.

“As a long-serving leader of the House Rules Committee, she tirelessly fought for Democratic principles and gave a voice to those who needed it. Louise devoted her life to serving the Rochester community, she never wavered in her fierce defense of our shared values as Americans, and she was one of the kindest and most compassionate colleagues I’ve ever had. She was a brilliant microbiologist who worked tirelessly to make our food-supply safer, she was a moral leader who passed the Stock Act to prevent corruption in Congress, and she was a proud New Yorker who fought to bring high-speed rail to our state. Louise will be remembered as one of the great, pioneering women in our country’s history, and it was an honor to serve alongside her in Congress. I offer my heartfelt prayers and condolences to her entire family,” said Gillibrand.