Sheila Jackson Lee, longtime Texas congresswoman, dies at 74

Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas has died, her office announced Friday evening. She was 74 years old.

A cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Last month, however, Lee revealed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

"A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as "Congresswoman" by her constituents in recognition of her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years," her office said in a statement.