President Joe Biden to Visit Houston to Pay Respects to Late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Houston will be receiving a visit from President Joe Biden on Monday as he pays his respects to the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Lee will lie in state in City Hall from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 29, allowing the public to pay their final respects and sign a book of condolence after a brief prayer service with Jackson Lee's family, city leaders, and faith leaders.

During the visit, a combined Honor Guard representing the Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department will be present. The details of President Biden's schedule and the duration of his visit have not been disclosed yet.

In addition to President Biden's visit, Vice President Kamala Harris will also travel to Houston on Thursday to attend the Celebration of Life Service for Jackson Lee. This will mark Harris' second visit to Houston this month and her third time in Texas.

Following Lee's passing, Vice President Harris expressed her condolences, calling the congresswoman "a tenacious advocate for justice and a tireless fighter for the people of Houston and the people of America." Harris highlighted their longtime friendship and membership in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She praised Lee's leadership and dedication to progress, stating that there was never a trivial encounter with the congresswoman. Harris emphasized Lee's relentless fight for the people of Houston and America.

The schedule for honoring Congresswoman Jackson Lee includes a viewing at God's Grace Community Church on Tuesday, July 30, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Wednesday, July 31, there will be another viewing at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a service that will run from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Finally, on Thursday, August 1, a Celebration of Life Service will take place at Fallbrook Church at 11 a.m., with attendance limited to invitation only.

Governor Greg Abbott has approved Mayor Whitmire's request to lower the flags to half-staff on City Hall and municipal buildings in Houston from Monday, July 29, to Thursday, August 1, as a mark of respect for Congresswoman Jackson Lee.

Jackson Lee, who served Houston for more than 30 years, began her political career as a City of Houston municipal court judge. She later sat on the Houston City Council before being elected to represent the 18th Congressional District of Texas in 1994. Known as a local, national, and international humanitarian, she fought tirelessly for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, with a particular focus on women and children. Among her legislative victories were establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee's commitment and dedication to the Houston community earned her the honor of lying in state in Houston City Hall, as Mayor Whitmire remarked on their shared history of collaboration despite their differences in style and the recent mayoral race.

As the city prepares to bid farewell to a respected leader, Houstonians will remember Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's legacy and contributions to Houston and beyond.