Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee faced criticism for inaccurate statements about the moon and sun during a school event.
She told students the moon is “made up mostly of gases” and that it is “almost impossible” to go near the sun due to its heat.
“You’ve heard the word full moon. Sometimes you need to take the opportunity just to come out and see a full moon is that complete rounded circle, which is made up mostly of gases,” Jackson Lee said.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee says the moon is made out of “gases” and the sun is “almost” too hot for us to go near.
Just think: @JacksonLeeTX18 was almost the mayor of Houston. pic.twitter.com/w8eucQKuYN
— Kenny Webster (@KennethRWebster) April 9, 2024
Jackson Lee said NASA would land on the moon in a few years, though the last moon landing was over 50 years ago.
She expressed interest in being the first to live on the moon. Her remarks generated mockery given her past role on the House science committee’s space subcommittee.
“And that’s why the question is why or how could we, as humans, live on the moon? Are the gases such that we could do that?” she asked.
“The sun is a mighty powerful heat,” she said, noting it is “almost impossible to go near the sun.”
“The moon is more manageable. And you will see…in a couple of years that NASA is going back to the moon,” she said.
“I don’t think we’ve been on the moon the last 50 years. So we will be landing on the moon. What you’ll see today will be the closest distance that the moon has ever been in the last 20 years, which means that’s why they will shut the light down because they will be close to the Earth.”
Jackson Lee said she wants to be the “first in line to know how to live and to be able to survive on the moon.”
“How are these the people running our country,” one person wrote.
“She criticizes others for being unintelligent,” another wrote.
“Listening to this hurt,” another said.
Jackson Lee later claimed she misspoke and meant to say the sun, not moon, criticizing Republicans for focusing on “stupid things.”
She defended focusing on issues like healthcare, housing and student debt instead.
“What can I say though, foolish thinkers lust for stupidity!” Jackson Lee said.
“They should be focusing on issues like prenatal care, building more affordable housing, and more reduction of student loan debt as President Joe Biden is,” she added, saying that she cares “more about these children who would not have experienced the eclipse in this enthusiastic manner.”
“And I care more about protecting the rights of women and children than engaging in this kind of senseless dialogue!” she said.
