WASHINGTON — Members of Congress honored the life and legacy of Louise Slaughter, who died on March 16th at the age of 88 following a fall

 

 

 

A memorial service took place in Statuary Hall on Wednesday, during which Slaughter was honored by her colleagues, many of whom were not able to make the trip to Rochester for services last month.  

Wednesday afternoon, an English walnut, a favorite of Slaughter's according to the U.S. Capitol Architect, was planted in the shadows of the Capitol building. The tree will grow to be more than 80 feet tall and, like Louise, will be an overarching figure on the Hill.

 

Slaughter's friend and former colleague Congressman Paul Tonko led a tribute on the House floor Tuesday evening. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis and New York Congressman John Katko were among the dozens who shared their memories of Slaughter.

As one of the longest serving members in Congress, Slaughter was recognized as a trailblazer for women in politics. She was one of only 288 women elected to the House and the first woman ever to become chair of the rules committee.

Slaughter represented the 25th Congressional district and served in the House since 1987. 

“I think when God created sister Louise, he destroyed the mold. She was one of a kind, so wonderful. I miss her every single day,” said Rep. Lewis, (D) GA-5th District.

Spectrum News will have continuing coverage of Wednesday's memorial service.