Press Releases
Congresswoman Lee Delivers CBC Message to America
Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee delivered the Congressional Black Caucus’s (CBC) Message to America. In her message, Congresswoman Lee spoke of the CBC’s efforts to build pathways into the middle class for the more than 45 million Americans living in poverty. ### Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black … Continue Reading
June 11, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Responds to Additional Troop Deployment to Iraq
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Lee released this statement on news that the White House will deploy hundreds more American troops to Iraq to counter ISIL: “Our nation is in the midst of another war in the Middle East, a war that has lasted nearly a year and has yet to be debated or authorized by Congress. More than 3,000 American servicemen and women are currently serving in Iraq and hundreds more will now be deployed. It’s past time for Congress to live up to its Constitutional … Continue Reading
June 10, 2015
Congresswoman Lee: “We cannot allow another bad trade deal to jeopardize more jobs”
Washington, DC - As Congress begins consideration of Trade Promotion Authority for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined her colleagues at a press conference to reaffirm her opposition to Fast Track. “We owe the American people a trade deal that creates American jobs, not one that gambles with families’ livelihoods,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Fast Track only serves to push a secret agreement through Congress that endangers American jobs, human rights and our … Continue Reading
June 04, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Backs Legislation to HALT Campus Sexual Assault
Berkeley, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following the re-introduction of the HALT on Campus Sexual Assault Act: “Campus sexual assault is an epidemic plaguing higher education. It’s estimated that one in five women will be the victim of sexual assault or an attempted assault during her college career. This is heartbreaking and utterly unacceptable. I am proud to serve the people of the 13th district, which includes the University of California - Berkeley. I’ve … Continue Reading
June 04, 2015
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on May Jobs Report
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement upon the Department of Labor’s announcement that the economy added 280,000 jobs in May, marking the 63rd consecutive month of private sector job growth. “I am pleased to see businesses continuing to hire and create jobs. However, today’s report also shows that the economic recovery is still not reaching all Americans. While the Latino unemployment rate declined slightly (0.2) to 6.7 percent, it is still two … Continue Reading
June 03, 2015
Congresswomen Barbara Lee and Marcia L. Fudge Announce Friendly Wager on the NBA Finals Championship
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) and announced a friendly wager over the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. Up for grabs are local favorites from their respective cities, but most importantly, bragging rights for the next year. If the Warriors win, Congresswoman Fudge will offer her California colleague chocolates, peanuts and pastries made in the heart of Cleveland. If the Cavaliers win, Congresswoman Lee will supply her … Continue Reading
June 03, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Introduces Congressional Resolution Calling For Sickle Cell Trait Research
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following the introduction of her bipartisan resolution calling for increased efforts for Sickle Cell Trait research and a national campaign to raise awareness about the Sickle Cell Trait: “Sickle Cell Disease is our nation’s most commonly inherited blood disorder and affects an estimated 100,000 Americans. More than three million Americans, including one in twelve African Americans and one in one hundred Latinos, carry … Continue Reading
June 02, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Co-Leads Efforts to Protect State Laws on Medical Marijuana
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined a bipartisan coalition in advancing a successful amendment to the Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to protect state medical marijuana programs. The amendment, offered in partnership with Representatives Rohrabacher (R-CA), Farr (D-CA), Ribble (R-WI), Massie (R-KY), Blumenauer (D-OR), Heck (R-NV), Cohen (D-TN), Young (R-AK), Polis (D-CO), McClintock (R-CA) and Titus … Continue Reading
June 02, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Fights To Stop Endless War in Appropriations Committee
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s amendment recognizing the Congressional role in debating military force against the Islamic State passed the Appropriations Committee in a bipartisan vote. This amendment recognized that Congress should exercise its constitutional duty to debate and vote on an authorization for the use of military force against ISIL. “More than eight months into yet another open-ended war in the Middle East, Congress has yet to live up to its … Continue Reading
May 31, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement celebrating the start of Caribbean American Heritage Month: “It is an honor to once again mark June as Caribbean American Heritage Month. Caribbean Americans have added to our history, culture and communities in countless ways. The unique relationship between the United States and the Caribbean has enriched both regions and this month is a wonderful time to celebrate our shared past and future. This month also … Continue Reading
May 31, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Celebrates LGBT Pride Month
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a founding member and Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, released this statement in honor of LGBT Pride Month: “Each June, our nation celebrates the immeasurable contributions of our nation’s LGBT community and recommits itself to the ongoing fight for full equality. In recent years, we have made major strides towards greater equality. Marriage equality is now a reality in 37 states and Washington, D.C. and more people … Continue Reading
May 28, 2015
Congresswoman Lee’s Applauds "Long Overdue" Action to Remove Cuba from State Sponsor of Terror List
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement applauding the removal of Cuba’s Designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism: “The removal of Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism List is a long overdue step toward normalizing relations with our Caribbean neighbor. By taking this action, President Obama is once again showing his leadership and his willingness to build a more productive relationship between our two nations. Along with many of my colleagues, I have … Continue Reading
May 25, 2015
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 have fought and given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and defend our freedoms. As a nation, we must honor their sacrifice and the sacrifices of their families by guaranteeing them the very best care and the resources they need to transition back to civilian life. This Memorial Day, we must … Continue Reading
May 20, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Leads Letter to President Urging Fair Chance Hiring
Washington, D.C. - Today, more than 70 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, sent a letter to President Obama to adopt a federal fair chance hiring policy. This effort was co-led by Congressman Conyers, Congressman Scott, Congressman Davis, and Congresswoman Jackson Lee. "The federal government should not be in the business of erecting barriers between those who have made a mistake and are looking a job," said Congresswoman Lee. "By enacting these … Continue Reading
May 19, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Named as One of the Most Influential Women in Congress
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee has been named as one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Congress by Roll Call, a leading Capitol Hill newspaper devoted to covering Congress. “It is an honor and privilege to be named to this list along with many of my amazing colleagues,” said Congresswoman Lee. Specifically, Congresswoman Lee was listed as a “debate shaper and swing vote” given her strong and principled stands, particularly on national security and poverty … Continue Reading
May 19, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Joins Launch of CBC Tech 2020
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Diversity Task Force, joined CBC Chairman G.K. Butterfield and Task Force members in launching the CBC Tech 2020 Initiative. The CBC Tech 2020 Initiative is a bold program designed to engage the tech sector in a coordinated effort to achieve full representation of African Americans by 2020. “Technology has revolutionized our lives and continues to be a driving force in our economy. … Continue Reading
May 18, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement Marking National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement marking National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which is commemorated on May 19th every year: "National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day serves as a vital reminder that serious health disparities exist in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We must continue to work to ensure that culturally and linguistically-competent education, counseling, testing and care are … Continue Reading
May 14, 2015
Bipartisan NDAA Amendment Seeks to Audit the Pentagon
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Lee joined Congressman Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) in introducing an amendment to the FY16 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) - H.R. 1735 - to advance auditability of the Pentagon. With the passage of the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990, all government agencies were required to achieve audit-readiness. Twenty-five years later, the Pentagon remains unauditable. “Unauditable is unacceptable. It has been more than two decades since the … Continue Reading
May 14, 2015
Congressional Resolution Calls for End to Homophobia and Transphobia
Washington D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced a Congressional resolution in support of the goals and ideals of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. The resolution was introduced with more than 60 cosponsors. This resolution highlights the more than nine million Americans, including two and half million school-aged young people, who identify as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. “Unfortunately, homophobia, … Continue Reading
May 14, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Introduces Resolution to Support the COPS Program & Police Force Diversity
Washington, D.C. - Last week, in celebration of National Police Week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced a Congressional resolution supporting community-oriented policing and encouraging greater diversity in law enforcement. “Following the recent high-profile deaths of unarmed black men by law enforcement officers, more Americans have come to understand the need for real criminal justice reform, greater police force diversity and stronger community-oriented and focused policing … Continue Reading