Steny H. Hoyer
07/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/20/2024 08:37
Hoyer Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the passing of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18):
"I am deeply saddened to learn of my good friend Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's passing. For nearly three decades, Congresswoman Jackson Lee has been a forceful voice in the Congress, championing the constitutional rights of all Americans with passion and zeal. She was a woman of principle and conviction whose loss will be deeply felt throughout Texas, our caucus, and indeed, the country.
"In the almost 30 years we served together in the House, I was proud to work with Congresswoman Jackson Lee on numerous legislative efforts that advanced and protected the constitutional rights of all Americans. Both at home in her district and across the Capitol, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was omnipresent as she poured her soul into advocating for her constituents and beliefs - no one worked harder or with more determination. As Majority Leader, I worked closely with her to pass a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) - expanding, modernizing, and protecting the rights of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In the last Congress, we also worked closely to designate Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
"Throughout her life, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a trailblazer. She graduated with honors from Yale University in the first class that included women, before earning her J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School. She also served as the first female Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, of which she Chaired during the last Congress. In the Congressional Black Caucus, her leadership and strong advocacy for the rights of women and children helped to shape policies that have improved the lives of countless Americans in Texas and across the country.
"I offer my condolences to her husband of more than 50 years, Elwyn Lee, as well as their children Jason Lee, Erica Lee, and their families. My prayers are with her loved ones, her many friends, and the people of Texas's 18th Congressional District who have lost a fierce advocate dedicated to human rights and advancing liberty and justice for all."
"I am deeply saddened to learn of my good friend Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's passing. For nearly three decades, Congresswoman Jackson Lee has been a forceful voice in the Congress, championing the constitutional rights of all Americans with passion and zeal. She was a woman of principle and conviction whose loss will be deeply felt throughout Texas, our caucus, and indeed, the country.
"In the almost 30 years we served together in the House, I was proud to work with Congresswoman Jackson Lee on numerous legislative efforts that advanced and protected the constitutional rights of all Americans. Both at home in her district and across the Capitol, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was omnipresent as she poured her soul into advocating for her constituents and beliefs - no one worked harder or with more determination. As Majority Leader, I worked closely with her to pass a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) - expanding, modernizing, and protecting the rights of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In the last Congress, we also worked closely to designate Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
"Throughout her life, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a trailblazer. She graduated with honors from Yale University in the first class that included women, before earning her J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School. She also served as the first female Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, of which she Chaired during the last Congress. In the Congressional Black Caucus, her leadership and strong advocacy for the rights of women and children helped to shape policies that have improved the lives of countless Americans in Texas and across the country.
"I offer my condolences to her husband of more than 50 years, Elwyn Lee, as well as their children Jason Lee, Erica Lee, and their families. My prayers are with her loved ones, her many friends, and the people of Texas's 18th Congressional District who have lost a fierce advocate dedicated to human rights and advancing liberty and justice for all."