Press Releases
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
March 25, 2021
Representatives Lee, DeGette, Schakowsky, Pressley Joined with Senators Duckworth, Murray, and Hirono to Reintroduce the EACH Act & Repeal the Harmful and Discriminatory Hyde Amendment
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) led a group of 132 Democratic members of the House of Representatives in reintroducing the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act or the EACH Act. A companion bill was also introduced in the U.S. Senate, led by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI). This legislation would repeal the … Continue Reading
March 25, 2021
Lawmakers Urge President Biden to Rectify Alleged Cannabis Firings; Help End the Failed Policy of Cannabis Prohibition
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, 30 Members of Congress, led by Congressional Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Don Beyer (D-VA), Mondaire Jones (D-NY), and Jared Huffman (D-CA), urged President Joe Biden to rectify instances in which several White House staffers were reportedly suspended, put on probation, or asked to resign after honestly disclosing past cannabis use. In addressing these reports, the lawmakers asked the White House to clarify its … Continue Reading
March 22, 2021
Lee, Watson Coleman, Pressley, Omar, Moore Call on VP Harris to Support Passage of the CROWN Act in Both Chambers This Congress
Washington, DC - Today, Congressmembers Barbara Lee (CA-13), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Gwen Moore (WI-04) announced the reintroduction of The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN Act) in the House of Representatives. They simultaneously released a letter sent to Vice President Kamala Harris urging her to use her platform as the first Black woman to hold that office to help ensure the bill reaches the President's desk … Continue Reading
March 19, 2021
Representative Lee, Senators Stabenow and Barrasso Introduce Bill to Increase Seniors’ Access to Behavioral Health Services
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) and U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), John Barrasso (R-WY) today reintroduced their bill to increase seniors' access to behavioral health services. The Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2021 would ensure clinical social workers can provide their full range of services to Medicare beneficiaries and increase the Medicare program's reimbursement rate for clinical social workers, aligning it with that of other non-physician … Continue Reading
March 19, 2021
Reps. Lee and Buck Urge President Biden to Uphold Deadline for Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Afghanistan
Washington, D.C. - Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Ken Buck (R-CO) sent a bipartisan letter to the White House urging President Biden to uphold the May 1, 2021 deadline for withdrawal of all remaining U.S. troops from Afghanistan, where the United States is engaged in the longest war in our nation's history. The Interim National Security Strategic Guidance the White House released in early March states that "[t]he United States should not, and will not, engage in 'forever wars' that … Continue Reading
March 18, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Passage of Historic Immigration Legislation
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today voted to pass H.R. 6, The American Dream and Promise Act of 2021, a landmark bill that provides vital protections to up to 3.4 million immigrants, many of whom have spent much of their lives in the United States. This legislation offers a path to Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. Dreamers who are eligible for protection … Continue Reading
March 17, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds House Reintroduction of Medicare for All
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today joined Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Debbie Dingell (MI-12) in introducing the Medicare for All Act of 2021 as an original cosponsor. This landmark bill is supported by more than half of House Democrats and provides comprehensive benefits to all with no copays, private insurance premiums, deductibles, or other cost-sharing. This legislation is being introduced today exactly one year after COVID-19 was confirmed in all … Continue Reading
March 17, 2021
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Votes to Remove Time Limit Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) voted to pass the H.J.Res. 17, legislation that removes the arbitrary time limit for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, taking a critical step toward ensuring the ERA becomes the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Nearly 100 years ago, the Equal Rights Amendment was drafted, stating that "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged." A century later, the ERA is still not a part of the U.S. … Continue Reading