Press Releases
Lawmakers urge swift FDA consideration of over-the-counter birth control
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) and Judy Chu (D-CA) led more than 50 of their colleagues in sending a letter today to Dr. Robert Califf, the newly confirmed commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, urging the agency to "follow the science" as it considers making birth control pills available to Americans over the counter, without the need for a prescription. "This is a critical issue for reproductive health, rights, and … Continue Reading
March 04, 2022
Reps. Lee, Beatty, Meeks, Bass and Plaskett Urge Humane and Non-Discriminatory Treatment for People of Color Fleeing Ukraine
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, led Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Karen Bass (CA-37), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations; and Stacey E. Plaskett (VI-At Large) in a letter to Ms. Ursula von … Continue Reading
March 02, 2022
Statement by Reps. Lee and Jayapal on House Resolution on Ukraine
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Barbara Lee (CA-13), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Peace and Security Taskforce, and Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement following passage of H.Res. 956, Supporting the People of Ukraine: "Today, we voted yes on H.Res.956 to stand in solidarity with Ukrainians who are suffering under Russia's aggression, and to show our support for the courage, bravery, and … Continue Reading
March 02, 2022
CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA LEE HONORS OAKLAND LEADER REGINA JACKSON ON HOUSE FLOOR
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee spoke on the House floor to honor constituent Regina Jackson for her service as President and CEO of the East Oakland Youth Development Center. Her remarks are transcribed below and can be viewed here. “Madame Speaker: I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Ms. Regina Jackson – a phenomenal leader and constituent – after over 27 years of service as President and CEO for the East Oakland Youth … Continue Reading
March 01, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates Women’s History Month
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued the following statement in celebration of Women's History Month: "Women's History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the courage and accomplishments of trailblazing women in the East Bay and throughout the country. Our success as a nation has, and will forever be, linked to America's extraordinary women. "This year, as we recognize generations of pioneering women, we also celebrate the historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown … Continue Reading
March 01, 2022
CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA LEE REACTS TO THE STATE OF THE UNION
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the below statement following President Biden's State of the Union address. "Tonight, President Biden delivered a bold and compelling plan for addressing the most pressing issues at hand-from defeating autocratic forces to fighting COVID to lowering costs for everyday Americans. "Unlike previous presidents, President Biden is holding Putin accountable for his attempts to undermine democracy. As the President emphasized tonight, Russian … Continue Reading
March 01, 2022
Local Bakery Owner to be “Virtual Guest” of Congresswoman Barbara Lee for President Biden’s State of the Union Address
OAKLAND, CA - Local baker Matt Kreutz, CEO of Firebrand Artisan Breads, will be the "virtual guest" of Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) at President Biden's State of the Union address on March 1. Firebrand is a mission-based bakery that focuses on hiring employees who are formerly incarcerated or unsheltered. Kreutz founded the company in 2007, and it now employs 85 people at its café in Uptown Oakland and a production facility in Alameda. Firebrand received a Paycheck Protection … Continue Reading
February 28, 2022
CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA LEE CONDEMNS FAILURE OF WOMEN’S HEALTH PROTECTION ACT IN THE SENATE
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked passage of the House-passed Women's Health Protection Act: "I am extremely disappointed by the Senate's failure to advance the Women's Health Protection Act tonight. With abortion rights and access facing unprecedented attacks by the right, Congressional action has never been more critical. It has been over five months since the House passed this legislation, yet once again the … Continue Reading
February 25, 2022
Rep. Lee Joins Colleagues in Support of the Housing for All Act of 2022
Oakland - Representative Barbara Lee (CA-13) co-sponsored the Housing for All Act of 2022, which was introduced today by Representatives Ted W. Lieu (CA-33) and Salud Carbajal (CA-24). This comprehensive legislation would invest in proven solutions to address critical affordable housing shortages in California and across the country. The bill would also provide a surge of funding for strategic, existing programs to reduce homelessness as well as invest in innovative, locally developed … Continue Reading
February 25, 2022
Rep. Lee Joins Speaker Pelosi at America COMPETES Act Press Event
OAKLAND, CA - Representative Barbara Lee (CA-13) joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Representative Doris Matsui, and Bay Area education, research and private sector leaders on Friday to highlight the House-passed America COMPETES Act, a strong bipartisan package to fix our supply chains, start making more critical products here in America, turbocharge American scientific and technological leadership and strengthen our global competitiveness. The California delegation members also toured … Continue Reading
February 25, 2022
Statement From Congresswoman Lee on Nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued the following statement onPresident Biden's nomination of Judge KetanjiBrown Jackson to serve as Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States: "This is a historic day for America. For over two centuries, all but seven Supreme Court justices have been white men. As a result, the court has lacked perspective and representation from peoplemost severely impacted by discriminatory laws. I have no doubt that as the first … Continue Reading
February 24, 2022
Statement by Congresswoman Lee on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement on Russia's attack on Ukraine. Congresswoman Lee visited Ukraine in 2019 with the House Democracy Partnership and recently returned from the 2022 Munich Security Conference where she met with various world leaders to reinforce the United States' commitment to global peace and security. "My prayers are with the people of Ukraine as they … Continue Reading
February 23, 2022
Representatives Barbara Lee and Michael McCaul Urge Biden Administration to Pledge for a Replenishment in the Global Fund
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member, led 137 of their colleagues in urging the Biden administration to commit to a robust and increased three-year U.S. pledge for replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The … Continue Reading
February 23, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Congresswoman Lee visited Ukraine in 2019 with the House Democracy Partnership (HDP). "I strongly condemn Russia's escalation of actions to destabilize Ukraine and further undermine its territorial sovereignty and call for the immediate retreat of all Russian military personnel from Ukraine, including … Continue Reading
February 23, 2022
Congresswoman Lee & Colleagues Urge POTUS to Seek Congressional Approval for Military Involvement in Russia-Ukraine Conflict
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Representative Barbara Lee (CA-13), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, joined Representatives Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Warren Davidson (OH-08), and 43 Members of Congress on a letter urging President Biden to receive authorization from Congress before involving U.S. armed forces in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. "We strongly urge your administration to respect the separation of powers, U.S. law, and Congress's … Continue Reading
February 15, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Joins Speaker Pelosi, Colleagues on Congressional Delegation to Israel, Germany, United Kingdom
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chair of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, is joining Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several of her colleagues on a Congressional delegation to Israel, Germany and the United Kingdom to focus on security, economy and governance. The first stop will be in Israel, where members will meet with leadership of Israel and leaders in the civic community to discuss prospects for a two-state … Continue Reading
February 10, 2022
Rep. Barbara Lee Announces $56 million In Electric Vehicle Funds for California Highways Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13) announced that California will receive over $56 million this year under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along key roads and highways. Passed by the Democratic Congress and signed into law by President Biden, these investments will create good-paying jobs to improve charger access for California drivers, help protect California's environment and support American car manufacturers' … Continue Reading
February 09, 2022
Rep. Lee, Sen. Warren, Colleagues Urge Defense Department to Address Climate Crisis Risks in Upcoming National Defense Strategy
Text of Letter (PDF) WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chair of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), urged Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Lloyd J. Austin, III to ensure that efforts to combat climate change are included in the DoD's upcoming National Defense Strategy, and called for recommendations for … Continue Reading
February 08, 2022
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on Continuing Resolution Passed in the House
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement on the continuing resolution passed yesterday in the House that will keep the government funded until March 11: "Passing this bipartisan, bicameral continuing resolution was crucial to keeping the government funded and operating, but we all know more must be done. This CR extends current … Continue Reading
February 07, 2022
Congresswoman Lee Helps Pass Groundbreaking Labor Bill to End Forced Arbitration for Sexual Assault and Harassment
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee voted to pass bipartisan, bicameral legislation to end forced arbitration for sexual harassment and assault survivors nationwide. The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act will void forced arbitration agreements in any contract if a sexual assault or harassment claim is brought. For employment contracts, more than 60 million Americans would be impacted. That estimate grows exponentially when considering … Continue Reading