Press Releases
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Affirms “Woke” to Black History and Social Justice in Congressional Resolution
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) this week filed an official resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives attributing the term ‘‘woke’’ and its historical connection to Black history, Black liberation movements, and social justice following Republican members of Congress misusing the term “woke” and attempting to propagate Project 2025 as an “anti-woke” agenda. Congresswoman Lee has played a part in popularizing the term, as evidenced by her name being included in … Continue Reading
September 27, 2024
Lee, Davis, Adams, Van Hollen, and Booker Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Improve Access to Care for Americans with Sickle Cell Disease
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), and Alma Adams (D-N.C.), alongside U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), reintroduced the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act, legislation to improve access to care for Americans living with sickle cell disease (SCD). In the United States, approximately 100,000 people are affected by SCD, a rare, genetically inherited disorder that causes a person’s red blood cells to become … Continue Reading
September 26, 2024
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Passage of Continuing Resolution to Avoid Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) today released the following statement after President Joe Biden signed a temporary government spending bill that keeps the government funded until December 20: “While I’m pleased that we averted yet another government shutdown, it continues to be deeply unsettling that Democrats, once again, have been forced to save the country from Republican dysfunction. The GOP is in full disarray, making governance painstakingly difficult. “I voted for to … Continue Reading
September 26, 2024
Lee, DeLauro, Peterson Introduce Resolution Highlighting Diaper Need Awareness Week
WASHINGTON-Today, U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-12), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) introduced a resolution designating September 23-29 as National Diaper Need Awareness Week. National Diaper Need Awareness Week recognize the importance of clean, affordable diapers to infant health and family well-being. “Diaper need is an invisible part of poverty in America,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Low-income families spend around 14% of their income on diapers. That is … Continue Reading
September 26, 2024
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on the Oakland Athletics Final Home Game in Oakland
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) today released the following statement on the Oakland Athletics final home game at the Oakland Coliseum. The A’s ownership plans to move the team to Las Vegas and intend to begin playing in Sacramento beginning next year. “I am deeply saddened that today will be the final day that A’s fans in the East Bay will get to enjoy rooting for our team in Oakland. The history, pride, and success the A’s brought to our city will live on forever. While I’m … Continue Reading
September 25, 2024
Lee, Blunt Rochester, Tlaib, Dingell, Duckworth, and Booker Call for Expedited Review and Implementation of Biden Administration’s Proposed Strengthening of the Lead and Copper Rule
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE-AL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), alongside U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), called on the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to expedite its review of the Biden Administration’s proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which would lower the lead action level to better protect human health and require water systems to replace … Continue Reading
September 24, 2024
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds CBC’s Report on Corporate Accountability
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) applauded the release of the Congressional Black Caucus’ (CBC) corporate accountability report “What Good Looks Like”: A Corporate Accountability Report on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a first-of-its-kind report to hold Fortune 500 companies — across all sectors — accountable to their diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments and racial equity investments post-George Floyd. "This report underscores the continued importance of diversity, … Continue Reading
September 23, 2024
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Responds to VP Harris’ Interview with the National Association of Black Journalists
WASHINGTON - Last week, Vice President Kamala Harris was interviewed by the National Association of Black Journalists. During the interview, Harris was asked about race relations and reparations and was asked to specifically comment on efforts made by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) and the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) to have the Biden-Harris administration take executive action on racial equity and reparative justice legislation. Lee and Jackson Lee were joined by 150 … Continue Reading
September 18, 2024
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Bill to Treat, Prevent, and Reverse Chronic Health Conditions & Address Food Insecurity
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) today introduced the National Food as Medicine Act. Food as Medicine affirms the connection between food and health and recognizes that access to high-quality nourishment is essential for well-being. This legislation would reduce nutrition-related chronic health conditions and food insecurity and improve health and racial equity in the United States, and would increase Americans’ access to healthy, nutritious, and affordable foods grown … Continue Reading
September 17, 2024
Congressmembers Lee, Cleaver Introduce Bill to Prepare Workers and Next Generation for Technology Driven Workforce
WASHINGTON - Today, Representatives Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) introduced the Workforce of the Future Act, legislation that would identify how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies will change the workforce of the future and provide workers, teachers, and our nation's students with the resources to develop integral skills required to participate in that workforce. Senators Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced companion … Continue Reading
September 16, 2024
Congresswoman Lee Holds Annual Constituent Breakfast in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after hosting her annual constituent breakfast for California’s 12th district. The breakfast took place on Capitol Hill last Friday, September 13. “Last week, I had the privilege of hosting constituents all the way from my district at my Annual Constituent Breakfast. It was a pleasure to show them the Capitol, discuss what I’m working on in Congress, and talk about the priorities of East Bay. I am … Continue Reading
September 15, 2024
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) released the following statement in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place every year from September 15 to October 15. “It is with gratitude that I honor Hispanic Heritage Month. Growing up in El Paso, Texas, I saw firsthand that the Hispanic community is incredibly vibrant and vital to our country. Today, I have the privilege of serving a vibrant and dynamic Hispanic community of … Continue Reading
September 14, 2024
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Recognizes the 23rd Anniversary of Her Lone Vote Against the 2001 AUMF
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement on the 23rd anniversary of her vote against the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Congresswoman Lee was the only member of Congress to vote against the measure. “Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the post-9/11 AUMF, a blank check to deploy U.S. military personnel anywhere in the world without congressional oversight. As a member of the … Continue Reading
September 11, 2024
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) released the following statement recognizing the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks: “Twenty-three years ago today, the world witnessed a horrific attack on our country. Today, we remember, honor, and mourn the thousands of lives lost on September 11, 2001. As a nation, we continue to extend our deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and loved ones. May they forever remain in our thoughts. “We salute the selfless first … Continue Reading
August 29, 2024
Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Federal Green Transportation Investments for California
OAKLAND, CA — Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) today celebrated the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) announcement of two grants for California to expand clean transportation infrastructure. The DOT announced that Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) will receive over $14 million to install Level 2 EV charging ports at all BART-managed parking facilities for use by customers and community members. The DOT also announced that the California Department of Transportation will receive $102 million … Continue Reading
August 29, 2024
Lee, Grijalva, DeSaulnier and Crockett Urge Biden-Harris Administration to Protect Workers from Wildfire Smoke Exposure
Washington, D.C. — As one of the hottest summers on record comes to an end, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), Congressman Raúl Grijalva (AZ-7), Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) on Wednesday sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of Labor Julie Su urging the Department of Labor to issue an occupational health standard protecting workers from harmful smoke exposure. “Wildfire smoke poses risks to the health of everyone, especially to … Continue Reading
August 16, 2024
Representative Lee Tours AC Transit Maintenance Facility Following Federal Grant for Upgrades
Oakland, CA— Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) toured the AC Transit Central Maintenance Facility in East Oakland. AC Transit is one of 14 recipients of the $17.4 million in community project funding that Congresswoman Lee secured for the East Bay in Fiscal Year 2024. The funds will be used to install hydrogen-sensing technology and safety equipment needed to perform maintenance on zero-emissions buses. “AC Transit is a national leader in clean public transportation, and this … Continue Reading
August 16, 2024
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Tours Children’s Fairyland
Oakland, CA—Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) visited Children’s Fairyland to celebrate the recent $1 million federal grant awarded for safety and infrastructure improvements at the park. Children’s Fairyland is one of 14 recipients of the $17.4 million in community project funding that Congresswoman Lee secured for the East Bay in Fiscal Year 2024. The funds will support upgrades to fencing, plumbing and other critical safety measures. “Ensuring that our children have safe, enjoyable … Continue Reading
August 09, 2024
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates Funding for Oakland Zoo and Children’s Fairyland
Oakland, CA—Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) today celebrated the Institute for Museum and Library Sciences’ announcement of over $400,000 in grants for the Oakland Zoo and Children’s Fairyland. The Museum of Library Sciences supports museums by funding lifelong learning programs and community engagement efforts for museums across the country. Their investments in Oakland will fund education and youth outreach programs for school-aged children in the East Bay. “I am proud to announce that … Continue Reading
July 31, 2024
Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Lee & DeGette Recognize the 30th Anniversary of the Reproductive Justice Movement with Resolution
Washington, D.C. - Today, Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) and Diana DeGette (CO-01) introduced a resolution recognizing July 2024 as the 30th anniversary of the Reproductive Justice movement. Thirty years ago, a trailblazing group of Black women came together to advance a health agenda centered on the unique concerns and lived experiences of women and girls of color, especially Black women and girls, who faced long standing health disparities. The resolution … Continue Reading