US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee passes away at 74

AUSTIN: American Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, founder and co-chairperson of the Congress Pakistan Caucus, died of cancer at the age of 74.

Jackson, who received the Hilal-e-Pakistan civil award for outstanding service to Pakistan, had been battling pancreatic cancer for some time.

Ms. Jackson Lee began her congressional career in 1994 by defeating incumbent Craig Washington and quickly became a prominent figure in Congress and in Houston.

A veteran politician known for her progressive stance, she initially opposed the Iraq War and advocated for gay rights. Until her death, she was a senior member of important House committees and was well known in her district for her appearances at local events.

Sheila, the founder and co-chairperson of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, secured significant federal funding for Houston and had strong ties to the Democratic Party leadership. Jackson retained the support of party leaders and won his final primary by a wide margin. She announced a run for mayor of Houston but lost the race amid controversy over leaked audio of her bratting crew.

Born in Queens, she graduated from Yale and the University of Virginia Law School, moving to Houston after her husband took a job there. Jackson Lee served on the Houston City Council before Congress and was one of the longest-serving Texans in Congress. Posthumous tributes praised her dedication to her constituents and her efforts to win federal support for her district.