U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Democrat of Texas, announced Sunday evening that she was being treated for pancreatic cancer, but assured her constituents that she would 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 undergoing 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 target my specific condition,” she continued. “The road ahead will not be easy, but I am confident that God will strengthen me.”
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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee announced Sunday evening that she was being treated for pancreatic cancer. (Reuters/Erin Scott)
The congresswoman said she “will likely occasionally be absent from Congress” while she undergoes treatment, but stressed that her office will continue to provide 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, to serve this nation and be there for votes on legislation critical to the prosperity and security of the American people.” , she said. “By the grace of God, I will soon be back in great shape.”
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 would “probably be absent from Congress occasionally” while undergoing treatment. (Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)
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Last year, she ran an unsuccessful campaign for mayor of Houston, losing by a wide margin to then-Sen. John Whitmire, also a Democrat, before announcing she would seek re-election 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 Congressman, I have had the honor of being one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all, especially the disadvantaged and the dispossessed. Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and courage.
“Please keep me and my family in your prayers as you always have. Know that you will remain in mine,” she concluded. “As always, God bless you and God bless the United States of America.”