Press Releases
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Welcomes Oakland Pastor Brondon Reems as Guest Chaplain
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee welcomed Pastor Brondon Reems from the Center of Hope Community Church in Oakland as the Guest Chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives. “I am proud to welcome Pastor Reems to the US Capitol. In Oakland, Pastor Reems has been a pillar of community and a champion for youth and the most vulnerable,” said Congresswoman Lee. “I am so glad Congress had the chance to hear his message of peace and service today. His commitment to the East … Continue Reading
September 15, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Calls for End to Anti-Women’s Health Rhetoric and a Return to Responsible Government
Washington, DC - As Congress rapidly approaches another GOP shutdown, Congresswoman Lee released this statement on the attacks on women’s health and called for responsible governing: “Today, Congress stands just seven legislative days from another manufactured GOP government shutdown that would cripple our recovering economy. The last time the Tea Party wing shuttered the government, it cost our economy $24 billion. Two years later, they still have not learned their lesson and are … Continue Reading
September 14, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on New Regulations for California’s Cannabis Industry
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement on California’s new regulations for the state’s cannabis industry: “I am pleased that the California legislature has taken an important step forward by passing a comprehensive regulatory framework to improve patient care, provide greater certainty for the industry and protect our environment. In Congress, I intend to continue working toward federal government policies that respect state marijuana laws. The federal … Continue Reading
September 11, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on Anniversary of 9/11
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement recognizing the anniversary of September 11, 2001: “Fourteen years ago, the world witnessed a terrible attack against our nation. These events shattered our sense of security but from this tragedy, the American people arose united. In those dark moments, the American people reached out to help one another and the American spirit prevailed over fear. Today, we honor the thousands lost on that day and those we’ve … Continue Reading
September 11, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Release of Sickle Cell Toolkit
Washington, DC - This week, the Centers for Disease Control, the American Society of Hematology and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America released an updated Sickle Cell Trait toolkit to provide community members with health education materials and resources. One in twelve African Americans are diagnosed with the Sickle Cell Trait. “Sickle Cell Disease is our nation’s most common inherited blood disorder, and more than three million Americas carry the Sickle Cell Trait. Tragically, … Continue Reading
September 09, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Nominated as a Representative to the United Nations by President Obama
Washington, D.C. - Today, President Obama announced his nomination of Congresswoman Barbara Lee to serve as a Representative of the United States to the Seventieth United Nations General Assembly: “I am deeply honored by this nomination. I look forward to representing my Congressional colleagues at the United Nations and working to strengthen relations between parliamentarians around the globe. I’d like to personally thank President Obama for this nomination and Leader Pelosi for her … Continue Reading
September 09, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Urges Congress to Join Majority of Americans in Supporting Iran Nuclear Deal
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee spoke on the House floor urging her colleagues to support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal. Congresswoman Lee has long advocated for the use of diplomacy to rein in Iran’s nuclear program. In the 112th and 113th Congresses, Congresswoman Lee introduced the Prevent Iran from Acquiring a Nuclear Weapon and Stop War Through Diplomacy Act. This legislation sought to end the … Continue Reading
September 07, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on August Jobs Report
Oakland, CA - Today, the Department of Labor announced that August marked the 66th consecutive month of private sector job growth, the longest period of private sector job growth in American history. Congresswoman Lee released this statement: “Today’s jobs report shows ongoing progress for our recovering economy and continues the longest consecutive period of private sector job growth in our history. It is clear that President Obama’s efforts to improve our economy are working. Yet House … Continue Reading
September 06, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Marks Labor Day with Call for More Action to Support Working Americans
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement marking Labor Day: “Today, we, as a nation, pause to remember the triumphs of the labor movement and the ongoing contributions of American workers to our nation. America’s workers are the most productive in the history of the world. Breakthroughs in technology, manufacturing and the digital revolution had increased worker productivity and have help build our world-leading economy. Yet, despite these advancements, … Continue Reading
September 01, 2015
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $16 Million in Federal Head Start Funds
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced a $16,470,400 federal grant awarded to the City of Oakland to support Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “I am excited to announce this critical funding for the City to expand and sustain its Head Start Programs,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “Providing access to early education programs is vital to closing the educational gap, breaking the … Continue Reading
August 27, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Marks 10th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement marking the upcoming 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina: “Ten years after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, much work still remains to rebuild and address the hurricane’s devastation, which disproportionately affected women, communities of color, low-income families and those living with HIV/AIDS. Despite numerous scholarly examinations of the historical, institutional and geographic causes of the disparate … Continue Reading
August 26, 2015
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Remembers Amelia Boynton Robinson
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement on the passing of Amelia Boynton Robinson, the first African American woman to run for Congress in Alabama and a leader of the civil rights marches in Selma, Alabama: “My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Amelia Boynton Robinson today. Amelia was a trailblazer. Throughout her 104 years, she championed civil rights and worked tirelessly to realize justice and equality for all Americans. … Continue Reading
August 17, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Ryan White CARE Act
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, released this statement marking the 25th anniversary of the enactment of the Ryan White CARE Act: “For the past 25 years, the Ryan White CARE Act has been a vital lifeline for Americans living with HIV/AIDS. This important legislation provides vital resources and medical coverage to ensure those living with HIV/AIDS are connected with the life-saving treatment and care that they need. Each … Continue Reading
August 17, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Remembers the Life and Legacy of Julian Bond
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Lee released this statement upon the passing of Civil Rights leader Julian Bond: I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend Julian Bond. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. I have known Julian since the early 1970s and most recently stood with him to remember the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam peace movement in Washington DC. As a co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Corrdinating Committee (SNCC), Julian … Continue Reading
August 13, 2015
Congresswoman Lee to Attend Embassy Opening in Havana
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s office announced she will accompany Secretary of State John Kerry to the U.S. flag-raising ceremony in Havana. The Congresswoman released this statement: “I am honored to join Secretary of State John Kerry, American diplomats and my Congressional colleagues on this historic trip to open the U.S. Embassy in Havana. The opening of this embassy marks a new chapter in relations between the U.S. and Cuba. With renewed and regular diplomatic … Continue Reading
August 07, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on July Jobs Report
Oakland, CA - Today, the Department of Labor announced that July marked the 65th consecutive month of private sector job growth, the longest period of private sector job growth in American history. Congresswoman Lee released this statement: “Today’s jobs report marks another step in the right direction for our recovering economy and continues the longest consecutive period of private sector job growth in our history. It is clear that President Obama’s leadership is helping our economy … Continue Reading
August 06, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Calls for Action to Protect the Vote on the 50th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement marking the 50th anniversary of the entrance into effect of the Voting Rights Act: “The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy. We cannot allow this sacred right to be undone by laws and policies designed to suppress the voice of the American people. Fifty years ago, our nation took an enormous leap for equality with the passage of the Voting Rights Act. This landmark legislation was not inevitable. It was realized … Continue Reading
August 04, 2015
Oakland Becomes TechHire Community, Charge Led by Congresswoman Lee
Oakland, CA - Today, President Obama announced 10 new TechHire Communities, including Oakland. “I am pleased to see Oakland become a TechHire Community. The city’s commitment to empowering people with work based on their skill set and advance tech training is remarkable and vital to the continued economic growth of our community,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “I am proud to have been a part of this tremendous effort and I look forward to working with city officials to expand this … Continue Reading
July 31, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Second Chance Pell Pilot Program
Washington D.C. - Today, President Obama announced a Second Chance Pell pilot program to test new models which would allow incarcerated Americans to receive Pell grants and pursue postsecondary education. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who has long championed this effort as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, released this statement: “I applaud the President’s action in announcing this important pilot program. An education is … Continue Reading
July 30, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Updated National HIV/AIDS Strategy
Washington, D.C. - Today, President Obama signed an Executive Order releasing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy: Updated to 2020, a pivotal step in advancing the goal of an AIDS-free generation. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who strongly advocated for the creation of the original strategy in 2010, applauded the President’s action outlining the key priorities in domestic HIV/AIDS prevention, research and treatment over the next five years. “In 2010, President Obama took a bold step in laying … Continue Reading