Press Releases
Rep. Lee Statement on May Jobs Report
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the Department of Labor's May Jobs report, which showed the economy created in 38,000 jobs and unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent. May marked the 75th consecutive month of private sector job growth. "Today's jobs report shows that while the Great Recession is behind us, too many families are still struggling to get ahead. Yet Congressional Republicans refuse to take up critical legislation to help working … Continue Reading
June 02, 2016
Congressional Leaders Call for Greater Diversity in Tech
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Members of the Tri-Caucus introduced a Congressional resolution calling for greater transparency and access to computer science education for all students to ensure greater diversity in the booming tech sector. "Every year, the booming tech sector creates thousands of good-paying American jobs but unfortunately, too many of our best and brightest, especially from communities of color, are locked out of these rewarding careers because of a … Continue Reading
May 30, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Issues Memorial Day Statement
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in observance of Memorial Day: "As we celebrate Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation, our families and our freedoms. Our nation has a responsibility to honor their sacrifice by guaranteeing all our service members, veterans, and their families the benefits they've earned, the highest quality services they require, and the resources needed to … Continue Reading
May 19, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Applauds House Passage of Amendment to Expand Medical Cannabis Access for Veterans
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following House passage (233-189) of her co-led amendment to remove restrictions on Veterans Affairs doctors providing access to medical cannabis to our brave veterans: "Today, the House of Representative took a big step forward in expanding access to healthcare for all of our veterans. By expanding access to medical cannabis for veterans living in states with legal markets, we are empowering our veterans, in … Continue Reading
May 19, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Slams Unemployment & Increased Trade Deficit that the TPP Will Create
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement on the U.S. International Trade Commission's report concerning the likely impacts of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): "For years, the TPP has been sold to the American people as a job creator and plan to expand U.S. exports. This new report from the U.S. International Trade Commission shows the exact opposite. By 2032, the report predicts a $21.7 billion increase in the U.S.'s global trade deficit, including a $24 … Continue Reading
May 19, 2016
CAPAC and the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Observe National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Washington, DC - Today is National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Members of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements: Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), CAPAC Healthcare Task Force Co-Chair and Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Co-Chair: "National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day serves as a vital reminder that serious health disparities exist in the Asian American and … Continue Reading
May 18, 2016
Nearly 15 Years Later, Congress FINALLY Examines Blank Check for Endless War & Promptly Kicks the Can on ISIL
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following the House of Representative's vote (138-285) on her National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) amendment to repeal the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) and force a debate and vote on an ISIL-specific AUMF: "I am extremely disappointed that my colleagues left a blank check for endless war on the books. This authorization has been used more than 37 times in 14 countries with little or no … Continue Reading
May 18, 2016
Lee, Schakowsky, DeGette, Slaughter: “Zika’s Coming: GOP Chooses Politics Over Action”
Washington D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) released the following statement in response to the bill introduced by House Republican that would provide insufficient funding to combat the Zika virus: "The Zika virus is a threat to communities and families across the country. Congress should do its job by providing adequate funding to protect Americans, strengthen our … Continue Reading
May 17, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Speaks Out Against Homophobia and Transphobia
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement and these videos marking the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia: "Unfortunately, homophobia, transphobia and discrimination against the LGBT community can still be found in communities across our nation and around the world. Whether it is in the form of hatred, exclusion, bigotry or violence, no form of discrimination should be acceptable in our society," said Congresswoman Lee. "No one should ever … Continue Reading
May 16, 2016
No Hungry Kids: Congresswoman Lee & 110 Members Call on Congress to Have a Conscience
Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, along with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) led a letter, signed by 111 Members of Congress, raising serious concerns about the Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill. The letter also urges House leaders to protect critical child nutrition programs. "Once again, Congressional Republicans are balancing the budget on the backs of poor children, to the detriment of their health and well-being," said Congresswoman … Continue Reading
May 13, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Announces EPA Grant to Cypress Mandela Training Center for Environmental Workforce Training
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee announced that Cypress Mandela Training Center would be one of 18 grantees selected by the Environmental Protection Agency to split approximately $3.5 million in grants. These grants will advance environmental justice through job training programs. "I'd like to congratulate Cypress Mandela Training Center on winning this funding from the Environmental Protection Agency to identify individuals in our communities who face barriers to employment and … Continue Reading
May 12, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Joins National Cannabis Industry Association Press Conference
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined several of her colleagues and members of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) for a press conference on Capitol Hill demanding respect for state laws and fairness for the industry. She prepared this statement: "Today, I'm pleased to join my colleagues and the National Cannabis Industry Association in making one simple request to Congress: "treat the industry just like any other business." It's past time for the federal … Continue Reading
May 09, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Announces $2 Million in Federal Funding for Two East Bay Community Health Centers
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a member of the health funding subcommittee, announced that Asian Health Services and Clinica de la Raza would receive $2 million in federal funding from the Affordable Care Act's Community Health Center (CHC) Fund: "I'd like to congratulate Asian Health Services and Clinica de la Raza for winning this funding to increase patient capacity and expand their primary and comprehensive care programs. For years, these clinics have been national … Continue Reading
May 06, 2016
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Welcomes SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to Celebrate National Small Business Week
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee welcomed the SBA Administrator to the East Bay in celebration of National Small Business Week. She released the following statement: "I am honored to welcome SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to the East Bay as we celebrate National Small Business Week. This week acknowledges small businesses as the true engine of our local economy. I applaud Administrator Contreras-Sweet for her remarkable work in supporting small businesses and expanding … Continue Reading
May 06, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on the April Jobs Report
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement on the Department of Labor's April Jobs Report, which announced that the economy created 160,000 jobs last month: "Today's Jobs Report marks the 74th month of consecutive private sector job growth and shows that our economy continues to rebuild following the Great Recession. With 160,000 jobs created last month alone, our nation is making progress toward ending unemployment. However, clear and troubling disparities persist … Continue Reading
May 04, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Winner of Congressional Arts Competition
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee announced that Albany High School Junior, Christine Wang, was selected as the winner of the annual Congressional Arts Competition, An Artistic Discovery, to represent the 13th Congressional District. "Each year, this competition highlights the talents of so many young artists throughout the East Bay," said Congresswoman Lee. "I congratulate Christine on being this year's winner and I send my warmest regards to all of the talented students who … Continue Reading
May 04, 2016
Unanswered Questions about Yet Another War in the Middle East
MEMORANDUM TO: Editors, Editorial Writers & ReportersFROM: Congresswoman Barbara LeeDATE: May 4th, 2016RE: Unanswered questions about yet another war in the Middle East Every day, the U.S. mission in Iraq and Syria creeps closer and closer toward all-out war. Most recently, the President and Pentagon announced that hundreds more troops will be deployed to Iraq and Syria. As more American troops are headed to fight another open-ended war in the Middle East, many questions remain … Continue Reading
May 03, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Applauds U.S. Attorney’s Decision to End its Unnecessary Case Against Harborside Health Center
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following the U.S. Attorney's decision to drop its case against Harborside Health Center dispensary: "Today's decision by the U.S. Attorney is a victory for healthcare access. For decades, Harborside has helped ensure members of our community can access their medicine. It's past time for the federal government to stop standing between these patients and their medicine. I am proud to have played a part in today's victory … Continue Reading
April 25, 2016
More Troops, More War – Still No Debate
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following President Obama's speech in Hannover, Germany announcing the deployment of an additional 250 troops to Syria: "Nearly every day, we see the U.S. mission in Iraq and Syria creep closer and closer toward all-out war, while Congress refuses to muster the courage to even debate it. In January, both Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnell called for a debate; four months later, neither have brought a debate to the … Continue Reading
April 20, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on Plan to Honor Harriet Tubman on the New $20 Bill
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, released this statement on news that Harriet Tubman would replace President Andrew Jackson on the U.S. twenty dollar bill: "Adding Harriet Tubman to the $20 bill is a fitting honor for a woman who stood against injustice and put her life on the line to deliver more than 300 people to freedom. Harriet Tubman was born a slave but by the time of her death, she was regarded as one of our nation's most iconic and inspirational leaders. She was a … Continue Reading