Press Releases
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on July Jobs Report
August 07, 2015Oakland, CA - Today, the Department of Labor announced that July marked the 65th consecutive month of private sector job growth, the longest period of private sector job growth in American history. Congresswoman Lee released this statement: “Today’s jobs report marks another step in the right direction for our recovering economy and continues the longest consecutive period of private sector job growth in our history. It is clear that President Obama’s leadership is helping our economy reco… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Calls for Action to Protect the Vote on the 50th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act
August 06, 2015Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement marking the 50th anniversary of the entrance into effect of the Voting Rights Act: “The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy. We cannot allow this sacred right to be undone by laws and policies designed to suppress the voice of the American people. Fifty years ago, our nation took an enormous leap for equality with the passage of the Voting Rights Act. This landmark legislation was not inevitable. It was realized thro… Continue Reading
Oakland Becomes TechHire Community, Charge Led by Congresswoman Lee
August 04, 2015Oakland, CA - Today, President Obama announced 10 new TechHire Communities, including Oakland. “I am pleased to see Oakland become a TechHire Community. The city’s commitment to empowering people with work based on their skill set and advance tech training is remarkable and vital to the continued economic growth of our community,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “I am proud to have been a part of this tremendous effort and I look forward to working with city officials to expand this program … Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Second Chance Pell Pilot Program
July 31, 2015Washington D.C. - Today, President Obama announced a Second Chance Pell pilot program to test new models which would allow incarcerated Americans to receive Pell grants and pursue postsecondary education. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who has long championed this effort as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, released this statement: “I applaud the President’s action in announcing this important pilot program. An education is t… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Updated National HIV/AIDS Strategy
July 30, 2015Washington, D.C. - Today, President Obama signed an Executive Order releasing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy: Updated to 2020, a pivotal step in advancing the goal of an AIDS-free generation. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who strongly advocated for the creation of the original strategy in 2010, applauded the President’s action outlining the key priorities in domestic HIV/AIDS prevention, research and treatment over the next five years. “In 2010, President Obama took a bold step in laying out … Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee’s Statement on Trip to Kenya and Ethiopia with the President
July 30, 2015Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement after returning from a six day trip to Kenya and Ethiopia with President Obama and Congressional colleagues: “I was honored to join President Obama on this historic trip to Africa, which marked the first time a sitting U.S. President has visited Ethiopia or the African Union. This visit was pivotal in strengthening economic and diplomatic partnerships in the region and building upon the progress of the 2014 African Leaders Su… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the East Bay’s Leadership in the Disabilities Rights Movement
July 23, 2015Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was signed into law on July 26th, 1990: “For 25 years, the Americans with Disabilities Act has helped move our nation closer to equality for all. This landmark legislation opened the doors of opportunity for all Americans to live the American dream. I am proud to represent the East Bay in Congress, a community that has been… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Supports Introduction of Comprehensive LGBT Rights Legislation Calling It: “An Important Next Step Toward Full Equality for All”
July 23, 2015Washington D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined a bicameral coalition in introducing The Equality Act, historic legislation that would provide protections from discrimination for members of the LGBT community. Congresswoman Lee, a founding member and current vice chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, released this statement: “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Equality Act. This important legislation would provide broad protections for members of the L… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Hails Opening of U.S. Embassy in Havana & Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C.
July 20, 2015Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee attended the opening of the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Lee has been working on U.S.-Cuba policy since 1977 and has traveled to Cuba more than 20 times, leading several Congressional delegations to the island. She released this statement: “The opening of embassies in Washington D.C. and Havana mark a new chapter in relations between the U.S. and Cuba. Diplomats will now be able to regularly engage with their counterpar… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Introduces Bill to Expand Solar Access to Low-Income Families
July 14, 2015Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced the Low Income Solar Act (LISA), H.R. 3041, along with Congressmen Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) and Keith Ellison (D-MN). The Senate companion bill, S. 1713, was introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). "I am proud to be introducing the Low-Income Solar Act of 2015 with Congressmen Cárdenas and Ellison. This legislation will empower low-income Americans to live more sustainably and save money by installing solar panels on their homes," … Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Historic Deal with Iran
July 13, 2015Washington, DC - Today, following the announcement of a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement: “Today’s announced deal with Iran, if fully implemented, will prevent an Iranian nuclear weapon while ensuring greater stability in the Middle East. This JCPOA is an important victory for diplomacy, America’s leadership abroad and a safer, more secure world. I applaud President Obama, Secretary Kerry and our … Continue Reading
Warren, Baldwin, Quigley, Lee Push FDA to Adopt Fully Risk, Science-Based Blood Donation Policy
July 13, 2015FDA's Proposed One Year Deferral Policy Remains Discriminatory toward Gay and Bisexual Men Full text of the letter is available here. Washington D.C. - Today, United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Barbara Lee (D-CA), and 79 of their congressional colleagues sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to the agency's draft guidance document, which, if finalized, would change the blood donation… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Introduces Groundbreaking Women’s Health Bill
July 08, 2015Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Congresswoman Diana DeGette, led a group of 70 Democrats in introducing the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act or the EACH Woman Act. The bill would ensure health coverage of abortion for every woman regardless of her income, how she is insured or where she lives. In essence the bill would end the harmful Hyde Amendment policies that restrict a woman’s ability to make the best healthca… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on White House Initiative to Increase Solar Access for All Americans
July 07, 2015Oakland, CA - Following the Administration’s announcement of a new initiative to increase solar access to all Americans, Congresswoman Lee released this statement: “Last week’s announcement to increase solar access for all Americans is a bold step in the right direction toward a more sustainable America. This initiative will help decrease energy bills while creating good-paying jobs and investing in our sustainable energy future. By increasing access to solar energy, we expand economic an… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on June Jobs Report
July 02, 2015Oakland, CA - Today, the Department of Labor announced that the unemployment rate fell to 5.3 percent and that June 2015 marked the 64th consecutive month of private sector job growth. Upon this news, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement: “Today’s job’s report is a positive sign that our economy continues to recover. Businesses are continuing to hire and create jobs. However, today’s report also shows that the economic recovery is still not reaching all Americans. While I a… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Opening of U.S. Embassy in Havana
July 01, 2015Oakland, CA - Today, following President Barack Obama’s announcement of the reciprocal opening of embassies in Havana and Washington D.C., Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement: “The opening of a U.S. embassy in Havana and the opening of a Cuban embassy in Washington D.C. is another important step forward as we work to normalize relations after more than 50 years of failed policy. By taking this action, our President continues to lead by example as we strive to build a more pro… Continue Reading
Lee, Thompson Express Concerns Over the Impact of Thunder Road Closure on Bay Area Youth
June 28, 2015Washington, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Mike Thompson (CA-5) lead a letter to Sutter Health expressing their concerns over the impact of the potential closure of the Thunder Road Adolescent Treatment Center in Oakland, California. The letter was cosigned by 18 Members of Congress from Northern California Thunder Road, which is owned and operated by Sutter Health, provides assistance to youth and families who are recovering from alcohol, drug and nicotine addictions. “For nearly … Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee and Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Marks the 20th Anniversary of National HIV/AIDS Testing Day
June 27, 2015Washington, DC - Since 1995, June 27th has marked National HIV/AIDS Testing Day. This year’s theme is: Take the Test. Take Control. “Each year, I proudly participate in National HIV/AIDS Testing Day - I take the test and I take control. As we mark the 20th anniversary of National HIV/AIDS Testing Day, I hope that all Americans will take this opportunity to get tested and take control of their health,” said Congresswoman Lee (D-CA), co-chair and co-founder of the bipartisan Congressional HIV/A… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Receives Rev. Edwin T. Dahlberg Peace and Justice Award, the American Baptist Churches USA’s Highest Recognition
June 26, 2015Overland Park, KS - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee received the Rev. Edwin T. Dahlberg Peace and Justice Award, the American Baptist Churches USA’s highest recognition. “I thank American Baptist Churches USA for this tremendous honor and for welcoming me to their Biennial Mission Summit. Their dedication to advancing social justice and peace in their communities, in our nation and around the world is truly a testament to their faith and dedication to improving the lives of the most vulnerab… Continue Reading
Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Marriage Equality Decision
June 25, 2015Washington, DC - Following the Supreme Court’s decision upholding that love is love, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a vice chair and founding member of the LGBT Equality Caucus, released this statement: “Today, the Supreme Court affirmed that love is love and ensured marriage equality for all families. Now, each person will have the ability to marry and build a life with the person who they love, regardless of where they live. Tragically, generations of LGBT Americans have been forced to live… Continue Reading