Democrat Rep Sheila Jackson Lee tells students the moon is ‘made up mostly of gases’

Congressional Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) told students during a ceremony that the moon is "made up mostly of gases" the same day of the recent solar eclipse.  

The former member of the Science Committee and former Ranking Member of the Space and Aeronautics Committee in Congress spoke to the students on Monday and said that the moon was "made up mostly of gas." 

There was heavy backlash online against the comment because the moon has a solid surface that has also been pitted by asteroid strikes to make up such images as the "man on the moon." It has a very thin atmosphere, according to NASA.  

In response to the controversy online, Jackson Lee posted that “Republicans are focused on stupid things,” and claimed that she misspoke.  

"What can I say though, foolish thinkers lust for stupidity!" she added. 

She the went onto post, "Also, I care 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!"

The same day, she said that she got to spend time with some teenagers and "created the opportunity to see a unique science and solar experience for the students at Booker T. Washington High School." 

Her account further added on social media, "In history. There should be more opportunities to introduce science to our diverse and vulnerable communities!" 

According to her congrsssional biography, she touts her accomplishment in the space industry as well. It reads that she was responsible for "introducing an amendment to funding bills that provides for outreach to minority- and women-owned businesses concerning business opportunities in the commercial space industry."