The resolution honors the life and legacy of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away on July 19, 2024. Born in New York City in 1950, she was a trailblazer in politics, earning her political science degree from Yale and a law degree from the University of Virginia. After moving to Houston, she held various significant positions, including municipal judge, city council member, and deputy agriculture commissioner, before being elected to Congress in 1994, where she served for 14 consecutive terms. Jackson Lee was known for her dedication to social justice, authoring key legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, and H.R. 40, which aimed to study reparations for African Americans.

The resolution also highlights her leadership roles within Congress, her commitment to her constituents, and her efforts to direct federal resources to under-resourced communities. Sheila Jackson Lee was recognized for her effective advocacy on various progressive issues, including civil rights, gun control, and disaster recovery. The Texas House of Representatives expresses its condolences to her family and acknowledges her profound impact on the community and the nation, ensuring that her contributions will be remembered for years to come.