[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E753-E754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, tonight, we mourn the 
loss of our dear friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
  She was a fighter, a fierce intellect, and above all, a force. Her 
presence here in Washington--for almost 30 years--was unmatched.
  Her constituents were not only the good people of Houston; they were 
the disadvantaged looking for an opportunity, the destitute

[[Page E754]]

looking for a new start in our country, and the vulnerable looking for 
an advocate.
  I have no doubt that her legacy of fearless leadership and commitment 
to her community will continue to inspire generations.
  It would be impossible to distill Congresswoman Jackson Lee's three 
decades of service in Congress here tonight but suffice it to say there 
was not a subject worthy of attention that she ignored.
  As a Member of the Homeland Security Committee since it became a 
standing committee almost 20 years ago, Congresswoman Jackson Lee 
fought for resources for first responders, help for those suffering the 
effects of natural disasters, and immigration policies that reflect our 
values as a Nation of immigrants.
  Congresswoman Jackson Lee's reputation preceded her. On Capitol Hill, 
it appeared that she could be in more than one place at once.
  Within one hour, the congresswoman could be observed giving a floor 
speech, participating in a committee hearing on a topic she cared about 
whether or not she was a Member of the committee, and then giving 
remarks at an event to support a cause.
  She was relentless, and every cause she took on was better because of 
it. The Nation owes her a debt of gratitude.
  I am grateful that Congresswoman Jackson Lee decided to lend her 
immeasurable energy and tenacity to the Homeland Security Committee. 
Her absence will be felt just as much as her presence, and we will miss 
her dearly.
  Tonight, we continue our prayers for her family, friends, and 
constituents.
  May God bless Sheila Jackson Lee.

                          ____________________