Post by Admin on Jul 20, 2024 10:13:57 GMT -4
Lawmakers remember Sheila Jackson Lee as a ‘fighter’ for justice
Members of Congress took to social media to remember Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), who died Friday evening at the age of 74.
Many of her colleagues highlighted Lee’s nearly three-decade career in Washington, calling her a “fierce advocate” and a “fighter” for justice.
Her family announced her death in a statement Friday, but did not specify a cause. The news, however, comes just over a month since the Texas Democrat revealed she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had been undergoing treatment.
She was first elected to the House in 1994. Jackson Lee served on the House Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget Committees. She was also chief deputy whip for the House Democrats and a vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Her colleagues posted messages honoring the congresswoman’s tenure and offering condolences to her family.
Fellow Texas Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett posted a photo of the two women wearing pink outfits on social media platform X.
“Tonight, Texans all over are mourning the loss of a legend, true leader for social justice, public servant, and my friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee,” Crockett said, adding that the late Jackson Lee was a “fierce advocate” who never backed down.
“If you ever needed a living example of servant leadership, you could look no further — Congresswoman Jackson Lee was compassionate, resilient, and most importantly, always willing to do the work!” she wrote.
Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) called Jackson Lee a “tough, principled and gracious.”
“As a black woman in Texas you carried yourself in a way that demanded respect amid the racism and misogyny you encountered,” Castro wrote on X. “I don’t think people realize how hard you worked every day.”
Castro said Jackson Lee made a difference for her community, for Houston and for the country. “You really mattered, Sheila,” he added.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she had learned about Jackson Lee’s death with “deep sadness.”
“Congresswoman Jackson Lee achieved a remarkable legislative record in the Congress for Houston and for our country,” Pelosi posted online. “As a powerful voice for our Constitution and human rights, she fought tirelessly to advance fairness, equity and justice for all.”
Pelosi said the House Democratic Caucus was blessed to know Jackson Lee “and we will miss her dearly.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) also said she was “heartbroken” to hear about Jackson Lee’s death in a post on X.
“In her last text to me, she told me she has always been a fighter. That’s who she was—always fighting for the people, for justice,” Jayapal wrote. “Love & comfort to her loved ones. May she rest in peace & power.”
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) highlighted Jackson Lee’s work ethic in her post on social media.
“Sheila Jackson Lee was a true legislator, committed to significant public policy. She spent every day on legislation, amendments, one minutes and five minutes, using every tool available to members of Congress to rewrite the rules and challenge the system,” Waters said. “Her time in Congress was truly significant.”
Waters said she is going to miss the Texas Congresswoman, who has “truly earned your place in the annals of history!”
Rep. Al Green, another Democrat from Texas, called the news “a great loss.”
Rest In Power Miss Lee
