Congresswoman Barbara Lee in Final Remarks on House Floor: “It Has Been the Privilege of My Lifetime to Serve”
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) on Tuesday delivered her final remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives as a member of Congress.
“For 26 years now, it has been the privilege of my lifetime to serve my incredible constituents of California’s 12th Congressional district,” said Lee.
Lee has been a member of Congress for over 25 years. During her quarter century of service, Lee has been a fierce advocate in the fights for peace, equity, and justice. Lee is the highest-ranking Black woman appointed to Democratic Leadership, serving as Co-Chair of the Policy and Steering Committee. Lee also serves as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations.
“As I look back on my time, I feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to not only serve my community but to advance justice, equity, and peace throughout our country and the entire world,” continued Lee.
On the House floor, many Congressmembers spoke on Lee’s legacy, accomplishments, and shared stories of their work together.
Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) said, “For 26 years, Representative Barbara Lee has been an advocate for justice, equality, and peace both at home and abroad. Her commitment to these principles has set a standard for all of us in this chamber.”
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) said, “Your determination, and what I’ve watched you do, has changed this institution forever. You’ve this amazing momentum and movement around talking about poverty in this movement, that really wasn’t ready for people like us. You pushed against the stigma in health disparities of our neighbors living with HIV & AIDS when it was unpopular. Ending the discriminatory Hyde Amendment that restrictions access to abortion care when some people in this chamber wouldn’t even say abortion. You have done so much for all of the incredible residents of city of Oakland and its surrounding communities. I want to thank them for continuing to send you here to this body. This institution will be forever changed because Congresswoman Barbara Lee served here for 26 years.”
Speaking to Lee on the floor, Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-07) said, "Congresswoman Lee, you’re more than a servant leader. You are an example by which countless women of color can seek to emulate as they step up to be the voices of our communities. You are unabashed in speaking truth to power and unwavering in your convictions. You have never been afraid to stand up and speak out, even when the odds are against you. You inspire me each and every day."
“You have done so much great work over your time in Washington and in Congress. Your legacy will loom large over this place. I want to thank you for guiding so many of us through the appropriations process. But when I think about being effective, your record is bar none,” said Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07). “Your legacy will live on through so many of the people you touched, and I'm grateful that I was one of the ones you mentored.”
“Barbara Lee has been a progressive champion, a fierce advocate and dear friend during my time in Congress. She is a powerful voice, a very bold voice, a very determined voice, a passionate voice and oftentimes a lone voice, said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20). “Her efforts in this body will be remembered for your courage, your tenacity and your strength of spirit. You have dedicated your time as an elected representative to serving those in need, sometimes the voiceless.”
“Let me once again thank everyone; all of my colleagues, but especially my constituents who I consider the most enlightened, most diverse, and most progressive congressional district for giving me the faith and trust to fight alongside you for a better tomorrow,” Lee concluded.
Also speaking on the House floor were Congressmembers Erica Lee Carter (TX-18), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Danny Davis (IL-07), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), and Bobby Scott (VA-03).
To watch Congresswoman Lee’s remarks, click here.
To watch remarks from other members on Congresswoman Lee’s legacy as well as Lee’s closing remarks, click here.