Rep. Louise Slaughter is hospitalized after fall

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-N.Y.), during a House Rules Committee session in 2013. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

One of the longest-serving House Democrats has been hospitalized for several days after falling at her Washington residence, an aide said Wednesday.

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-N.Y.) has represented Rochester and its environs since 1987 and serves as ranking Democrat on the House Rules Committee. She is a former chairman of that panel, the first woman to hold that post.

Liam Fitzsimmons, Slaughter’s chief of staff, said in a statement that the congresswoman fell last week and was taken to George Washington University Hospital to be treated for a concussion.

“She did not suffer any fractures or broken bones and is receiving excellent care from the world-class medical staff at GW hospital,” Fitzsimmons said. “The congresswoman is tough as nails and she will bring that same spirit to this recovery. We appreciate the outpouring of support and the community’s patience during her recuperation.”

Fitzsimmons did not say which day Slaughter, 88, was first hospitalized or when she might be released.

Slaughter is the longest-serving member of New York’s House delegation and is the oldest sitting member of Congress. She has announced plans to seek reelection in November.