Press Releases
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Recognizes the 19th Anniversary of Her Vote Against the 2001 AUMF
Washington D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the 19th anniversary of her vote against the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) following the attacks on September, 11th 2001. Congresswoman Lee was the only member of Congress to vote against the measure. "Today marks the 19th anniversary of the post-9/11 AUMF, a blank check to deploy US military personnel anywhere in the world in the name of going after terrorists, which I alone stood in … Continue Reading
September 11, 2020
Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on Anniversary of 9/11
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement recognizing the 19th anniversary of September 11, 2001: "Nineteen years ago, the world witnessed a terrible attack against our nation.Today, we honor the thousands lost on that day and those we've since lost to 9/11-related illnesses. As a nation, we continue to extend our deepest sympathies to their families and friends; they forever remain in our thoughts. "We salute the selfless first responders, firefighters, … Continue Reading
September 10, 2020
Rep. Lee Joins Senator Markey, Rep. Haaland, Grassroots Coalition in Announcing Economic Renewal Agenda
Comprehensive “THRIVE Agenda” responds to ongoing crises of COVID-19, climate change, racial injustice, and economic inequity Washington (September 10, 2020) – Today, Rep. Barbara Lee joined U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) and a coalition of grassroots groups; labor unions; Black, Brown and Indigenous leaders from across the country to introduce a bold plan for economic renewal known as the Agenda to Transform, Heal, and Renew by … Continue Reading
September 09, 2020
Reps. Lee, Bass, Kelly, Chu, Castro, Haaland, Davids Introduce Legislation to Provide COVID-19 Resources to Community Based Organizations in Underserved Communities
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Reps. Karen Bass (CA-37), Robin Kelly (IL-2), Judy Chu (CA-27), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Deb Haaland (NM-1), and Sharice Davids (KS-3) introduced the COVID Community Care Act to establish a contact tracing program through community-based organizations and non-profits. Contact tracing is a critical public health resource that helps slow the spread of disease. Contact tracers identify patients and contact all those who may have been … Continue Reading
September 04, 2020
Congresswoman Lee Welcomes the Opening of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 2020 Virtual Legislative Conference
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 2020 Annual Legislative Conference, where she will serve as an honorary co-host for two panel discussions in the first year of the conference's virtual programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "This year's Annual Legislative Conference will be extremely unique, like many other things taking place this year due to COVID-19. However, that does not change the goals and … Continue Reading
September 03, 2020
Reps. Lee, Pressley join Senator Warren to Introduce Legislation to Confront the Public Health Impacts of Structural Racism
The Anti-Racism in Public Health Act would create a “Center on Anti-Racism in Health” at the CDC, improving the federal government’s ability to develop anti-racist health policy. Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in introducing bicameral legislation to confront the public health impacts of structural racism through two bold new programs within the Centers … Continue Reading
August 28, 2020
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls On Postmaster General DeJoy to Stop Removal of Collection Boxes in Downtown Oakland Due to Protests
OAKLAND, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) sent the below letter to U.S. Postal Service Postmaster General Louis DeJoy regarding the removal this week of up to a dozen collection boxes in downtown Oakland. The USPS notified Congresswoman Lee's office that the boxes were removed for safety reasons due to the possibility of protests in the area. The text of the letter is as follows: August 28, 2020 Mr. Louis DeJoyPostmaster General and Chief Executive OfficerUnited States Postal … Continue Reading
August 28, 2020
Reps. Lee, Fudge, DeLauro, Bustos, McGovern Sound Alarm on Potential Hatch Act Violation by USDA Secretary
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Barbara Lee, Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies, joined with Reps. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Cheri Bustos (IL-17); Jim McGovern (MA-2) and Alma Adams (NC-12) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Ethics sounding the alarm on a potential Hatch Act violation by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue after he made political statements … Continue Reading
August 28, 2020
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on 65th Anniversary of the Murder of Emmett Till
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released the following statement on the 65th anniversary of the killing of Emmett Till: "65 years after the tragic murder of Emmett Till at the hands of racists in the deep south, we still find ourselves facing many of the same challenges: racist bullies in positions of power, violence against Black lives, and unequal applications of the law. Emmett Till's everlasting legacy can be found in our persistent fight against hate, with the hope of … Continue Reading
August 28, 2020
Reps. Barbara Lee, Grace Meng, 86 other Members of Congress Spearhead letter to head of USAID Calling for Changes to Agency’s New Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Grace Meng (D-NY), members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, today led a total of 86 Members of Congress in a letter to Acting U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator John Barsa calling for changes to the agency's new 2020 Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Policy, a proposal which threatens to replace a decade's worth of U.S. government policies that have improved the … Continue Reading
August 27, 2020
Congresswoman Lee Joins DeLauro, Garcia, Haaland, Gabbard, McCollum Lead 85 Members of Congress in Demanding Answers on New CDC Testing Guidelines
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) joined Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Deb Haaland (NM-01), Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), Betty McCollum (MN-04) and 85 other Members of Congress in sending a letter to Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Doctor Robert Redfield condemning, urging the immediate halt of, and demanding an explanation for the recent modifications to COVID-19 testing guidelines that suggest not all those exposed … Continue Reading
August 26, 2020
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Women’s Equality Day
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released the following statement on Women's Equality Day, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th amendment: "As we reflect on one hundred years since American women were granted the right to vote through the ratification of the 19th amendment, we must honor the legacy of those who paved the way for not only a woman's voice in our democracy, but a woman's role in leading it. "While this is a landmark to celebrate, … Continue Reading
August 25, 2020
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on the Shooting of Mr. Jacob Blake
OAKLAND, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement following the shooting of Mr. Jacob Blake by Kenosha, Wisconsin police: "Even as our entire country struggles to reckon with centuries of police violence against Black people, it happens again. Even as officers, like the ones who murdered George Floyd, are finally facing consequences for their actions, it happens again. When will it stop? "Jacob Blake should not be fighting for his life today. His children … Continue Reading
August 22, 2020
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for CA Fires
OAKLAND, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) called on Donald Trump to expedite federal assistance requested by the State of California to combat the devastating wildfires that have swept across Lake, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo Counties over the last week. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement: "Across California, extreme heat and lightning strikes contributed to some of the worst wildfires we have ever seen. As of today, … Continue Reading
August 21, 2020
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joint Statement on ‘Snapback’ Sanctions Against Iran
Washington, DC - Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13), David Price (NC-04), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), John Yarmuth (KY-03), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Peter Welch (VT-At Large), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), and Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) released the following joint statement on the announcement that the Trump administration would seek 'snapback' sanctions against Iran: "The Trump administration's Iran policy continues to succeed in increasing tensions with Iran and isolating the … Continue Reading
August 06, 2020
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on the 55th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement on the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which was signed into law on August 6, 1965: "55 years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act to fight racial voting discrimination and enfranchise millions of Americans who have been systemically excluded from our democratic process," said Congresswoman Lee. "Today, as we remember this achievement, we must also reflect on the legacy of Congressman … Continue Reading
August 03, 2020
Congresswoman Lee, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Access to TANF and SNAP to Those Who Are Unfairly Shut Out of These Programs
Congresswoman Lee joined Reps. Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Steve Cohen (D-TN) in introducing the Removing Barriers to Basic Needs Act (H.R. 7916) to lift the federal ban on individuals with felony drug convictions being able to use Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through December 2022. In response, Congresswoman Lee released the following statement: "For many, federal assistance programs play an important role in meeting basic needs … Continue Reading
July 31, 2020
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on fire at The Way Christian Center in Berkeley, CA
WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) issued the following statement today regarding the investigation of a fire early Wednesday morning at The Way Christian Center in Berkeley. "The fire at The Way Christian Center in Berkeley was extremely disturbing," Congresswoman Lee said. "The fire was set in the middle of the night, just 12 hours after the church put a Black Lives Matter banner on the building. Whatever the intent, fires at Black churches recall the ugly history of racial … Continue Reading
July 30, 2020
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on House Passage of Two Critical Child Care Bills
WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today applauded the House passage of two critical child care bills: H.R. 7027, the Child Care is Essential Act, and H.R. 7327, the Child Care for Economic Recovery Act. The bills will provide relief for child care providers to stay open and cover their increased operating costs with limited revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation will expand the availability of quality child care, help workers return to their jobs when it is … Continue Reading
July 30, 2020
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Passage of Amendment to Protect State, Territory, and Tribal Cannabis Programs
Washington, D.C. -Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, today applauded the passage of the Blumenauer, McClintock, Holmes Norton, Lee amendment to the Commerce, Justice, and Science Department funding bill. The measure, which would prevent the Department of Justice from using its funds to impede the implementation of cannabis programs in states, territories, and tribes, passed in a 254-163 vote. "For far too long, our federal cannabis policies have … Continue Reading