Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, Democrat of Texas, said Sunday that she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer but plans to continue her work in Congress while undergoing treatment.
Jackson Lee, who at age 74 has served nearly three decades in the House, said in a statement that he was undergoing a treatment plan drawn up by his team of doctors. She added that “the path forward will not be easy” and would likely lead to occasional absences.
The announcement comes as turnout in the House of Representatives has received more attention than in previous years due to the historically small majority that Republicans hold over Democrats: they now hold 217 seats to the Democrats’ 213. better to drive their legislative agendas.
In February, a Republican attempt to impeach Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the secretary of homeland security, was defeated by a single vote when Representative Al Green, Democrat of Texas, surprised his colleagues with a dramatic arrival on the House floor in a robe. hospital to cast the critical vote. The impeachment charges were later approved by a single vote when another ailing member, Representative Steve Scalise, Republican of Louisiana and House Majority Leader, returned to Washington after receiving treatment for blood cancer.
Although pancreatic cancer is considered relatively rare, it has recently gained renewed attention after several prominent people were diagnosed and succumbed to the disease. They include Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Representative John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and civil rights leader; the danger!” host Alex Trebek; and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
Treatment options for the disease can vary and include surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Often, doctors use a combination of treatments depending on the patient’s overall health and age. Jackson Lee has not revealed any information about her treatment plan, but has asked supporters to keep her and her family in prayers.
“By the grace of God, I will be back with full strength soon,” she wrote.
She also told her constituents in Texas’ 18th Congressional District, which includes Houston and neighboring left-leaning cities, not to expect any disruptions to the services her office provides.
“As I continue my treatments, I will likely occasionally be absent from Congress, but rest assured that my office will continue to provide the vital constituent services you deserve and expect,” she wrote in the statement.
Jackson Lee is coming off an unsuccessful mayoral campaign in Houston last year. After her defeat, she emerged from the Democratic primary in March with 60% of the vote in the solidly blue district. The November general election will probably be the easiest electoral challenge of the three contests.
