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Norton Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter

March 16, 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement on the tragic passing of her good friend Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY).

"My heart was broken upon learning of the loss of my good friend Representative Louise Slaughter, a leader in the House and a Member from New York, whose Southern accent and way with words managed to convey charm and toughness at the same time. Louise, a former chair and, most recently, ranking member of the powerful Rules Committee, led the House through almost all our important legislation, co-authoring the Violence Against Women Act and shepherding the Affordable Care Act.

"However, District of Columbia residents will always be grateful to Louise for her special attention and dedication to their rights as American citizens. As anti-home-rule bills traveled through the Rules Committee, Louise always led the charge knowledgeably and with zest to protect our city.

"Louise and I had another special bond because we were among the seven women House members who walked over to the Senate to demand that Anita Hill's testimony on sexual harassment be heard during the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearing.

"The House will suffer as much from the loss of Louise's leadership as from her many friendships. Both mean a personal loss for me."