Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

• The Congressional Black Caucus member who sponsored legislation that resulted in Junteeth being established as a federal holiday noted she "will be occasionally absent from Congress" as she receives treatment.
• But Jackson Lee added that she's "committed to working with our Congressional Leadership including Leader Hakeem Jeffries 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."

"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."

Zoom out: Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget, in March won a primary election to regain Texas's 18th District seat that comprises parts of Houston after last year losing a bid to become the city's mayor.

• In May, the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.