Biographies of the Arts Caucus Co-Chairs

The bi-partisan Congressional Arts Caucus is lead by co-chairs Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (NY-25) and Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-07).

Congresswoman Louise McIntosh Slaughter, the Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, is one of the most powerful and unique figures in the House of Representatives. The only microbiologist in Congress and the lead Democrat on the House Committee on Rules, Rep. Slaughter represents the 25th Congressional District of New York State, working tirelessly on behalf of the district and her constituents know her as a fighter for increased economic development across Western New York.  Over the years, Rep. Slaughter has earned a reputation for her dedication to constituent service while simultaneously being a strong progressive voice on a host of national issues. Congresswoman Slaughter sang big band blues at her alma mater, University of Kentucky, as seen below. Learn more about Co-Chair Louise M. Slaughter here.

Congressman Leonard Lance proudly represents New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District.  He is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and serves on three of its subcommittees: Health, Communications and Technology and Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee where is Vice-Chairman.  Prior to being named co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, Congressman Lance presided over the 2011 Congressional Art Competition.  And Leonard Lance also served as a member of the New Jersey Council on the Humanities and was a trustee of the Newark Museum and Princeton’s McCarter Theatre prior to his election to Congress in 2008. Learn more about Co-Chair Leonard Lance here.