Press Releases
Congresswoman Lee Welcomes Secretary Castro to the East Bay to Discuss Public-Private Partnerships to Address Housing Crisis
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee welcomed the Honorable Julian Castro, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to the East Bay to participate in a tour of the Lion Creek Crossings housing complex and learn about the programs and resources readily available to its residents. Following the tour, Congresswoman Lee hosted a roundtable discussion with Secretary Castro, stakeholders from Uber, Google, and Facebook and housing advocates to discuss the need to preserve affordable … Continue Reading
December 13, 2016
Congresswoman Barbara Lee: "Trump's Misguided Secretary of State Selection Jeopardizes National Security"
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump's decision to nominate ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State: "I am deeply troubled by Donald Trump's decision to nominate ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to serve as our nation's chief diplomat. The Secretary of State represents America's interests across the globe and advocates for diplomatic solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our nation and the world. America's … Continue Reading
December 10, 2016
Rep. Lee Statement on Senate Passage of Resolution Honoring Victims of Oakland Fire
Washington, DC - On Saturday, December 10th, the United States Senate passed S. Res 637, a resolution honoring the individuals who lost their lives in the tragic fire in Oakland, California on December 2nd, 2016. The resolution also commended the brave first responders who worked tirelessly under difficult conditions to bring comfort to the families of the victims. Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement: "I want to thank the Senate for passing this resolution in memory of … Continue Reading
December 10, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Attends Launch of Bay Area Hygiene Kit Program
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined SupplyBank.org, Kaiser Permanente, the Alameda County Public Health Department, and First 5 Alameda County to kick off the Bay Area's Baby Hygiene Kit Program to raise awareness about the struggle many families face to afford diapers for their children. Nearly 20,000 diapers, 60,000 baby wipes, and hundreds of "diaper backpacks" and other items will be distributed to families through this vital program. "I would like to thank … Continue Reading
December 08, 2016
U.S. House of Representatives Observes Moment of Silence for Victims of the Oakland Fire
WASHINGTON, DC - On Thursday, December 8th, the U.S. House of Representatives observed a moment of silence for the victims of the tragic Oakland warehouse fire. Prior to the moment of silence, Congresswoman Lee delivered remarks honoring the victims of the Oakland fire. "Last weekend, my home city of Oakland, California suffered a horrific tragedy. A devastating fire at an artists' collective warehouse in the Fruitvale neighborhood in Oakland killed 36 young, talented individuals. These were … Continue Reading
December 06, 2016
Congresswoman Lee: The Pentagon is Defrauding the American People
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released a statement responding to reports that the Pentagon buried a study identifying $125 billion in waste from the agency: "For decades, officials have resisted any serious efforts to reign in bloated Pentagon spending. Yesterday, the Washington Post revealed just how far they'll go to bury evidence of rampant waste, fraud and abuse. "Reports show that Pentagon officials intentionally deceived Congress and the American people to hide at least $125 … Continue Reading
December 06, 2016
Congresswoman Lee: White House Use of Force Report Shows Urgent Need to Repeal 2001 War Authorization
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the use of force report released by the White House yesterday: "I applaud President Obama for requesting this report and bringing much-needed transparency to our military operations. "This report reveals the vast scope of US military operations, in our nation and abroad, as well as the administration's reliance on the outdated 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force. "In the 15 years since its passage, this … Continue Reading
December 05, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Applauds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Decision Rejecting Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' decision not to grant an easement for construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline under Lake Oahe: "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' announcement that they will not grant an easement for the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline under Lake Oahe is a victory for tribal sovereignty, environmental justice, and the countless individuals who raised their voices in opposition to this … Continue Reading
December 04, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Releases Update on Oakland Fire
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement following the tragic 31st Avenue fire: "As the entire East Bay mourns the devastating impact of this tragedy, I continue to extend my deepest condolences and prayers to the families of the victims, especially as more families learn the fate of their loved ones. "Today, I spoke with the White House to update them on our efforts. I will continue to support the hard work of Mayor Libby Schaaf and City Officials to provide … Continue Reading
December 03, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on 31st Avenue Fire
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement following the tragic 31st Avenue fire: Today the entire East Bay community is in mourning as we come to understand the scale of the devastation caused by this fire. I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to the victims of this unimaginable tragedy and their families. I am incredibly grateful to the firefighters and first responders who worked so hard to prevent further loss of life and I am confident that Oakland … Continue Reading
December 02, 2016
Congresswoman Lee’s Statement on November Jobs Report
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, chair of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity, released the following statement on the Department of Labor's November Jobs Report. The report shows that the economy added 178,000 jobs in November. "Today's jobs report is a promising sign that our economy continues to pick up steam under President Obama's leadership, despite continued Republican obstruction. However, more work remains to address employment and … Continue Reading
December 02, 2016
Congresswoman Lee to Serve as Vice Chair of the Steering & Policy Committee
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was appointed to serve as Vice Chair of the Steering and Policy Committee. "I am deeply humbled by Leader Pelosi's appointment to serve as Vice Chair of the Steering and Policy Committee. As we prepare to stand up to a Trump Administration, our caucus and party must be more united than ever," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "As Vice Chair of the Steering and Policy Committee, I am committed to supporting my colleagues and their agendas while … Continue Reading
November 30, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Race
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement: "I'm deeply humbled and grateful for all the support that I've received in my campaign to serve as the next Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus. I'd like to congratulate Congresswoman Linda Sánchez on her election to this position. I look forward to working with her to unite our caucus and fight for American families." # # # Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the … Continue Reading
November 28, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on the Passing of Fidel Castro
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a steering committee member of the Congressional Cuba Working Group, released this statement on the passing of Cuban President Fidel Castro: "My deepest condolences to Fidel Castro's family and the Cuban people during this time. While there are many disagreements between our countries, President Castro was a recognized world leader who was dedicated to the Cuban people. It is my hope that we continue to build on President Obama's efforts … Continue Reading
November 18, 2016
Congresswoman Barbara Lee: “Trump must end his flirtation with xenophobia and racism”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement concerning President-elect Trump's recent staff announcements: "With each passing day, Congress and the American people get a clearer look into the Trump White House. People of conscience are horrified by what we've seen. The Justice Department is our nation's best instrument for protecting our civil rights and voting rights. I am appalled by the decision to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions, a man rejected from serving on the federal bench for … Continue Reading
November 09, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Responds to 2016 Election
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement concerning the 2016 Presidential Election: "We must have faith in our Constitution, our democracy and the American people - but we cannot and will not allow the doors of opportunity to be closed. We must stand together to defend our values; to defend economic, racial and social justice; to defend human rights. We will keep fighting for what's right, because it matters - that's who we are." # # # Congresswoman Lee is a member … Continue Reading
November 04, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Response to October Jobs Report
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, chair of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity, released the following statement on the Department of Labor's October Jobs Report. The report shows that the economy added 161,000 jobs in October; since early 2010, the economy has added 15.5 million new private sector jobs. "Today's job report shows that our economy continues to grow and create jobs under President Obama's leadership. With more than 15.5 million … Continue Reading
November 02, 2016
Federal Investments in the East Bay
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released an interactive map showing federal grants and small business administration investments in California's 13th Congressional district. "I'm committed to bringing federal funds to the East Bay. These funds invest in our community, from ground-breaking research and transportation infrastructure to programs that empower young people and grow small businesses," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "Make no mistake, these funds are having a real, … Continue Reading
October 26, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Recognized with Leading Light Award by Immigration Equality
Oakland, CA - Today Congresswoman Barbara Lee received the Leading Light award from Immigration Equality at the organization's SHINE event hosted, in New York City. "I am deeply humbled to receive this award from Immigration Equality, an organization that's on the front lines fighting for humanity in our broken immigration system, especially amongst LGBTQ people who are disproportionately at risk," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "For too long, our broken immigration system has callously torn … Continue Reading
October 24, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Remembers the Life and Legacy of State Senator Tom Hayden
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement upon the passing on former State Senator Tom Hayden: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of my long-time friend, Tom Hayden. Throughout his life, Tom was a champion for peace, justice and human rights. From founding Students for a Democratic Society to participating in the Freedom Rides, Tom was tirelessly devoted to advancing equality and justice for all. For eighteen years, Tom faithfully served the people of California … Continue Reading