Rail Passengers Association Remembers Louise Slaughter

For Immediate Release (17-28)

March 16, 2018

Contact: Xenophon Strategies - (202) 289-4001

Washington, D.C. - The Rail Passengers Association was saddened to learn that New York Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, a long-time supporter of U.S. passenger rail, died this morning from complications of an injury suffered last week. Rep. Slaughter and the Association have a long history together in advocating for Amtrak and other passenger rail services in the U.S. over the course of her 30 years in office.

“Congresswoman Slaughter was an ardent and vocal long-time supporter of passenger rail in Upstate New York and across the country" said Bruce Becker, Rail Passengers Association Vice-President of Operations and formerly President of the Empire State Passengers Association. "She was instrumental in advancing the construction of a new Amtrak passenger station for her hometown of Rochester. The beautiful new facility, which opened last fall, is a testament to her vision for a modern and passenger-focused rail network."

In 2011, Slaughter founded the 'Bi-Cameral High Speed and Intercity Rail Caucus' which brought together passenger rail advocates in both the House and Senate. She earned the Association's highest award, the Golden Spike, for her efforts and support of rail transit that year.

Slaughter’s office confirmed that the congresswoman suffered a fall last week, which resulted in a concussion and her hospitalization. Details on funeral arrangements will be provided by her office when they are available.

About the Rail Passengers Association
The Rail Passengers Association is the oldest and largest national organization speaking for the nearly 40 million users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by more than 28,000 individual members nationwide.