Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Passing of Madeleine Albright

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued the following statement on the passing of Madeleine Albright, the first woman to serve as United States Secretary of State. 

“I am devastated to hear of the passing of Madeleine Albright. As a refugee and war survivor, she demonstrated remarkable empathy for those facing violence and inhumanity throughout her career. As a skilled diplomat and ambassador to the United Nations, she fought for human rights and peace across the globe. As the first female Secretary of State, she became a feminist icon and champion of democracy. As a fellow advocate for global peace and human rights, she has inspired me for years.

“Throughout her life, Dr. Albright consistently spoke out against the rising threat of authoritarianism abroad. The world can honor her legacy by firmly standing together to defend democracy and human rights and signal to dictators that the international community will not tolerate imperialism or violence.

“I send my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. May she Rest in Peace.”  

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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. She serves as Co-Chair of the Steering & Policy Committee, former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Chair Emeritus of the Progressive Caucus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Health Task Force, and Co-Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus. She also serves as Chair of the Majority Leader’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. As a member of the House Democratic Leadership, she is the highest ranking Black woman in the U.S. Congress