Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter: Site Header and Meta Tags

2010 WNYMedia Endorsements

Tuesday November 2, 2010

Marc Odien: Louise Slaughter is and has been one of the greatest representatives we have in Western New York. And she has a lot of clout in Washington to do great things for this region.

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Buffalo News: Two solid incumbents

Tuesday November 2, 2010

Louise M. Slaughter has served 12 terms in office and, as this page has said in the past, she deserves another.

As chairwoman of the powerful House Rules Committee, she is able to address the needs of Western New York and the nation. Her position allows her to influence virtually every matter that comes to the House floor for a vote.

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City Newspaper: Our endorsements: Congress, 28th district: Louise Slaughter

Monday October 25, 2010

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Democrat and Chronicle: Our recommendation: Louise Slaughter for 28th District

Sunday October 24, 2010

Voters have a clear choice in the 28th Congressional District, but there’s no major reason not to return Democratic Rep. Louise Slaughter to the Capitol.

Slaughter is the Democrat and Chronicle’s choice in next month’s general election.

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Messenger Post: Slaughter a clear choice in 28th District

Thursday October 21, 2010

Every two years since squeaking by Fred Eckert in 1986, Rep. Louise Slaughter has faced a challenge to her congressional seat. It’s rarely been close.

With the wide margins of victory Slaughter usually commands — more than 70 percent of the vote in the last three elections — anyone running against her should be commended for courage and commitment. A vigorous campaign is good for a democratic republic.

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Slaughter Receives Highest Honor from RIT for her Dedication to Area Students

Wednesday October 20, 2010

Rochester, NY –Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) was honored today with the highest honor awarded by the Rochester Institute of Technology, the Presidential Medallion, at the Robert F. Panara Theatre on the campus of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

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Slaughter Announces $500,000 for Grand Island Water Treatment Plant

Wednesday October 20, 2010

Grand Island, NY – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today announced $500,000 will be awarded to the Town of Grand Island for upgrades to the Town’s Water Treatment Plant creating yearly savings of $250,000 for Town residents.

The funding announced today will cover almost half of the cost for the Town to upgrade approximately 2,500 feet of 16 inch waterline from the plant discharge along Ferry Road. With these improvments, the Town will increase the amount of water it can process by 63 percent or 1.6 million gallons per day, reducing the need to buy water from Niagara County and saving the Town $250,000 each year.

“At a time when our infrastructure is in desperate need of repairs, I am pleased to join Supervisor McMahon in Grand Island to celebrate the much needed funding that will bring safe drinking water to the residents of Grand Island and save local taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said Slaughter. “Improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the town’s water treatment plant will benefit more than 18,000 residents and are necessary for the town to provide clean water for the sustained residential and commercial growth on the Island through 2016.”

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Slaughter Says Community Colleges are Vital to America’s Competitive Future

Wednesday October 13, 2010

October 2010

Rochester, NY – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today said that community colleges are vital to America’s future economic competitiveness.

“It is absolutely vital that we have a dynamic workforce equipped with the skills to compete in this rapidly changing global economy,” said Slaughter. “Our nation’s community colleges play an increasingly important role in maintaining the strength and flexibility of our workforce. I’m so pleased that we were able to highlight the important work our community colleges do here in Western New York today.”

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Slaughter Announces $7 Million for the NFTA to Purchase 13 New Hybrid Buses

Wednesday October 13, 2010

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today announced that the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) has been awarded a $7 million grant that will allow them to purchase 13 new hybrid buses as part of a national bus repair initiative. The funding comes at an important time when many of the diesel busses currently in the NFTA’s fleet are due to be replaced.

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Slaughter Says China Currency Bill “long overdue”

Wednesday October 6, 2010

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today spoke on the floor about a bill she has co-sponsored to pressure China into ending its practice of currency manipulation to protect American exports. Slaughter, a longtime advocate on trade issues and rebalancing exports to protect domestic industries and workers, lead the legislation to the House floor after its hearing in the Rules Committee.

“This bill is long overdue,” Slaughter said. “This vote today is a sign to China that we are getting serious. We’ve been more than patient for much too long. In fact, we’ve been foolish. China has been recalcitrant and it’s time for us to make a strong statement.”

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Slaughter Brings Legislation to Help 9/11 Workers to House Floor

Wednesday October 6, 2010

“We cannot forget those who risked everything to help the victims at Ground Zero”

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today advocated for the swift passage of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act which will provide first responders with much needed care following their exposure to the toxins of Ground Zero.

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Slaughter Announces $528,770 Award to Genesee Co-Op Federal Credit Union

Monday August 30, 2010

August 2010

Rochester, NY – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today announced that Genesee Co-Op Federal Credit Union has been awarded $528,770 to boost local lending to small businesses and consumers.

“It’s hard enough for our small businesses to get back on their feet in this economic climate without also being told they can’t access the credit they need to help get our economy moving again,” said Slaughter. “This award comes at a time when access to credit is still extremely limited. I’m pleased that it will provide a much needed shot in the arm to our local entrepreneurs and the folks who are at the forefront of our economic recovery and job creation.”

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Representatives Slaughter and Higgins Announce Over $626,000 for the Global Vascular Institute

Monday August 30, 2010

Buffalo, NY – Today, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) and Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) presented Kaleida Health with a $297,000 federal grant to support its heart and vascular institute that is currently under construction next to Buffalo General Hospital. This comes in addition to $329,670 in federal funding representatives Slaughter and Higgins secured for the project last year.

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Rochester General Hospital Receives $300,000 in Federal Stimulus Funding for Energy Conservation Project

Monday August 30, 2010

Joined by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, officials from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced an award of more than $300,000 to Rochester General Hospital to fund a lighting retrofit project. Rochester General Hospital CEO Mark Clement said that the award, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will save the hospital more than $80,000 per year in energy costs.

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Slaughter Votes To Keep Jobs In America

Thursday August 19, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) hailed vital legislation that will close corporate loopholes that protect companies that ship jobs overseas and will use those savings to preserve teaching jobs across the country and provide New York with critical funds to pay for Medicaid services.

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Slaughter Says New York’s Dairy Farmers Deserve a Better Standard

Thursday August 19, 2010

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Slaughter Secures $9.5 Million Authorization For Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station

Wednesday June 23, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) announced that she has secured an additional $9.5 million authorization in the National Defense Authorization Act for the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

“The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is on its way to being a crown jewel for the U.S. Air Force,” said Slaughter. “This new investment will improve coordination and continue the upward rise of NFARS since we successfully removed it from the 2005 BRAC list. I will continue to do all I can to support the great work being done by the 914th and 107th.”

At Slaughter’s request, the National Defense Authorization Act includes $9.5 million to begin design and planning for a joint operations center at NFARS. The C-130 flight line facility will help the 914th and 107th Airlift Wings better coordinate their activities at NFARS. The NDAA is expected to be passed by the House tomorrow.

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Slaughter Announces LOOW Site Cleanup Will Begin This Fall

Wednesday June 23, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today announced that a project to reduce public safety hazards at a WWII-era TNT production site in Lewiston can begin this fall.

The announcement came after the Town of Lewiston and the U.S. Corps of Engineers reached a deal to help tackle safety issues at the former Lake Ontario Ordnance Works (LOOW) Waste Water Treatment Plant by putting up fences, demolishing old structures and sealing off dangerous areas. The site has been a danger to students who cut through the property to get to and from Lewiston-Porter schools.

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Slaughter Says New Health Care Rules Will Help Small Businesses in Western New York

Wednesday June 23, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) issued the following statement in response to a new series of rules that will help small businesses afford health care coverage. The new changes, issued this morning, ensure that small business owners can receive tax credits from the federal government if they provide dental and vision coverage in addition to health care coverage to their workers.

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Slaughter Says Obama’s Pro High-Speed Rail Message Will Help Western New York

Wednesday June 23, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) said that President Obama’s commitment to high-speed rail was the latest and strongest indication so far that the federal government will invest significant resources into a project that will transform Upstate New York.

“Yesterday I was delighted to hear President Obama tout the benefits of high-speed rail here in New York and across the country. He couldn’t have talked about it in a better place than Upstate New York,” said Slaughter. “The President came to Buffalo to discuss what we’re doing in Washington to create jobs, help small businesses and rebuild our manufacturing sector. All of those priorities will be strengthened when high-speed rail comes to the Empire Corridor. He rightly told us that high-speed rail will create jobs, is good for businesses, good for our environment and a convenient option for New Yorkers.”

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Slaughter Announces Continued Federal Commitment to Accelerate High-Speed Rail

Monday June 21, 2010

Slaughter (NY-28) announced a major step forward for high-speed rail following a meeting between public and private rail interests who were joined by state and federal officials in a renewed effort to bring about progress in building high-speed rail in New York.

Following a meeting with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, in which he pledged his support for the New York project, Slaughter said she was confident that the rail initiative was moving full steam ahead.

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Slaughter Says Energy Efficiency Bill Will Be Good for the Western New York Economy

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) enthusiastically supported passage of legislation that will create green jobs and make it more affordable to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

The Home Star program will provide up-front rebates of up to $3,000 for improvements such as insulation, duct sealing, windows and doors, air sealing and water heaters and incentives for complete home energy-saving renovations.

“So many of the jobs that we have lost are not coming back. We have to build a new economy,” said Slaughter. “One of the best opportunities we have to get our assembly lines moving again is to harness the power of clean technologies and energy efficiency.”

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Slaughter Welcomes President Obama to Western New York on Thursday to Talk Jobs

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) said she is delighted to welcome her friend President Obama to Buffalo a week from today, Thursday, May 13.

“I can’t think of a better place for the President to talk about creating jobs than Western New York, and I’m looking forward to joining him,” said Slaughter. “When we talk about putting Americans back to work, Western New York is the place to have that discussion. We know the workforce of Western New York is unparalleled in their work ethic and we’ve got the expertise and resources to really grow.”

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Slaughter Hails Federal Ruling That Allows for More Competition at Major Airports

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) issued the following statement after receiving assurance that the Department of Transportation decided to formally set aside 20 pairs of slots at LaGuardia and 14 pairs of slots at Reagan Washington National for new entrants and limited incumbent carriers. The decision should make it easier for, low-cost carriers to provide service along the east coast, especially to areas like Western New York. The announcement came this afternoon after Slaughter spoke with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood about the issue.

“I knew that there was no way it would be good for consumers to allow a significant swapping of slots between Delta Airlines and US Airways without insisting on some provisions to protect competition and consumers,” Slaughter said. “I immediately raised my concerns with Secretary LaHood and other officials and I am very pleased today to see that they share my determination to see competition preserved. In this era of consolidation and airline mergers, we must take every step possible to maintain competition. By setting aside 14 pairs of slots at Reagan National and 20 pairs of slots at LaGuardia Airport for new entrants, we are making it much more likely that people in rural and smaller communities will have better options for low-cost flights.”

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Slaughter Applauds $16.1 Million Award for Buffalo HEALTHeLINK’s Electronic Medical Records Program

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) hailed the announcement that Buffalo has been selected as one of 15 pilot communities nationwide to test and develop a new electronic medical records program. Slaughter said that the stimulus grant will improve health care for area residents with diabetes by reducing medical mistakes, improving efficiency among physicians and staff and improving the delivery of services in coming years.

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Slaughter says Hundreds of New Jobs at GM is Testament to WNY’s Workforce and A Return on Taxpayer Investment in GM

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) congratulated the Tonawanda General Motors plant, which announced the production of new V-6 and V-8 engines. The new production should help protect an estimated 326 jobs at the Tonawanda plant and creates another 350 new project-related jobs. Today Slaughter called the announcement proof that Western New York has the best workers and evidence that taxpayers are receiving a return on their investment in GM.

“If I were GM I would invest in Tonawanda’s Powertrain plant too,” said Slaughter. “Today’s announcement of hundreds of jobs coming to Western New York reaffirms what we all have known for years, we have the best workers. When Western New Yorkers buy a GM vehicle with an Ecotec engine, it won’t just be made the USA, it’ll be made in Tonawanda.”

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Slaughter Says No Raise For Congress While Economy Still Lags

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, announced that the House had voted against giving members of Congress a pay raise next year. The vote comes just days after the Senate voted the same way and marks the second straight year that Slaughter and other House Democrats have voted against any cost of living increase for themselves.

“Too many of my constituents are still struggling so approving a raise for my colleagues would be the epitome of unfair.” Slaughter said. “Instead, I am proud that this Congress has moved aggressively to create jobs and new economic opportunities for millions of Americans and directed vital economic assistance to businesses and families across the country.”

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Slaughter Says the Time for Financial Reform Is Now

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) said that it is time to reform the financial system and make sure the mistakes that led to the greatest economic downturn in recent memory never happen again.

“For too long, executives on Wall Street reaped rewards by bending the rules and dodging regulation. They played Russian roulette with our future and then turned to the American taxpayer to dig them out. With Wall Street Reform, my constituents will never again be on the hook for Wall Street’s mistakes,” said Slaughter. “Eight million Americans lost their jobs, pensions fell by $28.4 billion, 2.8 million homes were foreclosed on, and trillions of dollars of savings and wealth were wiped out almost overnight. In Buffalo and Rochester unemployment is still above 8 percent. Thankfully, the Western New York economy is beginning to recover and we’re seeing signs of economic growth across the country. Now it’s Congress’ job to make sure this never happens again.”

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Slaughter Honors Veterans as House Debates Landmark Legislation for Wounded Veterans

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) honored America’s veterans and urged her colleagues to support landmark legislation that provides support to wounded and women veterans.

“As the heroes of our country, we believe our veterans and their families deserve the very best benefits to ensure peace of mind. This landmark legislation will provide support to family and others who care for disabled, ill, or injured veterans; will enhance health services for the 1.8 million women veterans, including care for newborns for the 1st time in history; to expand mental health services for veterans and health care access for veterans in rural areas; and to prohibit copayments for veterans who are catastrophically disabled,” Slaughter said in a statement entered into the Congressional Record.

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Slaughter Mourns the Passing of Civil Rights Icon Dr. Dorothy Height

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) mourned the passing of civil rights icon Dr. Dorothy Height calling her a woman not content with being ahead of her time.

“Today America has lost a hero,” said Slaughter. “We all know that she stood by Dr. King when he declared his dream on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, but Dr. Height had didn’t just have front row seats to history, she made history. I had the honor of knowing her and can tell you that she belongs on the list of leaders of the civil rights movement. Dr. Height began marching as a teenager and over the course of her life, she lead with wisdom and tenacity. Her passing along with the loss of Benjamin L. Hooks, the former longtime head of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is a reminder of the shoulders we have to stand on today as we continue to work for fairness for all people regardless of their color, creed or gender.”

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Slaughter Joins with Local Manufacturers To Push Fair Trade Message

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) met with local manufacturers to reaffirm her support for a fair trade policy that supports local workers and put America on a level playing field with our trading partners.

“It’s my belief that you can’t be a superpower if you don’t make anything and right now America is at a disadvantage. I’m looking to change that,” said Slaughter.
She was surrounded by representatives from local manufacturers PGM, Rochester Tooling & Machining Association, XLI Corporation, German Machine, Murphy Nolan and Car Engineering.

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Slaughter Says Jobless Benefits Package Will Help Western New York Families

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28) said that legislation signed into law on April 18 by President Obama will have an immediate impact on helping families across Western New York. The legislation was approved by the House late yesterday and restores funding for unemployment insurance and tax credits to help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for Americans who have lost their jobs. The bill also provides retroactive help to cover workers whose benefits expired in March.

“Even though the economy is heading in the right direction and more new jobs are being created, we still need to do what we can to help Western New Yorkers who are trying hard to find a job,” Slaughter said. “Many people are still trying to make ends meet and we have to continue to find ways to keep the economic revival strong.”

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Slaughter Says Stimulus Package Provided 25 Major Tax Cuts to Families This Year

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) told Western New Yorkers that it is because of the Recovery Act that 25 new tax cuts exist, part of more than $800 billion in tax cuts for working families and small businesses that this Congress passed since last year.

“Many people don’t realize that tax cuts are the biggest individual piece of the Recovery Act,” said Slaughter, a strong supporter of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. “When we passed the Recovery Act, we gave 95 percent of working Americans one of the largest tax cuts in history and provided incentives to attend college, make energy-saving home improvements, purchase a home for the first time or buy a new car.”

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Slaughter Leads Arts Advocacy Day By Telling Congress “Arts and the Artists of America Are a National Treasure”

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28) helped launch a day of activism on behalf of the arts community by appearing at a rally with arts and national advocates and later by testifying about the need to increase funding nationally for arts programs. Slaughter appeared at a rally this morning with actors Jeff Daniels and Kyle MacLachlan, which preceded an arts award ceremony for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

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Slaughter and Secretary LaHood Tout Economic Benefits of High Speed Rail To New York

Monday June 21, 2010

Construction of the new high speed rail line will provide jobs for a number of New Yorkers and local businesses. In Upstate New York alone, 3,500 workers are employed by 30 companies that manufacture railroad equipment. Together these companies bring in more than $750 million in annual sales. And another 11,000 Upstate workers are employed by businesses that produce and distribute goods to sectors that are heavily relied upon by the railroad industry.

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Slaughter Has Front Row Seat as Long Awaited Health Care Reforms Become Law

Monday June 21, 2010

“Today’s historic signing does more than extend coverage to at least 30 million Americans without it. It makes sure the millions of Americans with coverage, and 338,000 of my constituents, cannot be dropped from their plan because they get sick or change jobs. Because of today’s historic signing 85 cents out of every dollar you spend on premiums must go towards health care, not administrative costs, but making you well.”

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Slaughter Says Health Care Bill is the Right Prescription for our Economy

Monday June 21, 2010

“Today we received good news from the Congressional Budget Office when they confirmed that the health care bill we intend to pass this weekend will reduce the deficit by $130 billion over the next decade, and $1.2 trillion in the second ten years,” said Slaughter.

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The Benefits of Health Care Reform In the 28th Congressional District of New York

Monday June 21, 2010

On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law historic health care legislation. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will make health care affordable for the middle class, provide security for seniors, and guarantee access to health insurance for the uninsured – while reducing the federal deficit by billions of dollars.

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Slaughter Votes for More Research to Help Great Lakes

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) voted to support new research projects that will help address the problem of harmful algae blooms. The bill, which was approved overwhelmingly, authorizes $41 million annually to research the harmful effects of algal blooms, which affect waterways across the United States, including the Great Lakes.

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Slaughter Leads “Positive” Discussion with Trade Rep Kirk

Monday June 21, 2010

Reps. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY) and Michael H. Michaud (D-ME) led a meeting of the House Trade Working Group’s meeting with United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk regarding continuation of U.S participation in talks for a Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement with Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, New Zealand, Singapore, and Vietnam.

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Slaughter Leads Effort to Restore Great Lakes

Monday June 21, 2010

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28) announced that she introduced H.R. 4755 the Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act which will put the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative into law.

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Slaughter Honored for Her Dedication to After School Programs for WNY Youth, Announces $200,000 in Funding for Buffalo and Niagara Falls Police Athletic Leagues

Monday June 21, 2010

“Congresswoman Louise Slaughter has been an advocate for the Niagara Police Athletic League for two decades,” said Lt. Art Eberhart (ret), Executive Director, Niagara PAL. “Her commitment to youth is exemplary, her support has allowed, and will continue to allow, Niagara PAL to provide quality, positive programming for all our kids.”

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Slaughter Applauds EPA’s Commitment to the Great Lakes

Monday June 21, 2010

“I’m pleased to see the EPA making a real commitment to the Great Lakes and our local tributaries; the Genesee River, Buffalo River and Rochester Eighteenmile.” said Slaughter. “They understand that this is the biggest source of freshwater in the world and the economies of cities from here to Minnesota on both sides of the border are dependent on these Lakes. What’s most important is that they’re not just talking about more money for a study, but action on invasive species, cleanup of the water and beaches and are looking to do more than prevent harm, but to leave the Lakes in a better place for the next generation.”

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A very productive Congress

Sunday February 7, 2010

When President Obama urged lawmakers during his State of the Union speech to work with him on “restoring the public trust,” he was hardly going out on a limb. The Congress he was addressing is one of the least popular in decades. Barely a quarter of Americans approve of the job it’s doing, according to the latest Gallup/USA Today poll, while 58 percent said it was below average or one of the worst ever, according to an NBC/Wall Street Journal survey last month.

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Slaughter Secures $1.6 Million for RIT-Delphi Program

Sunday January 24, 2010

“I’m so pleased to provide funding for a productive partnership between RIT and Delphi,” said Slaughter. “The fuel cell sector is an emerging growth market that could generate an estimated $15 billion in revenue globally over the next ten years and the collaboration between RIT and Delphi has the potential to cement Rochester as a hub of knowledge-based jobs developing tomorrow’s energy solutions.”

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Slaughter Announces Stimulus Funds For Local Green Job Training

Sunday January 24, 2010

“Preparing our workforce for the green jobs of tomorrow is so vitally important,” said Slaughter. “This is another example of the stimulus package investing in the next generation of jobs and I’m pleased that these federal stimulus dollars will be helping our workforce in Erie and Niagara Counties.”

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Harvard Study Shows Healthcare Bill Will Lower Costs, Help The Economy

Sunday January 24, 2010

“This study once again shows clearly that reforming our health care system will help our economy get back on track,” Slaughter said. “Slowing the staggering growth in health care costs frees up resources for U.S. businesses to invest in expansions and afford to both raise wages and hire more workers. It’s a common sense idea and it will pay enormous dividends for years to come. This study indicates that employers could create from 250,000 to 400,000 new jobs each year for the next 10 years.” (more...)

Rochester Turning - Sen. Coburn blocks Slaughter’s GINA Bill

Thursday September 13, 2007

Louise Slaughter has been championing the GINA (Genetic Non-Discrimination Act) bill for about 14 years now. It basically says this: you can’t do things like deny insurance coverage based on someone’s genetic profile. This will not only protect those who ALREADY have the misfortune of being born with a genetic problem, but, as this Buffalo News article points out:

Supporters of Slaughter’s bill said the fear of such discrimination stands in the way of genetic research that could lead to miraculous health care breakthroughs.

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Slaughter's quest undone by 'Dr. No'; Senator blocks bill on gene profile bias

Thursday September 13, 2007

It looked like Rep. Louise M. Slaughter had finally won her 12-year battle to pass a bill protecting Americans against discrimination based on their genetic profile.

But then the Senate’s “Dr. No” got in the way.

After Slaughter’s bill passed the House by a 420-3 vote in April, the bill went to the Senate, where Sen. Tom Coburn placed a “hold” on it. That’s a courtesy power available to every senator, indefinitely barring a bill from final passage.

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Editorials - Bill Block Unwarranted

Thursday September 13, 2007

“The evidence is what has happened to a bill, sponsored by New York’s Rep. Louise Slaughter, that would have banned discrimination against people based on anything found in their genetic profile. It passed the House overwhelmingly and was said to have a presidential signature awaiting it if it could get through the Senate.”

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End of the Bush Era

Tuesday September 13, 2005

The Bush Era is over. The sooner politicians in both parties realize that, the better for them—and the country. Recent months, and especially the past two weeks, have brought home to a steadily growing majority of Americans the truth that President Bush’s government doesn’t work. His policies are failing, his approach to leadership is detached and self-indulgent, his way of politics has produced a divided, angry and dysfunctional public square. We dare not go on like this. (more...)

Slaughter Pushes for Expanded NEXUS Use

Friday July 8, 2005

The NEXUS program for no-wait, cross-border travel is underutilized in New York, partly because Americans don’t want to get snarled in Canada-bound traffic to sign up, said U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter, who on Friday outlined proposed changes to the program. (more...)

Great Lakes Lawmakers Seek More Security Funding For Ports

Thursday July 7, 2005

A coalition of lawmakers from the Great Lakes states is protesting the fact that most Great Lakes ports – including the Port of Rochester – were left out of the running for federal grants to strengthen security against terrorists. (more...)

Free Trade with Central America Will Cost U.S. Jobs, Protesters Say

Thursday June 30, 2005

Holding up pictures of empty factories, opponents of the Central American Free Trade Agreement demonstrated in downtown Buffalo on Wednesday, saying the proposal will deepen the region’s economic plight. (more...)

Battle for Base Solidifies

Saturday June 25, 2005

The White House is not the only building with a war room. In a secluded conference room in Niagara County, men and women huddle in anxious concentration as they strategize ways to save the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. (more...)

Affordable Housing Gets Federal Funds

Saturday June 25, 2005

Seven new affordable housing projects in Western New York, including four in Buffalo, will be partially funded by a $1.2 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. (more...)

$100M Cut Rejected for Public TV, Radio

Friday June 24, 2005

The House of Representatives yesterday voted overwhelmingly to keep intact the government’s basic funding for public television and radio, turning back an effort by GOP budget-writers to cut $100 million from the broadcasting agency they have accused of pushing a left-leaning political agenda. (more...)

Dems To Read Names Of Iraq War Dead

Thursday June 23, 2005

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Rahm Emanuel of Illinois is leading an effort to read all the names of the 1,719 soldiers who have been killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, starting tonight during special orders on the House floor. (more...)

Democrats Call For Tomlinson to Quit

Wednesday June 22, 2005

Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), ranking member of a House panel on telecommunications, called at a rally yesterday in support of public broadcasting for the resignation of Kenneth Tomlinson. (more...)

Congressional Group Eyes E-waste Disposal Laws

Monday June 20, 2005

Four members of the U.S. House of Representatives have created the Congressional E-Waste Working Group to work on standardizing national laws for the recycling and disposal of discarded electronic and computer equipment. (more...)

Supporters Fight for Low-Power FM Radio

Thursday June 16, 2005

Recently, approximately 200 people congregated on Capitol Hill to hear Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., announce she is introducing legislation to protect low-power FM radio stations from what she called the “encroachment” of larger commercial media. (more...)

Democrats Intensify Ethics War

Wednesday June 15, 2005

House Democrats took their charges of GOP power abuses to a heightened level on Tuesday, accusing two powerful Republican committee chairmen of misusing their authority and demanding that one of them resign his post. (more...)

Ethics panel in partisan deadlock

Wednesday June 15, 2005

With the House ethics panel locked in a tense stalemate, the majority leader, Rep. Tom DeLay, accused Democrats on Tuesday of deliberately stalling an investigation of him in order to drag it into the midterm… (more...)

Defense funds aimed here

Tuesday June 14, 2005

New jobs and investment could be headed here as a result of about $25 million earmarked for the area in the 2006 defense… (more...)

Low-power stations imperiled as giants gobble up frequencies

Tuesday June 14, 2005

For most of his working life, Jim Price has been helping others establish community radio stations in every state of the country. But now, as president of his own station in Ringgold, Ga., he might soon be out of a job. (more...)

Defense bill could bring $25 million

Monday June 13, 2005

Rochester area firms and organizations are earmarked to receive nearly $25 million in defense spending. (more...)

Indigos, Lawmakers Link For LPFM Legislation

Thursday June 9, 2005

The Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, performed to a packed room of about 150 congressional lawmakers, staffers and interest group representatives, gathered to hear the artists and to learn more about proposed legislation designed to expand Low Power FM�s reach across the country and to elevate the broadcast service�s status. (more...)

E-waste Rules Need National Consistency

Wednesday June 8, 2005

California has blazed the trail on collecting and recycling e-waste. Maine and Maryland are following. Two dozen other states are considering legislation to keep old computers, TVs and other electronic devices out of landfills, where they take up space and may leach hazardous chemicals into the ground. (more...)

Slaughter Revels in New Role

Sunday May 15, 2005

Rep. Louise Slaughter’s desk sits just a few feet from the door where British troops stormed into the U.S. Capitol during the War of 1812. Today it is Slaughter who is doing battle. Her weapons are words and her target is the House Republican leadership. (more...)

American Legacy Foundation Addresses Tobacco-Related Health Issues

Tuesday May 10, 2005

More than 100 influential women, including several Members of Congress, came together today for a Circle of Friends: Uniting to be Smoke-Free® women’s luncheon on Capitol Hill. The luncheon, sponsored by the American Legacy Foundation, along with Women’s Policy, Inc. and the National Journal, was held in honor of National Women’s Health Week. (more...)

House Approves $82-Billion War Spending Bill

Friday May 6, 2005

The House approved an $82-billion war spending bill Thursday that included a controversial provision designed to pressure states into denying driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. (more...)

House OK's $82b for Iraq, Afghanistan

Friday May 6, 2005

The House easily approved another $82 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan yesterday, a measure that includes sweeping immigration overhauls and boosts the total spent on fighting terrorism since 2001… (more...)

House Approves Clampdown on Drivers

Friday May 6, 2005

Getting or renewing a driver’s license would take more time and effort under a security measure approved by the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday. The Senate is expected to pass a similar measure next week. (more...)

House OKs $82 Billion More for Wars

Friday May 6, 2005

The House overwhelmingly approved the fourth big special spending bill in the last two years for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on Thursday, along with an added provision that will make it all but impossible for illegal immigrants to get driver’s licenses from any state, including California. (more...)

House approves $82 billion for Iraq, Afghanistan wars

Friday May 6, 2005

The House yesterday overwhelmingly approved $82 billion in emergency spending for Iraq and Afghanistan, turning back complaints from some Democrats that the military effort is off course and that billions of dollars slated for the reconstruction effort have gone missing. (more...)

House Ethics Committee has New Life, and DeLay's the Target

Friday April 29, 2005

House Democrats, used to being pummeled by the majority Republicans, scored a major victory this week in forcing a reversal of Ethics Committee rules changes that had completely defanged that none-too-ferocious legislative panel. (more...)

DeLay Debate Creates Rare Victory

Friday April 29, 2005

This week a beleaguered minority enjoyed a rare victory in American politics – rare enough to make it the political Play of the Week. (more...)

House Deal Paves Way for DeLay Probe

Thursday April 28, 2005

House Republicans, acceding to heavy political pressure, agreed yesterday to a change in the rules that clears the way for an investigation of embattled House majority leader Tom DeLay. (more...)

House GOP Retreats on Ethics Code

Thursday April 28, 2005

The House voted overwhelmingly Wednesday night to toss out controversial rules governing its ethics committee as House Speaker Dennis Hastert gave in to public pressure to do so. (more...)

Republicans Rescind House Ethics Rules Changes

Thursday April 28, 2005

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a Republican from Texas, pledged yesterday that his office will turn over “everything that we have” about controversial overseas trips, as House Republicans overwhelmingly agreed to rescind rules changes imposed in January that led to a shutdown of the ethics committee. (more...)

Democrats Prevail in Ethics Fight

Thursday April 28, 2005

Democrats wanted to investigate Majority Leader Tom DeLay and have the House Ethics Committee run as it had since 1997. (more...)

House Clears Way for Anticipated DeLay Probe

Wednesday April 27, 2005

The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday dropped new ethics rules opposed by Democrats, clearing the way for another anticipated probe of their majority leader. (more...)

House Approves Abortion Limits

Wednesday April 27, 2005

The House yesterday approved a bill that would make it a federal crime to skirt a state parental-notification law by taking a minor to another state to obtain an abortion without her parents’ involvement. (more...)

Slaughter Takes Lead Role In Criticizing Ethics Rules

Thursday April 21, 2005

Just four months into her job as the top Democrat on the Rules Committee, Rep. Louise Slaughter (N.Y.) has found herself at the center of a political firestorm: She’s taken on the role of leading minority critic of changes to House ethics rules. (more...)

Victims' Advocate Changes Sought

Wednesday April 6, 2005

Two prominent congresswomen called on Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on Tuesday to strengthen protections for advocates of sexual assault victims, a move prompted by a… (more...)

No Punishment Recommended in Sex Assault Scandal

Saturday March 26, 2005

The acting secretary of the Air Force has recommended not disciplining military officials who a recent report said were responsible for the sexual assault scandal at the Air Force Academy. (more...)

Sex-Assault Policy Unveiled at Congress' Behest

Sunday March 20, 2005

For the first time, Pentagon officials have created confidentiality protections for service members who report being sexually assaulted, unveiling a policy Friday that allows them to have private conversations with medical personnel, counselors and victim advocates. (more...)

A Roadblock to Justice

Sunday March 20, 2005

Kayla Michael says she barely finished introducing herself before the garrison commander’s deputy stiffened his spine and narrowed his eyes on a point somewhere just past the top of her head. (more...)

Dems Charge Congress Ethics Wrecked

Tuesday March 8, 2005

Democratic lawmakers Tuesday spoke out against what they characterized as the unprecedented erosion of the democratic process… (more...)

Democrats Ask for Gannon Investigation

Wednesday February 23, 2005

Two prominent House Democrats urged the Government Accountability Office on Wednesday to investigate whether the Bush administration broke a law against using federal money for propaganda by giving “pre-packaged stories” to former reporter James Guckert, who used the pseudonym Jeff Gannon at White House briefings for two years. (more...)

Congresswoman Wants Explanation of White House Ties to Ex-Reporter

Thursday February 17, 2005

With the mystery of “Jeff Gannon” deepening, Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., on Thursday renewed her call for the White House to explain its relationship with a conservative ex-reporter linked to an… (more...)

E-Waste Bill Debuts in U.S. House

Monday February 14, 2005

Two House members have introduced a national electronics recycling bill aimed at preventing obsolete computer equipment and other electronics from going into the nation’s landfills. (more...)

Fakers and Frauds Fool American Taxpayers

Sunday February 13, 2005

Some of the kids in the Bush administration have been having too much fun, fun, fun. Now Daddy has to take the T-bird away. (more...)

Web Writer Quits After Being ID'd By Liberals

Friday February 11, 2005

A conservative reporter who asked President Bush at a news conference last month how he could work with Senate Democratic leaders “who seem to have divorced themselves from reality” resigned this week after liberal bloggers uncovered his real name and raised questions about his connections to Republicans. (more...)