Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, has passed away at the age of 74 after battling cancer. Her family announced her death, expressing deep grief for their loss and gratitude for her life. Jackson Lee was known for her advocacy for racial justice, criminal justice, human rights, and specifically for marginalized groups such as women and children. She announced her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in June and had been undergoing treatment.
Jackson Lee served in the House since 1995 and was a key advocate for civil rights legislation. She sponsored the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and worked on bills such as the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015 and the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act. She was a member of the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget committees.
Her passing marks the loss of a dedicated public servant and humanitarian, who was recognized globally for her efforts in fighting for social justice. Jackson Lee’s legacy will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to equality and fairness for all. She leaves behind a lasting impact on the issues that she passionately championed throughout her career in Congress.
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