On behalf of the National Endowment for the Arts, I want to express our great sadness at the loss of a true friend and longtime arts champion, U.S. Representative Louise Slaughter. As co-chair of the House of Representative’s Arts Caucus, Representative Slaughter was tireless in her efforts to advance understanding of the value of the arts and encourage its support across the nation. For decades, she led with wisdom, persistence, and eloquence in describing how the arts impact our lives on many levels. Her advocacy made a difference for many individuals and communities for whom the arts are part of their daily lives. The country has lost an exemplary public servant and arts visionary. We send our condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.