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DeLauro Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter

March 16, 2018

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement on the passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-25).

"I am heartbroken by the loss of my colleague and dear friend Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. Louise and I waged countless battles over the years—from stopping U.S. military aid to the Nicaraguan Contras in the 1980s to ensuring women's representation in NIH trials. During my first run for Congress, Louise campaigned on my behalf, putting me on the path to work with her for more than 27 years. More recently, under Louise's leadership, her office served as the heartbeat for the effort to defend the jobs and wages of American working families and to protect our food supply by fighting for better trade deals and ending U.S. participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership."

"Louise was the first woman ever to serve as Chair of the House Rules Committee—which determines the process on the House Floor and is one of the oldest standing committees in the House. She served our nation and the people of New York honorably, and never backed down from a fight on behalf of her constituents."

"Louise was an extraordinary pioneer with an unparalleled wit, and she was an incredible role model for women. She possessed a warmth that defied explanation, and was always quick with a joke. Her tenacity and charm will be sorely missed in the Congress and by all of the people whose lives she touched. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones in their time of mourning."