Jim Costa: “The House has lost a giant and a trailblazer for justice and a good friend for so many of us, Sheila Jackson Lee, whom…”

“The House has lost a giant and a trailblazer for justice and a good friend for so many of us, Sheila Jackson Lee, whom we honor here today and remember. Born in Queens, New York, she was among the first women to graduate from Yale, and she dedicated her life to public service. For nearly 30 years she represented the people of Houston, Texas, in the House of Representatives. She was a role model for so many and for young women seeking to serve. She led the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, VAWA, and established with her colleagues Juneteenth as a Federal holiday. Not only that, but she authored the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act with so many of her colleagues. The list goes on and on and on. Sheila was my friend and had a thoughtful approach to foreign policy. Many don't know her efforts for years interacting with our colleagues in Europe and the European Parliament, always willing to participate and share her point of view. She was respected, and she noticed that dialogue and diplomacy should be the tools first rather than the last resort. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders. We will miss you, Sheila, our friend. May you rest in peace. ____________________”