Press Releases
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Historic Passage of Reparations Legislation out of House Judiciary Committee
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) applauded the historic passage of H.R. 40, The Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, out of the House Judiciary Committee: "Today's passage of H.R. 40 out of the House Judiciary Committee is historic. Over 30 years after its first introduction in Congress, H.R. 40 is finally making its way to the House floor."Against the backdrop of the horrific events that have recently transpired in Minnesota, … Continue Reading
April 14, 2021
Congresswoman Lee Applauds President Biden’s Withdrawal of Troops from Afghanistan
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today applauded President Biden for keeping his promise of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, effectively ending the longest war in American history. President Biden today announced that he will begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan with the goal of eliminating the presence of all troops by September 11, 2021-twenty years since the beginning of the war. "I applaud and strongly support President Biden's decision to withdraw troops … Continue Reading
April 13, 2021
Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Applaud FDA Decision to Suspend Restriction on Mifepristone
Washington, DC - Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Diana DeGette (CO-01) today applauded the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) letter to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) indicating that it will halt enforcement of the medically unnecessary in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone. "It is cruel to restrict access to abortion care at any time, but it is especially dangerous during a global health crisis," said the lawmakers. "The … Continue Reading
April 12, 2021
Rep. Lee Reacts to the Announcement of the First Two Honorees in the American Women Quarters Program
The United States Mint implements the new four year program as authorized by Rep. Lee's Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which was recently signed into law Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today applauded the United States Mint for announcing the names of the first two women to be honored on coins issued under the American Women Quarters Program. The two distinguished American women celebrated on the reverse of the program's circulating quarters will be … Continue Reading
April 09, 2021
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on President Biden’s Budget Proposal
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on President Biden's FY22 budget proposal: "President Biden's budget proposal is a sign that we are reinvesting in human needs in these challenging times. This $1.5 trillion budget proposal will serve as a down payment on our investment in the needs of families across the country. "I was pleased to see in Biden's proposal a substantial increase in … Continue Reading
April 09, 2021
Chairwoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Proposal
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, today released the following statement on President Biden's fiscal year 2022 budget proposal: "President Biden's $63.5 billion budget request for foreign affairs will allow the United States to again be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress, and security. This much-needed 12% increase to our diplomatic and development programs will help us deal with a global … Continue Reading
April 09, 2021
Reps. Lee, Pressley, and Senator Warren Applaud CDC’s Declaration of Racism as a Public Health Crisis
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) released the following statement applauding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) commitment to address centuries of structural racism and discrimination in the U.S. public health system. The lawmakers reintroduced the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act, a bicameral bill to declare structural racism a public health crisis and confront its public … Continue Reading
April 09, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Reintroduces Legislation Marking National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, reintroduced legislation marking April 10th as National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD). Inadequate HIV education and low testing rates mean that many young people may not know their HIV status, or what services and prevention methods are available to them. Socio-economic status impacts access to care and stigma may discourage many young people from seeking information or care that … Continue Reading
April 09, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Completes Week of Events Promoting the American Rescue Plan
Oakland, CA - In three events this week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) partnered with major public and private sector leaders from California to promote the American Rescue Plan, the COVID relief bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden last month to help families and businesses impacted by the pandemic. On Monday, April 5, Congresswoman Lee welcomed Vice President Kamala Harris to Oakland, and introduced the Vice President at an event at a local business to … Continue Reading
April 08, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces FEMA Funeral Assistance Funding
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee today announced a new development for families seeking assistance with funeral costs for loved ones that have passed away as a result of COVID-19. Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will begin providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses after January 20, 2020. Starting, Monday, April 12, those … Continue Reading
April 07, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on U.S. Resuming Funding to UNRWA
Washington, D.C. -- Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released a statement following U.S. Secretary of State Blinken's announcement that the United States will resume funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA): "Over the last several years, despite rising demands, extreme financial burdens, and the outbreak of COVID-19, UNRWA has managed to continue its mandate providing vital health, education, and social services to approximately … Continue Reading
April 07, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on the Continuation of Vaccine Distribution Services at the Oakland Coliseum
OAKLAND, CA -- Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement that the state, in partnership with Alameda and Contra Costa counties, will extend vaccine distribution operations at the Oakland Coliseum and mobile vaccine sites for an additional four weeks. FEMA and Cal OES have operated the site as a pilot for eight weeks, however FEMA is scheduled to leave on April 11. "Thank you to Governor Gavin Newsom and Alameda and Contra Costa counties … Continue Reading
April 06, 2021
Congresswoman Lee Mourns the Loss of Congressman Alcee Hastings
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the death of 15-term Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL):"My deepest condolences are with my colleague and dear friend, Congressman Alcee Hastings', family, wife Patricia, and staff. Congressman Hastings dedicated his life to public service and justice as a civil rights lawyer, a judge, and throughout his 15 years in Congress."I met Congressman Hastings in the 1980's, long before my time in Congress. My good … Continue Reading
April 02, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on Deadly Attack at the U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. -- Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued the following statement on the violent attack at the U.S. Capitol today resulting in the tragic death of U.S. Capitol Police Officer William F. Evans in the line of duty: "I am shocked and profoundly saddened by the events that occurred at the U.S. Capitol this afternoon. Fortunately, our staff in D.C. is safe and sound. "Capitol police risk their lives for the safety of Members of Congress, Congressional staff, custodial staff, and the … Continue Reading
March 31, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds President Biden’s American Jobs Plan
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee today applauded the Biden Administration's American Jobs Plan, which invests $2.3 trillion to repair our nation's crumbling infrastructure, modernize public transit, and create millions of jobs. "President Biden's American Jobs Plan is a welcome step in our work to combat the climate crisis, improve our crumbling infrastructure, create good-paying union jobs, support childcare and caregiving, and build back bolder," said Congresswoman Barbara … Continue Reading
March 31, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors the Legacy of Activist and Labor Leader César Chávez
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released the following statement celebrating César Chávez' life and legacy in recognition of his birthday, which is celebrated as a California state holiday on March 31: "On César Chávez Day, we honor an icon and a leader in the fight for equal rights and the dignity of working people. César made a difference not only for Latinos and migrant workers, but for all working people in this country, … Continue Reading
March 29, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Concludes Congressional Visit to Facilities Housing Unaccompanied Minors at the Border
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today issued the following statement after joining Congressional delegations to facilities on the Texas border on March 26 and 27 including the Carrizo Springs Office of Refugee Resettlement and the El Paso Border Patrol Central Processing Center. "This is a heartbreaking situation that requires a long-term solution as well as urgent action to reunite families. "In the El Paso facility, I saw a young girl, about six years old, reunite with an … Continue Reading
March 26, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Recognizes #StopAsianHate Virtual Day of Action and Healing
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today recognized the nationwide Day of Action and Healing following the recent spike in anti-Asian violence and hate crimes across the country. Congresswoman Lee, an executive board member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and Co-Chair of the CAPAC Healthcare Task Force, compiled video testimony from members of the East Bay community sharing uplifting messages to stand against hate and for unity. To see the videos, click … Continue Reading
March 25, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Historic Markup of Her Legislation to End Forever Wars
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today applauded House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and the rest of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for passing her legislation, H.R. 256, to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq resolution of 2002. The bill, which has passed the House twice in previous sessions of Congress, passed out of committee by a final bipartisan vote of 28-19 and will now head to the House floor for … Continue Reading
March 25, 2021
Rep. Lee, Sen. Menendez Reintroduce Bicameral Bill to End NRA-Backed Ban on Preservation, Disclosure of Gun Records
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.-13) and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today reintroduced the Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act. This bicameral legislation would repeal the Tiahrt Amendments - provisions that severely hamstring law enforcement's ability to solve and prosecute gun crimes, stop illegal gun trafficking and hold negligent gun dealers and owners accountable, while also providing special protections to the gun industry that compromise public … Continue Reading