Sheila Jackson Lee's swearing-in as a Member of the 106th Congress marks her third term in the U.S House of Representatives where she continues to be an highly active member of Congress, pursuing and successfully achieving a number of legislative objectives. She has distinguished herself as a staunch defender of the Constitution, civil rights and African-American interests.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee, a veteran of both corporate and private law practice, is a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary where she serves on the subcommittees on Crime and Immigration and Claims. She was recently appointed as the Ranking Member of the Immigration and Claims subcommittee. This role establishes her as one of the key policymakers on immigration matters.

In addition, the Congresswoman is also a member of the Committee on Science, where she serves on the subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to Science, the National Technical Association (NTA) of Scientists and Engineers honored the Congresswoman as one of their 1998 TOP Women in the Sciences.

During her tenure in Congress, Congresswoman Jackson Lee has served as a member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues, the Congressional Black Caucus, The Aeronautics and Space Caucus, and House Democratic Caucus Task Forces on Hunger, Welfare Reform, House Internet Caucus, Economic Renewal, Affirmative Action and Travel and Tourism. In addition, she is the founder and chairperson of the Congressional Children's Caucus. This caucus continues to advocate on behalf of children nationwide.

Before her election to Congress, she served two terms as one of the first African American female At-Large members of the Houston City Council. Prior to her Council service, she was an Associate Municipal Court Judge for the City of Houston.