Congresswoman Lee Sworn in As Member of Democratic Leadership in the 117th Congress
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after being sworn in to represent California’s 13th Congressional District in the 117th Congress:
“It is a profound honor to be sworn in as a member of Democratic leadership in the 117th Congress. This is a historically diverse Democratic Majority that is nearly 70% women, people of color and LGBTQ individuals, and it is a privilege to serve alongside so many dedicated public servants. I am grateful for the trust that my constituents have placed in me to represent them and I will remain committed to fighting for progressive values in Washington.
“We begin the 117th Congress during a global pandemic and economic crisis that has caused hardship and extraordinary loss in our communities. I am prepared to hit the ground running to deliver critical relief to protect the health, safety, and economic security of our frontline workers, state and local government employees, families, and communities of color who have been hit the hardest by this pandemic.
“In the new Congress, I intend to again fight to enact decisive measures to end poverty in America and around the world, help usher in a generation free of HIV and AIDS, help America confront and remedy its legacy of systemic racism and injustice, end our forever wars and shift our federal spending away from weapons and towards investment in human needs. I also will continue working for access to economic opportunity for all including raising wages, lowering health care costs, addressing the climate crisis, and funding debt-free college. I am also pleased with the reforms in the Democratic rules package that will strengthen accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in the new Congress, including reforms to PAYGO exemptions and the Motion to Recommit.
“I am hopeful that in the new Congress and under a new administration, we can tackle our country’s greatest challenges and create a brighter future for all.”