Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Battles Cancer Diagnosis

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, influential legislator and cancer fighter, faces pancreatic cancer diagnosis while continuing to serve her constituents.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has dedicated her career to fighting for groundbreaking legislation. She authored the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, creating the first new federal holiday in nearly four decades, and passionately championed the Violence Against Women Act, ensuring its passage for the first time in almost ten years. Now, the resilient Texas representative faces the toughest battle of her life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

In a heartfelt statement shared on X, the 74-year-old congresswoman revealed her diagnosis and ongoing treatment. "My doctors have confirmed pancreatic cancer, and I am currently undergoing treatment," Jackson Lee bravely disclosed. "I trust that my doctors have developed the best plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will be challenging, but I have faith that God will give me strength."

Representing Texas' 18th District since 1995, Jackson Lee is now in her 15th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. She serves on the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and the Budget, and made history as the first female Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime and Federal Government Surveillance. Her legislative accomplishments are vast and impactful, including the Sentencing Reform Act, the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, and the RAISE Act, among others.

Recognized as one of the 50 most effective Members of Congress by 'Congressional Quarterly' and among the ten most influential legislators in the House by 'U.S. News and World Report,' Jackson Lee's influence transcends legislation. She is a founder, member, and Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and the Congressional Children's Caucus, as well as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Energy Braintrust and Co-Chair of the Justice Reform Task Force.

Educationally, Jackson Lee holds a B.A. in Political Science from Yale University and a J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School. She is married to Dr. Elwyn Lee, an administrator at the University of Houston, and is a proud mother of two children and grandmother of twins. Despite her health battle, Jackson Lee remains steadfast in her commitment to her congressional duties, vowing to work with congressional leadership and be present for critical votes on legislation for the American people's prosperity and security.

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