LOS ÁNGELES – Mayor Karen Bass today issued the following statement following the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee:
"Today, our nation lost a tenacious defender of freedom for all.
“Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's spirit touched the lives of millions during her years of service to the people of Houston and the nation. She was a prolific legislator. We worked closely together in the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and advanced bills to protect the rights of pregnant women in prison from inhumane treatment and abuse. We also worked together on the successful passage of new trade agreements with the nations of sub-saharan Africa through the reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act and collaborated on reforms to the child welfare system as proud members of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. The entire Congress could always count on her for sharp legal analysis and blunt assessment of strategy and reality. She was a force to be reckoned with on Capitol Hill and leaves a legacy that will ripple for decades to come.
"Now, after leading a life of tremendous accomplishment to the benefit of so many, she rests. My thoughts are with the Jackson Lee family, her dedicated staff, and the greater Houston area as they mourn this great loss."