CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN JACK BROOKS
Washington,
Dec 5 -
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement in regards to the passing of former Congressman Jack Brooks:
“The United States, the State of Texas and Congress have lost a true hero in Congressman Jack Brooks. My heart goes out to his family, current and former Colleagues here in Congress and the constituents he used to represent upon hearing of his passing last night. Congressman Brooks was a true patriot and devoted his time here on earth to public service in Texas and the United States. His presence with us will be deeply missed, but I know that his legacy will live on for years and decades to come.
“For more than four decades, Congressman Jack Brooks stood tall as an unapologetic champion of his district, a proud Texan, and a legislative master in the U.S. Congress. He was a giant of the House who held fast to his principles. He was a patriot who dedicated his life to public service – from the beaches of the South Pacific in World War II to the halls of the Texas legislature to the committee rooms of Congress and the well of the House.
“Congressman Brooks was born Dec. 18, 1922, in Crowley, La., and moved to Texas at age 5. While in public schools, he worked as a carhop, grocery clerk, magazine salesman and a reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise. Congressman Brooks was first elected to the House in his far Southeast Texas district in 1952, returned to office 20 more terms and was on the verge of becoming the dean of the U.S. House when he was ousted in the Republican revolution of 1994.
“He was a strong supporter of civil rights and refused to sign the segregationist ‘Southern manifesto’ in 1956. He helped write the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964 that banned racial segregation.
“Congressman Brooks will be missed by all. Texas, the United States and the World combined have lost a great Statesman in Congressman Jack Brooks. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
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