House Rules Chairwoman Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.), who on Friday was set to kick off debate on the economic stimulus conference report, will instead spend the day in her district tending to constituents affected by Thursday night’s fatal Continental Airlines plane crash.

“I can only surmise that [Slaughter] is not here due to the very tragic news that we got overnight of the loss of 48 lives in the Continental plane crash that took place just outside of Buffalo,” Rules ranking member David Dreier (R-Calif.) said on the House floor.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to all of the victims’ families and Mrs. Slaughter, who I know is dealing with that issue,” Dreier said.

Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.), a member of the Rules Committee, is filling in for Slaughter during debate on the rule.