In the wake of the death of US Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, attention has focused on what will now happen with her seat in the US House of Representatives. Lee represented the 18th congressional district in Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott has the ability to now call for a special election, though one has not yet been announced and there is no deadline for the governor to call one. Jackson Lee’s seat was to be up for grabs in the November general election, so it is possible that Abbott doesn’t call for the special election and, instead, lets the seat remain vacant until then.
Jackson Lee’s seat will be directed for the time being by the Office of the Clerk. Currently, Kevin McCumber is serving as acting clerk. Jackson Lee’s staff will continue to work under the clerk’s direction.
During her time in office, Jackson Lee helped lead federal efforts to protect women from domestic violence and recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday. The Democrat represented her district which includes Houston and areas to the north since 1995.
Jackson Lee fought for reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act which was eventually signed into law by President Biden in 2022.
Following her death on Friday, tributes and remembrances starting pouring in.
Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina called her “a tenacious advocate for civil rights and a tireless fighter, improving the lives of her constituents.”
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland said he had never known a harder-working lawmaker than Jackson Lee, saying she “studied every bill and every amendment with exactitude and then told Texas and America exactly where she stood.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California cited Jackson Lee’s “relentless determination” in getting Juneteenth declared a national holiday.
“As a powerful voice in the Congress for our Constitution and human rights, she fought tirelessly to advance fairness, equity and justice for all,” Pelosi said.
Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he and his wife Cecilia will always remember Jackson Lee, calling her a “tireless advocate for the people of Houston.”
“Her legacy of public service and dedication to Texas will live on,” he said.
— NPR
Not everyone felt this way.
Loomer is a white nationalist and Donald Trump’s one-time favored pick for a campaign role. Jackson Lee’s former colleague in the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) was quick to call Loomer’s comments racist and vile.
“These are the words of a rabid racist who represents everything that is rancid and rotten about the far right,” Torres wrote on X. “There is a special place in hell for Laura Loomer.”
Loomer even faced backlash from fellow Republicans such as Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL)
“I don’t think ‘heaven bound’ people tweet things like this.”
Despite any outcry, Loomer doubled down yesterday…
A house fire last night in Austin’s south side has left one person with critical, life-threatening injuries. APD says the blaze was accidental and completely destroyed the home. (KXAN-TV)
The revitalization of East Sixth Street downtown is progressing, most recently with the initial approval of plans for the first major residential addition coming to the bar-heavy block. (Community Impact)
Austin city leaders recently green lit negotiations to move forward with a developer to break ground on two blocks along East 11th Street. (KVUE-TV)
Meanwhile, downtown Austin leaders say the new light rail project is a critical focal point in addressing Austin’s affordability crisis. (KXAN-TV)
Construction delays continue as work on the 183 North Project and 183A toll expansion moves along.
A new Texas law that no longer requires safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles goes into effect January 1…with a few exceptions. (Daily Texan)
The University of Texas at Austin Police say they seized a handgun and a large number of drugs from two juvenile suspects after reports of suspicious activity at a student housing facility. (KEYE-TV)
Texas’ secret supplier of execution drugs is accused of enabling drug dealing. (Austin Chronicle)
Operations at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are “back to normal” after Friday’s massive computer outage.
Williamson County has confirmed its first human case of the West Nile virus. So far, thirteen mosquito traps have tested positive. Officials in Hays County reported two mosquito test traps tested positive for the virus. (KEYE-TV)
The City of Austin began sweeping the many homeless camps in the area a few years ago yet does not have a standard policy on how to conduct such sweeps. (Austin American-Statesman)
Austin FC drew 2-2 with Charlotte FC on Saturday night at Q2 Stadium with goals from Alex Ring and Jon Gallagher. (Austin FC)
In the MLB, the Houston Astros have taken over first place in the American League West with a 4-2 victory last night in Seattle. Houston goes for the sweep today at 3:10pm. (Yahoo! Sports)
While the Astros are surging, the Texas Rangers are struggling. They were outslugged again last night in Arlington by the Baltimore Orioles, losing 8-4. (Yahoo! Sports)
The SEC says there can only be one team in the conference referred to as “UT”…and it’s going to be Tennessee. (WLTX-TV)
Texas was the #2 pick in the preseason SEC media poll released Friday as well as voters’ second-favorite choice to win the SEC championship. (Austin American-Statesman via MSN)
In 1981, the movie “Urban Cowboy” was not only a hit at the box office but also a pop culture movement. The famed Gilley’s nightclub in Pasadena, Texas, was the location for much of the movie’s production.
Let’s take a tour…
Haven’t seen “Urban Cowboy”? Watch it for free on YouTube.
