Press Releases
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on the Bipartisan Senate Framework for Gun Reform Legislation
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee today released a statement on the bipartisan Senate framework on gun reform legislation that was announced today: "The bipartisan Senate framework on gun reform legislation is a crucial first step. This legislation will make critical investments in mental health resources, school safety, and increased vetting for weapons purchases. But while this is a start, much more must be done to address the gun violence epidemic. "I've recently met with gun … Continue Reading
June 08, 2022
Rep. Lee Speaks on House Floor, Votes to Pass Sweeping Gun Control Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C.?- Congresswoman Barbara Lee voted to protect East Bay communities and save lives across the nation with a strong legislative package to address gun violence. The Protecting Our Kids Act includes common-sense gun safety measures that will crack down on illegal gun trafficking, keep weapons of war out of the hands of teenagers, strengthen safe gun storage, restrict access to untraceable "ghost guns" and more. Her remarks in support of the legislation can be viewed here and are … Continue Reading
June 03, 2022
ICYMI: Congresswoman Lee Holds Press Conference with East Bay Elected Officials and Community Leaders
On Friday, June 3rd, Congresswoman Barbara Lee held a press conference at the Veterans Court Seawall at Bay Farm Island, Alameda featuring East Bay elected representatives and community leaders from across California's 13th district. The Congresswoman was joined by Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Emeryville Mayor John Bauters; Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin; Scott Means, City of Oakland; Joe Hawkins, Oakland LGBTQ Center; David Lewis, Executive Director of Save the Bay; Amy Hutzel with … Continue Reading
June 01, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Commemorates Caribbean Heritage Month
Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement celebrating Caribbean Heritage Month. The Congresswoman will be reintroducing a resolution recognizing June as Caribbean Heritage Month at the start of next week. "This month, we celebrate the tremendous impact that the people of the Caribbean have made on the United States. Caribbean Americans are a significant part of history, progress, and heritage in this nation. "Throughout our history, Caribbean Americans have served … Continue Reading
May 30, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Memorial Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today released the following statement in observance of Memorial Day: "Today we remember the servicemembers of every race and background, from every corner of this country, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this nation. "As the daughter of a veteran, Lt. Col. Garvin A. Tutt, my thoughts and prayers are with each military mother, father, spouse, sibling, son and daughter on this day. I offer my deepest gratitude for the service of your … Continue Reading
May 26, 2022
Lee, Meeks, McGovern Lead Letter to President Biden Expressing Concern About Summit of the Americas Decision
WASHINGTON, D.C.?- Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations Barbara Lee (D-CA), together with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) and Chair of the Rules Committee Jim McGovern (D-MA), today led 12 Members in sending a letter to President Biden to express concern that the omission of the governments of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela at the ninth Summit of the Americas could undermine the U.S.'s standing in the region. "We … Continue Reading
May 18, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on Baby Formula Shortage
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Lee, Co-Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus and member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the baby formula shortage: "I'm pleased to hear of the FDA's most recent steps to address the infant formula shortage. It is heartbreaking to learn of parents struggling to find infant formula on store shelves, and this is especially true for low-income families. We must swiftly identify and address the root causes and ensure … Continue Reading
May 17, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Changes to U.S.-Cuba Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, issued the following statement on the Biden administration's announcement of changes to U.S. policy towards Cuba: "I commend President Biden for taking action this week to reverse yet another set of oppressive Trump-era policies: this time, in regard to Cuba. The United States will now resume the family reunification program, increase flights to Cuba, and lift … Continue Reading
May 17, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Legislation Commemorating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Vice-Chair and founding member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, reintroduced legislation calling on Congress to recognize the unique challenges members of the LGBTQ+ community face, including violence, homelessness, and health disparities. "This past year was one of the worst on record for LBGTQIA+ Americans in recent history, with an unprecedented … Continue Reading
May 11, 2022
Chairwoman Lee Supports Ukrainian Emergency Supplemental Funding Bill on House Floor
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, voted in favor of H.R. 7591, a bipartisan supplemental to provide than $40 billion in emergency funding to support the Ukrainian people and defend global democracy in the wake of Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The bill passed on a vote of 368 to 57. Congresswoman Lee's remarks can be found here. "Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this Emergency … Continue Reading
May 03, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Reported Draft Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, issued this statement following media reports of a draft Supreme Court decision overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling: "We all knew the odds, but it is nonetheless shocking to see the Supreme Court move towards overturning 50 years of precedent in a stunning revocation of our right to have an abortion. If accurate, this decision will deal a shattering blow to millions, especially low-income … Continue Reading
May 03, 2022
Pro-Choice Caucus statement on draft Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The leaders of the Pro-Choice Caucus, U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), released the following joint statement in response to reports about a draft Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade: "If accurate, tonight's POLITICO report of a draft Supreme Court decision is the clearest indication yet that the court is poised to overturn decades of legal precedent and deal a shattering blow to the right to access abortion care in the U.S. Such a move … Continue Reading
May 02, 2022
Chairwoman Lee Joins Speaker Pelosi, Colleagues on Congressional Delegation to Poland
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, concluded a Congressional delegation to Poland and Ukraine joined by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Rules Committee Chair Jim McGovern, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Gregory Meeks, House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff, House Foreign Affairs and House Armed Services Committee member Congressman Bill Keating, and House Armed Services Committee member … Continue Reading
May 01, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement Commemorating Jewish American Heritage Month
Washington, D.C - Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued the following statement in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month: "This month, we honor Jewish Americans who have emboldened our Nation to strive for justice and equality and celebrate their invaluable contributions and accomplishments." "From the painful history of persistent persecution worldwide to frequent modern-day expressions of antisemitism, we must recognize the resilience of Jewish Americans and their continued fight against … Continue Reading
May 01, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Start of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, D.C.?- Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement commemorating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a celebration of the history, the immeasurable contributions, and achievements of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community: "Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Each year, the month of May is an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture, history, and traditions that the AANHPI community have brought to communities … Continue Reading
April 28, 2022
Reps. Lee, Hoyer Host Poverty Task Force Meeting to Discuss the Role of Universal Pre-K in Reducing Child Poverty
WASHINGTON, D.C.?- Today, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) and Majority Leader Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity Chairwoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) hosted a Poverty Task Force meeting with experts from the Brookings Institution on the role of universal pre-K and other early interventions in reducing long-term child poverty. Joined by other Democratic Members of the Poverty Task Force, they heard from Dr. Isabel Sawhill, Senior Fellow, Center on Children and Families; Kristen Moore, … Continue Reading
April 28, 2022
Chairwoman Lee Holds Hearing with Secretary Blinken on State Department Budget Request
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, today held a hearing with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to discuss President Biden's State and Foreign Operations budget request for Fiscal Year 2023. The Department of State is at the forefront of advancing America's diplomatic, development, and humanitarian efforts to save lives of the most vulnerable people, promote stability, democracy and human rights, and … Continue Reading
April 28, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Introduces Advancing Equity Through the Arts and Humanities Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.?- Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced the Advancing Equity Through the Arts and Humanities Act to acknowledge the role that arts and humanities play in dismantling systemic racism in the United States. Specifically, this legislation would create a program under the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities to provide grants to increase engagement with public and nonprofit entities, including faith-based and community-based … Continue Reading
April 27, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee leads HDP CODEL to Barbados, Chairs Regional Summit on Good Governance
WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Democracy Partnership (HDP) Members Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Robin Kelly (D-IL) issued the following statement after leading a congressional delegation visit to Barbados. "Last week, Representative Robin Kelly and I traveled to Barbados where we sought to strengthen and renew our commitment to supporting our longtime friends and allies in the Eastern Caribbean," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "For too long the United States has not focused enough attention on this … Continue Reading
April 27, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Holocaust Remembrance Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today released the following statement in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day: "On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we mourn and honor the six million Jews and countless other lives lost or forever changed during one of the darkest chapters in human history. "77 years after Allied forces liberated countless Jews from horrific evils, disturbing displays of antisemitism and bigotry are still all too prevalent. From antisemitic or racially … Continue Reading