Press Releases
Congresswoman Lee’s Statement on House Republican Budget
June 20, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement on the House Republicans Fiscal Year 2019 budget resolution: "The federal budget is a moral document. It shows the principles and priorities of a nation. The budget introduced by House Republicans this week clearly shows how little they value American families. "Speaker Ryan has taken every opportunity to attack the basics that families rely on - like health care, social security, affordable education and clean air and water… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Requests United Nations Observers to Investigate Family Separations on the U.S. Border
June 20, 2018Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Lee sent a letter to António Guterres, United Nations Secretary General, requesting that the United Nations send humanitarian observers to the United States to investigate the Trump administration's policy separating families on the border. In the letter, Congresswoman Lee wrote, "I am appalled by the reports and images from detention facilities in Texas and other states along the border, where more than 2,300 children have been separated from thei… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Marks 153rd Observance of Juneteenth
June 19, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in observance of Juneteenth: "Today we pause to celebrate Juneteenth. On this day in 1865, news of emancipation reached enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas. As a native Texan whose grandfather was born in Galveston, this day has always been a day of reflection and inspiration to me. "Juneteenth - or Freedom Day - is both a day to celebrate emancipation and contemplate the darkest chapter in American histor… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Slams U.S. Withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council
June 19, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued the following statement on the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council: "I am outraged, but frankly not surprised, by the Trump administration's announcement that the United States will withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council. "This decision serves no purpose other than to weaken our leadership on the world stage and isolate us from our allies. With sensitive negotiations underway with North … Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month
June 15, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement marking Caribbean American Heritage Month: "Communities across the United States are home to proud, diverse Caribbean Americans. Every June, we celebrate the important contributions made by Caribbean Americans with Caribbean American Heritage Month. "Caribbean Americans bring tremendous pride, love and dedication to this nation. They are our teachers, doctors, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and artists - their hard work u… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Introduces Resolution on Equality & Inclusion in Cannabis Industry
June 14, 2018Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Lee (CA-13) introduced the Realizing Equitable & Sustainable Participation in Emerging Cannabis Trades (RESPECT) Resolution, which encourages equity in the cannabis industry. "There's no question that there is growing momentum - both within Congress and nationwide - for cannabis legalization. However, as we move into this new era, we must learn from the failed War on Drugs and ensure that entrepreneurs of color are included in this expanding industry.… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on the Passing of Dorothy Cotton
June 13, 2018Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement upon the passing of Civil Rights Leader Dorothy Cotton: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of civil rights icon Dorothy Cotton. Women like Dorothy were the backbone of the Civil Rights Movement - unsung heroes - who devoted countless hours and dedicated themselves to the fight for equal rights. As the Educational Director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Dorothy was a trailblazer. She educated African America… Continue Reading
Congressional Resolution Honors Golden State Warriors’ Championship Season
June 13, 2018Washington, D.C. - Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Kamala Harris, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (all D-Calif.) today introduced a resolution honoring the Golden State Warriors on winning back-to-back championships and three of the last four NBA Finals. "The Warriors proved they're one of the NBA's great dynasties, sweeping the Cavaliers to win their third NBA championship in four years," said Senator Feinstein. "Coach Kerr, KD, Steph, Klay, Draymond and the res… Continue Reading
Rep. Barbara Lee Slams GOP Flip-Flop on 2001 AUMF Amendment
June 13, 2018Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee's amendment to sunset the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force was defeated on a party-line vote in the House Appropriations Committee. The amendment would have sunset the 2001 AUMF eight months after the bill's enactment, giving Congress plenty of time to debate and vote on a new authorization. Last year, Congresswoman Lee offered an identical amendment that was adopted with overwhelming bipartisan support. "I am deeply disappoint… Continue Reading
Pelosi, Lee Invite Golden State Warriors to the U.S. Capitol
June 12, 2018Washington, D.C. - Today, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Barbara Lee sent a letter to Coach Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors inviting the team and their families to the U.S. Capitol in celebration of their 2018 NBA Championship win. Leader Pelosi and Rep. Lee wrote, "With your third title in the last four years, the Golden State Warriors have once again dazzled America with your outstanding performance on the court and inspired leadership off the court. You continue to… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s Statement on Singapore Summit with Kim Jong-Un
June 12, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on President Trump's summit with Kim Jong-Un in Singapore: "As a lifelong advocate for diplomacy, I am pleased that the U.S. has started direct talks with North Korea to denuclearize and deescalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. "Diplomacy takes time. The Trump Administration must be prepared to engage in the hard work of negotiation. President Trump needs to stop sidelining experts and rebuild our diplomatic staf… Continue Reading
Social Workers in Congress Lee, Shea-Porter, Davis, Gutiérrez, and Bass Joint Statement on Child Separations at the Border
June 08, 2018Washington, D.C. - Barbara Lee (CA-13), Chair of the Congressional Social Work Caucus, Congresswomen Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53), Congressman Luis V. Gutiérrez (IL-04), and Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-37) released the following statement on the Trump Administration's "zero tolerance" policy, which is currently separating children from their parents at the border: "The Trump Administration's policy of separating children from their parents is terrifying a… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee: Funding Low-Yield Nuclear Weapons Heightens the Risks of Nuclear War
June 07, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the defeat of her amendment to defund the $65 million allocated for low-yield nuclear weapons: "There is no such thing as a small nuclear weapon. Spending $65 million on a low-yield nuclear weapon - with unprecedented submarine-launch capability - heightens the risk of nuclear war. We should be de-escalating tensions with our allies, not provoking a new nuclear arms race. "I am disappointed that Congress rejected … Continue Reading
Hoyer, Lee Statement on United Nations Official’s Statement on Trump Administration's Role in Exacerbating Poverty in the U.S.
June 04, 2018WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA), chair of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity, released the following statement in response after a United Nations official said the Trump Administration's policies were exacerbating the wealth and income gap in the United States:"The assessment by the United Nations official monitoring global poverty that the Trump Administration's actions are exacerbating the … Continue Reading
Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity Concludes Dallas Pathways Out of Poverty Listening Tour
June 01, 2018Washington, D.C. - Today, Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) and Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity Chair, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), along with Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) and Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), visited Dallas, Texas, as part of their Pathways Out of Poverty Listening Tour. In Dallas, the Members visited three sites developing innovative solutions to reduce poverty and expand opportunity, including Bonton Farms, Jubil… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Marks Memorial Day
May 25, 2018Oakland, C.A. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement marking Memorial Day: "Every year, Memorial Day is a time for our nation to convey our gratitude to the brave service members who gave their lives in heroic service protecting and defending our country. As the daughter of a veteran, I am deeply grateful to the members of our military who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation. My prayers are with their families and loved ones today. "President John Kennedy sai… Continue Reading
Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Marks 15 Years of PEPFAR
May 24, 2018Washington, D.C. - This May, Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) marked the 15th Anniversary of the signing of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). "As an original author of PEPFAR, I am incredibly proud of the progress we've made in the last 15 years to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic. PEPFAR has saved millions of lives around the world and helped those with the disease live with dignity and s… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Slams Irresponsible, Wasteful National Defense Authorization Act
May 24, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives: "The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is an opportunity for Congress to take a hard look at our national security priorities and ensure that our voice is heard on matters of war and peace. Sadly, once again, Congress has chosen to squander this chance and kick the can down the road. "The FY19 NDAA does nothing to ad… Continue Reading
Trump Title X Gag Rule Will Harm Millions of Patients, Pro-Choice Caucus Leaders Say
May 23, 2018Washington, D.C. - President Trump's new proposed rule on Title X-supported programs is effectively a gag rule that will harm millions of women and families. This new rule would ban providers from referring or counseling patients on their full range of reproductive options by forcing health care providers who treat underserved communities nationwide to choose between continued funding for a range of health care services and helping women understand and exercise their constitutionally-protected r… Continue Reading
Tri-Caucus Announces Introduction of Health Equity and Accountability Act
May 23, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Senator Mazie Hirono, CAPAC Chairwoman Judy Chu, CHC Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, and CBC Chairman Cedric Richmond released the following statement announcing the House introduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2018: "The Health Equity and Accountability Act is a bold, comprehensive vision for addressing persistent ethnic and racial health disparities and improving health outcomes in communities of color. By building … Continue Reading