Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has passed away after battle with pancreatic cancer

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, has died following a battle with pancreatic cancer, her office announced Friday night. She was 74.

"Today, with deep grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas," her office said in a statement.

"A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as 'Congresswoman' by her constituents...