Barbara Lee Says Take Nelson Mandela & the ANC off Terrorist Watch Lists
(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9), an original co-sponsor of H.R. 5690, released the following statement in support of legislation to remove current and former African National Congress members from U.S. travel and terrorism watch lists:
“As an original co-sponsor of the bill, H.R. 5690, which removes current and former African National Congress members from U.S. travel and terrorism watch lists, I am proud we are finally taking the steps to correct this long standing injustice.
“It is ridiculous to classify national figures, like former South African President Nelson Mandela, as terrorists solely because they held membership with the African National Congress, an organization that fought against Apartheid. They should have never been placed on these watch lists and it is past time we correct this wrong.
“I commend Chairman Howard Berman for heeding the calls to bring forth this bill and I will work closely with him and my colleagues to make sure this legislation quickly passes both Chambers of Congress and is signed into law.
Congresswoman Barbra Lee (CA-9) is Co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and First-Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
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