WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement on the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee: 

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a friend, a colleague, and a champion for the people of Houston and Americans across the country. For nearly 30 years, she was a barrier-breaking, indefatigable force for justice in the House of Representatives. 

“As Chief Deputy Whip, Rep. Jackson Lee was a key member of my leadership team and an essential voice for progress at critical crossroads in our history. A stalwart defender of civil rights, she guided some of the most vital legislation of our time, from the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act to the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday to the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

“Rep. Jackson Lee’s lifetime of service was motivated by an abiding belief in our power to realize America’s promise of equality and justice for all. We must keep fighting for that vision of a better future. I will deeply miss Sheila, and I offer my sincere condolences to Elwyn, Jason, Erica, Ellison, and Roy.”

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