Rep. Won't "Beat It" with Jackson Resolution
Jackson Lee submitted a House resolution on June 26 to honor the late singer as an "American legend and musical icon."
In response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's rejection of bringing the resolution to the floor on Thursday, Jackson Lee said that she will "work with this legislation as long as necessary," USA Today reports.
Pelosi stated in a press conference Thursday that she thought the resolution was unnecessary, although representatives may "express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish."
"A resolution, I think, would open up to contrary views to — that are not necessary at this time to be expressed in association with a resolution whose purpose is quite different," Pelosi said.
Nevertheless, Jackson Lee is sticking to her plan to push the resolution through the House.
"This resolution is based on fact," the emailed statement said, according to USA Today. "Speaker Pelosi is my dear friend and she recognizes the great artist that Michael was. I appreciate her concern that we handle the resolution with the right timing. I do not view her words as disallowing the legislative process to work its will."
If passed, Jackson Lee's resolution would recognize Jackson as a "global humanitarian and a noted leader in the fight against worldwide hunger and medical crises" and to celebrate him as an "accomplished contributor to the worlds of arts and entertainment, scientific advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, and global food security."