Sheila Jackson Lee

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Tenure

1995 - Present

Term ends

2023

Years in position

Houston City Council

Houston Municipal Court

Report an officeholder change

Sheila Jackson Lee (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Texas' 18th Congressional District. She assumed office on January 4, 1995. Her current term ends on January 3, 2023.

Lee (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 18th Congressional District. She won in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Jackson Lee began her political career as a municipal judge in Houston, Texas, from 1987 to 1990. She then served as a city council member for Houston from 1990 to 1994.

Based on analysis of multiple outside rankings, Jackson Lee is an average Democratic member of Congress, meaning she will vote with the Democratic Party on the majority of bills.

In January 2019, Jackson Lee stepped down from her chair position of the Crime, terrorism, homeland security and investigations subcommittee, following allegations that she had fired an aide who had said she was sexually assaulted by a supervisor. Jackson Lee denied the allegation.^[1]

1 Biography
2 Career
3 Committee assignments
- 3.1 U.S. House
4 Key votes
5 Issues
- 5.1 American response in Syria
- 5.2 House Judiciary Committee
6 Elections
- 6.1 2020
- 6.2 2018
- 6.3 2016
- 6.4 2014
- 6.5 2012
- 6.6 Full history
7 Campaign themes
- 7.1 2020
8 Presidential preference
- 8.1 2020
- 8.2 2016
9 Campaign donors
10 Personal Gain Index
- 10.1 PGI: Change in net worth
- 10.2 PGI: Donation Concentration Metric
11 Analysis
12 Personal
13 See also
14 External links
15 Footnotes

Biography[edit]

Jackson Lee earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Yale University and her J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School.^[2] From 1977-1978, she served as staff counsel to the U.S. House Select Committee on Assassinations.^[3]

Career[edit]

Below is an abbreviated outline of Jackson Lee's academic, professional, and political career:^[4]

1995-present: U.S. Representative from Texas' 18th Congressional District
1990-1994: Houston, TX, city council member
1987-1990: Municipal judge, Houston, TX
1977-1978: Staff Counsel, United States House Select Committee on Assassinations
1975: Graduated from the University of Virginia Law School in Charlottesville with a J.D.
1972: Graduated from Yale University with a B.A.

Committee assignments[edit]

U.S. House[edit]

2021-2022

Lee was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

2019-2020

Lee was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

2017-2018[edit]

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Jackson Lee was assigned to the following committees:^[5]

2015-2016[edit]

Jackson Lee served on the following committees:^[6]

2013-2014[edit]

Jackson Lee served on the following committees:^[7]

United States House Committee on Homeland Security
- Subcommittee on Border, Maritime Security - Ranking Minority Member
- Subcommittee on Transportation Security
United States House Committee on the Judiciary
- Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet
- Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security

2011-2012[edit]

Jackson Lee was a member of the following House committees:^[8]

Committee on Judiciary
- Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet
- Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security
- Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement
Committee on Homeland Security
- Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security
- Subcommittee on Transportation Security Ranking member

Key votes[edit]

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020[edit]

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress[edit]

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)
Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018[edit] For detailed information about each vote, click here. Votes on domestic policy (click to expand) Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2) Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.^[9] Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote)) Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.^[10] Voted Nay on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760) Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018 Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.^[11] Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2) Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.^[12] Voted Nay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36) Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017 Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.^[13] Voted Nay on: Kate's Law (HR 3004) Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017 Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.^[14] Voted Nay on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003) Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017 Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.^[15] Voted Nay on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628) Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017 Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.^[16] Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand) Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157) Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[17] Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895) Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[18] Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157) Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[19] Voted Nay on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895) Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[20] Voted Nay on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155) Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018 Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act^[21] Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625) Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.^[22] Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892) Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[23] Voted Nay on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892) Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[24] Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195) Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[25] Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195) Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.^[26] Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370) Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[27] Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1) Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.^[28] Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123) Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017 Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.^[29] Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1) Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017 Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.^[30] Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71) Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)^[31] Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71) Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.^[32] Voted Nay on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354) Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017 Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.^[33] Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601) Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017 Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.^[34] Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601) Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017 Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.^[35] Voted Nay on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10) Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017 Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.^[36] Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244) Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017 Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.^[37] Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand) Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515) Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities^[38] Voted Nay on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695) Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.^[39] Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810) Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.^[40] Voted Nay on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219) Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017 Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.^[41] Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364) Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[42] Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote) Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[43] Voted Nay on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180) Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[44] Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810) Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.^[45] Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301) Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017 The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.^[46] 114th Congress[edit] The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[47]^[48] For more information pertaining to Jackson Lee's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[49] Economic and fiscal[edit] Trade Act of 2015[edit] See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Jackson Lee was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill.^[50]^[51] Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Jackson Lee was one of 157 Democrats to vote against the measure.^[52]^[53] Trade promotion authority second vote After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Jackson Lee was one of 158 Democrats to vote against the amendment.^[54]^[55] Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Jackson Lee was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295.^[56]^[57] Defense spending authorization[edit] On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Jackson Lee voted with 142 other Democrats and eight Republicans against the bill.^[58] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[59] On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.^[60]^[61] Jackson Lee voted with 134 other Democrats and 235 Republicans to approve the bill.^[62] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[63] 2016 Budget proposal[edit] On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Jackson Lee, voted against the resolution.^[64]^[65]^[66] 2015 budget[edit] On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.^[67] Jackson Lee voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[68] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.^[69] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs[edit] Iran nuclear deal[edit] See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Jackson Lee voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill.^[70]^[71] Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Jackson Lee voted with 161 Democrats for the bill.^[72]^[73] Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Jackson Lee voted with 185 Democrats against the bill.^[74]^[75] Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Jackson Lee voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution.^[76]^[77] Export-Import Bank[edit] On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.^[78] Jackson Lee voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[79] Domestic[edit] USA FREEDOM Act of 2015[edit] On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Jackson Lee voted with 141 Democrats and 196 Republicans to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[80]^[81] Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act[edit] On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Jackson Lee voted with 179 Democrats against the bill.^[82]^[83] Cyber security[edit] On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.^[84] Sheila Jackson Lee voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill.^[85] On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.^[86] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Jackson Lee voted with 104 Democrats and 202 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[87] Immigration[edit] On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.^[88] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Jackson Lee voted with 134 Democrats and two Republicans against the bill.^[89] 113th Congress[edit] The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[90] For more information pertaining to Lee's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[91] National security[edit] NDAA[edit] Lee voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.^[92] DHS Appropriations[edit] Lee voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.^[93] CISPA (2013)[edit] Lee voted against HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.^[94] Economy[edit] Farm bill[edit] On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, known as the Farm Bill.^[95] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill provides for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.^[96]^[97] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.^[97] Jackson Lee voted with 102 other Democratic representatives against the bill. 2014 Budget[edit] On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.^[98]^[99] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.^[99] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.^[100] It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection of the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Jackson Lee joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill.^[98]^[99] Government shutdown[edit] See also: United States budget debate, 2013 On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.^[101] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.^[102] Lee voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.^[103] The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.^[104] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Lee voted for HR 2775.^[105] Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination[edit] Lee did not vote on HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years.^[106] Immigration[edit] Morton Memos Prohibition[edit] Lee voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.^[107] The vote largely followed party lines.^[108] Healthcare[edit] Healthcare Reform Rules[edit] Lee voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.^[109] Social issues[edit] Abortion[edit] Lee voted against HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.^[110] Previous congressional sessions[edit] Fiscal Cliff[edit] Jackson Lee voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. She was 1 of 172 Democrats that voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.^[111]

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018[edit]

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.^[9]

Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018

Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.^[10]

Voted Nay on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018

Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.^[11]

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.^[12]

Voted Nay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.^[13]

Voted Nay on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.^[14]

Voted Nay on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.^[15]

Voted Nay on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.^[16]

Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[17]

Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[18]

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[19]

Voted Nay on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[20]

Voted Nay on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018

Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act^[21]

Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.^[22]

Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[23]

Voted Nay on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[24]

Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[25]

Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.^[26]

Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[27]

Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017

Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.^[28]

Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017

Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.^[29]

Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.^[30]

Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017

Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)^[31]

Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017

Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.^[32]

Voted Nay on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.^[33]

Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017

Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.^[34]

Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017

Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.^[35]

Voted Nay on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017

Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.^[36]

Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.^[37]

Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities^[38]

Voted Nay on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.^[39]

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.^[40]

Voted Nay on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017

Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.^[41]

Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[42]

Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017

Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[43]

Voted Nay on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017

Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.^[44]

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017

Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.^[45]

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017

The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.^[46]

114th Congress[edit]

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[47]^[48] For more information pertaining to Jackson Lee's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[49]

Economic and fiscal[edit]

Trade Act of 2015[edit]

See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

Trade adjustment assistance
On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Jackson Lee was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill.^[50]^[51]
Trade promotion authority
On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Jackson Lee was one of 157 Democrats to vote against the measure.^[52]^[53]
Trade promotion authority second vote
After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Jackson Lee was one of 158 Democrats to vote against the amendment.^[54]^[55]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Jackson Lee was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295.^[56]^[57]

Defense spending authorization[edit]

On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Jackson Lee voted with 142 other Democrats and eight Republicans against the bill.^[58] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[59]

On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.^[60]^[61] Jackson Lee voted with 134 other Democrats and 235 Republicans to approve the bill.^[62] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[63]

2016 Budget proposal[edit]

On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Jackson Lee, voted against the resolution.^[64]^[65]^[66]

2015 budget[edit]

On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.^[67] Jackson Lee voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[68] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.^[69] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs[edit]

Iran nuclear deal[edit]

See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Jackson Lee voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill.^[70]^[71]

Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Jackson Lee voted with 161 Democrats for the bill.^[72]^[73]

Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Jackson Lee voted with 185 Democrats against the bill.^[74]^[75]

Presidential non-compliance of section 2
On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Jackson Lee voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution.^[76]^[77]

Export-Import Bank[edit]

On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.^[78] Jackson Lee voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[79]

Domestic[edit]

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015[edit]

On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Jackson Lee voted with 141 Democrats and 196 Republicans to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[80]^[81]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act[edit]

On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Jackson Lee voted with 179 Democrats against the bill.^[82]^[83]

Cyber security[edit]

On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.^[84] Sheila Jackson Lee voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill.^[85]

On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.^[86] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Jackson Lee voted with 104 Democrats and 202 Republicans in favor of the bill.^[87]

Immigration[edit]

On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.^[88] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Jackson Lee voted with 134 Democrats and two Republicans against the bill.^[89]

113th Congress[edit]

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[90] For more information pertaining to Lee's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[91]

National security[edit]

NDAA[edit]

Lee voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.^[92]

DHS Appropriations[edit]

Lee voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.^[93]

CISPA (2013)[edit]

Lee voted against HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.^[94]

Economy[edit]

Farm bill[edit]

On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, known as the Farm Bill.^[95] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill provides for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.^[96]^[97] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.^[97] Jackson Lee voted with 102 other Democratic representatives against the bill.

2014 Budget[edit]

On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.^[98]^[99] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.^[99] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.^[100] It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection of the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Jackson Lee joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill.^[98]^[99]

Government shutdown[edit]

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.^[101] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.^[102] Lee voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.^[103]

The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.^[104] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Lee voted for HR 2775.^[105]

Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination[edit]

Lee did not vote on HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years.^[106]

Immigration[edit]

Morton Memos Prohibition[edit]

Lee voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.^[107] The vote largely followed party lines.^[108]

Healthcare[edit]

Healthcare Reform Rules[edit]

Lee voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.^[109]

Social issues[edit]

Abortion[edit]

Lee voted against HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.^[110]

Previous congressional sessions[edit]

Fiscal Cliff[edit]

Jackson Lee voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. She was 1 of 172 Democrats that voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.^[111]

Issues[edit]

American response in Syria[edit]

See also: United States involvement in Syria

On August 29, 2013, 53 House Democrats signed a letter written by California Rep. Barbara Lee that called for a congressional resolution on strikes and cautioned that the situation in Syria "should not draw us into an unwise war—especially without adhering to our constitutional requirements."^[112]^[113] The letter also called on the Obama administration to work with the U.N. Security Council “to build international consensus” condemning the alleged use of chemical weapons. Jackson Lee was one of the 53 Democrats in the House to sign the letter.^[112]^[113]

House Judiciary Committee[edit]

Congresswoman Jackson Lee was first appointed to the House Judiciary Committee shortly after she was first sworn into Congress in 1995.^[114] Jackson Lee has served on the committee throughout her entire congressional career.^[115]

Elections[edit]

2020[edit]

Texas' 18th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

Texas' 18th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 18

Incumbent Sheila Jackson Lee defeated Wendell Champion, Luke Spencer, and Vince Duncan in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 18 on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Sheila Jackson Lee (D)	73.3	180,952
	Wendell Champion (R)	23.5	58,033
	Luke Spencer (L)	1.8	4,514
	Vince Duncan (Independent)	1.4	3,396

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 246,895
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Republican primary runoff election

Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 18

Wendell Champion defeated Robert Cadena in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 18 on July 14, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Wendell Champion	71.8	4,000
	Robert Cadena	28.2	1,570

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,570
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 18

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 18 on March 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Sheila Jackson Lee	77.1	49,729
	Marc Flores	8.3	5,353
	Bimal Patel	3.8	2,456
	Jerry Ford Sr.	3.7	2,417
	Stevens Orozco	3.4	2,180
	Michael Allen	2.6	1,672
	Donovan Boson	1.1	709

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 64,516
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 18

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 18 on March 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Wendell Champion	35.1	3,428
✔	Robert Cadena	20.5	2,005
	T.C. Manning	18.7	1,823
	Nathan Milliron	11.0	1,076
	Ava Pate	8.1	794
	Nellie Heiskell	6.5	638

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,764
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 18

Luke Spencer advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 18 on March 21, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Luke Spencer (L)

	There were no incumbents in this race.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Whitney Hatter (R)

2018[edit]

See also: Texas' 18th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 18

Incumbent Sheila Jackson Lee defeated Ava Pate, Luke Spencer, and Vince Duncan in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 18 on November 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Sheila Jackson Lee (D)	75.2	138,704
	Ava Pate (R)	20.8	38,368
	Luke Spencer (L)	2.2	4,067
	Vince Duncan (Independent)	1.7	3,193

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 184,332
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 18

Incumbent Sheila Jackson Lee defeated Richard Johnson in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 18 on March 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Sheila Jackson Lee	86.0	34,514
	Richard Johnson	14.0	5,604

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 40,118
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 18

Ava Pate advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 18 on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ava Pate	100.0	7,634

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 7,634
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Jessica Peterka (Independent)
Lori Bartley (Independent)

2016[edit]

See also: Texas' 18th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Sheila Jackson Lee (D) defeated Lori Bartley (R) and Thomas Kleven (G) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Bartley defeated Reggie Gonzales in the Republican primary runoff on May 24, 2016. Prior to that, Bartley and Gonzales defeated Sharon Joy Fisher and Ava Pate in the Republican primary on March 1, 2016, to advance to the runoff election.^[116]^[117]

U.S. House, Texas District 18 General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Sheila Jackson Lee Incumbent	73.5%	150,157
	Republican	Lori Bartley	23.6%	48,306
	Green	Thomas Kleven	2.9%	5,845
Total Votes				204,308
Source: Texas Secretary of State

U.S. House, Texas District 18 Republican Primary, 2016
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Lori Bartley	33.7%	5,691
Reggie Gonzales	33.1%	5,587
Sharon Joy Fisher	26.1%	4,414
Ava Pate	7.1%	1,204
Total Votes		16,896
Source: Texas Secretary of State

U.S. House, Texas District 18 Republican Runoff Primary, 2016
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Lori Bartley	57.6%	1,491
Reggie Gonzales	42.4%	1,096
Total Votes		2,587
Source: Texas Secretary of State

2014[edit]

See also: Texas' 18th Congressional District elections, 2014

Jackson Lee won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. She won the Democratic nomination in the primary election on March 4, 2014, with no opposition. She defeated Sean Seibert (R), Vince Duncan (I) and Remington Alessi (G) in the general election on November 4, 2014.^[118]

U.S. House, Texas District 18 General Election, 2014
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Sheila Jackson Lee Incumbent	71.8%	76,097
	Republican	Sean Seibert	24.8%	26,249
	Independent	Vince Duncan	2.2%	2,362
	Green	Remington Alessi	1.2%	1,302
Total Votes				106,010
Source: Texas Secretary of State

2012[edit]

See also: Texas' 18th Congressional District elections, 2012

Jackson Lee won re-election in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing Texas' 18th District. She ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on May 29, 2012. She defeated Sean Seibert (R) and Christopher Barber (L) in the general election on November 6, 2012.^[119]^[120]

U.S. House, Texas District 18 General Election, 2012
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Sheila Jackson Lee Incumbent	75%	146,223
	Republican	Sean Seibert	22.6%	44,015
	Libertarian	Christopher Barber	2.4%	4,694
Total Votes				194,932
Source: Texas Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

Full history[edit]

To view the full congressional electoral history for Sheila Jackson Lee, click [show] to expand the section.

2010

On November 2, 2010, Sheila Jackson Lee won re-election to the United States House. She defeated John Faulk (R), Mike Taylor (L) and Charles Meyer (Write-in) in the general election.^[121]

U.S. House, Texas District 18 General Election, 2010
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Sheila Jackson Lee incumbent	70.2%	85,108
	Republican	John Faulk	27.3%	33,067
	Libertarian	Mike Taylor	2.6%	3,118
	Write-in	Charles Meyer	0%	28
Total Votes				121,321

2008

On November 4, 2008, Sheila Jackson Lee won re-election to the United States House. She defeated John Faulk (R) and Mike Taylor (L) in the general election.^[122]

U.S. House, Texas District 18 General Election, 2008
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Sheila Jackson Lee incumbent	77.3%	148,617
	Republican	John Faulk	20.3%	39,095
	Libertarian	Mike Taylor	2.3%	4,486
Total Votes				192,198

2006

On November 7, 2006, Sheila Jackson Lee won re-election to the United States House. She defeated Ahmad Hassan (R) and Patrick Warren (L) in the general election.^[123]

U.S. House, Texas District 18 General Election, 2006
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Sheila Jackson Lee incumbent	76.6%	65,936
	Republican	Ahmad Hassan	19.1%	16,448
	Libertarian	Patrick Warren	4.3%	3,667
Total Votes				86,051

2004

On November 2, 2004, Sheila Jackson Lee won re-election to the United States House. She defeated Tom Bazan (I) and Brent Sullivan (L) in the general election.^[124]

U.S. House, Texas District 18 General Election, 2004
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Sheila Jackson Lee incumbent	88.9%	136,018
	Independent	Tom Bazan	6.4%	9,787
	Libertarian	Brent Sullivan	4.7%	7,183
Total Votes				152,988

2002

On November 5, 2002, Sheila Jackson Lee won re-election to the United States House. She defeated Phillip Abbott (R) and Brent Sullivan (L) in the general election.^[125]

U.S. House, Texas District 18 General Election, 2002
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Sheila Jackson Lee incumbent	76.9%	99,161
	Republican	Phillip Abbott	21.7%	27,980
	Libertarian	Brent Sullivan	1.4%	1,785
Total Votes				128,926

2000

On November 7, 2000, Sheila Jackson Lee won re-election to the United States House. She defeated Bob Levy (R) and Colin Nankervis (L) in the general election.^[126]

U.S. House, Texas District 18 General Election, 2000
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Sheila Jackson Lee incumbent	76.5%	131,857
	Republican	Bob Levy	22.2%	38,191
	Libertarian	Colin Nankervis	1.4%	2,330
Total Votes				172,378

1998

On November 3, 1998, Sheila Jackson Lee won re-election to the United States House. She defeated James Galvan (L) in the general election.^[127]

U.S. House, Texas District 18 General Election, 1998
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Sheila Jackson Lee incumbent	89.9%	82,091
	Libertarian	James Galvan	10.1%	9,176
Total Votes				91,267

1996

On November 5, 1996, Sheila Jackson Lee won re-election to the United States House. She defeated Larry White (R), Jerry Burley (R), George Young (R) and Mike Lamson (D) in the general election.^[128]

U.S. House, Texas District 18 General Election, 1996
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Sheila Jackson Lee incumbent	77.1%	106,111
	Republican	Larry White	10.1%	13,956
	Republican	Jerry Burley	5.7%	7,877
	Republican	George Young	3.9%	5,332
	Democratic	Mike Lamson	3.2%	4,412
Total Votes				137,688

1994

On November 8, 1994, Sheila Jackson Lee won election to the United States House. She defeated Jerry Burley (R), J. Larry Snellings (I) and George Hollenbeck (L) in the general election.^[129]

U.S. House, Texas District 18 General Election, 1994
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Sheila Jackson Lee	73.5%	84,790
	Republican	Jerry Burley	24.4%	28,153
	Independent	J. Larry Snellings	1.1%	1,278
	Libertarian	George Hollenbeck	1%	1,169
Total Votes				115,390

Campaign themes[edit]

2020[edit]

Ballotpedia survey responses

Sheila Jackson Lee did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Presidential preference[edit]

2020[edit]

See also: Presidential election in Texas, 2020 and Democratic National Convention, 2020

Jackson Lee endorsed Joe Biden (D) in the 2020 presidential election.^[130]

2016[edit]

See also: Presidential election in Texas, 2016 and Democratic National Convention, 2016

Jackson Lee endorsed Hillary Clinton (D) in the 2016 presidential election.^[131]

Campaign donors[edit]

Comprehensive donor history[edit]

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Sheila Jackson Lee campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Result	Contributions
2016	U.S. House, Texas District 18	✔	$485,124
2014	U.S. House (Texas, District 18)	✔	$436,661
Grand total raised			$921,785
Source: Follow the Money

2018[edit]

Ballotpedia has not yet compiled campaign contribution data for this candidate.

2016[edit]

Jackson Lee won re-election to the U.S. House in 2016. During that election cycle, Jackson Lee's campaign committee raised a total of $485,124 and spent $565,779.^[132] This is less than the average $1.46 million spent by U.S. House winners in 2016.^[133]

Cost per vote[edit]

Jackson Lee spent $3.77 per general election vote received in 2016.

U.S. House, Texas District 18, 2016 - Sheila Jackson Lee Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$485,124
Total Spent	$565,779
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$35,999
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$36,973
Top contributors to Sheila Jackson Lee's campaign committee
TPG Capital	$11,350
American Assn for Justice	$10,000
Border Health	$10,000
Intl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers	$10,000
Laborers Union	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Health Professionals	$35,700
Industrial Unions	$30,500
Building Trade Unions	$28,000
Transportation Unions	$26,500
Hospitals/Nursing Homes	$26,050
Source: Open Secrets

2014[edit]

Jackson Lee won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. During that election cycle, Jackson Lee's campaign committee raised a total of $436,661 and spent $384,140.^[134] This is less than the average $1.45 million spent by House winners in 2014.^[135]

Cost per vote[edit]

Jackson Lee spent $5.05 per general election vote received in 2014.

U.S. House, Texas District 18, 2014 - Sheila Jackson Lee Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$436,661
Total Spent	$384,140
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$3,738
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$7,668
Top contributors to Sheila Jackson Lee's campaign committee
Harmony Public Schools	$11,000
Border Health	$10,000
Communications Workers of America	$10,000
Machinists/Aerospace Workers Union	$10,000
National Auto Dealers Assn	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Health Professionals	$50,500
Industrial Unions	$26,000
Misc Business	$24,700
Education	$23,600
Building Trade Unions	$20,000

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Jackson Lee's campaign funds before the 2014 election.

Below are Jackson Lee's FEC reports.^[136]

Sheila Jackson Lee (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
Report	Date Filed	Beginning Balance	Total Contributions for Reporting Period	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
April Quarterly^[137]	April 6, 2013	$160,294.34	$20,900.00	$(13,302.48)	$167,891.86
July Quarterly^[138]	July 9, 2013	$167,891.86	$19,100.00	$(18,001.07)	$168,990.79
October Quarterly^[139]	October 5, 2013	$168,990.79	$46,900.00	$(22,460.11)	$193,430.68
Year-End^[140]	January 11, 2014	$193,430	$100,550	$(24,197)	$269,782
Pre-Primary^[141]	February 16, 2014	$269,782	$19,390	$(15,440)	$273,732
April Quarterly^[142]	April 5, 2014	$273,732	$26,500	$(23,690)	$276,542
July Quarterly^[143]	July 6, 2014	$276,542	$6,500	$(37,579)	$245,463
October Quarterly^[144]	October 5, 2014	$245,463	$93,175	$(37,314)	$301,323
			Running totals
			$333,015	$(191,983.66)

2012[edit]

Jackson Lee won election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, Jackson Lee's campaign committee raised a total of $600,451 and spent $554,810.^[145] This is less than the average $1.5 million spent by House winners in 2012.^[146]

Cost per vote[edit]

Jackson Lee spent $3.79 per vote received in 2012.

U.S. House, Texas District 18, 2012 - Sheila Jackson Lee Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$600,451
Total Spent	$554,810
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$46,945
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$43,013
Top contributors to Sheila Jackson Lee's campaign committee
Harmony Public Schools	$20,400
Communications Workers of America	$10,000
Intl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers	$10,000
Laborers Union	$10,000
Machinists/Aerospace Workers Union	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Education	$52,350
Industrial Unions	$31,000
Lawyers/Law Firms	$29,035
Building Trade Unions	$27,000
Misc Business	$25,400

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Jackson Lee's campaign funds before the 2012 election.

2010[edit]

Jackson Lee won re-election to the U.S. House in 2010. During that re-election cycle, Jackson Lee's campaign committee raised a total of $825,310 and spent $1,130,371.^[147]

U.S. House, Texas District 18, 2010 - Sheila Jackson Lee Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$825,310
Total Spent	$1,130,371
Total Raised by General Election Opponent	$264,052
Total Spent by General Election Opponent	$256,478
Top contributors to Sheila Jackson Lee's campaign committee
Air Line Pilots Assn	$10,000
American Assn for Justice	$10,000
Communications Workers of America	$10,000
Intl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers	$10,000
Laborers Union	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Health Professionals	$91,200
Lawyers/Law Firms	$67,750
Transportation Unions	$52,500
Industrial Unions	$31,000
Building Trade Unions	$31,000

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Jackson Lee's campaign funds before the 2010 election.

Personal Gain Index[edit]

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

PGI: Change in net worth[edit]

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Jackson Lee's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $524,010 and $1,362,998. That averages to $943,504, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic representatives in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Jackson Lee ranked as the 216th most wealthy representative in 2012.^[148] Between 2004 and 2012, Jackson Lee's calculated net worth^[149] increased by an average of 49 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.^[150]

Sheila Jackson Lee Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$193,259
2012	$943,504
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	388%
Average annual growth:	49%^[151]
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.^[152]

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric[edit]

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Jackson Lee received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Health Professionals industry.

From 1993-2014, 29.7 percent of Jackson Lee's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.^[153]

Sheila Jackson Lee Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$5,677,716
Total Spent	$5,443,872
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Health Professionals	$499,466
Lawyers/Law Firms	$454,110
Industrial Unions	$275,500
Transportation Unions	$241,250
Oil & Gas	$215,750
% total in top industry	8.8%
% total in top two industries	16.8%
% total in top five industries	29.7%

Analysis[edit]

Ideology and leadership[edit]

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Jackson Lee was a far-left Democrat as of July 2014. This was the same rating Jackson Lee received in June 2013.^[154]

Like-minded colleagues[edit]

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.^[155]

Jackson Lee most often votes with:

Jackson Lee least often votes with:

Lifetime voting record[edit]

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Jackson Lee missed 842 of 14,045 roll call votes from January 1995 to September 2015. This amounted to 6 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.^[156]

Congressional staff salaries[edit]

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Jackson Lee paid her congressional staff a total of $935,934 in 2011. Overall, Texas ranked 27th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.^[157]

National Journal vote ratings[edit]

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013[edit]

Jackson Lee ranked 131st in the liberal rankings in 2013.^[158]

2012[edit]

Jackson Lee tied with two other members of the U.S. House of Representatives, ranking 59th in the liberal rankings among members of the U.S. House.^[159]

2011[edit]

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Jackson Lee ranked 105th in the liberal rankings among members of the U.S. House.^[160]

Voting with party[edit]

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014[edit]

Lee voted with the Democratic Party 93.2 percent of the time, which ranked 103rd among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.^[161]

2013[edit]

Lee voted with the Democratic Party 95.1 percent of the time, which ranked 115th among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.^[162]

Personal[edit]

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Jackson Lee and her husband, Dr. Elwyn C. Lee, have two children.^[2]

External links[edit]

Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

U.S. House Texas District 18

Officeholder

U.S. House Texas District 18

Personal

Footnotes[edit]

Political offices
Preceded by Craig Washington	U.S. House of Representatives - Texas, 18th District 1995-Present	Succeeded by -

[show]

Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Cornyn (R)

Ted Cruz (R)

Representatives

District 1

Louis Gohmert (R)

District 2

Daniel Crenshaw (R)

District 3

Van Taylor (R)

District 4

Pat Fallon (R)

District 5

Lance Gooden (R)

District 6

Jake Ellzey (R)

District 7

Lizzie Fletcher (D)

District 8

Kevin Brady (R)

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Al Green (D)

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Michael McCaul (R)

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August Pfluger (R)

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Kay Granger (R)

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Ronny Jackson (R)

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Randy Weber (R)

District 15

Vicente Gonzalez (D)

District 16

Veronica Escobar (D)

District 17

Pete Sessions (R)

District 18

Sheila Lee (D)

District 19

Jodey Arrington (R)

District 20

Joaquin Castro (D)

District 21

Chip Roy (R)

District 22

Troy Nehls (R)

District 23

Tony Gonzales (R)

District 24

Beth Van Duyne (R)

District 25

Roger Williams (R)

District 26

Michael Burgess (R)

District 27

Michael Cloud (R)

District 28

Henry Cuellar (D)

District 29

Sylvia Garcia (D)

District 30

Eddie Johnson (D)

District 31

John Carter (R)

District 32

Colin Allred (D)

District 33

Marc Veasey (D)

District 34

Filemon Vela (D)

District 35

Lloyd Doggett (D)

District 36

Brian Babin (R)

District 37

Vacant

District 38

Vacant

Republican Party (25)

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Vacancies (2)

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Sheila Jackson Lee

Contents

Biography[edit]

Career[edit]

Committee assignments[edit]

U.S. House[edit]

2021-2022

2019-2020

2017-2018[edit]

2015-2016[edit]

2013-2014[edit]

2011-2012[edit]

Key votes[edit]

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020[edit]

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress[edit]

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018[edit]

114th Congress[edit]

Economic and fiscal[edit]

Trade Act of 2015[edit]

Defense spending authorization[edit]

2016 Budget proposal[edit]

2015 budget[edit]

Foreign Affairs[edit]

Iran nuclear deal[edit]

Export-Import Bank[edit]

Domestic[edit]

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015[edit]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act[edit]

Cyber security[edit]

Immigration[edit]

113th Congress[edit]

National security[edit]

NDAA[edit]

DHS Appropriations[edit]

CISPA (2013)[edit]

Economy[edit]

Farm bill[edit]

2014 Budget[edit]

Government shutdown[edit]

Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination[edit]

Immigration[edit]

Morton Memos Prohibition[edit]

Healthcare[edit]

Healthcare Reform Rules[edit]

Social issues[edit]

Abortion[edit]

Previous congressional sessions[edit]

Fiscal Cliff[edit]

Issues[edit]

American response in Syria[edit]

House Judiciary Committee[edit]

Elections[edit]

2020[edit]

General election for U.S. House Texas District 18

Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 18

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 18

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 18

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 18

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2018[edit]

General election for U.S. House Texas District 18

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 18

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 18

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2016[edit]

2014[edit]

2012[edit]

Full history[edit]

Campaign themes[edit]

2020[edit]

Ballotpedia survey responses

Presidential preference[edit]

2020[edit]

2016[edit]

Campaign donors[edit]

Comprehensive donor history[edit]

2018[edit]

2016[edit]

Cost per vote[edit]

2014[edit]