Congressional Black Caucus Statement on the Passing of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on the passing of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18):

“It is with the deepest sadness that the Congressional Black Caucus has learned of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee. We are holding her husband, Dr. Elwyn Lee, her two children Jason and Erica, and the entire Lee family in our hearts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.

“Representative Jackson Lee was a titan and stalwart member of Congress who served the Houston area and our country honorably for nearly 30 years in the U.S. Congress. From the Houston City Council to the U.S. Congress, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a fierce advocate for social and economic justice, national and homeland security, energy independence, and children and working families.

“A former CBC Whip and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a devoted and active member of our Caucus who championed many causes including racial equity and improving policing and community safety in America – most recently reintroducing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in May 2024.

“Representative Jackson Lee leaves her mark on the Congress as a former chair and first female ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, and as a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget. During her tenure, she led many important legislative initiatives – authoring the Violence Against Women's Act and the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and introducing the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Reauthorization, the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Act, and the Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act.

“Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a patriot and a fighter to the very end. Words cannot express the sense of loss our Caucus feels for our beloved friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”

Congressional Black Caucus Issues Statement on University of Florida decision to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion offices

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on the University of Florida decision to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion offices:

“The decision today by the University of Florida to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and to fire staff focused on creating a more inclusive learning environment, is far out of step with the standards and values expected of a public institution of higher education that is a member of the American Association of Universities, and which receives its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

“Contrary to Governor DeSantis’ claim that ‘DEI is toxic’, it is intolerance that is toxic. Since the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, DEI programs have come under attack on college campuses, in the corporate sector and beyond – this being the latest example. The University of Florida, as a public institution that receives federal funding, should be evaluated for potential civil rights violations.”