Press Releases
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces the Improving Access to Nutrition Act
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Barbara Lee introduced the Improving Access to Nutrition Act, which will lift SNAP's 3-month time limit and ensure that all people have access to nutrition assistance and stay healthy while seeking full-time work. Under current law, adults ages 18-49 without children, and without a documented disability, are subject to a harmful and arbitrary three-month time limit of SNAP benefits unless they are working 80 hours a month. Congresswoman Lee released the following … Continue Reading
May 17, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Votes to Pass Historic Equality Act to End Discrimination Against All LGBTQ Americans, Introduces Resolution Recognizing International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) voted to pass H.R. 5, the Equality Act, to ensure that all LGBTQ Americans are granted the full protections guaranteed by federal civil rights law, in addition to introducing a resolution in support of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT). "Through struggles and sacrifices, generations of tireless LGBTQ Americans have worked to forge a more just and equal future for themselves and all … Continue Reading
May 16, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Foreign Appropriations Funding That Reject’s Trump’s Attempts to Undermine the U.S. Standing in World
WASHINGTON, DC - In response to the House Appropriations Committee's passage of the fiscal year 2020 appropriations bill for State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) issued the following statement: "The FY2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill resoundingly rejects the Trump Administration's proposed foreign assistance cuts that would endanger our national security and undermine the United States' standing in the world. … Continue Reading
May 15, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Responds to Trump Administration’s Escalation of Tensions With Iran
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), issued the following statement on the reported claims of threats from Iran by the Trump Administration: "It appears the Trump Administration is setting the stage for an unconstitutional, unauthorized and ideologically-driven war with Iran. This dangerous escalation of tensions with Iran is happening without congressional input or authorization. "We have been down this road with Iraq - a war that was orchestrated based on … Continue Reading
May 14, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Bill to Fight Back Against Trump’s Attempts to Impose Abstinence-Only Sex Education
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), issued the following statement on the re-introduction of the Real Education for Healthy Youth (REHYA) Act: "REHYA fights back against the Trump's Administration's efforts to impose abstinence-only-until-marriage (AOUM) programs by ensuring that our young people have the access they deserve to comprehensive, age-appropriate, developmentally and culturally appropriate sex education that is medically accurate. "Research … Continue Reading
May 13, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee responds to Trump Administration’s Cruel Rule Change on Calculating Poverty
Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Chair of the Majority Leader's Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity, released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration's recently proposed change to the formula to determine the national poverty threshold: "The Trump Administration's cruel-hearted proposal to change the Official Poverty Measure (OPM) would take away basic assistance from millions of struggling families. Let me be clear - this is a direct attack on families … Continue Reading
May 09, 2019
Lee Amendment Undermining Trump-Pence Refusal Rule Passes in 2020 Appropriations Bill
Washington D.C. --- Last week, the Trump-Pence administration finalized a refusal of care rule that would allow virtually any health care entity, provider or worker to use their personal beliefs to dictate patient care. Congresswoman Lee successfully offered an amendment to attack this dangerous and discriminatory rule, now the FY20 LHHS bill that will prohibit funding for the implementation of the rule. "Women of color - who are more likely to live in areas with hospitals that claim … Continue Reading
May 09, 2019
Washington D.C. Services held today and tomorrow for the late Congressman Ron Dellums
WASHINGTON, DC - Services for the warrior for peace and justice, the Honorable Ronald V. Dellums, began today with interment services with Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Friends and family will gather for the next two days to celebrate the life of the devoted father, husband, Congressman, Oakland Mayor, and Marine-turned-antiwar activist. "Ron was my boss and mentor, and yet, like the brother I never had," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who succeeded … Continue Reading
May 09, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Secures $26 Million For Alameda VA Clinic and Big Wins on Military Housing and Veterans Services
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the passage of the FY2020 Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill today: “The FY20 MilCon-VA funding bill honors our nation’s commitment to our veterans and military families. I am particularly pleased that this bill includes $26 million to continue progress in the building of a state-of-the-art VA … Continue Reading
May 08, 2019
Congresswoman Lee Secures Win on Healthcare, Education, And Job Training in the Appropriations Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), a member of the LHHS subcommittee of the Congressional Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Full Committee Markup of FY2020 Labor-HHS-Education Bill: "Today’s markup was a huge win for my district and will allow Congress to finally reinvest into everyday people and reject the President's harmful budget. This bill means more funding for poverty prevention programs, lifesaving research, k-12 public … Continue Reading
May 02, 2019
Congresswoman Lee’s Statement Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement to mark the beginning of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. "This May, I am proud to join communities across the country in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, commemorating the history, contributions, and achievements of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI). "By opening new businesses, participating in the arts, serving in elected office, and pioneering new scientific discoveries, the … Continue Reading
May 02, 2019
Congressional pro-choice leaders blast White House over dangerous refusal of care rule
Washington, D.C. - In response to the Trump Administration's issuance of a final rule that would allow healthcare providers the ability to refuse to provide patients standard health care services if they have a moral or religious objection, Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Diana DeGette (CO-01), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus and issue the following statement: "The Trump Administration's final rule is a dangerous - and illegal - expansion of existing refusal of care … Continue Reading
April 30, 2019
Congresswoman Lee Statement on Today’s Equal Rights Amendment Hearing
Washington, D.C. - In response to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil Rights meeting on the Equal Rights Amendment held on April 30, 2019, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-D) released the following statement: "Today is a historic day for America where, for the first time in 36 years, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil Rights will have its first hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The ERA will enshrine women's equality in the Constitution by prohibiting discrimination based … Continue Reading
April 30, 2019
Congresswoman Lee Statement on the Passing of Rep. Ellen Tauscher
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Lee released the following statement in response to the passing of former California Rep. Ellen Tauscher: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rep. Ellen Tauscher. "I came to know Ellen as a friend and colleague while serving together as representatives for Northern California. She was a passionate, principled public servant, and I always admired her incredible dedication to her constituents, California, and the nation. Ellen was also a champion … Continue Reading
April 29, 2019
Congresswoman Lee Statement on the Passing of Legendary Filmmaker John Singleton
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Lee released the following statement in response to the passing of legendary filmmaker John Singleton: "I am deeply saddened by news of the passing of legendary filmmaker John Singleton. "John was a trailblazer who opened doors for countless African American filmmakers. His work brought the richness and nuance of the black experience to big and small screens, allowing African Americans to see themselves represented where they had not before. Films like … Continue Reading
April 18, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Mueller Report
"Even in its redacted form, the Special Counsel's report makes clear that Trump took actions that could be considered obstruction of justice - and that AG Barr's initial characterization of Mueller's findings was misleading at best. It remains paramount that the Attorney General release the full, unredacted report so that Congress and the American people can make their own decisions. It's also critical that Mueller testifies before Congress and that Trump is held accountable for his … Continue Reading
April 17, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Slams President Trump’s Backwards Policy towards Cuba
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the Trump Administration's new policies further restricting U.S. relations with Cuba: "The Trump Administration's announcement today on the implementation of Title III or Helms-Burton flies in the face of decades of bipartisan consensus and will only serve to further isolate the United States from our key allies. It will also harm U.S. interests and our ability to resolve outstanding property claims in Cuba. In … Continue Reading
April 10, 2019
Congresswoman Lee Votes on Bold Legislation to Save the Internet
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement upon passage of H.R. 1644, the Save the Internet Act. This critical legislation would restore popular, bipartisan net neutrality protections for consumers and small businesses after the Trump Administration ended these vital protections in a brazen, partisan attack last year. The Save the Internet Act passed the House by a vote of 232-190. "Your zip code, income, or geography should not determine the … Continue Reading
April 09, 2019
Rep. Barbara Lee and Bipartisan Group Introduce Legislation to Improve Reentry and Economic Growth by Restoring Pell Grants for Incarcerated Individuals
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), Rep. French Hill (R-AR), and Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced landmark legislation to strengthen successful reentry and economic growth by restoring Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals. The bipartisan and bicameral Restoring Education and Learning (REAL) Act of 2019 expands educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals, which research shows has tremendous effectiveness … Continue Reading
April 07, 2019
Congresswoman Lee's Statement on Secretary Nielsen's Resignation
OAKLAND, CA -- Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the statement below following Secretary Nielsen's resignation: "Kristjen Nielsen's repeated defense of the Trump administration's abhorrent family separation policy was inexcusable - and she should have resigned long ago. I'm glad to see her leave. The American people deserve a DHS Secretary that respects the dignity of families and will restore decency and humanity to our nation's immigration … Continue Reading