U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, announced Sunday night that she is being treated for pancreatic cancer, but assured her constituents that she will soon be back at full strength.
Jackson Lee, 74, has represented Texas' 18th Congressional District for 30 years.
“My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” Jackson Lee said in a statement. “I am currently receiving treatment to combat this disease that affects tens of thousands of Americans each year.”
“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to address my specific illness,” she continued. “The road ahead will not be easy, but I have faith that God will strengthen me.”
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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee announced Sunday night that she is being treated for pancreatic cancer. (REUTERS/Erin Scott)
The congresswoman said she will “likely be occasionally absent from Congress” while receiving treatment, but emphasized that her office will continue to provide constituents with the services they “deserve and expect.”
“I am committed to working with our Congressional leaders, including Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that is critical to the prosperity and security of the American people. “, said. “By the grace of God, I will soon return with all my strength.”
Jackson Lee previously battled breast cancer, having been diagnosed in 2011 before announcing the following year that she was cancer-free.
The Democrat served as a judge before being elected to an at-large seat on the Houston City Council in 1989.
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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said she “will probably be occasionally absent from Congress” while she receives treatment. (Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)
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Last year, he ran an unsuccessful campaign for mayor of Houston, losing by a wide margin to then-state Sen. John Whitmire, also a Democrat, before announcing he would seek reelection to Congress.
“My adult life has been defined by my faith in God, my love for humanity and my commitment to public service,” Jackson Lee said Sunday. “As a member of Congress, I have had the honor of being one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all; especially the disadvantaged and dispossessed. Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and the same courage”.
“Please keep me and my family in your prayers as you always have. Know that you will remain in mine,” he concluded. “As always, God bless you and God bless the United States of America.”
