“I am currently undergoing treatment to combat this disease,” she said.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, announced that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“My doctors confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” the rep said. Jackson Lee, 74, said in a statement Sunday evening. “I am currently undergoing treatment to combat this disease that affects tens of thousands of Americans each year.”
Jackson Lee, who represents Texas’ 18th District, which includes parts of Houston, recently won a primary election to regain his seat. This comes after Jackson Lee lost his bid for mayor of the city late last year.
Because of her upcoming treatments, Jackson Lee said she may occasionally miss legislative votes, but she is “committed” to working with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on a legislation “critical to the prosperity and security of the American people.”
A member of the Congressional Black Caucus, she has served in Congress for approximately 30 years. Most recently, Jackson Lee reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in May.
“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific illness,” Jackson Lee said in his statement. “The road ahead will not be easy, but I have faith that God will strengthen me.”