Press Releases
National Head Start Association Awards PROMISE Award to Rep. Barbara Lee
March 03, 2016Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) received the National Head Start Association's PROMISE Award for her long-time advocacy and support for Head Start. "We are delighted to honor Congresswoman Barbara Lee for her stalwart support of Head Start," said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. "Congresswoman Lee has remained steadfast in her commitment to serving our nation's most vulnerable children and families, and we look forward to continuing our work together to prepare a… Continue Reading
Rep Lee & Rep DeSaulnier Continue to Push to Recognize Port Chicago 50
March 02, 2016Washington, DC - As part of their ongoing effort to bring attention to the injustice suffered by the Port Chicago 50, Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) and Barbara Lee (CA-13) introduced House Resolution (H. Res. 616) calling for the public exoneration of the African American sailors who were wrongfully convicted following the deadliest home front disaster of World War II at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California. The resolution is co-sponsored by several Members of Democratic Leade… Continue Reading
Rep. Lee Honors the Heroes of the 1965 Civil Rights Marches and Calls on Congress to Preserve Their Legacy
February 24, 2016Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the Foot Soldiers of the 1965 Voting Rights Marches: "Today, our nation recognizes the enormous contributions of the Civil Rights foot soldiers that fought, bled and died to ensure every American has the right to vote. Today's recognition is a long overdue celebration of their courage and commitment to progress, justice and opportunity for all. Their example contin… Continue Reading
Rep. Lee: “Closing GITMO Protects Our Values and National Security”
February 23, 2016Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus' Peace and Security Task Force, released this statement concerning President Obama's plan to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: "Today, the President sent Congress a strong plan to responsibly end detentions at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Now, Congress must act to protect our values and national security. For far too long, the indefinite detentions at Guantanamo Bay have undermined our fund… Continue Reading
Presidential Visit to Cuba is “Next Step in Continued Efforts to End Fifty-Plus Years of Failed Policy” Says Rep. Lee
February 18, 2016Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Cuba Working Group, released this statement on news that President Obama would travel to Cuba: "I applaud the President for announcing this historic trip to Cuba. This trip is the next step in his continued efforts to end fifty plus years of failed U.S. policy toward Cuba. A little more than a year ago, President Obama announced a new chapter in U.S.-Cuba relations. In the last 14 months, President Obama has a… Continue Reading
Rep. Lee and Rep. Moore Slam Use of Political Stunts to Attack Social Programs
February 10, 2016Washington, D.C. - Today, Budget Committee members, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04), sent a letter to Chairman Tom Price expressing their collective concern regarding reports that House Republicans intend to use the budget reconciliation process to attack critical social safety net programs. "Today, more than 46 million Americans are living in poverty, including one in five American children. Republican proposals to use the budget process to make misguided… Continue Reading
Members Call on Speaker To Hold War Debate
February 10, 2016Washington, DC - Today, Representatives Barbara Lee, Walter Jones, Adam Schiff, Jim McGovern, Peter Welch and 20 other Members of Congress sent a bipartisan letter to Speaker Ryan calling for a debate and vote on the year-plus, multi-billion dollar war raging in the Middle East. "Tomorrow will mark one year since President Obama sent Congress a draft AUMF. Over the last 365 days, it has sat on the Speaker's desk while our nation has become increasingly more embroiled in yet another costly and e… Continue Reading
Rep. Lee Helps Win 34% Increase in Fair Market Rents for East Bay Families
February 09, 2016Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Lee released the following statement regarding the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) announcement that East Bay families would see a 34% increase in Fair Market Rents (FMR): "This increase is a win for the many East Bay families struggling with rapidly rising housing costs. By bringing together local advocates, HUD Secretary Julián Castro, and other outside partners, we helped ensure families could stay in the communities that they cal… Continue Reading
Rep. Lee: President Obama’s FY17 Budget Presents “Forward-Thinking Vision for Our Nation”
February 09, 2016Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued this statement following the release of President Obama's FY2017 Budget Request: "President Obama's 2017 budget proposal presents a forward-thinking vision for our nation. By making investments in our families and communities, we can continue to strengthen our economy and rebuild opportunities for millions of struggling Americans. I applaud the President for funding proven anti-poverty programs to help low-income families build pathways into th… Continue Reading
Oakland to Lead in Emerging “Computer Science for All” Initiative
February 08, 2016Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement welcoming U.S. Chief Technology Officer, Megan Smith, to Oakland's Skyline High School: "I am so pleased to welcome U.S. Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith to Oakland for this important conversation on advancing computer science skills for all. I am proud that Ms. Smith chose Oakland as the first city to visit following the White House's bold announcement of the "Computer Science for All" Initiative. In the East Bay, she w… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on January Jobs Report
February 05, 2016Oakland, CA - Today, the Department of Labor announced that unemployment had fallen to 4.9 percent and 151,000 U.S. jobs were added in January. This growth marks the 71st consecutive month of private sector job growth. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, chair of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity released this statement: "Today's job report shows continued progress in our economic recovery. January marked the 71st consecutive month of private sector job growth.… Continue Reading
Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus and Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Mark National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
February 05, 2016WASHINGTON, D.C. - First observed on February 7, 1999, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to reflect on HIV's impact on the African American community, support those living with the virus and to encourage all to take a pro-active approach to their health. The theme of this year's National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, is "I Am My Brother's and Sister's Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS!" "For many in the African American community, the AIDS epidemic is personal. This year's theme, "I … Continue Reading
Rep. Lee: “Computer Science for All Is Vital to Our Children's Futures”
February 01, 2016Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement applauding the President's bold announcement calling for computer science education for all to secure our children's futures and American economic competitiveness: "Today, President Obama called for bold action to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn the computer skills necessary for success. This is essential to ensuring all kids have a bright future and America remains a strong competitor in the global mark… Continue Reading
Rep. Lee: “Congress Cannot Continue to Rely on a Blank Check for Endless War”
February 01, 2016Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement on the ever-expanding U.S. military action in the Middle East: "Nearly a full year after President Obama asked Congress to debate military action against ISIL, we continue to abdicate our constitutional duty to consider the costs and consequences of war. Meanwhile, US military action against ISIL has spread to three countries - Iraq, Syria, and now Afghanistan. As our involvement escalates daily, it is essential for Co… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates Black History Month
February 01, 2016Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement marking the start of Black History Month: "Every February, our nation honors the significant contributions of African Americans to our nation's history, success and future. Since its establishment as a week in 1926 by Dr. Carter Woodson, Black History Month has grown into a month-long celebration of the immeasurable contributions made by African Americans to our culture and history. This month presents an opportunity to … Continue Reading
Rep. Barbara Lee Welcomes Acting Secretary of Education John B. King to the East Bay
January 30, 2016Oakland, CA - Today, Acting U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King visited the East Bay to highlight the critical importance of early learning and literacy in children's academic success: "I would like to welcome Secretary King to the East Bay and thank him for his remarkable work spreading the importance of literacy so every child can grow and learn," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "Strong literacy skills play a crucial role in the academic and life success of our children. We must continue… Continue Reading
Rep. Barbara Lee Releases Statement on Executive Action to End Solitary Confinement for Juveniles in Federal Prisons
January 27, 2016Washington D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement on President Obama's executive action to end solitary confinement for juveniles in federal prisons: "Once again, President Obama has shown his leadership in addressing some of the extreme failures in our criminal justice system. By ending solitary confinement for juveniles and the mentally ill in federal prisons, the President has addressed one of the most significant human rights violations in our nation. Today's action shou… Continue Reading
Rep. Barbara Lee on Texas Grand Jury Decision to Clear Planned Parenthood of Charges: "This Shows the Truth Still Matters"
January 26, 2016Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement on news that a Texas grand jury had cleared Planned Parenthood of any wrongdoing and indicted anti-choice activists who produced highly edited videos falsely accusing Planned Parenthood of illegal activities: "Today's decision by the Texas grand jury shows that the truth still matters. Despite the repeated attempts to undermine women's health by anti-choice activists and extremists in Congress, the truth has won th… Continue Reading
Rep. Lee: “43 Years Later, We Must Reclaim Roe”
January 22, 2016Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement marking the 43rd anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade decision that ensured women could make their own personal healthcare choices: "In 1973, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Roe v. Wade and guaranteed every woman's Constitutional right to reproductive healthcare, including access to safe and legal abortion. Despite this hard won victory, the GOP's ideological war on women has systemically re… Continue Reading
Rep. Lee Calls for Action to Get Dark Money Out of Politics on 6th Anniversary of Citizen United
January 21, 2016Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement marking the 6th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Citizens United v. FEC decision that allowed dark money to further influence the American political system: "Six years ago, the Supreme Court handed down a controversial and destructive decision that has allowed dark money to further influence our nation's democracy. Before this decision, special interests already had too much sway in Washington and the Supreme Court gave th… Continue Reading