BREAKING: High-Ranking Democrat Reveals Cancer Diagnosis

One of the highest-ranking Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives announced on Monday that she has received an unexpected cancer diagnosis that will potentially sideline her during election-year power struggles in the closely contested lower chamber.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) announced on Sunday that she will soon begin treatment for pancreatic cancer, according to Axios. Jackson Lee, 74, is the senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary and Homeland Security and Budget.

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“My adult life has been defined by my faith in God, my love for humanity and my commitment to public service. As a member of Congress, I’ve been honored to be 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 the same courage. My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year,” Lee wrote in a Letter posted on X.

“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.” She added: “I am committed to working with our Congressional Leadership including Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and the Speaker of House to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee issued the Following Statement: pic.twitter.com/1WnKAN2CQs

— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) June 3, 2024

Although Rep. Jackson Lee has pledged to remain present for most or all of the votes throughout the year, similar diagnoses have pulled lawmakers from the floor at inconvenient times, complicating the math for both Democrats and Republicans to secure their priorities or oppose those of the other party. Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) last year announced a diagnosis of multiple myeloma which left Republicans short one vote during a protracted fight over who would serve as the next Speaker. In April, Arizona’s Democrat Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) announced he received a cancer diagnosis after being treated for a persistent cough. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), one of the House’s most prominent Democrats, recently announced his cancer uncovered in December has fallen into remission.

Health scares of any kind among lawmakers have the potential to throw the status of legislation into uncertain territory. Five vacancies, the result of resignations and one death, leave Republicans with a 217-213 majority, though in party-line votes House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) can afford no more than a single Republican defection. Special elections won by Democrats, including taking back the seat previously held by disgraced Rep. George Santos, have added to the GOP reductions over time. If Rep. Jackson Lee does not make good on her promise to appear for floor votes, Johnson may benefit from a small bit of wiggle room.

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