Kamala Harris to Attend Sheila Jackson Lee's Funeral in Houston

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to attend the funeral service for the late U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away on July 19 at the age of 74 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Jackson Lee is survived by her husband, Elwyn Lee, and their two children, Jason and Erica. Before her congressional career, she served as a judge and was elected to the Houston City Council in 1989. She also ran for Houston mayor last year but lost to state Senator John Whitmire. In a statement following Jackson Lee's death, Harris described her as a "tenacious advocate for justice" and a "tireless fighter" for the people of Houston and America. The Vice President reflected on their long-standing friendship and their shared membership in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Harris emphasized Jackson Lee's dedication to public service and her impactful leadership within the Congressional Black Caucus. Harris highlighted Jackson Lee's significant contributions to women's rights, particularly her role in reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, which has positively affected millions of women and girls nationwide. She praised Jackson Lee's vision for a more equitable and just society, noting that the congresswoman was committed to realizing that vision throughout her life. Earlier this month, Jackson Lee participated in an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority convention in Dallas, showcasing her ongoing commitment to community engagement and leadership.