Rep. Torres Honors Late New York Rep. Slaughter

WASHINGTON, March 15 -- Rep. Norma Torres, D-California, issued the following speech, which was published in the Congressional Record on March 14, honoring the late New York Rep. Louise Slaughter:

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Congresswoman Slaughter's legacy and the impact she made throughout her decades of dedicated public service.

She was a friend and an invaluable mentor, especially during my first term in Congress.

She paved the way for every woman in the House by becoming the first Chairwoman of the Rules Committee--the same committee I now serve on.

She spearheaded the passage of the Affordable Care Act, one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in recent history.

Congresswoman Slaughter was also a fierce and fearless champion for women.

She co-authored the Violence Against Women Act and founded and co- chaired the Pro-Choice Caucus--which to this day, continues to be on the frontlines of protecting women's reproductive rights.

As we near the anniversary of her passing, I can't help but to be reminded of her unparalleled leadership. She's left a void in the House that is hard to fill.

But her memory lives on inside these halls, and it inspires each of us to keep up the fight to better the lives of all Americans.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside her.

TARGETED NEWS SERVICE, Harwood Place, Springfield, Virginia, USA: Myron Struck, editor; 703/304-1897; editor@targetednews.com; https://targetednews.com