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CONGRESSWOMAN JACKSON LEE MOURNS THE PASSING OF AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST GWEN IFILL

November 15, 2016

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PRESS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Glenn Rushing

November 14, 2016 (202) 225-3816

Press Statement

Congresswoman Jackson Lee Mourns the Passing of Award-Winning Journalist Gwen Ifill

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on Homeland Security and the Judiciary, and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations, released the following statement after learning of the death of Gwen Ifill, the award-winning journalist and longtime host of PBS’ NewsHour:

“I am saddened to learn of the death of Gwen Ifill, one of the most thoughtful and highly respected journalists of her generation.

“I celebrate the many milestones that Gwen achieved in her storied career, including being the first African-American female to moderate a vice- presidential debate in 2004. Reprising her role four years later, Gwen brilliantly moderated the 2008 vice-presidential debate between Vice-President Joe Biden and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

“A reassuring presence as the co-host of PBS NewsHour and the host of “This Week in Washington,” Gwen Ifill career was marked and measured by her professionalism, grace, integrity, and journalistic excellence which is memorialized in the many awards and honors she received.

“Today, I not only mourn her passing, but celebrate her life, a shining example for the journalistic community and women everywhere. I hope it is a comfort to her family and loved ones at this difficult time that so many people in the United States and around the world are today mourning the loss of the beloved Gwen Ifill.”

Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations.