Press Releases
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Rips Congressman Steve King’s ‘Perverse Worldview,’ Calls on Speaker to Reprimand Hateful Rhetoric
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on Congressman Steve King's most recent racist comments: "There's no way to spin this: Congressman Steve King's blatantly racist comments are a stain on the U.S. House of Representatives. As the descendant of slaves and the daughter of a veteran, I am insulted and outraged by the assertion that people of color are not true Americans, but rather 'somebody else's babies.' "Congressman King has a long history of … Continue Reading
March 10, 2017
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Block the Deployment of Ground Troops in Syria
Washington, D.C. - Today, following news that President Trump has deployed marine troops to Syria, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced a bipartisan bill that would prohibit the expansion of United States combat troops into Syria. Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement upon the introduction of H.R. 1473, The Prohibit Expansion of U.S. Combat Troops into Syria Act: "For more than fifteen years, the U.S. has been engaged in an ever-expanding war in the Middle East. President … Continue Reading
March 08, 2017
Rep. Barbara Lee: Women Are Walking Out to Demand Equal Justice & Equal Opportunity
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement marking International Women's Day and the 'Day Without A Woman' strike: "Across the country and around the world, women are walking out to demand equal justice, equal rights and equal opportunity. Women make up more than half of the US population, yet still face discrimination in nearly every facet of our lives. From the doctor's office to the college campus to the board room, women deserve to be heard and … Continue Reading
March 07, 2017
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Reintroduces Resolution on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee reintroduced a resolution supporting the Goals and Ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. This resolution was first introduced in 2008. "My sister, Mildred has lived with MS for more than 40 years, I am inspired everyday by the courage with which she approaches life. Her passion and determination motivates me to redouble my commitment to supporting efforts to find a cure to this life altering disease," said Congresswoman Lee. "I am pleased to … Continue Reading
March 07, 2017
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Denounces Republican Attempt to Repeal the Affordable Care Act
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after Republicans unveiled their plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act: "Last night, Republicans unveiled their plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act and make hardworking families pay more money for less care. Make no mistake, this plan strips healthcare from millions, defunds Planned Parenthood and rations healthcare for low-income Americans in order to offer handouts to the wealthy and healthcare … Continue Reading
March 06, 2017
Rep. Lee: Trump Administration’s Refugee Ban Do-Over is Still Dangerous & Un-American
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement regarding President Trump's executive order barring refugees and immigrants from six predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States: "After the American people and the courts resoundingly rejected the Trump Administration's xenophobic executive order, President Trump has once again closed the doors to refugees fleeing violence and persecution. "As a proud nation of immigrants, founded as a haven from … Continue Reading
March 02, 2017
Congresswoman Barbara Lee: Jeff Sessions Must Resign Immediately
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement following revelations that Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath about his connections with the Russians: "Last night, news reports revealed that Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath about his connections to Russian officials during the 2016 presidential campaign. Coretta Scott King's assertion that Jeff Sessions lacked 'judgment, competence and sensitivity' has never been more prescient. "By … Continue Reading
March 01, 2017
Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Social Work Month
Washington DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee celebrated the beginning of Social Work Month by reintroducing several bills to recognize and support the contributions of social workers. "As a psychiatric social worker, I know firsthand the invaluable contributions that social workers make to our country. Social workers are critical, especially for the most vulnerable in our communities. With empathy and compassion, social workers provide vital support to individuals and families and help … Continue Reading
February 28, 2017
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Slams President Trump Address to Joint Session of Congress
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on President Trump address to a Joint Session of Congress: "Tonight we saw a deeply unpopular President deliver a nationalistic message designed to frighten the American people into abandoning our values. President Trump's address was the most pessimistic and divisive message I have ever witnessed from a sitting president. "While I am disheartened by the message President Trump delivered to Congress, I am not … Continue Reading
February 28, 2017
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Legislation to Repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced legislation to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). On September 14, 2001, Congresswoman Lee was the lone Member of Congress to vote against the 2001 AUMF. "Fifteen years ago, I made the difficult decision to vote against this authorization because I knew this was a blank check to wage war anywhere, at any time, and for any length," said Congresswoman Lee. "Over the last fifteen years, this broad authorization … Continue Reading
February 27, 2017
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Blasts ‘Morally Bankrupt’ Trump Budget
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a senior member of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement slamming President Trump's budget outline: "President Trump's morally bankrupt budget will be a disaster for working families. With 46 million Americans living in poverty, we simply cannot afford a rigged budget that funnels more money to the Pentagon at the expense of students, families and our planet. "Sadly, the Trump Administration would rather fund endless wars … Continue Reading
February 24, 2017
Congresswoman Lee Statement on the Declaration of Famine in South Sudan
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement regarding the United Nation's declaration of famine in South Sudan: "I am gravely concerned by the famine in South Sudan. Amid the chaos and confusion around this urgent disaster, one thing is clear: this crisis could have been prevented. Earlier this week, the United Nations Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET) formally declared that a famine is growing in Unity State in South Sudan. The UN estimates … Continue Reading
February 17, 2017
Rep. Barbara Lee Calls for Diversity in the Tech Industry
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) reintroduced a congressional resolution to address the persistent racial disparities in the technology industry. The resolution also calls for robust diversity and inclusion plans, strengthened partnerships with institutions of higher education serving students of color, and improve data collection … Continue Reading
February 17, 2017
Rep Lee: Congress Must Vote to Remove Steve Bannon from the NSC
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee led more than 70 of her Democratic colleagues in introducing legislation urging the removal of Steve Bannon from the National Security Council. She released the following statement on the introduction of H. Res.140: "Steve Bannon's bigoted ideology threatens the security of our nation and our international standing. As a permanent member of the National Security Council, Steve Bannon not only politicizes our national security - he endangers … Continue Reading
February 16, 2017
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Renews Call for Department of Peacebuilding
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee reintroduced the Department of Peacebuilding Act, which would establish a federal Department of Peacebuilding dedicated to the study and advancement of peace. The Department of Peacebuilding would target the root causes of domestic and international violence and promote policies to create sustainable, peaceful world. "Each year, we invest billions in defense through the Pentagon, military academies, and national defense universities. We must invest … Continue Reading
February 14, 2017
Congresswoman Lee Statement on Resignation of National Security Advisor Michael Flynn
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the resignation of National Security Advisor Michael Flynn: "Michael Flynn's resignation is a long overdue acknowledgment of threats posed to our national security by this Administration's connections to Russia. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The American people deserve to know the extent to which the Russians meddled in our election, as well as any evidence of coordination between President Trump, his … Continue Reading
February 13, 2017
Congresswoman Lee Urges Senate to Reject Nomination of ‘Foreclosure King’ Steven Mnuchin
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement urging the Senate to reject Steven Mnuchin's nomination for Treasury Secretary: "While millions of Americans lost their jobs and homes during the Great Recession, Steven Mnuchin was making a fortune foreclosing on desperate families. Under his leadership, OneWest Bank foreclosed on more than 36,000 homeowners. Mnuchin's tenure at the bank is an indication of how he will lead the Department of Treasury - advancing the … Continue Reading
February 09, 2017
Congresswoman Lee Applauds 9th Circuit Decision on Trump Executive Order
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in response to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the suspension of the Trump administration's Muslim Ban: "People across the country have come together to reject and resist the Trump Administration's hateful, xenophobic executive orders - and now the courts have affirmed the resistance. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision to sustain the stay on the executive order is in line with our American values, … Continue Reading
February 08, 2017
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Condemns the Confirmation of Senator Jeff Sessions
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement condemning the confirmation of Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as United States Attorney General: "The confirmation of Senator Jeff Sessions as our nation's Attorney General is outrageous and appalling. The Justice Department is our best tool for protecting civil and human rights, yet Senator Sessions has a long history of opposing civil rights and equality. He has insulted the LGBT community, voted against the Violence … Continue Reading
February 06, 2017
Congresswoman Lee: Betsy DeVos is a Dangerous Choice for our Children
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee released this statement urging her Senate colleagues to vote "no" tomorrow on the nomination of billionaire Betsy DeVos to serve as Secretary of Education: "Betsy DeVos is utterly ill-suited and unqualified to serve as Secretary of Education. In her confirmation hearings, she showed her complete lack of preparation and understanding of our nation's education system - including stunning ignorance of the landmark Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In … Continue Reading