Press Releases
Congresswoman Lee: “We Cannot Continue to Underwrite an Ill-Defined & Dangerous Mission Against ISIL”
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following the announcement that the Department of Defense will deploy more than 200 service members to support the fight to recapture Mosul from ISIL: "Yesterday's announcement that the U.S. will deploy more than 200 additional troops to Iraq to assist in the fight against ISIL is textbook mission creep. Instead of ending our counterproductive military engagement, we will be sending in Apache helicopters for the first time … Continue Reading
April 15, 2016
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Responds to Republican Failure to Meet Statutory Budget Deadline
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a member of the House Budget Committee, released this statement on the Republican failure to meet the critical April 15th budget deadline: "Republicans failing to meet the statutory deadline for budget enactment is simply unacceptable. The American people deserve better than a do-nothing Republican Congress that consistently misses critical legal deadlines that are vital for our economy and the future of American families. No family, … Continue Reading
April 14, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Calls for a New War On Poverty
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, House Democrats, and anti-poverty experts at a House Democratic Steering and Policy hearing entitled "The Failure of Trickle Down Economics in the War on Poverty." Among the witnesses was Oakland resident Violet Henderson, who shared her personal story of overcoming poverty. "The testimony we heard today highlighted the daily struggles faced by more than 46 million … Continue Reading
April 12, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Calls for Pro-Women, Pro-Family Policies on Equal Pay Day
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement marking Equal Pay Day. This day symbolizes when the average woman's paycheck finally catches up to men's paychecks from the previous year: "In 2016, equal pay for equal work should be the reality. Yet, millions of hardworking women continue to experience institutionalized sexism with every paycheck. On average, for every dollar that a man earns, women earn just 79 cents. For women of color, the situation is even … Continue Reading
April 01, 2016
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on the March Jobs Report
Oakland, CA - Today, the Department of Labor announced that the economy continued to grow steadily in March, creating 215,000 new jobs. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, chair of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity, released this statement: "The March Jobs Report, which marks the 73rd consecutive month of private sector job growth, shows that our economy continues to make progress towards full employment. Clearly, President Obama's efforts to rebuild our … Continue Reading
March 23, 2016
Congresswoman Lee & 67 Members of Congress Call for Computer Science for All Funding
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Lee and 67 other Members of Congress sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee of Labor, Health and Human Service, Education and Related Agencies. The letter called on the subcommittee to fund the President's Computer Science for All Initiative. The President's Initiative is designed to provide every American student with access to the computer science skills they need to succeed in our 21st … Continue Reading
March 20, 2016
We Must “Hear Indigenous Voices” in the Fight to End HIV/AIDS – Marking National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Oakland, CA - Since 2007, National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day has been observed on the first day of Spring. In 2016, this day will be marked on March 20th. The theme of this year's awareness day is "Hear Indigenous Voices: Uniting the Bold Voices of American Indians, Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islanders". This day began as an opportunity to increase local and global awareness about the impacts of HIV/AIDS on American Indian and Alaska Native communities. In … Continue Reading
March 18, 2016
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joins President Obama in Opening A New Chapter in U.S.-Cuba Relations
Oakland, CA - On Sunday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee will join President Obama on his historic trip to Cuba, the first trip by a sitting President in nearly 90 years. She released this statement: "I am so honored to be joining the President for this historic visit to Cuba. Through his bold leadership, President Obama is helping chart a new course forward between our two nations and it's past time for Congress to join him. This visit is the next important step in ending more than 50 years of … Continue Reading
March 18, 2016
East Bay Students Join Congresswoman Barbara Lee on Civil Rights Pilgrimage to South Carolina
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee and students from the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center will travel to South Carolina to participate in the Faith & Politics Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage. "The Faith & Politics Annual Congressional Pilgrimage provides an opportunity for future generations to reflect on the Civil Rights Movement and gain greater understanding of how it has shaped our country. This Pilgrimage also provides an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the … Continue Reading
March 15, 2016
Rep. Barbara Lee Endorses the Congressional Progressive Caucus's Budget
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a member of the House Budget and Appropriations Committees, released this statement on the Congressional Progressive Caucus budget for Fiscal Year 2017, calledThe People's Budget: Prosperity Not Austerity; Invest in America: "Today, I proudly stand with my colleagues in the Progressive Caucus in unveiling The People's Budget. This comprehensive, progressive alternative budget stands in stark contrast to Congressional Republicans' repeated … Continue Reading
March 15, 2016
Congresswoman Lee and Senator Stabenow Celebrate World Social Work Day
Washington DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced a bicameral congressional resolution marking March 15th as World Social Work Day and celebrating March as Social Work Month. "As a psychiatric social worker, I know firsthand the critical contributions that social workers make to our communities," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "Social workers are tireless advocates for the vulnerable and voiceless. Through their work, they promote empathy … Continue Reading
March 06, 2016
Rep. Lee Honors Voting Rights Foot Soldiers & Works to Protect Their Legacy in Alabama
Selma, AL - This weekend, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a member of the Democratic Outreach and Engagement Task Force, traveled to Alabama for the 51st Selma-to-Montgomery Bridge Crossing and Congresswoman Sewell's "Restore the Vote: A Congressional Forum on the Current State of Voting Rights in America." Congresswoman Lee released this statement: "Fifty one years ago, six hundred young people, faith leaders and activists changed the course of history by marching from Selma to Montgomery. On … Continue Reading
March 04, 2016
Flint Water Crisis Begs the Question: "Would This Have Happened in a Rich, White City?"
Flint, MI - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI) and several of her Democratic colleagues in visiting Flint families affected by the city's water crisis. She released this statement: "I am in Flint today to bear witness to the real impact of this man-made and entirely preventable tragedy. My constituents and I are appalled by this injustice and we are committed to doing everything necessary to help this community. Lead in … Continue Reading
March 04, 2016
Rep. Lee Releases Statement on the February Jobs Report
Oakland, CA - Today, the Department of Labor announced that the economy continued to grow steadily in February, creating 242,000 new jobs and holding unemployment steady at 4.9%. February marks the 72nd consecutive month of private sector job growth. Congresswoman Lee, chair of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity, released this statement: "February's Job Report shows sustained progress in our economic recovery. February marked the 72nd consecutive … Continue Reading
March 03, 2016
National Head Start Association Awards PROMISE Award to Rep. Barbara Lee
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) received the National Head Start Association's PROMISE Award for her long-time advocacy and support for Head Start. "We are delighted to honor Congresswoman Barbara Lee for her stalwart support of Head Start," said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. "Congresswoman Lee has remained steadfast in her commitment to serving our nation's most vulnerable children and families, and we look forward to continuing our work together to prepare … Continue Reading
March 02, 2016
Rep Lee & Rep DeSaulnier Continue to Push to Recognize Port Chicago 50
Washington, DC - As part of their ongoing effort to bring attention to the injustice suffered by the Port Chicago 50, Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) and Barbara Lee (CA-13) introduced House Resolution (H. Res. 616) calling for the public exoneration of the African American sailors who were wrongfully convicted following the deadliest home front disaster of World War II at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California. The resolution is co-sponsored by several Members of Democratic … Continue Reading
February 24, 2016
Rep. Lee Honors the Heroes of the 1965 Civil Rights Marches and Calls on Congress to Preserve Their Legacy
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the Foot Soldiers of the 1965 Voting Rights Marches: "Today, our nation recognizes the enormous contributions of the Civil Rights foot soldiers that fought, bled and died to ensure every American has the right to vote. Today's recognition is a long overdue celebration of their courage and commitment to progress, justice and opportunity for all. Their example … Continue Reading
February 23, 2016
Rep. Lee: “Closing GITMO Protects Our Values and National Security”
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus' Peace and Security Task Force, released this statement concerning President Obama's plan to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: "Today, the President sent Congress a strong plan to responsibly end detentions at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Now, Congress must act to protect our values and national security. For far too long, the indefinite detentions at Guantanamo Bay have undermined our … Continue Reading
February 18, 2016
Presidential Visit to Cuba is “Next Step in Continued Efforts to End Fifty-Plus Years of Failed Policy” Says Rep. Lee
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Cuba Working Group, released this statement on news that President Obama would travel to Cuba: "I applaud the President for announcing this historic trip to Cuba. This trip is the next step in his continued efforts to end fifty plus years of failed U.S. policy toward Cuba. A little more than a year ago, President Obama announced a new chapter in U.S.-Cuba relations. In the last 14 months, President Obama has … Continue Reading
February 10, 2016
Rep. Lee and Rep. Moore Slam Use of Political Stunts to Attack Social Programs
Washington, D.C. - Today, Budget Committee members, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04), sent a letter to Chairman Tom Price expressing their collective concern regarding reports that House Republicans intend to use the budget reconciliation process to attack critical social safety net programs. "Today, more than 46 million Americans are living in poverty, including one in five American children. Republican proposals to use the budget process to make … Continue Reading