Press Releases
Congressional pro-choice leaders blast White House over newly announced Title X rule
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Trump administration issued a final rule today aimed at barring health care clinics that provide abortion services from participating in a $236 million federal family-planning program, known as Title X. The newly finalized rule not only prohibits health care clinics that receive Title X funds from providing abortion services, it also prohibits them from even referring a patient to receive such services. It's the latest in a series of attacks on women's reproductive … Continue Reading
February 14, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces AUMF Repeal Legislation
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced legislation to repeal the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) and force a debate on our endless wars around the world. The legislation would sunset the 2001 AUMF after 8 months, giving Congress ample time to debate and vote on a new AUMF. "For far too long, Congress has abdicated its constitutional responsibility to debate and vote on matters of war and peace," said Congresswoman Lee. "It's time to stop kicking … Continue Reading
February 08, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Delivers Weekly Democratic Address
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee delivered the Weekly Democratic Address. In this week's address, Congresswoman Lee marked Black History Month and highlighted Democrats' For The People agenda. Video and audio of the Weekly Democratic Address can be downloaded here. Below is a full transcript of the address: "Hi, I'm Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and I'm proud to represent the beautiful 13th District of California in Congress. "Every February, we celebrate Black History … Continue Reading
February 05, 2019
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on President Trump’s 2019 State of the Union Address
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on President Trump's 2019 State of the Union: "I was disappointed but not surprised by President Trump's speech tonight. "In his first two years in office, President Trump has presided over three government shutdowns, undermined the economic security of working families, and brought an unprecedented culture of chaos and corruption to the White House. "Nothing in President Trump's speech tonight indicated that he is … Continue Reading
February 01, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates Black History Month
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in honor of Black History Month: "Each year, we take time during Black History Month to celebrate the countless accomplishments of African Americans across the United States. The contributions that our great heroes and sheroes - giants like Dr. Martin Luther King, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Shirley Chisholm - made to the fight for civil rights and social justice cannot be overstated. "But as we celebrate our … Continue Reading
January 28, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Named to Conference Committee for Homeland Security by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee was named as one of six House Democratic Members serving on a conference committee for homeland security. The committee members, along with Democratic and Republican members from the House and Senate, will work over the next several weeks to negotiate government funding for homeland security. Congresswoman Lee will serve on the conference committee with the following Democratic Members: Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey of New … Continue Reading
January 25, 2019
Congresswoman Lee’s Statement on Situation in Venezuela
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the situation in Venezuela: "I am gravely concerned by the Trump Administration's interventionist approach toward Venezuela and strongly oppose any use of U.S. military force in the country. "There is no doubt that under the Maduro government, Venezuelans have faced severe hardships and a major deterioration in human rights, democracy, and economic security. But instead of issuing irresponsible threats, the … Continue Reading
January 25, 2019
Congresswoman Lee’s Statement on Situation in Venezuela
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the situation in Venezuela: "I am gravely concerned by the Trump Administration's interventionist approach toward Venezuela and strongly oppose any use of U.S. military force in the country. "There is no doubt that under the Maduro government, Venezuelans have faced severe hardships and a major deterioration in human rights, democracy, and economic security. But instead of issuing irresponsible threats, the … Continue Reading
January 18, 2019
Congresswoman Lee Observes Martin Luther King Day
Oakland, C.A. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: "Today, we pause to remember the life and legacy of a civil rights icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through his tireless activism and deep commitment to justice, Dr. King inspired a nation to change the course of history and affirm civil rights so long denied to African Americans. "But more than that, Dr. King was a true revolutionary who understood that real freedom … Continue Reading
January 16, 2019
Congresswoman Lee Announces Seventh Term on the Appropriations Committee
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee announced that she will continue her service on the Appropriations Committee for a seventh term. She first joined the Appropriations Committee in 2007. The Appropriations Committee is one of the most powerful congressional committees, charged with writing the laws that fund the federal government. Congresswoman Lee will remain on the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, where she will continue her work advancing effective foreign … Continue Reading
January 11, 2019
Congresswoman Lee Urges Substantive Action in Response to Congressman King's Racist Statements
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement in response to Congressman King's statement to the New York Times endorsing white supremacy: "Congressman King has reiterated his racist beliefs time and time again, without real condemnation or rejection by the Republican Party. Despite his beliefs, white supremacy has no place in our nation or our government. I stand with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus and call on the Republican Party to remove Mr. King … Continue Reading
January 11, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Constituent Resource Guide on the Government Shutdown
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Lee released this constituent resource guide for constituents affected by the 2018-2019 government shutdown: On December 22, 2018, funding lapsed for a number federal government agencies. The government shutdown is already having an impact on some federal programs, and other services could be impacted by an extended funding lapse. The Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) website provides general guidance, as does the Office of Management and Budget's Contingency … Continue Reading
January 09, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Named Co-Chair of Bipartisan Cannabis Caucus
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was named the co-chair of the bipartisan Cannabis Caucus, alongside Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Congressman Don Young (R-AK), and Congressman David Joyce (R-OH). Congresswoman Lee's historic appointment marks the first time that a woman or a person of color will serve in the leadership of the Cannabis Caucus. "I am thrilled to serve as co-chair of the Cannabis Caucus and continue the work of reforming our outdated and discriminatory … Continue Reading
January 04, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Cosponsors PAYGO Repeal Legislation
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee became an original cosponsor of the newly-introduced H.R. 242, which would repeal the Pay-As-You-Go Statutory Act of 2010: "PAYGO is a law that hamstrings our ability to advance progressive priorities and reduce poverty, and forces draconian austerity cuts that disproportionately hurt the most vulnerable communities. It's past time to get rid of PAYGO for good. "That's why I'm supporting the repeal of PAYGO - it's the first step to enacting … Continue Reading
January 04, 2019
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on the Introduction of H.R. 1, the For the People Act
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement regarding the introduction of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, of which she is a co-sponsor: "For our first order of business, House Democrats have introduced H.R. 1, the For the People Act, to safeguard our democracy and restore power to the people. I'm proud to co-sponsor this historic legislation for the people. "Under the Trump administration and a Republican-led Congress, our democracy has been co-opted by special … Continue Reading
January 03, 2019
Congresswoman Lee Sworn in As Member of Democratic Leadership in the 116th Congress
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after being sworn in to represent California's 13th Congressional District in the 116th Congress: "It is a profound honor to be sworn in as a member of Democratic leadership in the 116th Congress. This is the most diverse and dynamic Congress in American history, and it is a privilege to serve alongside so many dedicated public servants. I am grateful for the trust that my constituents have placed in me to represent … Continue Reading
January 01, 2019
Congresswoman Lee Statement Marking the 10th Anniversary of Oscar Grant's Passing
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement marking the 10th anniversary of Oscar Grant's death: "Ten years ago, Oscar Grant was tragically and needlessly killed by an officer at the Fruitvale BART station. "Oscar was a beloved member of our East Bay community. He was a loving father, a loyal friend, and a kind neighbor. My heart is with his family, friends, and loved ones who are missing him dearly today. "Over the last decade, communities like mine have lost … Continue Reading
December 26, 2018
Congresswoman Lee’s Statement on the Death of 7 Year Old Felipe Alonzo-Gomez
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the death of seven-year-old Felipe Alonzo-Gomez in CBP custody: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Felipe Alonzo-Gomez on Christmas Day. My heart is with Felipe's family and loved ones in the wake of this unimaginable loss. This is the second death of a child in CBP custody this month - a stunning, horrifying and unacceptable track record for the agency. "Along with my colleagues, I urge an immediate … Continue Reading
December 17, 2018
Congresswoman Lee Statement on the Immigration Case of Shaima Swileh
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement regarding the immigration case of Shaima Swileh: "As a mother myself, I am stunned by the cruelty of barring a mother from reuniting with her sick child. The case of Shaima Swileh shows clearly the damage wreaked on families across this country by the Trump administration's un-American travel ban. I am committed to doing all I can to fight it and to restore decency and humanity to our nation's immigration laws. I have … Continue Reading
December 15, 2018
Congresswoman Lee Statement on Maria Mendoza-Sanchez’s Return to Oakland
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in response to Maria Mendoza-Sanchez's arrival back in the United States: "I am thrilled that Maria Mendoza-Sanchez has finally been reunited with her family. Maria's unjust deportation was a loss for her family, loved ones and our entire East Bay community. I couldn't be happier that Maria has been able to return home in time for the holidays. Our immigrant neighbors are a part of what makes our East Bay … Continue Reading