Press Releases
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Derides Second Trump Shutdown
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the second government shutdown under the Trump presidency: "Last night, despite controlling the White House, the House and the Senate, Republicans forced the government to shut down for the second time in three weeks. The GOP's inability to conduct the basic function of government is appalling. Playing politics with the lives of the American people is reckless and irresponsible. "Budgets and budget agreements … Continue Reading
February 07, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Co-Chair Congresswoman Barbara Lee reintroduced a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which has been observed on February 7th each year since 1999. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to reflect the impact of HIV on the African American community, support those living with the virus and encourage every American to take a pro-active approach to their health. "For many in … Continue Reading
February 06, 2018
Rep. Barbara Lee Announces Introduction of Women And Climate Change Act
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced the Women and Climate Change Act of 2018, H.R. 4932, to develop coordinated strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on women and girls around the world. The bill has nineteen original cosponsors. "Climate change is already impacting communities around the world, with a disproportionate effect on the world's poorest residents. Women make up the majority of the world's poor and are especially vulnerable to abrupt … Continue Reading
February 02, 2018
Congresswoman Lee: Trump Administration’s Nuclear Posture Review is Reckless & Irresponsible
Washington DC -- Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the release of the Trump Administration's Nuclear Posture Review: "Instead of practicing responsible disarmament, the Trump Administration's Nuclear Posture Review reignites a global arms race and heightens the risk of a nuclear war. "For decades, bipartisan experts have recognized that the only way to protect our planet and its inhabitants is to pursue the goal of nuclear nonproliferation. The stakes are too high … Continue Reading
February 01, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates Black History Month
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in honor of Black History Month: Today we mark the beginning of Black History Month. Each year, we take this time to honor the significant contributions that African Americans have made to our nation, in the face of overwhelming odds. It is particularly a time when we reflect on the sacrifices of our great African American heroes and sheroes who dedicated their lives in the fight for civil rights, social … Continue Reading
January 30, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee: The Trump Presidency Is an Assault on Our Democracy
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on her decision not to attend the State of the Union: "Since my election to Congress in 1998, I have attended every State of the Union. I have always believed that this event should be non-partisan because I respect the office of the presidency. I will not attend this State of the Union because this president has not honored nor respected the office of the presidency and has shown a total disregard for our … Continue Reading
January 29, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Returns From Congressional Trip to Cuba
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee recently returned from a productive visit to Cuba and re-emphasized her commitment to restoring U.S.-Cuba relations. During her visit, Congresswoman Lee met with senior Cuban leadership to discuss the recent roll back of U.S. normalization policies and the safety of American diplomats and visitors in Cuba. "This trip provided a valuable opportunity to meet with Cuban officials to discuss U.S.-Cuban relations and learn more about the recent health … Continue Reading
January 22, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s Statement on Congressional Republicans’ Failure to Govern
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on Congressional Republicans' fifth consecutive Continuing Resolution: "Once again, Congressional Republicans have decided to kick the can down the road instead of doing the work of governing. We are now almost four months into the new fiscal year, but Republicans refuse to tackle the pressing issues facing Congress and our nation. "Instead of working on long-standing bipartisan priorities with Democrats, the … Continue Reading
January 20, 2018
Congresswoman Lee's Statement on the Republican Shutdown
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the Republican shutdown that started at 12:01 am on January 20th, 2018: "Congressional Republicans have failed the American people. It is shocking but not surprising that President Trump and his party have managed to shut down the federal government while controlling every single lever of power. "Make no mistake: Republican dysfunction, incompetence and cruelty has caused this shutdown and upended the lives of … Continue Reading
January 18, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Cosponsors Resolution to Censure President Trump for Racist Remarks Against African Countries, Haiti and El Salvador
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee cosponsored a resolution censuring President Trump for his racist comments against African countries, Haiti and El Salvador. Congresswoman Lee joined members of the Congressional Black Caucus, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler and her Democratic colleagues in cosponsoring the resolution. She released the following statement on the censure resolution: "I am appalled and outraged that President Trump would use such … Continue Reading
January 18, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Planned Raids in Northern California
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement following reports of planned massive immigration raids by Immigration and Custom Enforcement in sanctuary cities throughout Northern California: "The deportation of hard-working immigrant families is yet another cruel and cold-hearted attack on communities of color by the Trump Administration. In the East Bay, we are still experiencing the devastating impacts from the wrongful deportation of Maria & Eusebio Sanchez, … Continue Reading
January 17, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Congressman Ro Khanna and Senator Cory Booker Announce House Introduction of the Marijuana Justice Act
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Ro Khanna introduced the Marijuana Justice Act, the companion bill for Senator Cory Booker's S. 1689. The Marijuana Justice Act would reform unjust federal marijuana laws and empower communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by the failed drug war. "In the wake of Attorney General Session's decision to rescind the Cole memo, it's clear that the Trump Administration is doubling down on unjust marijuana … Continue Reading
January 16, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on the Passing of Gospel Legend Edwin Hawkins
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after the passing of Edwin Hawkins: "I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of my dear friend Edwin Hawkins. Edwin was a musical genius - a man before his time who inspired generations through his music. Most importantly, Edwin was a strong man of faith whose commitment never wavered throughout his life. "I have known Ed for many years and he was a source of inspiration for me personally. He always spoke words … Continue Reading
January 15, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement in Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: "Today's celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy honors the progress we have made toward fulfilling the promise of justice and equality, but also serves as a reminder of the work that remains to fulfill Dr. King's dream. "As Dr. King said, 'Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.' "President Trump's empty words … Continue Reading
January 12, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces REFER Act to Prohibit Federal Intrusion in State Marijuana Laws
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced H.R. 4779, the Restricting Excessive Federal Enforcement and Regulations of Cannabis (REFER) Act, to prevent federal government interference in state and local marijuana laws. This legislation would prohibit federal spending from being used to enforce federal government intrusion in states and municipalities that have updated their laws regarding cannabis use, possession, cultivation and distribution. "The federal government has … Continue Reading
January 11, 2018
Congresswoman Lee Slams Passage of FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act; Calls for Meaningful Reforms to Protect Civil Liberties
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement condemning the passage of the FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act: "In developing sensitive national security legislation, Congress has a responsibility to strike an appropriate balance between ensuring the safety of Americans and protecting civil liberties. The FISA Amendment Reauthorization Act passed by the House today fails this test. Alarmingly, this bill expands the spy powers of the Trump Administration and … Continue Reading
January 11, 2018
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on President Trump’s Assault on Medicaid
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement following the Trump Administration's issued guidance allowing states to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients: "Today President Trump and Republicans confirmed what Democrats have known all along: Republicans plan to force struggling families to foot the bill for the massive tax giveaway they just rammed through Congress. The Trump Administration's decision to allow states to place work requirements on … Continue Reading
January 08, 2018
Rep Lee Statement on Trump Admin Rescinding TPS for El Salvador
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration's decision to end Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for over 200,000 Salvadoran nationals in the United States: "Today, the Trump Administration has once again decided to turn their backs on TPS recipients. This program provides a refuge for more than 200,000 Salvadorans, who fled disaster, warfare and violence. Forcing them to return to El Salvador - one of the most … Continue Reading
January 04, 2018
Rep. Barbara Lee Statement on AG Sessions' Attack on Legal Marijuana Industry
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement regarding Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement that the Department of Justice would rescind three Obama Administration memos which discouraged federal interference in state marijuana laws: "Attorney General Jeff Sessions made a big mistake today. The lasting legacy of federal marijuana criminalization policies will be the overzealous policing and mass incarceration of people of color. It's disappointing, but not … Continue Reading
December 21, 2017
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on FY2018 Continuing Resolution
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Lee released the following statement regarding the FY2018 Continuing Resolution: "For weeks Republicans have been too focused on giving the wealthiest 1% tax breaks to adequately fund the government. As a result, congressional Republicans have once again driven this country to the brink of an avoidable self-inflicted crisis. "This reckless short-term resolution ignores the life-threatening emergencies facing millions across the country. It fails to … Continue Reading