Press Releases
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Slams Trump’s So-Called Middle East “Peace Plan”
January 28, 2020Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in response to the White House's announcement of a "peace plan" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White Party Chairman Benny Gantz: "Make no mistake - this is not a peace plan; it's a one-sided annexation plan that harms the goal of a two-state solution. If we truly want to achieve peace in the Middle East, we must actively engage both Israelis and Palestinian leaders, something the Tr… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Mourns the Passing of Former Rep. Pete Stark
January 25, 2020OAKLAND, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement honoring the passing of former Congressman Pete Stark, who served in Congress for forty years. "For forty years, Congressman Pete Stark fought for families across the East Bay and the country. He was a passionate and deeply skilled legislator who fought every day against the special interests and for the people. "Congressman Stark dedicated his life to expanding access to quality, affordable health care for all. His tire… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Slams the Trump Administration's Dangerous Global Gag Rule
January 23, 2020Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement marking the 3rd anniversary of Trump's dangerous Global Gag Rule. "Three years ago, Trump not only reinstated the Global Gag Rule, but radically and dangerously expanded it, threatening global health and undermining local efforts to save lives and expand reproductive rights. "Doctors should be able to talk freely with their patients about all their options - not just what anti-choice politicians thousands of … Continue Reading
Congressional Pro-Choice Leaders Mark the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
January 22, 2020Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), co-chairs of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, released the following statement marking the 47th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade decision: "For 47 years, Roe v. Wade has protected Americans' right to reproductive care. But today, that right is under attack - and there is no bigger threat than the current makeup of the Supreme Court. "From Trump's dangerous Gag Rule to the wave of new … Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces a Resolution Recognizing No Name Calling Week
January 21, 2020Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced H.Con.Res. 84, a Concurrent Resolution recognizing No Name Calling Week. The resolution outlines the concerns that bullying and name calling have on the 2.5 million school aged LGBT youth and encourages schools to consider a more comprehensive anti-bullying and harassment policy. "In no school or community, should a young person feel unsafe because of their gender identity or expression. Ensuring the safety of our young peopl… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy on MLK Day
January 20, 2020Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: "Today, we pause to remember the life and legacy of a civil rights icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through his tireless activism and deep commitment to justice, Dr. King inspired our nation and our world to fulfill the promise of freedom and equality for all - regardless of the color of their skin. "In addition to that, Dr. King understood that real freedom for African … Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Blasts DeVos’ Predatory Borrower Defense Rule
January 16, 2020Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.J.RES. 76, a resolution protecting defrauded students by immediately blocking Secretary DeVos' harmful Borrower Defense Rule. "Students defrauded by predatory, for-profit colleges are often left with crushing debt, useless degrees, and none of the job opportunities they were promised. "Yet, Secretary DeVos has refused to help these students, and instead is enriching… Continue Reading
House Will Vote on Lee & Khanna Iran Bills the Week of January 27
January 14, 2020WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) announced Wednesday afternoon that the week the House returns from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. District Work Period, it will consider bills introduced by Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) to repeal the 2002 Congressional authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) against Iraq and prevent taxpayer funding from being used to take military action against Iran without congressional authorization, respectively. On Ja… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Votes to Protect the Health of American Families from Dangerous Forever Chemicals
January 10, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee voted to pass H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act, to protect families from PFAS "forever chemicals," designating them as hazardous substances, cleaning up existing contamination, and protecting public health by providing critical resources for communities. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement after the vote: "It is past time that we protect our communities from PFAS contamination, which has been scientifically proven to have negative … Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports the War Powers Resolution
January 09, 2020Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in response to the House of Representatives passing H.Con.Res 83, Directing the President to Terminate the Use of Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran. "The American people do not want another unnecessary war of choice in the Middle East, and this critical resolution helps put a check on the Trump Administration's reckless and irrational military actions against Iran. "Today we begin to re… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Responds to Iranian Missile Attacks
January 07, 2020Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in response to reports of Iranian missile attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq. "First, let me say my thoughts and prayers are with our brave service members and personnel who are under attack tonight. Sadly, this type of response was exactly what we feared. "This cycle of violence can quickly spiral out of control and escalate into Trump's full-blown war with Iran. "Make no mistake, Trump chose reckless military action ov… Continue Reading
Congressional Progressive Caucus Endorses Two Bills To Prevent War With Iran, Calls for a Floor Vote in the House of Representatives This Week
January 07, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congressman Mark Pocan (W1-02) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), along with CPC Peace and Security Task Force Chair Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), released the following statement urging immediate passage of two CPC-endorsed bills and a strong War Powers Resolution for Iran this week. The CPC is supportive of and working with Speaker Pelosi and House Leadership on a strong War Powers Resolution. The CPC also e… Continue Reading
Reps. Ilhan Omar and Barbara Lee Announce War Powers Resolution To Prevent War With Iran
January 05, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Barbara Lee announced a War Powers Resolution in the United States House of Representatives to direct the removal of the United States Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran that have not been authorized by Congress. The resolution is a companion to a War Powers Resolution authored by Sen. Tim Kaine in the Senate. "?Let's not mince words: the assassination of Qasem Soleimani was an act of war undertaken without Congressional authorization, … Continue Reading
Congressional Pro-Choice leaders condemn effort to overturn Roe v. Wade
January 03, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pro-Choice Caucus Chairs Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) released the following statement after 207 members of Congress submitted an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court to reconsider Roe v. Wade: "Shame on the members of Congress who are doubling down on their efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade. "There is no bigger threat to Americans' right to have an abortion than the current make up of this Supreme Court. And it's clear that anti-choice politicians believe the … Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee on the Killing of Qasem Soleimani
January 03, 2020Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after a US airstrike on Baghdad airport killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and other Iranian officials: "The airstrike and killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and other senior Iranian military officials without Congressional authorization is a dangerous escalation of tensions with Iran that brings us close to the brink of war. "Since day one, Trump and his war hawk administration have shunned diplomacy by … Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Opposes the USMCA Trade Agreement
December 19, 2019Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Lee voted against the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA), and released the following statement: "Due to Speaker Pelosi and the negotiators' tireless work, this USMCA is better than current NAFTA and what the Trump Administration presented in the original agreement. "However, after careful consideration, I voted NO on the passage of USMCA. "Our planet is feeling the effects of climate change every day, and the lack of strong environment… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Votes to Impeach President Trump
December 18, 2019Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee voted to impeach President Donald Trump. Congresswoman Lee voted in favor of both Articles of Impeachment. She gave the following speech on the House floor: "I am saddened but not shocked that we are here today considering articles of impeachment against President Trump. "I am saddened but not shocked - because of the pattern of corruption we have seen from this President. "I am saddened but not shocked - because this President has routinely… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Statement on FY 2020 Spending Bills
December 17, 2019Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after voting on all 12 fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills: "Today, I voted to support critical programs we know will uplift communities around the country. This spending package touches the lives of every single person in this country, making critical investments in the fight to reduce poverty, increase opportunity, and invest in all people. "As a senior member of Appropriations Committee, I was pleased to … Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Votes to Pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act
December 12, 2019Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Lee joined House Democrats in passing H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This legislation would allow Medicare to negotiate the costs of prescription drugs, lowering costs for families across the country. "It is beyond outrageous that the US government is not currently allowed to negotiate drug prices through Medicare. And it is shameful that Big Pharma is charging people in the US hundreds of times more than what they charge in othe… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes the FY20 NDAA Conference Report
December 11, 2019Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee voted against the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, and released the following statement: "I'd like to thank my colleague, Chairman Adam Smith, for his efforts and advocacy to include key provisions from the House-passed NDAA in the conference report. I was very pleased to see that paid parental leave for all federal employees and policies to address and prevent sexual misconduct in the military were… Continue Reading