Press Releases
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on February Jobs Report
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement upon the release of the Department of Labor’s February Jobs Report. The report announced an additional 295,000 jobs were created and the unemployment rate declined to 5.5 percent. February 2015 marked the 60th consecutive month of private sector job growth. “I am pleased to see the U.S. unemployment rate continuing to decline as businesses hire workers. Tragically, this recovery remains unequal and too many … Continue Reading
March 03, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement of DO Report on Ferguson Police Force
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement regarding the Department of Justice’s decision to not take legal action in the case of Michael Brown: “My heart continues to go out to Michael Brown’s family and community at this difficult time. While I am extremely disappointed that Michael Brown’s killer will not face criminal charges, the Attorney General’s report represents a clear path forward to ensuring justice for all in Ferguson, MO. The report shows that … Continue Reading
March 03, 2015
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates Women’s History Month & Calls for Action on Pay Inequality
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement honoring Women’s History Month: “Throughout our nation’s history, inspiring and visionary women have strengthened our democracy, worked to build our nation’s economy and fought for progressive values. Each March, we pause to remember their contributions and seek inspiration to shatter the remaining glass ceilings. As we reflect on their sacrifices and victories, we remind ourselves that when women succeed, America … Continue Reading
March 02, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Welcomes the SBA Administrator to the East Bay
Oakland, CA - Today, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator and Cabinet member, Maria Contreras-Sweet visited the East Bay. “I would like to welcome Administrator Contreras-Sweet to the East Bay and thank her for her remarkable work to promote small businesses,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “As a former small business owner, I know that women, minority and LGBT-owned businesses are critical assets to the economic growth and empowerment of our community. I am glad to see … Continue Reading
March 02, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on Prime Minister Netanyahu's Speech
Washington, D.C. - Following Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement: “I have grave concerns about the Prime Minister’s address, especially its inappropriate timing. Just two weeks before the Israeli election, the speech is essentially a campaign commercial for Prime Minister Netanyahu. While Israel is and will continue to be one of America’s most important allies, the Prime Minister’s speech undermines U.S. foreign policy and our … Continue Reading
March 01, 2015
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Marks Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week
Washington, D.C. - To mark Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee reintroduced an annual resolution supporting the Goals and Ideals of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week. This resolution was first introduced in 2008. “I hope this resolution increases awareness about this disease that my family and hundreds of thousands of families around our nation face,” said Congresswoman Lee. “My sister, Mildred has lived with MS for more than 40 years. Her courage and the … Continue Reading
February 28, 2015
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates Women’s History Month & Calls for Action on Pay Inequality
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement honoring Women’s History Month: “Throughout our nation’s history, inspiring and visionary women have strengthened our democracy, worked to build our nation’s economy and fought for progressive values. Each March, we pause to remember their contributions and seek inspiration to shatter the remaining glass ceilings. As we reflect on their sacrifices and victories, we remind ourselves that when women succeed, … Continue Reading
February 22, 2015
Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Serve as Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus in 114th Congress
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement regarding serving as a Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus for the 114th Congress. “I am honored to again serve as a Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. The Equality Caucus is an important voice for members and allies of the LGBT community, at home and abroad,” said Congresswoman Lee. “As we continue to fight discrimination and work to ensure equality for all, the Equality Caucus continues … Continue Reading
February 20, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on ILWU and PWA Tentative Agreement
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following the announcement of a tentative five year agreement between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association: "The announced tentative agreement between ILWU and PMA is good news for workers, consumers, businesses and our economy. Ports are essential to our nation's economic success. California's and the West's ports are a critical link to commerce around our country … Continue Reading
February 19, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Calls for Submissions for the 2015 Congressional Arts Competition
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued a call for submissions for the 2015 Congressional Arts Competition: An Artistic Discovery, a year-long exhibit sponsored by more than 300 Members of Congress. “Each year, the Congressional Arts Competition gets better as it highlights the amazing artistic abilities of young people from across the country,” said Congresswoman Lee. “We must remember that artistic expression is vital to a student’s academic and personal … Continue Reading
February 19, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Welcomes Secretary Castro to the East Bay
Oakland, CA - Yesterday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee welcomed the Honorable Julian Castro, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to the East Bay: “I am very glad that Secretary Castro accepted my invitation to come to the East Bay and join yesterday’s My Brother’s Keeper roundtable in Oakland. Smart development and affordable housing are critical issues in the East Bay. It was an honor to have Secretary Castro join us to discuss coordinating local and federal initiatives to ensure … Continue Reading
February 17, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Announces $5 Million DOT Grant Award for BART
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee announced a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration program for the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). “I am pleased that BART has been selected to receive this important safety funding,” said Congresswoman Lee. “These funds will provide BART workers with needed security as they fulfill their duties to ensure safe, reliable and environmentally-friendly transit around East Bay and the … Continue Reading
February 12, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Leads Bipartisan Coalition to Ensure Transparency and Accountability at the Pentagon
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was joined by Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) in introducing the bipartisan Audit the Pentagon Act of 2015. With the passage of the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990, all government agencies were supposed to achieve audit-readiness. Twenty-five years later, the Pentagon remains unauditable. The legislation would impose a small penalty on Pentagon accounting units that are not auditable. The … Continue Reading
February 11, 2015
Congresswoman Lee’s Statement of the President’s Authorization for Military Force Proposal
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement concerning the President’s proposed Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF): “It is past time for Congress to finally debate and vote on a comprehensive strategy to ultimately degrade and dismantle ISIL. I am pleased that the proposed authorization includes a repeal of the misguided 2002 AUMF, that authorized an unnecessary and disastrous war in Iraq. Additionally, I am glad the proposed authorization … Continue Reading
February 11, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Opposes Today’s “Misguided” Keystone XL Vote
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement in opposition to today’s Keystone XL pipeline vote in the House: “Once again, the House Republican leadership continues to pursue misguided principles and put special interests ahead of working families and our national security. We are 17 days away from a shutdown of our vital Homeland Security department. Instead of taking immediate action to ensure the safety and security of American families, the Republican leadership … Continue Reading
February 10, 2015
Congresswoman Lee & Congressman Honda Introduce Legislation to Advance a Comprehensive ISIL Strategy
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Honda introduced legislation to ensure a comprehensive strategy to ultimately degrade and dismantle ISIL. “We can all agree that ISIL and their actions are horrific and barbaric,” said Congresswoman Lee. “As we work to degrade and dismantle ISIL, we must be comprehensive in our strategy. National security experts have clearly stated that there is no military solution to ISIL. In order to ultimately degrade and dismantle ISIL, … Continue Reading
February 07, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Receives AME Church Lifetime Achievement in Social Action Award from the Californian Conference Ministerial Alliance
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Lee issued the following statement upon receiving the California Conference Ministerial Alliance of the AME Church Lifetime Achievement in Social Action Award: “I am deeply honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement in Social Action Award from the California Conference Ministerial Alliance of the AME Church. Since its founding in 1816, the AME Church has served as a religious center for the African American community, one that supports the spiritual, social … Continue Reading
February 06, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Calls for More Action to Ensure an Equal Economic Recovery
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement upon the release of the Department of Labor’s January Jobs Report. The report announced an additional 257,000 jobs and an unemployment rate of 5.7 percent. Businesses added 267,000 jobs making January 2015 the 59th consecutive month of private sector job growth. “Today’s Jobs Report shows that our economy continues to recover and businesses continue to create jobs, especially in the construction, health care and … Continue Reading
February 06, 2015
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement marking the 15th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: “For many in the African American community, the AIDS epidemic is personal. Every year, our community marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day to highlight the epidemic’s devastating impact on too many families. This year’s theme, “I Am My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS” is an important reminder that we all have a role to play in ending this disease and … Continue Reading
February 05, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from the Congressional Progressive Caucus
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement upon receiving the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Lifetime Achievement Award: “I am humbled and honored to receive the Congressional Progressive Caucus Lifetime Achievement Award. Since its founding in 1991, the Progressive Caucus has been an tireless voice for peace and social justice. On the major issues of our time, the Congressional Progressive Caucus continues to led, from stopping endless war around the … Continue Reading