On Sunday, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) announced that she has pancreatic cancer.
Jackson Lee, 74, said she is optimistic for a recovery.
“My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” she wrote in a statement. “I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year.”
“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease,” she continued. “The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”
Jackson Lee said she will likely be present for the most critical votes during treatment.
“I am committed to working with our Congressional Leadership including Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Speaker of the House to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people,” she said. “By God's grace, I will be back to full strength soon.”
Read the full statement below:
During Rep. Jackson's unsuccessful bid for Houston mayor the Texas Democrat made headlines for her “abusive” treatment of staff. (RELATED: Secret Recording Catches Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Emotionally Abusing Her Staff)
She reportedly criticized two underlings as “f*ck-ups” who lacked intelligence, according to a clip posted by a Texas political website.
Mediaite reports:
The clip was posted online by a far-right Texas blog called Current Revolt on Saturday. The blow-up allegedly began when Jackson Lee was asking a staffer about a paper concerning Ovide Duncantell, founder of the Black Heritage Society. The Washington Examiner notes that “Duncantell was heavily involved in Houston politics during his lifetime, and Jackson Lee is currently running for mayor there.”
Allegedly, the staffer told Jackson Lee that another staffer called “Jerome” had the document, and he'd give him a call about it. That's when Jackson Lee was alleged to have gone off on the both of them:
WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE
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