Press Releases
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Forthcoming Net Neutrality Rule
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement on news that Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler will introduce a rule to reclassify Internet Service Providers as Title II common carriers: “Chairman Wheeler’s proposed rulemaking on net neutrality will protect Americans’ access to an open, free and fair Internet. I applaud the efforts of the thousands of my constituents and the nearly four million Americans who submitted public comments to … Continue Reading
February 04, 2015
Congresswoman Lee to Welcome Attorney General Holder to Oakland for Discussion on Trust Building between Communities and Law Enforcement
Oakland, CA - Attorney General Eric Holder will be in Oakland on Thursday as part of his “Building Community Trust” Tour. “I am very glad the Attorney General accepted my invitation to come to Oakland and hear first-hand our community’s concerns and ideas to enact much needed change,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “We must work together to take the long overdue action needed to build trust between the community and law enforcement and ensure justice for all. This dialogue is an important … Continue Reading
February 04, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Welcomes Attorney General for Dialogue on Trust Building Between Law Enforcement and Communities
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined a roundtable discussion with Attorney General Holder, elected officials, law enforcement and community, faith and youth leaders on building trust between community and law enforcement. Following the discussion, she released this statement: “I am very glad the Attorney General accepted my invitation to come to Oakland and hear first-hand our community’s concerns and ideas to enact much needed change. This dialogue is an important step … Continue Reading
February 03, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Introduces Bill to Address Income Inequality and End Corporate Welfare
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Lee introduced theIncome Equity Act. This legislation will help address rising income inequality and ensure taxpayers are not footing the bill for astronomical CEO pay. “While big corporations enjoy record profits, working families are finding it harder to pay their bills and put food on the table. Yet, taxpayers are still subsidizing millions of dollars in bonuses and so-called “performance pay” for CEOs and high paid executives,” said Congresswoman … Continue Reading
February 01, 2015
Congresswoman Lee's Statement on the President's FY 2016 Budget Proposal
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in response to President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Proposal: “Today, the President presented a budget to Congress that helps ensure the American dream is open and accessible to all. Our economy continues to recover from the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression, yet that recovery remains unequal. The President’s Budget Proposal is a framework for addressing income inequality and supports … Continue Reading
January 31, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Black History Month
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in celebration of Black History Month: “Each February, our nation celebrates Black History Month. We remember and honor the tremendous legacy and contributions that African Americans have made to our nation - from science and technology to education to business to politics and beyond. Originally established as a week by Dr. Carter Woodson in 1926, Black History Month has grown into a month-long opportunity to … Continue Reading
January 28, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Helps Lead Effort to End U.S. Travel Ban to Cuba
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement on the bipartisan and bicameral effort to lift the U.S. travel ban to Cuba: “Lifting the travel ban is a matter of personal freedom. Americans should have the right to travel to Cuba, just like to any other country. U.S. policy towards Cuba has failed for more than 50 years. It’s past time Congress acts to end the embargo, lift the travel ban and fully normalize relations with Cuba. This bill is an important step in … Continue Reading
January 26, 2015
Progressive Caucus Urges Senate and House Committees to Postpone New Iran Sanctions Legislation
Washington, D.C. - Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Co-Chairs Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Keith Ellison (D-MN), along with CPC Peace and Security Task Force Chair Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) sent a letter to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Chairman Richard Shelby and Ranking Member Sherrod Brown and House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Elliot Engel urging them to postpone enacting new sanctions legislation on Iran. The letter … Continue Reading
January 23, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Announces Funding for West Oakland Health Council
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee announced continued federal funding for West Oakland Health Council (WOHC). The Health Resource and Service Administration (HRSA) will continue supporting WOHC under their U.S. Public Health Service grant. “I am pleased that West Oakland Health Council will continue receiving this important federal funding. WOHC serves more than 21,000 individuals each year, and it provides critical care and directly addresses the significant health … Continue Reading
January 21, 2015
Congresswoman Lee to Serve on Three Appropriations Subcommittees
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee announced she will serve on three subcommittees of the House Appropriations Committee. She will serve on the subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs (SFOPS), the subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Relations Agencies (MilCon/VA) and the subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS). “I am honored to serve on these key subcommittees that allocate … Continue Reading
January 21, 2015
On Fifth Anniversary of Citizens United, Congresswoman Barbara Lee Co-Introduces “Get Big Money Out of Politics” Constitutional Amendment
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Lee joined Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) and more than 80 of her colleagues in co-introducing the Democracy for All Amendment. Today’s introduction coincides with the 5th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in Citizens United v. FEC. This proposed amendment would reverse this controversial and destructive decision. “Special interests have too much sway in Washington. Their ability to spend unlimited sums of dark money in our elections … Continue Reading
January 20, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Applauds President’s Policies to Help Families
Washington, DC - Following the President’s State of the Union address, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement: “In this evening’s speech, the President laid out a clear plan to help American families by growing our economy, creating good-paying American jobs, ensuring quality educational opportunities and working to address economic inequality. As the chair of the Democratic Whip’s Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity, I know that the most important issue … Continue Reading
January 18, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Calls for Action
Oakland, CA - In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement commemorating his legacy and calling on all to work for a equal America for all: “Each year we commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recommit ourselves to realizing his dream of equality and justice for all. As we reflect on Dr. King’s work, I am reminded of his April 14th, 1967 speech at Stanford University: “The Other America.” He said: 'there are … Continue Reading
January 14, 2015
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Takes on GOP for Tying Anti-Immigrant Measures to Homeland Security Funding Vote
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee spoke out against the House Republican bill that holds critical Department of Homeland Security funding hostage to appease their extreme anti-immigration fringe. ### Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations Committee, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and … Continue Reading
January 12, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Commemorates 5th Anniversary of Haitian Earthquake
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement commemorating the 5th anniversary of the Haitian earthquake: “Following the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti five years ago, the American people generously and selflessly reached out to provide support to our Haitian neighbors. Throughout this tragedy, the Haitian people have remained resilient and have shown immense determination to rebuild their lives and their country. Last year, I was pleased to … Continue Reading
January 09, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Statement on December Jobs Report
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement upon the release of the Department of Labor’s December Jobs Report. The report announced an additional 252,000 jobs were created and the unemployment rate declined to 5.6 percent, the lowest unemployment rate since June 2008. Businesses added 240,000 jobs making December 2014 the 58th consecutive month of private sector job growth. “I am pleased to see the U.S. unemployment rate continue to decline and businesses … Continue Reading
January 08, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Speaks Out Against Fast Track for Trans-Pacific Partnership
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Lee joined Members of Congress as well as industry, labor, environmental and consumer advocates to oppose Fast Track for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). She released the following statement at the press conference. “As the representative from California’s beautiful 13th Congressional district, I have the honor and privilege of representing the Port of Oakland, one of our nation’s busiest sea and airport. I support international trade and … Continue Reading
January 08, 2015
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Starts 114th Congress By Working to Address Poverty, Enhance U.S. International Engagement, Help America’s Veterans and Families and Protect Patient’s Access to Care
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced eight bills to address poverty, enhance U.S. international engagement, help America’s veterans and families and protect patient’s access to care. “I am honored and humbled to serve as the representative of California’s 13th Congressional District. It is a privilege to be entrusted by my constituents to represent them, fight for our shared progressive values and bring their ideas to Washington,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Too many … Continue Reading
January 06, 2015
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Sworn In as Member of the 114th Congress
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was sworn in as a member of the 114th Congress. She released the following statement: “I am honored and humbled to be sworn into the 114th Congress as the representative of California’s 13th Congressional District. It is a privilege to be entrusted with my constituents’ trust to represent them and fight for our shared progressive values. “As a Member of Congress, I will continue to fight to end social injustice, eliminate … Continue Reading
January 05, 2015
Congresswoman Lee Congratulates Mayor Libby Schaaf & Oakland City Council
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement congratulating Mayor Libby Schaaf and the Oakland City Council: “I am honored to congratulate Mayor Libby Schaaf as she is sworn in as the 50th Mayor of Oakland, as well as the incoming City Council. The people of Oakland have entrusted these fine individuals to lead this vibrant, diverse and beautiful community. I am honored to represent this city in the US House of Representatives. I look forward to working … Continue Reading