Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., died Friday morning at age 88.
Slaughter's chief of staff Liam Fitzsimmons said she died at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Earlier this week, Slaughter fell at her home and sustained a concussion. She had been hospitalized since the fall.
Slaughter was first elected to the House in 1987 and was serving her 16th term in office. She was the top-ranked Democrat on the House Rules Committee, and chaired the panel from 2007-2010 when Democrats controlled the House chamber.
Slaughter was the longest-serving member of Congress from the state of New York.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi released a statement reacting to the news.
"It was my great privilege to serve with her and to benefit from her friendship and wise counsel for 30 years," Pelosi said. "Her loss will be deeply felt. May it be a source of comfort to Louise’s three daughters, Megan, Amy and Emily, and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchild, that so many around the country mourn with them."
Pelosi also referred to House Speaker Paul Ryan, saying the pair was "heartbroken by the passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. In her lifetime of public service and unwavering commitment to working families, Congresswoman Slaughter embodied the very best of the American spirit and ideals. With her passing, the Congressional community has lost a beloved leader and a cherished friend."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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