LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SYLVESTER TURNER – Congressman Hakeem JeffriesSkip to contentSearch SUBMIT Congressman Hakeem JeffriesSearchMenu ToggleAboutContactEmail MeRequest a MeetingInvite Me to SpeakOfficesNewsletter and Text Update SubscriptionReport a Website ProblemServicesCongressional App ChallengeCongressional Art CompetitionFY26 Appropriations Requests (CPF & Programmatic)Congressional CommendationsFlagsHelp with a Federal AgencyMilitary Academy NominationsTours and Tickets2025 Inauguration TicketsPeople Over PoliticsAffordable InternetDelivering for Those Who ServedLower Prescription Drug CostsTackling the Student Loan Debt CrisisLegislationCommittees and CaucusesSponsored LegislationVoting RecordMedia CenterPress ReleasesVideosEventsResourcesCOVID-19 Information and ResourcesFree Tax Preparation & FilingFor BusinessFor InternshipsFor Military PersonnelFor VeteransFor Senior CitizensFor StudentsAdditional Services and ResourcesAboutContactEmail MeRequest a MeetingInvite Me to SpeakOfficesNewsletter and Text Update SubscriptionReport a Website ProblemServicesAppropriations RequestsFY26 Appropriations Requests (CPF & Programmatic)Congressional App ChallengeCongressional Art CompetitionCongressional CommendationsFlagsHelp with a Federal AgencyMilitary Academy NominationsTours and Tickets2025 Inauguration TicketsPeople Over PoliticsAffordable InternetBringing Manufacturing Jobs to AmericaDelivering for Those Who ServedLow Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Lower Prescription Drug CostsSocial Security and MedicareTackling the Student Loan Debt CrisisProtecting Reproductive RightsCongressman Hakeem JeffriesLegislationSponsored LegislationVoting RecordCommittees and CaucusesMedia CenterPress ReleasesVideosEventsResourcesCOVID-19 Information and ResourcesFederal GrantsFree Tax Preparation & FilingFor BusinessFor InternshipsFor Military PersonnelFor VeteransFor Senior CitizensFor StudentsAdditional Services and ResourcesSearch LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SYLVESTER TURNER FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube March 5th, 2025 | Press Release LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SYLVESTER TURNER Washington, DC – Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement upon the news of the death of Congressman Sylvester Turner:The House Democratic Caucus family is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner. Though he was newly elected to the Congress, Rep. Turner had a long and distinguished career in public service and spent decades fighting for the people of Houston.A graduate of Harvard Law School, Congressman Turner was an accomplished attorney, going on to open a law firm that remains a mainstay in the community. For 27 years, Sylvester served in the Texas House of Representatives where he fought for Houstonians on the pivotal Appropriations Committee and served as Speaker Pro Tem for three terms. For eight years, Sylvester boldly led the city of Houston as its 62nd Mayor, while serving as a leader within the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the African American Mayors Association.As the Representative for the 18th Congressional District in Texas, Sylvester followed in the hallowed footsteps of trailblazers like the great Barbara Jordan and our late sister, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. We all stand on the shoulders of these incredible giants and join Texans in mourning the tremendous loss of another iconic leader. Like those before him, Rep. Turner was a fighter until the end – he was present yesterday evening to ensure that the voice of one of his constituents, who relies on Medicaid, was heard. In what would be his final message to his beloved constituents last night he reminded us “don’t mess with Medicaid.”The entire House Democratic Caucus family is praying for the Turner family and staff, as well as the City of Houston. May he forever rest in power. ### Back to News Share: FacebookTwitterNewsletter Sign UpSubscribe to our e-newsletter that provides updates on important issues, my work in the Congress and what's happening in our district.EmailSubmitBill SearchPlease select and optionCurrent LegislationAll LegislationAll Sources--MembersCongressional RecordCommittee ReportsNominationsSearch for a billSubmit QueryOffice LocationsWashington, DC Office 2267 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5936 Hours: M-F 9 am - 5 pm Central Brooklyn District Office 55 Hanson Place Suite 603 Brooklyn, NY 11217 Phone: (718) 237-2211 Hours: M-F 9am - 5pm South Brooklyn District Office 445 Neptune Avenue, 1st Floor Community Room 2C Brooklyn, NY 11224 Phone: (718) 373-0033 Hours: M-F 9am - 5pm ToolsAccessibilityPrivacyCopyright Know Your Immigration RightsIf you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries ×
