Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, passed away at the age of 74 after battling cancer. Her family issued a statement expressing gratitude for her life and highlighting her advocacy for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, particularly for women and children. Jackson Lee announced her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in June and was undergoing treatment. Serving in the House since 1995, she was known for her work on civil rights legislation. She was the lead sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and advocated for the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015 and the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act. Jackson Lee was a member of the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget committees. Her death marks the loss of a dedicated advocate and humanitarian on the local, national, and international levels. She will be remembered for her tireless efforts to fight injustice and uplift marginalized communities.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee loses battle with cancer
