Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations released the following statement about the passing of comedian icon and philanthropist Jerry Lewis:

“I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Jerry Lewis, who passed away at the age of 91. For more than seven decades, Mr. Lewis brought laughter to Americans and joy to people around the world. He was an iconic comedian and film maker with a deep-seeded passion for easing the suffering of millions of people afflicted by Muscular Dystrophy, the insidious macular degenerative disease.

“Throughout much of his life, Mr. Lewis worked ceaselessly to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy awareness and research and for many years, served as host of the MDA telethon. His tireless commitment to the cause undoubtedly helped save many lives. Jerry Lewis was a national treasure who did more than make us laugh; he made us care.”