Press Releases
Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Co-Chairs Call for End to Health Disparities on 34th Annual World AIDS Day
Washington, DC - Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Jenniffer González-Colón (PR-AL), Co-Chairs of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, recognized World AIDS Day by introducing a resolution supporting its goals on the 34th annual World AIDS Day. The theme of the 34th annual World AIDS Day is "Tackling Inequalities Which Perpetuate the AIDS Pandemic," which recognizes the urgent need to address health inequities and the need to lift up experiences, solutions, and innovations … Continue Reading
November 29, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Statement on Passing of Congressman Donald McEachin
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued the below statement on the passing of Congressman Donald McEachin. "I am devastated at the loss of my colleague and friend, Congressman Don McEachin. From his decades of service in the Virginia legislature to starting the first environmental justice taskforce in Congress, Don was a consummate public servant and champion for the marginalized. "Don was truly an 'honorable.' He was kind, smart, truthful, a warrior for justice and a great human … Continue Reading
November 17, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on Speaker Pelosi’s Retirement from House Leadership
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), longtime friend and colleague of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, released the following statement on Speaker Pelosi's retirement from House Leadership: "As the first woman Speaker to lead Congress, Speaker Pelosi's career was one of transformational leadership. From passing the Affordable Care Act and presiding over some of the most consequential legislation in modern history to leading the charge to protect our democracy after January 6th, Nancy … Continue Reading
November 16, 2022
Reps. Lee and Blumenauer Request Data on Financial Service Equity for Minority Cannabis Businesses
Washington, DC - Today, Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) sent a letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requesting recent data on the financial services offered to minority cannabis businesses in an effort to better understand the barriers faced by minority cannabis businesses owners. Minority cannabis entrepreneurs often cite a lack of access to capital and financial services as a major barrier to entering the legal cannabis industry. A … Continue Reading
November 15, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Concludes Congressional Delegation to COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, recently returned from a Congressional delegation led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The delegation conveyed the commitment of the United States Congress to continuing the robust progress made to tackle the climate crisis under the leadership of … Continue Reading
November 11, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on Veteran's Day
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today released the following statement commemorating Veterans Day: "On this Veteran's Day, I recognize and honor the countless servicemembers who have sacrificed so much for our country. "My father Lt. Col. Garvin Tutt served in World War II and the Korean War. I saw the sacrifice he made for our country by answering our nation's call to service. However, I also saw the discrimination and racism he faced at home and abroad. We must continue … Continue Reading
November 01, 2022
Reps. Lee, Costa, Thompson, Garamendi, and Federal Maritime Commission Chair Maffei Hold Roundtable Discussion on Supply Chain Disruptions in the International Shipping Industry
Oakland, CA - Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13), Jim Costa (CA-16), Mike Thompson (CA-05), and John Garamendi (CA-03), along with Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chair Daniel B. Maffei held a roundtable discussion on Monday with California leaders and agriculture producers to discuss supply chain disruptions in the international shipping industry and the impacts on American businesses and consumers. Lawmakers visited the Port of Oakland, which serves as an essential export … Continue Reading
October 31, 2022
Congresswoman Lee and Senator Padilla Call for National Public Health Emergency Declaration on Gun Violence
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) sent a letter urging U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to declare a national health emergency on gun violence. A public health emergency declaration would trigger an immediate and systematic response to fully address the nation's gun violence crisis. Congresswoman Lee and Senator Padilla recently held a roundtable discussion in Oakland to meet with local elected officials, … Continue Reading
October 18, 2022
Chairs Lee, Meeks, & McGovern Issue Statement Regarding the Biden Administration Providing Humanitarian Assistance to Cuba
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 regarding the Biden Administration's decision to provide humanitarian assistance to Cuba in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian: "We applaud the Biden Administration's sound decision to provide $2 million … Continue Reading
October 12, 2022
Congresswoman Lee and Senator Padilla Hold Roundtable Discussion on Rising Gun Violence in Oakland
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) held a roundtable discussion with community leaders and local elected officials to address the recent rise in gun violence in Oakland, hear from attendees, provide legislative updates, and discuss federal support for local public safety initiatives. "I am pleased that Senator Alex Padilla and East Bay community leaders joined me in a roundtable discussion today about the alarming rate of gun violence, … Continue Reading
October 10, 2022
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