Press Releases
Hoyer, Lee Lead Letter to Secretary Kerry on Developments in South Sudan
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) and Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13) led a letter sent to Secretary Kerry today, signed by seven other House Democrats, thanking him for his efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement between South Sudanese President Kiir and Vice President Machar and updating him on their recent meeting with diplomats from the region. The letter was signed by Whip Hoyer and Reps. Barbara Lee, Karen Bass (CA-37), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Sheila … Continue Reading
July 17, 2014
Bipartisan Coalition Introduces Bill to Bring Greater Transparency and Accountability to Pentagon Spending
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was joined by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Congressman Dan Benishek (R-MI) in introducing the bipartisan Audit the Pentagon Act of 2014. The measure will impose a small penalty on Pentagon accounting units that remain unauditable, despite more than two decades since the passage of the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990. The bill exempts accounts related to personnel and those deemed critical … Continue Reading
July 17, 2014
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $900K STEM Grant
For Immediate Release: July 17, 2014 Contact: Katherine Jolly (510)763-0370 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced Alameda-based Institute for Women in Trades, Technology and Science (IWITTS) will receive a $899,841 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to increase enrollment and retention of women in community college STEM courses. “I am pleased that the Institute for Women in Trades, Technology and Science has been selected to receive … Continue Reading
July 17, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Marks 4th Anniversary of National HIV/AIDS Strategy
“As we mark the four-year anniversary of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, I commend President Obama for heeding our call and for the progress we are making in the fight against the virus,” said Congresswoman Lee. “I especially commend the Department of Justice on releasing a Best Practices Guide to reform HIV-specific criminalization laws. The Strategy’s efforts to bring criminal law up to date with public health goals that are critical to eliminating HIV-related discrimination and stigma in … Continue Reading
July 16, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Passage of Amendment to Protect State Marijuana Laws
Washington, DC - Today, the House of Representative adopted an amendment to the Financial Services Appropriations bill to protect state laws and provide greater transparency and certainty to businesses operating in state marijuana markets. “I am very pleased to see this amendment pass. Congress must respect state’s laws,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Providing access to critical banking services is an important component in ensuring transparency, accountability, and safety in this legitimate … Continue Reading
July 16, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Passage of Amendment to Protect State Marijuana Laws
Washington, DC - Today, the House of Representative adopted an amendment to the Financial Services Appropriations bill to protect state laws and provide greater transparency and certainty to businesses operating in state marijuana markets. “I am very pleased to see this amendment pass. Congress must respect state’s laws,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Providing access to critical banking services is an important component in ensuring transparency, accountability, and safety in this legitimate … Continue Reading
July 15, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Looks Forward to Final Passage of Assessing Progress in Haiti Act
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee expressed excitement at the passage of the Senate version of her Assessing Progress in Haiti Act (S. 1104) and hoped for the rapid passage of the Senate-modified bill by the House. A similar measure has already passed the House. “Our current policy toward Haiti’s recovery has failed. We need to reassess our priorities and provide greater oversight to the efforts to rebuild following the devastating January 2010 earthquake. This bill takes … Continue Reading
July 11, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Seeks to Stop U.S. Military Escalation in Iraq
Washington, DC - Together with Congressmen Walter Jones (R-NC) and James McGovern (D-MA), Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined in the introduction of a privileged resolution directing President Obama to remove all U.S. military forces stationed in Iraq within 30 days or by the end of the year. The resolution exempts troops necessary for the security of U.S. diplomatic posts and personnel. “My colleagues and I share a strong concern about mission creep in Iraq. Before we put America’s servicemen … Continue Reading
July 10, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Reacts to Violence in Israel and Gaza
Washington, DC - In response to the violence in Israel and Gaza, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement: “I am gravely concerned about the current violence and loss of life in Israel and Gaza; this horrific violence does nothing to enhance the security of Israelis or Palestinians. Only a diplomatic solution can ensure lasting security,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “We need strong diplomatic intervention by the US and regional partners to help establish an immediate ceasefire … Continue Reading
July 08, 2014
"I share the widespread concern over the surge of unaccompanied minors," says Congresswoman Barbara Lee
Washington, DC - In response to the growing crisis of unaccompanied minors crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement: “I share the widespread concern over the surge of unaccompanied minors, principally from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, being apprehended and detained at the border.” “This humanitarian crisis requires a comprehensive and timely response that puts the interests and safety of these children first.” “I am pleased that part … Continue Reading
July 03, 2014
Bipartisan Letter Calls for Congressional Authorization before Any Military Action in Iraq
More than 100 Members of Congress Write to the President on Iraq Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA13) and Congressman Scott Rigell (R-VA02) were joint by more than 100 other Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Obama calling on him to seek Congressional approval before taking any military action in Iraq. Last August, Congresswoman Lee and Congressman Rigell led independent letters calling on the President to consult with Congress before taking … Continue Reading
July 02, 2014
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Tours UC Berkeley’s Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Labs
For Immediate Release: July 2, 2014 Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Oakland, CA - Today Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) toured the UC Berkeley’s research and innovation facilities including the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS), CITRIS Invention Lab and the Marvell Nanofabrication Lab. This tour was part of the Democratic Make it in America Plan and Congresswoman Lee’s ongoing efforts to expand investments in innovation and … Continue Reading
June 30, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Disappointed by Supreme Court Decision Undercutting Women's Access to Healthcare
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) offered this statement following the Supreme Court’s decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Burwell: “I was disappointed by this morning’s Supreme Court ruling which fundamentally undercuts the rights of working women to make their own healthcare choices. “Health care choices should be made by a woman in consultation with her healthcare providers. A woman’s employer has no place in those … Continue Reading
June 27, 2014
Congresswoman Lee to House Republicans: Bring Bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform Up for a Vote
Oakland - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) marked the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Senate’s passage of bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform legislation (CIR) by calling on House Republicans to stop blocking the legislation from coming to a vote. “We know that our current immigration system is fundamentally broken and is tearing families apart every day. We need a common sense system that provides a pathway to citizenship and an opportunity for all individuals to … Continue Reading
June 27, 2014
Congresswoman Lee and Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen Host HIV Testing to Mark National HIV Testing Day
Washington, DC - In conjunction with Whitman-Walker Health, Congresswoman Lee and Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen hosted confidential HIV testing for Members of Congress and their staffs. “While I am proud to again participate in National HIV Testing Day, we should be mindful of the risk of HIV/AIDS year round. It is estimated that out of the 1,200,000 people living with the disease in the United States, almost 200,000 are unaware that they have the disease. By knowing your status, you can take … Continue Reading
June 24, 2014
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $3 Million in Federal Head Start Funds
For Immediate Release: June 24, 2014 Contact: Katherine Jolly, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced a $3,070,400 federal grant awarded to Alameda Family Services to expand 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 Alameda Family Services to expand Head Start Programs,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. … Continue Reading
June 24, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Marks 50th Anniversary of Civil Rights by Calling for Action
For Immediate Release: June 24th, 2014 Contact: James Lewis (202) 225-1882 James.C.Lewis@mail.house.gov Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), joined by constituents, celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, upon the posthumous awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King and their legacy is a beacon and a challenge for all to live our lives for the betterment of our … Continue Reading
June 24, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Slams GOP Exporting War on Woman and Restricted Funding for Peacekeeping Forces
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Lee, a member of the Appropriations Committee, offered several amendments to the Fiscal Year 2015 State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS) Appropriations bill. “The funding in this bill is critical to the U.S.’s long-term strategic and national security goals of promoting human rights and representative government. Congress must continue to support critical initiatives by the State Department and USAID to advance diplomacy and peace around the … Continue Reading
June 24, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Fights for Women's Reproductive Rights at Home and Abroad
Washington, DC - This week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee is offering two amendments to protect women’s reproductive health options. On Tuesday, during the House Appropriations full committee mark up of the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs (SFOPS) bill, Congresswoman Lee offered an amendment to strike Republican language to reinstate the “Global Gag Rule.” The Global Gag Rule, also known as the Mexico City policy, requires that any overseas organization receiving U.S. aid not … Continue Reading
June 20, 2014
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds State Budget Anti-Poverty Efforts
For Immediate Release: June 20th, 2014 Contact: Katherine Jolly (510)763-0370 Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding the 2014-2015 Revised California State Budget: “I applaud Governor Brown for making California’s most vulnerable citizens a priority,” said Congresswoman Lee. “As families across state and nation continue to struggle; it is important to maintain and strengthen the all-important social safety … Continue Reading