US representative Sheila Jackson Lee dies aged 74

Shelia Jackson Lee has died aged 74 (AP)

Long-standing US representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, who helped lead federal efforts to protect women from domestic violence and recognise Juneteenth as a national holiday, has died aged 74.

Ms Jackson Lee, who had pancreatic cancer, died in Houston on Friday night with her family around her, her chief of staff confirmed.