Press Releases
Congresswoman Lee's Statement on Ferguson Grand Jury Verdict
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Lee released this statement on the grand jury verdict in the case of Darren Wilson: “My heart continues to go out to Michael Brown’s family and community. I am beyond disappointed in today's verdict. Like everyone in our community, I am devastated by the senseless murder of yet another young black man. The deaths of Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin and Oscar Grant, one of my constituents, serve as tragic examples of the senseless murder of young African … Continue Reading
November 24, 2014
Congresswoman Lee's Statement on Iran-P5+1 Talk Extension
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement on news that negotiators from P5+1 and Iran reached a deal to extend nuclear talks for three months: “The current framework agreement with Iran is actively reducing Iran’s nuclear program, delaying ‘break out’ capacity, and providing inspections and verification to prevent the advancement of their nuclear program. This extension continues important restrictions and safeguards on Iran’s nuclear program while moving us … Continue Reading
November 23, 2014
Statement on Expanded Role of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan
Congresswoman Lee released this statement on the newly approved guidelines for a broadened role for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. "After more than a decade of open-ended war, I am deeply troubled to see the Administration expanding the role of U.S. servicemen and women in Afghanistan. Many military and foreign policy experts agree that there is no military solution in Afghanistan. The future of Afghanistan is in the hands of the Afghan people. Our brave servicemen and women have … Continue Reading
November 23, 2014
Statement on the Passing of Mayor Marion Barry
Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement on Mayor Marion Barry's life and legacy. "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mayor Barry. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. I had the honor of knowing and working with Mayor Barry for many years, as a Member of Congress and as a Congressional staffer. Mayor Barry was a tireless fighter for the people of Washington, D.C. and the African American community. As Mayor, he worked to achieve equal … Continue Reading
November 21, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Opens New BART Connector and Station
Oakland, CA - On the occasion of the opening of the BART-Oakland Airport Connector and Oakland Airport Station, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement: “Today’s ceremony marks the culmination of 40 years of work to make this project a reality. There were many obstacles to ensuring this station and connector could be built. I was pleased to have been part of the negotiations to address these challenges and to ensure federal resources for this critical project. These were tough … Continue Reading
November 20, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Presidential Action on Immigration
Oakland, CA - Following President Obama’s announcement of expanded executive action on immigration reform, Congresswoman Lee released this statement: “I applaud President Obama for this bold action to keep families together. It has been more than 500 days since the Senate passed bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform and the House Republican leadership has refused to allow a vote on the legislation. The time is now to act. Where Congress has failed to act, I am glad to see … Continue Reading
November 19, 2014
"We must understand the cost and consequences," says Congresswoman Lee on Strategy to Degrade ISIS
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement on efforts to degrade ISIS: "I am fundamentally opposed to the authorization of an additional $5.6 billion in war funding and the deployment of another 1,500 U.S. troops to Iraq. I will continue to oppose the incessant call of some Republicans for the deployment of U.S. ground combat troops to Iraq and Syria. After more than eight years of war, the loss of nearly 4,500 servicemen and women, and more than a trillion … Continue Reading
November 19, 2014
Progressive Caucus Calls on Congress to Let Diplomacy Work after House Passes Resolution Condemning Human Rights Violations in Iran
WASHINGTON-Congressional Progressive Caucus 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), released the following statements today urging Congress to let diplomacy work in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program between the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, Russia (P5+1) and Iran after the House passed a resolution condemning human rights violations in Iran. “After years … Continue Reading
November 17, 2014
Congresswoman Lee's Statement on HHS Panel's MSM Blood Donation Vote
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Blood Safety Advisory Committee’s 16-2 vote to amend the blood donor deferral policy for the MSM community to stop deferrals after one year of abstinence. “While I am pleased to see HHS’s Blood Safety Advisory Committee examine the outdated and discriminatory policy of deferring members of the MSM community from donating blood, I am ultimately disappointed with … Continue Reading
November 13, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Says “Time Has Run Out,” Calls for Presidential Action on Immigration Reform
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined Congressman Gutiérrez (D-IL), Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer and many of her House Democratic colleagues in calling for action to prevent American families from being torn apart by a broken immigration system. “It has been more than 500 days since the Senate passed bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform. This has resulted in more than 500 days of inaction by House … Continue Reading
November 11, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Marks Veterans Day
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee offered the following statement on the 95th annual Veterans Day: “Every year, on November 11th, we take time to honor the brave men and women who have fought to protect our country and our people. As the daughter of a veteran, I am deeply proud of our current and former service members, who have served and continue to serve this country with dignity and honor.” “Our men and women in uniform and their families make tremendous sacrifices when they answer … Continue Reading
November 07, 2014
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for More Action to Address Unemployment
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement today after the Department of Labor announced that the economy added 214,000 jobs and the national unemployment rate dropped to 5.8 percent. The report shows that businesses added 209,000 jobs, making October 2014 the 56th consecutive month of private sector job growth. “I am pleased to see continued private sector job growth for the 56th consecutive month and a drop in the national unemployment rate. These newly … Continue Reading
November 03, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Participates in Land Transfer Ceremony for Alameda Point Outpatient Clinic
Alameda, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined Principal Executive Director of the Veterans Affairs Office of Acquisition, Glenn Haggstrom; Navy BRAC Director, Kimberly Ostrowski; Director of Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System, David Stockwell; Alameda Mayor Marie Gilmore; Alameda County Veterans Affairs Commission Chairman, Conway Jones and others for land transfer ceremony for the new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic and Columbarium at Alameda … Continue Reading
October 28, 2014
More Than 90 Members of Congress Call for Surgeon General Confirmation
As the American people continue to express concern about Ebola, a highly qualified Surgeon General nominee, Dr. Vivek Murthy, languishes. A new letter, signed by ninety-one Members of Congress, is calling for his confirmation. “Given the public's increasing fears regarding the spread of the disease, it is imperative that we confirm a Surgeon General who will play a significant role in educating the American public about the disease and how to best protect their health,” write the … Continue Reading
October 17, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Convenes Stakeholder Roundtable on Ebola & Public Health Preparedness
Oakland, CA - After meeting with local, state and federal public health officials and stakeholders on the U.S. response to Ebola and overall public health preparedness in the California’s 13th Congressional district, Congresswoman Barbara released this statement: “I convened this morning’s roundtable to learn firsthand about the state of preparedness and needed resources. Many are concerned about the threat of Ebola and other infectious diseases to public health in the U.S. and … Continue Reading
October 10, 2014
Ambassador Deborah L. Birx, M.D. Visits East Bay Agencies Working to Address HIV/AIDS
Oakland, CA - Today, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Ambassador Deborah L. Birx, M.D. visited two East Bay agencies working to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic. “I am pleased to welcome Ambassador Birx to the East Bay to see the great work being done by Allen Temple AIDS Ministry and Asian Health Services to address HIV/AIDS in the East Bay and globally,” said Congresswoman Lee. “HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately affect communities of color and these organizations are working to prevent … Continue Reading
October 09, 2014
Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer Visits East Bay Manufacturers
San Leandro, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee welcomed Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) to the GATE in San Leandro. “I am honored to be joined today by Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer at the GATE in San Leandro. The Whip is a tireless champion for American manufacturing and American workers; it was my pleasure to show Whip Hoyer how the East Bay is leading the way in innovation and advanced manufacturing,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “American manufacturing is growing in the East Bay … Continue Reading
September 30, 2014
Progressive Caucus: End War in Afghanistan, Bring Our Troops Home
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Co-Chairs Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Keith Ellison (D-MN) joined CPC Peace and Security Task Force Chair Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) to call for an end to the war in Afghanistan after the United States signed a bilateral security agreement with the Afghan government in Kabul today that allows the United States to keep troops and tie up taxpayer dollars in Afghanistan for the next decade. "As military operations in Iraq and Syria … Continue Reading
September 29, 2014
Congresswoman Barbara Lee & Congressman George Miller Announce Innovative Solutions to Fighting Crime in the East Bay
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Efforts in the East Bay to reduce high crime rates are getting a boost from a new federal initiative being unveiled today in Washington, announced Reps. George Miller (D-Martinez) and Barbara Lee (D-Oakland), whose constituents in Richmond and Oakland are expected to benefit from the new program. Aimed at maximizing current resources, the U.S. Department of Justice is launching a new Violence Reduction Network (VRN) to enhance federal-local anti-crime partnerships. … Continue Reading
September 24, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Announces $3.375 Million to Create and Preserve 27 Law Enforcement Jobs
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee announced $3.375 million in awards from the US Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. Attorney General Holder will formally announce the grants on Monday. Oakland, San Leandro and Alameda County will each receive grants to create and preserve law enforcement officers to increase community policing capacity. “I am pleased to announce this new federal funding for 27 community-orientated law enforcement … Continue Reading