Press Releases
Congresswoman Lee Marks 50th Anniversary of Dr. King’s Assassination
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Lee released the following statement to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination: "Fifty years ago today, our nation was forever changed when Dr. King was tragically shot and killed while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. Dr. King was a revolutionary who fought against the institutionalized forces of racism that continue to undermine the promise of freedom, liberty, and equality upon which our nation … Continue Reading
March 24, 2018
Congresswoman Lee Welcomes Oakland Students to the #MarchForOurLives
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in response to Oakland students participating in the #MarchForOurLives event in Washington, D.C. "I am so honored to have students from the East Oakland Youth Development Center participate in this important march to protest gun violence, as many of them know far too well the devastating effects of this violence. "Tragic mass shootings, like the one in Parkland, Florida, galvanize attention on the gun … Continue Reading
March 22, 2018
Congresswoman Lee Slams Appointment of John Bolton as National Security Advisor
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the news that John Bolton will replace H.R. McMaster as the National Security Advisor: "This is dangerous news for the country and the world. John Bolton was easily one of the most extreme, pro-war members of the Bush Administration. Just imagine what havoc he could wreak whispering in Donald Trump's ear. "I hear the drumbeats of … Continue Reading
March 22, 2018
Congresswoman Lee: FY2018 Omnibus Exemplifies GOP Dysfunction
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on her decision to oppose the FY2018 Omnibus Deal: "No omnibus bill is perfect - but for many reasons, this legislation falls far short. This eleventh-hour omnibus comes after months of dysfunction and multiple shutdowns. And after all these delays, Republican leadership gave Members of Congress less than 24 hours to read and analyze this $1.3 trillion, 2,232 page bill. Let me be clear: this process is … Continue Reading
March 20, 2018
Congresswoman Lee Questions Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos about Discrimination in Public Schools
Washington, D.C. - Today, at the Appropriations-Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies hearing, Congresswoman Barbara Lee questioned Secretary Betsy DeVos on her priorities for the Department of Education under the FY2019 Budget. Congresswoman Lee sought answers on racial biases in school discipline policies. Watch the video of Congresswoman Lee's exchange with Secretary DeVos … Continue Reading
March 16, 2018
Congresswoman Lee Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released following statement on the passing of Rules Committee Ranking Member Louise Slaughter (NY-25): "I am heartbroken over the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Louise Slaughter. Louise was a fighter and champion for American working families for over 30 years. She was a trailblazer, the first woman to serve as Chair of the Rules Committee and the only microbiologist in Congress. And throughout her years of service, she stayed true to the … Continue Reading
March 16, 2018
During Women’s History Month, Reps. Lee & Poliquin Lead Bipartisan Effort to Issue Quarters Honoring Prominent American Women
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) and Bruce Poliquin (R-ME-02) introduced H.R. 5308, landmark legislation directing the U.S. Treasury to issue quarters, one from each of the 50 states and the U.S. territories, to honor women who have made significant contributions to America. The governor or executive of each state or territory would recommend a design to the Treasury, in consultation with various stakeholders. If enacted, the quarter program would coincide … Continue Reading
March 14, 2018
On National Walk Out Day, Congresswoman Lee Announces Reintroduction of Tiahrt Restrictions Repeal Act
Washington, D.C. - Today as thousands of students walk out of schools across the country to demand commonsense gun reform, Congresswoman Barbara Lee reintroduced the Tiahrt Restrictions Repeal Act, H.R. 5271. The Tiahrt Amendments are harmful that prevent the FBI from maintaining background check data, or keeping data on gun traces and gun inventories. These restrictions also prevent researches from accessing valuable data for studies to begin to make recommendations on how to address our … Continue Reading
March 14, 2018
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Student Walk Outs to Protest Gun Violence
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement applauding student walk outs in the East Bay and throughout the country to protest gun violence: "I am so proud of the courage and resilience shown by our East Bay students and students across the country who stood up and walked out to protest gun violence. That's why I walked out of the US Capitol in solidarity with the brave students demanding action to end this plague on our communities. While this protest … Continue Reading
March 13, 2018
Congresswoman Lee’s Statement on Firing of Rex Tillerson, Nominations of Mike Pompeo and Gina Haspel
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the firing of Rex Tillerson and the nominations of Mike Pompeo to serve as Secretary of State and Gina Haspel as CIA Director: "President Trump has chosen the worst possible time to upend our national security and diplomatic agencies. Rather than sowing chaos within his own cabinet, President Trump should be working with seasoned experts to prepare for the high-stakes talks with North Korea and addressing … Continue Reading
March 13, 2018
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applaud Selection of San Francisco and Oakland to Host 2020 International AIDS Conference
Washington, D.C. - Today, the International AIDS Society (IAS) announced they will be hosting the 23rd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2020) in San Francisco and Oakland, California. This conference will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the 1990 AIDS Conference, which was held in the Bay Area at the height of the U.S. epidemic. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Barbara Lee applauded the decision. "San Francisco is an inseparable part of the story of HIV/AIDS," said … Continue Reading
March 09, 2018
In Letter to Carson, CBC Criticizes Proposed Change to HUD’s Mission Statement
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and her colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) sent a letter to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson, criticizing a proposed change to HUD's mission statement that would remove anti-discrimination language about the need to create "inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all." The letter states, "As a direct result of institutional, systemic racism, the African-American … Continue Reading
March 08, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Senator Debbie Stabenow Celebrate World Social Work Month
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced a bicameral congressional resolution marking March 20th, 2018 as World Social Work Day and celebrating March as Social Work Month. "As a psychiatric social worker, I know firsthand the dedication social workers bring to our communities and our country. Social workers are tireless advocates for the most vulnerable. They serve struggling families who need support through difficult times," … Continue Reading
March 07, 2018
Congresswoman Lee: Trump, Sessions Attack on California Rooted in Xenophobia
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after the Trump Administration filed suit against the State of California for refusing to target immigrant families and undermine the work of local law enforcement: "Last night, President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions launched a baseless legal attack on California. Let me be clear: this lawsuit is rooted in a xenophobic hostility toward immigrants. My district is home to six proud sanctuary cities: … Continue Reading
March 05, 2018
Rep. Barbara Lee Condemns State Department’s Announcement of Permanent Staffing Cuts at U.S. Embassy in Havana
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Lee, a co-chair of the bipartisan Cuba Working Group, issued the following statement regarding the State Department's announcement that the U.S. Embassy in Havana will continue to operate as an unaccompanied post: "I am extremely disappointed by last week's announcement from the State Department on permanent staffing reductions at our embassy in Cuba. The safety of our diplomatic corps in Havana and their families remains paramount, but as long as the United … Continue Reading
March 02, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, East Bay Students Embark on Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Tennessee and Alabama
Montgomery, A.L. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and students from the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center will travel to Tennessee and Alabama to participate in the Faith & Politics Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage. "Each year, the Faith & Politics Congressional Pilgrimage provides a life changing experience by reminding us of our nation's civil rights history and the lessons we must embrace if we want to truly confront the legacy of race in America," said Congresswoman … Continue Reading
March 01, 2018
Rep. Lee Condemns Koch Brother Special Interests Infiltrating VA
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Barbara Lee issued the following statement in response to reports that various individuals connected to the Koch brothers are undermining the work of the Department of Veterans Affairs: "As the daughter of a WWII veteran, it is appalling to think that outside interests would play games with the wellbeing of America's veterans. Let me be clear, as a senior appropriator, I will continue to stand up to the big corporations who are trying to privatize the Department … Continue Reading
February 28, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on ICE Raids in Oakland
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after confirmed reports of ICE raids and arrests in Oakland: "I am outraged and devastated by the heartless raids in Northern California, including Oakland, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These raids have torn families apart and instilled fear throughout our community. Make no mistake, these raids are a direct result of President Trump's xenophobic, anti-immigrant agenda - an agenda I condemn and remain … Continue Reading
February 27, 2018
Members of Congress Call for a Debate and Vote on Ongoing Wars
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Justin Amash, in conjunction with the Congressional Progressive Caucus and House Liberty Caucus, hosted a bipartisan ad-hoc hearing on the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF). At the hearing, experts joined Members of Congress to discuss the implications of the open-ended 2001 AUMF and proposed frameworks for an updated war authorization. "Today's critical hearing showed that a growing, bipartisan group of … Continue Reading
February 12, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee: President Trump’s Budget Proposal Is A Disgrace
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the release of President Trump's FY19 budget: "At its heart, the federal budget is a moral document. It puts on paper the morals and values of our nation. It also spells out in very clear terms the priorities of the federal government. After passing the greatest tax scam in modern history to line the pockets of the 1%, President Trump revealed today how he plans to pay for it: by stealing from working families. … Continue Reading