Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) released the following statement on the passing of her longtime colleague and senior member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18):

"I'm deeply saddened and utterly heartbroken to hear that my dear friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, has passed away after her second courageous battle against cancer.

"Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a woman warrior, a giant of the Congressional Black Caucus, and a public servant of the highest degree - always fighting for her constituents of southeast Texas. Her legal background made her a fierce legislator and an undeniable presence on the House Judiciary Committee. Her commitment to racial justice and equity drove her to carry the torch of the late, great John Conyers and lead the movement for reparations, otherwise known as HR 40.From establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, her loss of leadership will undoubtedly leave a void in our movement.

"I was fortunate enough to work alongside her my entire career in Congress, and was even more fortunate to speak to her as recently as this week before she left us. I will miss her joyful dancing and love for music, but will miss her trust and counsel most. To know Sheila was to love Sheila. Her presence in our caucus will be sorely missed. Congress, our country, and the world was a better place with her in it.

"I'm sending my deepest condolences to her husband, children, all of her loved ones and all of her constituents. May she rest in eternal peace, power and glory."