https://x.com/KHOU/status/1814493509279264784
https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/rep-sheila-jackson-lee-dies/285-7300edab-222d-4b40-9f63-c565c097275b
BREAKING: Longtime Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee dies at 74, her family announced late tonight. #khou11
From khou.com
10:52 PM · Jul 19, 2024
·32.3K Views
The longtime Congresswoman served the public for more than 30 years. Last month, she announced she was fighting pancreatic cancer.
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Author: Cory McCord (KHOU)
Published: 9:51 PM CDT July 19, 2024
Updated: 10:06 PM CDT July 19, 2024
HOUSTON — Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died at 74, her family announced Friday night.
"With incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas," her family said in a statement.
Known by her constituents as simply, "Congresswoman," Jackson Lee served the public for more than 30 years.
"A local, national, and international humanitarian, she was acknowledged worldwide for her courageous fights for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, with a special emphasis on women and children," a statement from her family said.
Last month, Jackson Lee announced she was fighting pancreatic cancer. In a statement, Jackson Lee said she was undergoing treatment to battle the disease "that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year."
RELATED: 'I stand in faith that God will strengthen me' | US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee announces pancreatic cancer diagnosis
"She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy. God bless you Congresswoman and God bless the United States of America," Jackson Lee's family said.
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Jackson Lee had a hand in several legislative victories including establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.
Jackson Lee was born on Jan. 12, 1950, in Queens, New York. She served on the Houston City Council from 1989 to 1994 and was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1995.
In March, she beat Amanda Edwards in the Democratic primary. The Houston lawmaker was on three Congressional committees. She was a senior member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Homeland Security and the Budget Committee, according to her online bio.
Funeral arrangements are pending.