MORELLE, SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO DEDICATE FAIRPORT POST OFFICE TO LOUISE AND BOB SLAUGHTER

August 1, 2019 (Rochester, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle along with Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that legislation to dedicate a Fairport post office in honor of the late Louise and Bob Slaughter has passed both chambers of Congress and will now be sent to the President for his approval.

“Louise Slaughter was a dear friend, a trailblazer, and a champion for families in Monroe County and across the nation,” said Rep. Morelle, who introduced the legislation. “It’s truly a privilege to have introduced and passed this legislation honoring Louise and her husband, Bob Slaughter, whose immeasurable contributions have undoubtedly made our community a better place. The bill’s widespread, bipartisan support is a testament to the profound impact Louise Slaughter has had on us all—and will have for years to come.”

“Congresswoman Slaughter could not be more deserving of having her countless legislative accomplishments and legacy as one of Congress’s truest trailblazers commemorated through the dedication of her hometown post office,” said Senator Schumer. “Louise and Bob Slaughter loved the Rochester community and especially their hometown of Fairport where they raised their family, supported their neighbors, and engaged in countless civic and community work throughout their over 50 years in Fairport.  Just as she fought relentlessly for women, for better healthcare and civil rights for all, and for integrity in Congress, Louise, together with Bob, put that same energy into making Monroe County a more welcoming and brighter community for all. I’m so proud of the part I played in passing this well-deserved recognition of Monroe County’s champions from Fairport, Louise and Bob Slaughter.”

“Congresswoman Louise Slaughter exemplified the very best of our elected leaders. She was a trailblazer throughout her career, she was kind and honorable, and she always believed in doing what was right on behalf of the Rochester community and her country,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As a long-serving leader, she spent years advocating for issues that would help improve the lives of New Yorkers and worked to give a voice to those who needed it. I was proud to support this bill to designate the Fairport post office in memory of Louise and her devoted husband Bob Slaughter. I’m pleased that this bill to honor them in the community they served has now passed both the Senate and the House, and I urge the president to quickly sign this bill into law.”

"For more than 55 years, our parents made Fairport their home, and from their first days here, they were engaged in the community. They were both students of history and would be honored to have this United States Post Office named in their honor,” said Robin Slaughter Minerva, daughter of Louise and Bob Slaughter. “The US Postal Service was established in 1775, and it continues to serve a critical function in American society. It is a public service with a civic mandate central to businesses and households. The USPS is one of the largest employers in the US and one of the largest employers of veterans, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans to reach the middle class. My parents, who held public service in the highest regard, would be humbled by this honor and I thank Congressman Morelle, Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for helping to make it a reality."

The facility to be renamed in Louise and Bob Slaughter’s honor is located at 770 Ayrault Rd in Fairport, NY. Currently a carrier annex, the facility will be undergoing renovations over the next year to become a full retail post office.

This legislation, H.R. 540, was the first legislation introduced by Rep. Morelle following his election and marks his first bill to pass both the House and the Senate. It was initially introduced and passed the House in December 2018 but failed to be taken up by the Senate before the end of the 115th Congress. The bill was re-introduced and passed by the House again in April 2019. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand wrote a letter of support for this bill, and this week it was approved by the Senate. It will now be sent to the President for his signature or veto.

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