Press Releases
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Hails Presidential Decree Ordering Closure of Guantánamo Bay Prison Camp
For Immediate Release January 22, 2009 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued the following statement applauding President Obama's decision to order the closure of the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay Naval Base, the halting all pending military commission trials, and the appropriate disposition of all detainees currently held by the Department of Defense at Guantánamo and banning torture as a legitimate form of … Continue Reading
January 22, 2009
Schumer, Vitter Join Rep. Barbara Lee in Introducing Bill to Combat Brain Tumors in Children
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 22, 2009 CONTACT: Brian Fallon (Schumer) (202) 224-7433 Joel DiGrado (Vitter) (202) 224-4623 Nicole Williams (Lee) (202) 226-0323 With 2,200 Children Diagnosed with Malignant Brain Tumors Each Year, Critical Funding, Research, and Coordination are Desperately Needed Legislation will Create a New Pediatric Brain Cancer Research Network within the National Cancer Institute to Study and Prevent this Tragic Disease Washington, D.C. … Continue Reading
January 21, 2009
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Confirmation of Clinton to Secretary of State Post
For Immediate Release January 21, 2009 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement on the confirmation of Senator Hillary Clinton to the post of Secretary of State by the Senate. "I want to congratulate Senator Clinton on her new position as Secretary of State. I look forward to working with her on a range of foreign policy issues and on helping to restore our nation's standing in the world." Congresswoman … Continue Reading
January 20, 2009
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates Obama Inauguration
For Immediate Release January 20, 2009 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following the swearing-in of President Barack Obama: "The inauguration of Barack Obama to the presidency of the United States is a transformative chapter in American history, signaling a dramatic shift in our nation's politics and priorities. It is an extraordinary event that illustrates to our neighbors abroad that America has made … Continue Reading
January 19, 2009
Congresswoman Lee Commemorates Birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
For Immediate Release January 19, 2009 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Washington, DC - Today, remembering Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9) released the following statement: "Today, I am proud to join with all Americans as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As our nation commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let us remember the legacy of the man who spread a message of peace and justice and … Continue Reading
January 15, 2009
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Renews Call for Immediate Cease-Fire in Gaza
For Immediate Release January 15, 2009 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Urges U.S. to Lead Effort to Revive Peace Process and to Alleviate Humanitarian Crisis Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee today issued the following statement in response to the continuing violent conflict in Gaza: "I mourn the tragic loss of innocent lives in Gaza and Southern Israel, and am deeply concerned by the ongoing and escalating humanitarian crisis. "It is clear there can be no military … Continue Reading
January 14, 2009
Congresswoman Lee Supports Reauthorization of SCHIP
For Immediate Release January 15, 2009 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Washington, DC - Yesterday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee voted in support of the reauthorization of H.R. 2, The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). She released this statement: "Today we will take the long overdue step to expand health insurance coverage to over 11 million children throughout the country. As our nation remains mired in the depths of the worst economic crisis since the great … Continue Reading
January 14, 2009
Congresswoman Lee Receives 2009 Children's Champion Award
For Immediate Release January 15, 2009 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Washington, DC - Yesterday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee received the 2009 Children's Champion Award from Global Action for Children for being a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. "Children in developing countries face a growing crisis," said Rep. Lee. "By 2010, the number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS globally is expected to exceed 20 million. Millions more will be made vulnerable … Continue Reading
January 13, 2009
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on DA Charge of BART Police Officer
For Immediate Release January 14, 2009 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued this statement following the decision of the Alameda County District Attorney to charge BART Police Officer Johannes Mehserle with murder following the shooting death of Oscar Grant III, who died after being shot at the Fruitvale BART Station on January 1, 2009: "After two long weeks and many expressions of outrage from the community, I am … Continue Reading
January 11, 2009
Congresswoman Lee Supports Paycheck Fairness Act
For Immediate Release January 11, 2009 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Washington, DC - Last week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee supported two comprehensive pieces of legislation that will help close the gap between men and women and the pay they receive for performing the same job. The Fair Pay Act (H.R. 11), and the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 12), both passed by the House, will strengthen the Equal Pay Act and close loopholes that have allowed many employers to avoid … Continue Reading
January 09, 2009
Congresswoman Lee Reintroduces Key Legislation for 111th Congress
For Immediate Release January 9, 2009 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Washington, DC - This week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee reintroduced key legislation that she will be focusing on in the upcoming 111th Congress. Included among these bills are the Metro Economies Green Act (MEGA), the Food Assistance to Improve Re-Integration (FAIR Act) and the Shirley A. Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Act. The Metro Economies Green Act (MEGA), establishes grant … Continue Reading
January 08, 2009
Congresswoman Lee Appointed to Key Appropriations Subcommittees
For Immediate Release January 8, 2009 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Washington, DC -Yesterday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was appointed to three key subcommittees on the Appropriations Committee. She retained her position on the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and State, Foreign Operations Subcommittees and also gained a new assignment to the Financial Services Subcommittee. In particular, The Appropriations Financial Services Subcommittee has jurisdiction over … Continue Reading
January 01, 2009
Congresswoman Lee to be Sworn in as New CBC Chair
For Immediate Release January 2, 2009 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Washington, DC - On Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 9:00am Congresswoman Barbara Lee will be sworn in as the new Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) during their ceremonial Swearing-In event. Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, President Emeritus of Bennett College will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the program that will feature remarks from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, CBC Foundation Chairman Kendrick Meek … Continue Reading
December 28, 2008
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Mourns the Loss of Dr. C. Diane Howell
For Immediate Release December 28, 2008 Contact: Ricci Graham (510) 763-0370 Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) issued the following statement upon learning of the untimely passing of her friend and community leader, Dr. C. Diane Howell: "It is with profound sadness that I offer my condolences to the family of Dr. C. Diane Howell. "Dr. Howell was a beacon of optimism and hope, particularly for the owners of minority businesses in Oakland … Continue Reading
December 19, 2008
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Obama Selection of Solis, LaHood for Administration Posts
For Immediate Release December 19, 2008 Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee applauded President-elect Barack Obama on his nominations of Rep. Ray LaHood and Rep. Hilda Solis for the positions of Secretary of Transportation and Labor respectively. She released this statement: "Once again, President-Elect Obama has made two excellent choices for his administration. Both Ray and Hilda have been close friends and allies of mine while … Continue Reading
December 15, 2008
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Obama Selection of Chu to Head Energy Department
Press Release For Immediate Release Contact: Nicole Y. Williams 202-225-2661 Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee applauded President-elect Barack Obama on his appointment of Nobel Prize Winning Physicist Steven Chu to head the Department of Energy. She released this statement: "I commend President-Elect Obama on his excellent choice to lead our country in the battle against global warming and on the path to energy innovation. Steven Chu has been a leader in the development of … Continue Reading
December 10, 2008
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Resolution Opposing U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement
Press Release For Immediate Release Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Says Agreement should be disapproved because it does not comply with constitutional requirements and does not further the best interests of the United States Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement today regarding H. Res. 1535, a resolution disapproving the security agreement reached between the Bush Administration and the Government of Iraq: "Yesterday, I … Continue Reading
December 10, 2008
Congresswoman Lee Sends Recommendations on Darfur to President-Elect Obama
Press Release For Immediate Release Contact: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-2661 Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer in releasing a report to President-elect Barack Obama outlining their goals and recommendations in working towards peace in Darfur for the 111th Congress. She released this statement: "It has been over five years since Congress declared that genocide was taking place in the Darfur region of Sudan. With … Continue Reading
December 02, 2008
Congresswoman Lee Commemorates Official Joint Bio-Energy Institute Dedication
Press Release For Immediate Release December 2, 2008 Contact: Ricci Graham (510) 763-0370 OAKLAND - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) released the following statement today to commemorate the official dedication of the Joint Bio-Energy Institute (JBEI) facility. Congresswoman Lee led the effort to secure $135 million in funding for the development of the JBEI: "The official opening of the Joint Bio-Energy Institute marks another in a series of steps necessary to broaden our … Continue Reading
December 02, 2008
Congresswoman Lee Honored by the Black AIDS Institute
Press Release For Immediate Release December 2, 2008 Contact: Ricci Graham (510) 763-0370 Lee Presented with "Heroes in the Struggle Award" during Annual Gala New York - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) was presented with "The Heroes in the Struggle Award" by the Black AIDS Institute on Monday in recognition of her ongoing efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic both here in the United States and abroad. Congresswoman Lee was honored during the Black AIDS Institute's 8th … Continue Reading