Press Releases
Congresswoman Lee Urges Substantive Action in Response to Congressman King's Racist Statements
January 11, 2019Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement in response to Congressman King's statement to the New York Times endorsing white supremacy: "Congressman King has reiterated his racist beliefs time and time again, without real condemnation or rejection by the Republican Party. Despite his beliefs, white supremacy has no place in our nation or our government. I stand with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus and call on the Republican Party to remove Mr. King fro… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Constituent Resource Guide on the Government Shutdown
January 11, 2019Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Lee released this constituent resource guide for constituents affected by the 2018-2019 government shutdown: On December 22, 2018, funding lapsed for a number federal government agencies. The government shutdown is already having an impact on some federal programs, and other services could be impacted by an extended funding lapse. The Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) website provides general guidance, as does the Office of Management and Budget's Contingency Pl… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Named Co-Chair of Bipartisan Cannabis Caucus
January 09, 2019Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was named the co-chair of the bipartisan Cannabis Caucus, alongside Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Congressman Don Young (R-AK), and Congressman David Joyce (R-OH). Congresswoman Lee's historic appointment marks the first time that a woman or a person of color will serve in the leadership of the Cannabis Caucus. "I am thrilled to serve as co-chair of the Cannabis Caucus and continue the work of reforming our outdated and discriminatory ma… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Cosponsors PAYGO Repeal Legislation
January 04, 2019Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee became an original cosponsor of the newly-introduced H.R. 242, which would repeal the Pay-As-You-Go Statutory Act of 2010: "PAYGO is a law that hamstrings our ability to advance progressive priorities and reduce poverty, and forces draconian austerity cuts that disproportionately hurt the most vulnerable communities. It's past time to get rid of PAYGO for good. "That's why I'm supporting the repeal of PAYGO - it's the first step to enacting o… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on the Introduction of H.R. 1, the For the People Act
January 04, 2019Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement regarding the introduction of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, of which she is a co-sponsor: "For our first order of business, House Democrats have introduced H.R. 1, the For the People Act, to safeguard our democracy and restore power to the people. I'm proud to co-sponsor this historic legislation for the people. "Under the Trump administration and a Republican-led Congress, our democracy has been co-opted by special inter… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Sworn in As Member of Democratic Leadership in the 116th Congress
January 03, 2019Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after being sworn in to represent California's 13th Congressional District in the 116th Congress: "It is a profound honor to be sworn in as a member of Democratic leadership in the 116th Congress. This is the most diverse and dynamic Congress in American history, and it is a privilege to serve alongside so many dedicated public servants. I am grateful for the trust that my constituents have placed in me to represent t… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Statement Marking the 10th Anniversary of Oscar Grant's Passing
January 01, 2019Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement marking the 10th anniversary of Oscar Grant's death: "Ten years ago, Oscar Grant was tragically and needlessly killed by an officer at the Fruitvale BART station. "Oscar was a beloved member of our East Bay community. He was a loving father, a loyal friend, and a kind neighbor. My heart is with his family, friends, and loved ones who are missing him dearly today. "Over the last decade, communities like mine have lost fa… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee’s Statement on the Death of 7 Year Old Felipe Alonzo-Gomez
December 26, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the death of seven-year-old Felipe Alonzo-Gomez in CBP custody: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Felipe Alonzo-Gomez on Christmas Day. My heart is with Felipe's family and loved ones in the wake of this unimaginable loss. This is the second death of a child in CBP custody this month - a stunning, horrifying and unacceptable track record for the agency. "Along with my colleagues, I urge an immediate inv… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Statement on the Immigration Case of Shaima Swileh
December 17, 2018Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement regarding the immigration case of Shaima Swileh: "As a mother myself, I am stunned by the cruelty of barring a mother from reuniting with her sick child. The case of Shaima Swileh shows clearly the damage wreaked on families across this country by the Trump administration's un-American travel ban. I am committed to doing all I can to fight it and to restore decency and humanity to our nation's immigration laws. I have writ… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Statement on Maria Mendoza-Sanchez’s Return to Oakland
December 15, 2018Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in response to Maria Mendoza-Sanchez's arrival back in the United States: "I am thrilled that Maria Mendoza-Sanchez has finally been reunited with her family. Maria's unjust deportation was a loss for her family, loved ones and our entire East Bay community. I couldn't be happier that Maria has been able to return home in time for the holidays. Our immigrant neighbors are a part of what makes our East Bay community … Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Landmark Women in STEAM Bill
December 14, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on her introduction of the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial Fellowship for Women of Color in STEAM and National Security Act, H.R. 7307: "I am pleased to introduce the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial Fellowship for Women of Color in STEAM and National Security Act, which will help open opportunities for women of color in the STEAM and national security sectors. Under this bill, 30 women would receive the Ronald V. Dellums Fellow… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Statement Regarding the Passing of Legendary Vocalist Nancy Wilson
December 14, 2018Washington, DC -- Congresswoman Lee released the following statement in response to the passing of legendary vocalist Nancy Wilson: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of legendary vocalist Nancy Wilson. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and loved ones. "Nancy was a pioneering vocalist who bridged jazz and pop music as only she could. She paved the way for so many African American performers to acheive success in popular music, yet in doing so, never lost touch with her so… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee: “We Must Turn the Tide of the Housing Crisis”
December 11, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the introduction of the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, which Senator Elizabeth Warren introduced in the Senate. Congresswoman Lee is an original cosponsor of the bill in the House. "The cost of housing keeps skyrocketing for working families. In my community, hardworking residents are being pushed out of the neighborhoods they've lived in their entire lives - and far too many families are ending up on … Continue Reading
Congressmembers Introduce Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights Act on Human Rights Day
December 10, 2018WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, on International Human Rights Day and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Katherine Clark, Ranking Member Nita Lowey, Ranking Member Eliot Engel, Rep. Barbara Lee, and Rep. Lois Frankel introduced the Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act. The bill would require the U.S. State Department to include reproductive rights in its annual human rights report after the State Department deleted all… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s Statement on the Passing of Bay Area Radio Host Ray Taliaferro
December 03, 2018Oakland, CA -- Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement remembering the life and legacy of legendary Bay Area radio host and civil rights advocate Ray Taliaferro: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Ray Taliaferro. "Ray was a pioneering journalist who used his platform to shine a light on issues impacting vulnerable and underrepresented communities, especially the African American community. He spoke truth to power both as a journalist and as a civil… Continue Reading
Pelosi Announces Co-Chairs of Steering and Policy Committee
November 30, 2018Washington, D.C. - Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi announced today that she will recommend Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, Congressman Eric Swalwell of California and Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California to serve as the three Co-Chairs of the Steering and Policy Committee. "The leaders and members of the Steering and Policy Committee reflect the diversity, dynamism and integrity of our historic new House Democratic Majority," said Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi. "Guided by the bol… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Statement on the Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Approval of an H-1B Visa Waiver for Maria Mendoza-Sanchez
November 30, 2018Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in response to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' approval of a waiver for Maria Mendoza-Sanchez: "I am thrilled that Maria Mendoza-Sanchez will be reunited with her family in Oakland. Maria is an integral part of our community and her unjust deportation was a loss for the entire East Bay. Her case is a stark example of the damage that the Trump administration's inhumane zero-tolerance policy has wreaked on fam… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Marks the 30th World AIDS Day
November 30, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, released the following statement celebrating the reauthorization of PEPFAR and marking December 1st as World AIDS Day. "This year, as we mark the 30th World AIDS Day, I am reflecting on the progress we've made and recommitting to the work that remains. Because of programs like PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and the Ryan White Program, we have saved over 17 million lives from AIDS. We… Continue Reading
Statement from Congresswoman Barbara Lee on Caucus Chair Election
November 28, 2018Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the House Democratic Caucus Chair election: "I want to congratulate Congressman Hakeem Jeffries on a hard-fought race. I look forward to working with him to advance a progressive, inclusive agenda for the American people. "While I didn't win today, I hope my candidacy will inspire other women, and women of color in particular, to run for elected office and seek leadership positions. Our Caucus can only succeed whe… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Welcomes Latest Endorsements for Caucus Chair
November 27, 2018Washington, D.C. - Today, several prominent congressional leaders released endorsements of Congresswoman Barbara Lee in her bid for Democratic Caucus Chair. Former Congressional Black Caucus Chairs Congressman G.K. Butterfield, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, and Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver announced their support for Congresswoman Lee as Caucus Chair. Their full letter is available here and an excerpt is below: "From voting rights and criminal justice reform, to access to high-quality education … Continue Reading