Congress mourns Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Members of Congress are mourning the death of one of their own, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas.).

Jackson Lee passed away Friday after announcing that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June.

Flags at the U.S. Capitol flew at half-staff in her honor while inside, Democrats and Republicans paid tribute to the longtime lawmaker.

“Please rise and join me in observing a moment of silence to honor Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s memory,” said Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.).

Green started Tuesday’s House Homeland Security Committee hearing on a somber note, holding back tears as he remembered the 74-year-old Democrat who represented her Houston-based district for nearly 30 years.

“The loss of a friend to all of us on this committee,” Green said. “Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a longtime member of this committee who always fought passionately for her constituents and causes that she believed would better the homeland.”

Her committee seat mate, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), also remembered Jackson Lee for her tireless work for her district, noting how she secured more resources for first responders and victims of natural disasters.

“There was no more fierce an advocate than Congresswoman Jackson Lee,” Thompson said. “Her absence will be felt just as much as her presence, and we will miss her dearly.”

Jackson Lee cultivated quite the reputation across Capitol Hill for her relentless spirit. Her colleagues marveled at how it often seemed like she could be in multiple places at the same time.

“The passion that she brought to each and every event that she participated in just meant a lot to all of us,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.).

Aguilar and Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) helped lead a celebration of life for Jackson Lee with the entire Democratic Caucus.

“Every day she came into Congress and fought for justice and equality,” Lieu said. “She gave a voice to those who did not have a voice.”

Jackson Lee also helped lead efforts to protect victims of domestic violence and recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Many lawmakers plan to attend services in Texas for Jackson Lee next week.

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