November 27, 2018

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Welcomes Latest Endorsements for Caucus Chair

Including Former CBC Chairs Butterfield, Fudge, and Cleaver; Congressman Adam Smith, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Washington, 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 and a safe, clean planet, Congresswoman Lee has worked with members across the Democratic Caucus to ensure our policies and priorities reflect the aspirations of all Americans. We know that communities of color and other vulnerable communities are facing increasing attacks by the Trump Administration. As Caucus Chair, Congresswoman Lee will be a voice for these and every community that needs a campion in Congress.”

Congressman Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, issued a letter of support for Congresswoman Lee. His full letter is available here and an excerpt is below:

“As we develop our agenda for the new Congress, it will be more important than ever to have leaders who know how to build consensus, find common ground, and work across the aisle without compromising our fundamental principles. As a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Barbara has demonstrative experience in bringing diverse perspectives together to advance our shared goals. And she has a clear vision and roadmap to do that through her Connected Caucus agenda.”

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, issued a statement of support for Congresswoman Lee:

“Congresswoman Lee is a champion for the people. Her entire career has been focused on serving the public — from her time as a social worker to her leadership in Congress on education, healthcare, nutrition assistance, poverty, and civil rights. Our nation’s most vulnerable have a tireless advocate in Barbara Lee, and I am proud to support her for Caucus Chair.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, also issued a statement of support for Congresswoman Lee:

“Congresswoman Barbara Lee has shown an uncanny ability of reaching out to all segments of our diverse Democratic Caucus. She has shown leadership on many issues from poverty to ending HIV, to promoting a peace agenda and creating economic opportunities for all. She is a historic figure with a legacy that connects to the Honorable Shirley Chisholm and this Election provides an opportunity for her to make history as the first African-American woman elected to Leadership.”

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