Press Releases
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today released the following statement in commemoration of Indigenous Peoples Day: "Today we celebrate the contributions, culture, and spirit of Tribal Nations. For far too long, the United States has ignored the immense harm inflicted on Native American communities - including decades of systemic injustice, neglectful policymaking, and climate inaction. "It's past time we acknowledge the harm done to indigenous people, usher in a truth telling moment, and … Continue Reading
October 06, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Pardons for People Convicted of Marijuana Possession
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, issued the following statement upon the Biden administration announcement that the President will issue a pardon for all those with federal convictions for simple possession of marijuana and instruct a review of marijuana scheduling by federal agencies: "Today, President Biden took a step in the right direction by pardoning the many people convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law. The … Continue Reading
October 03, 2022
Chairs Lee, Meeks, and McGovern Issue Statement Regarding Humanitarian Assistance to Cuba following Hurricane Ian
Washington, D.C. - Today, Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations Barbara Lee (D-CA), together with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) and Chair of the Rules Committee James P. McGovern (D-MA), issued the following statement urging the Biden Administration to provide humanitarian assistance to Cuba in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian: "We are grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration's swift and substantial response to … Continue Reading
September 30, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Introduces National Medical Corps Act
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) recently introduced the National Medical Corps (NMC) Act to address the physician shortage in the United States and create a structured pathway program that taps into the diversity of America's community colleges and increases the diversity of physicians. Specifically, this legislation would establish and fund 20 NMC Consortia and 1,000 scholars annually. At minimum, each consortium will include three community colleges, including one public … Continue Reading
September 27, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on Historic Decline in Child Poverty
Washington DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Co-Chair of the Majority Leader Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity, issued the following statement on a comprehensive new analysis showing a strong correlation between U.S. poverty reduction initiatives and declining poverty rates. "This data makes clear what we've known for a long time: poverty is a policy decision," said Rep. Lee. "We need only look to the recent American Rescue Plan, the expanded Child Tax Credit, and other legislative … Continue Reading
September 26, 2022
Lee, DeLauro Introduce Diaper Bank Awareness Week Resolution
WASHINGTON, DC - Co-Chair of the Majority Leader Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Chair of the House Appropriations Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today introduced a resolution hailing the week of September 26th as National Diaper Need Awareness Week. "One in three families do not have enough diapers to keep their children clean, dry, and healthy," said Chair DeLauro. "In one of the richest countries on earth, that is totally unacceptable. I am thrilled to join with my … Continue Reading
September 22, 2022
Rep. Lee Joins 25 CBC Members in Calling for Extended Medicaid Coverage for Postpartum Care in Year-End Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) joined 25 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, led by Robin Kelly (IL-02), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, in issuing the statement below calling for increased investments in affordable, accessible maternal health care, following the CDC's release of new data showing that more than 80% of maternal deaths in the U.S. are preventable. "Maternal Mortality Review Committee Data released by the CDC this … Continue Reading
September 21, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Commends Seventh Replenishment of the Global Fund Hosted by President Biden
Washington DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today applauded the Biden administration's announcement of $6 billion in new funding for the Global Fund at the Seventh Replenishment Conference during this year's United Nations General Assembly. The United States is proud to be a founding member of, and the largest single donor to, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (Global Fund). Started in 2002, the Global Fund is a unique financing mechanism that relies on a dynamic … Continue Reading
September 21, 2022
Lee, Schakowsky, Ruiz Introduce Dr. Paul Farmer Memorial Resolution Outlining 21st Century Global Health Strategy
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) introduced the Dr. Paul Farmer Memorial Resolution, to honor Dr. Farmer's staggering life and legacy and lay out his extraordinary vision for realizing global health equity. This resolution lays out a 21st century global health strategy that proposes significantly increasing global health aid to $125 billion per year, reforming aid to focus on building national health systems, … Continue Reading
September 15, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on Hispanic Heritage Month
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement today in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15th to October 15th: "Each year, Americans honor Hispanic Heritage Month to commemorate the measureless contributions of the Hispanic community. Growing up in El Paso, Texas, I learned from and developed a deep appreciation for the Hispaniccommunity, their culture, and their heritage. As the Congresswoman for the 13th District of … Continue Reading
September 15, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) issued the following statement on Azerbaijan's recent attacks against neighboring Armenia. "I strongly condemn Azerbaijan's recent attack against Armenia. Further aggression against Armenia is a flagrant violation of Armenia's sovereignty and shows a complete disregard of international law. The disputed issues must be settled at the negotiating table-not through war. "The US must make clear that we will oppose efforts to address … Continue Reading
September 15, 2022
Speier, Lee Introduce Bill Highlighting Hypocrisy and Danger of SB 8 and Other Abortion Bounty Hunter Schemes
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14), Co-Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Co-Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus, on Thursday introduced the Saving Abortion Facilities from Extremists (SAFE) for Patients Act, which would allow anyone to sue anyone who intentionally damages or destroys a reproductive health facility, or harasses, injuries, or interferes with someone providing or obtaining reproductive health services. Their bill would … Continue Reading
September 15, 2022
:ee, Davis, Van Hollen, Booker Introduce Bill to Improve Access to Care for Americans with Sickle Cell Disease
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Danny Davis (D-Ill.) along with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act, legislation to improve access to care for Americans living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Approximately 100,000 Americans are currently living with SCD, an inherited blood disorder that causes pain, infection, and stroke. The disease disproportionately affects … Continue Reading
September 12, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Welcomes Secretary Pete Buttigieg to the East Bay
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) welcomed Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to California's 13th district to see progress on major infrastructure projects funded in part by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Secretary Buttigieg joined Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Congresswoman Lee for a bus tour of a City of Oakland project that is being supported by a $14.5 million federal grant. The "Reconnecting the Town" project is centered around transportation … Continue Reading
September 12, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on the Passing of Ying Lee
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today released the following statement mourning the loss of her friend and former Legislative Director, Ying Lee. "My condolences and love go to Sara, Max, and Ying's entire family upon learning of her passing. I am heartbroken over the loss of a great warrior woman, a good friend and former colleague, Ying Lee Kelley. I have known Ying since the early 1970's and have experienced first-hand her brilliance, her honesty, her beauty and her … Continue Reading
September 11, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on 21st Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released the following statement recognizing the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks: "21 years ago, our world forever changed as we witnessed a horrific attack on this nation. Today, we remember and honor the thousands lost on September 11th, 2001 and those we've since lost to 9/11-related illnesses since then. "I continue to offer my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of those lost on that day. We … Continue Reading
September 02, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Leads Congressional Delegation to Africa and Western Europe
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, led a Congressional delegation to Germany, Ghana, Senegal, and Italy to conduct oversight over Department of Defense and State Department appropriations, including global health and international food security programs. Congresswoman Lee was joined by Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Katherine Clark (MA-5), Jay … Continue Reading
August 31, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Biden Administration for Hosting the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment Conference
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee applauded President Biden for announcing that the United States will host the Global Fund's Seventh Replenishment Conference on September 19, 2022 in New York City. The United States is proud to be a founding contributor of, and the largest single donor to, the Global Fund, having contributed nearly $20 billion since 2002. Founded in 2002, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) is a unique financing mechanism that … Continue Reading
August 24, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on President Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today released the following statement on President Biden's student loan forgiveness proposal: "Today, the Biden administration took a major step forward to address the student debt crisis. As is well known, Black borrowers have an average of over $50,000 in debt, almost double the average of White Americans. Millions across the country will now benefit from $10,000 in debt cancellation, an extended payment pause through the end of the year, and most notably, … Continue Reading
August 12, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on House Passage of the Historic Inflation Reduction Act
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee today released a statement on House passage of Democrats' reconciliation bill, the Inflation Reduction Act. "From the moment President Biden took office, progressives in Congress have fought tooth and nail for meaningful reform. I am proud to announce that today, a key portion of our agenda passed in the House with the Inflation Reduction Act: a bill that puts people over politics by lowering costs of basic human needs like health care, creating … Continue Reading