Sheila Jackson Lee was a great American.

I had the honor of working with her during her nearly 30 years in Congress. No matter the issue – from delivering racial justice to building an economy for working people – she was unrelenting in her leadership.

Always fearless, she spoke truth to power and represented the power of the people of her district in Houston with dignity and grace.

Those character traits established her as a towering figure in our politics. We saw it through her efforts to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, make Juneteenth a federal holiday, reintroduce the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and so much more.

Her character revealed itself time and again, including in her battle against cancer. Her brilliant spirit was unbreakable.

Sheila Jackson Lee is part of a long line of patriots who delivered the promise of America to all Americans.

Jill and I send our love and condolences to her family, her constituents, and beloved colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus.

May God bless our friend, Sheila Jackson Lee.

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