[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 122 (Friday, July 26, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JOYCE BEATTY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday July 22, 2024

  Mr. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, I rise today, I join my Congressional 
colleagues, the Nation, the city of Houston, and the loved ones of 
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in mourning her passing.
  She began her journey to greatness by breaking barriers as a Yale 
University student, municipal judge, and Houston City Councilwoman 
before continuing her fight against injustice in the U.S. Congress. 
Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a pioneering advocate and a tireless 
champion for justice and civil rights, standing up for the most 
vulnerable and holding those in power accountable.
  Her legacy includes creating the Juneteenth federal holiday and her 
relentless fight for reparations to address the painful history of 
Black Americans. It features innovations in reauthorizing the Violence 
Against Women Act and a passionate persistence in reintroducing the 
George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in May 2024. My Congressional 
sister was tireless in her work for voting rights, healthcare, 
education, and labor.
  As Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am especially 
grateful for her guidance, intellectual command of issues, and service 
as my legal advisor and parliamentarian. As a Black woman, I felt 
immense pride watching her on the U.S. House Floor, confidently 
addressing subject matter experts in any field and prevailing.
  I will deeply miss our friendship, debates, laughs, and travels 
together, but I will always remember her as a ``national treasure.''
  Rest in power to my friend. May her legacy and dedication strengthen 
and encourage us in the days ahead.

                          ____________________