Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the passing of New York Congresswoman Louise Slaughter:
"I am heartbroken at the loss of my dear, dear friend and beloved colleague, Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter. Louise and I served together in the New York State Assembly and in Congress, and over those many years, her tireless, fearless work for the men, women, and children of New York and America has forever changed the landscape of those institutions and this country.
“Champion' does not begin to describe Louise’s work on women’s rights. She devoted her life and her career to ensuring that every woman in the country had the freedom to live, work, and start a family on her own terms. Through her leadership of the Pro Choice Caucus, Louise stood firm against unimaginable pressure to protect the rights of women to make their own decisions about their reproductive health.
"As the leading Democrat on the House Rules Committee, Louise was a force of nature. She was a tough, determined, and compassionate leader, who fought for the vulnerable and those without a voice and always maintained her signature sharp wit and keen sense of humor. One of Louise’s landmark legislative achievements – the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act – was revolutionary and so far ahead of its time. Because of her work, millions of Americans have been protected from having their DNA or medical history used against them.
"But serving beside Louise was about so much more than just legislative accomplishments. Louise was a true friend who brought joy and laughter into every room she entered. The halls of the Capitol will feel diminished without her presence.
"Her legacy will live on in the incredible service she provided for her district, seeing Rochester through difficult transitions and always standing up for her constituents. It will live on in each Member of Congress who worked with her and loved her for her humor and her strength. It will live on in the millions of Americans helped by her efforts, though they may never have been as lucky as we were to know her.