Press Releases
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-12), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Alma Adams (NC-12) joined Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) to reintroduce the Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act (REAHYA), which addresses both education and access to care for young people, with a focus on those most impacted by barriers to sex education and sexual health services. REAHYA would offer the first federal grants for comprehensive sex education programs … Continue Reading
May 18, 2023
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Legislation to Establish a Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) announced the reintroduction of her legislation calling for the establishment of the first United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT). The Commission will examine the effects of slavery, institutional racism, and discrimination against people of color, and how our history impacts laws and policies today. “Every challenge we face today—from health disparities laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic, to … Continue Reading
May 17, 2023
Congresswoman Lee Renews Support for Medicare for All
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), member of the House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, today joined her colleagues at the reintroduction of the Medicare for All Act of 2023, introduced by U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Along with Congresswoman Lee, the House legislation is cosponsored by more than half of the Democratic Caucus and 13 powerful committee … Continue Reading
May 17, 2023
Congresswoman Lee Introduces Legislation Commemorating International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), Vice-Chair and founding member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, reintroduced legislation calling on Congress to recognize the unique challenges members of the LGBTQ+ community face, including violence, homelessness, and health disparities. “This International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia, we celebrate … Continue Reading
May 12, 2023
CONGRESSWOMAN LEE LEADS TRI-CAUCUS, POVERTY TASK FORCE COLLEAGUES IN URGING PRESIDENT BIDEN TO REJECT CUTS TO SAFETY NET PROGRAMS IN DEBT LIMIT NEGOTIATIONS
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), Chair of the House Democratic Poverty Task Force and member of the House Appropriations Committee, today wrote to President Biden requesting that the administration reject any cuts to safety net programs proposed by Republicans in the ongoing debt limit negotiations. The letter is cosigned by Tri-Caucus leads Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus; Steven Horsford (NV-04),Chair of the … Continue Reading
May 12, 2023
CONGRESSWOMAN LEE AND CHAIR AGUILAR ANNOUNCE HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS POVERTY TASK FORCE
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) and House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar announced the Poverty Task Force to help further the Caucus' goal of advancing policies and initiatives that help reduce poverty for children and families across America. Rep. Lee will serve as Chair of the Poverty Task Force. Originally launched in 2013 through the office of former House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, the task force will continue its mission to raise awareness among … Continue Reading
May 11, 2023
CONGRESSWOMAN LEE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO ADVANCE EQUITY THROUGH THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) today reintroduced the Advancing Equity Through the Arts and Humanities Act to acknowledge the role of arts and humanities in dismantling systemic racism in the United States. The proposed legislation aims to establish a program through the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. This program will offer grants to public and nonprofit organizations, including those led by people of color, as well as faith-based and … Continue Reading
May 10, 2023
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Recognizes AANHPI Mental Health Day
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day, which falls on May 10th during both Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. AANHPI Mental Health Day promotes awareness of mental health issues that are unique to the AANHPI community. “ AANHPI Mental Health Day is an opportunity to recommit to the need to implement policies … Continue Reading
May 03, 2023
Congresswoman Lee Commemorates Jewish Heritage Month
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) released the following statement in recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month: “During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable contributions of the Jewish American community to our nation and our democracy. For generations, the Jewish people have enriched our culture and shaped our way of life. “From the Jewish people’s painful history confronting oppression to rising antisemitism at home and abroad, we must continue fighting hatred … Continue Reading
May 01, 2023
Congresswoman Lee Commemorates AANHPI Heritage Month
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement in recognition of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: "Each May, we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as a way to honor and recognize the contributions, achievements, and diversity of this nation's Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, in the East Bay and across the country. "AANHPI communities are woven into the fabric … Continue Reading
April 27, 2023
Reps. Lee, Burgess, Pocan, and Biggs Introduce the Audit the Pentagon Act of 2023
Washington, D.C.—Today, Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Michael Burgess (R-TX), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Andy Biggs (R-AZ) introduced the Audit the Pentagon Act of 2023, which aims to increase transparency and accountability in the defense budget. As of November 2022, the Pentagon has failed its 5th consecutive audit. According to a recent GAO report, the Department of Defense (DOD) continues to be unable to account for billions of dollars’ worth of assets. This bipartisan legislation would … Continue Reading
April 26, 2023
CONGRESSWOMAN LEE CONDEMNS EXTREMIST GOP DEBT LIMIT BILL
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) released the following statement on House Republicans’ debt ceiling bill: “Make no mistake: the cuts passed today by Republicans would be deep, harmful, and felt at the expense of hardworking people. Some of these cuts will run directly through my subcommittees and impact the people that can afford it the least. Cuts to programs like TANF, SNAP, and reducing investments in pandemic preparedness and climate disasters are irresponsible, … Continue Reading
April 19, 2023
Reps. Lee and Joyce, Senator Schatz Introduce Legislation to Safeguard Medical Marijuana Programs for Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Dave Joyce (R-OH), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act. This bill would allow doctors at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to discuss and potentially recommend medical marijuana to veterans in states that have established medical marijuana programs. This bill also appropriates funding for the VA to conduct … Continue Reading
April 11, 2023
Rep. Lee, Democratic Colleagues File Amicus Brief Urging Appeals Court to Prevent Dangerous Ruling Threatening Access to Mifepristone From Taking Effect
240 Members of Congress ask Fifth Circuit to stay district court ruling that threatens access to mifepristone nationwide—and access to all manner of other FDA-approved drugs In new amicus brief—led by Representatives Lee, Jeffries, Clark, Pallone, Nadler, and DeGette and Senators Schumer, Murray, Sanders, Durbin, and Blumenthal—lawmakers make clear: Friday’s ruling has no basis in law, poses serious health risks to pregnant patients, and threatens FDA’s Congressionally-mandated drug approval … Continue Reading
April 07, 2023
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Condemns Ruling by Trump-Appointed Judge Undermining FDA Approval of Abortion Medication
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), Co-Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus, released the following statement on Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk's decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration et al to side with anti-abortion hate groups and suspend the FDA's approval of mifepristone. Mifepristone is the first drug in a two-medication regimen that has been used safely and effectively by millions of people for over 20 years for early abortion care … Continue Reading
March 29, 2023
Reps. Lee, Frost, Hayes Introduce Resolution Supporting Climate Education in Schools
Washington DC - Today, Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-12), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Jahana Hayes (CT-5) introduced H.Res. 262, Supporting the Teaching of Climate Education in Schools. The resolution was written by students themselves, many of whom have firsthand experience with climate disasters. "As the demographic with the most to lose to climate change, it would be a massive disservice not to teach students today about the threat of the climate crisis-and to empower them with the … Continue Reading
March 29, 2023
Reps. Lee and Takano, Sen. Schatz Introduce Resolution to Demand Equal Opportunity, Civil Rights Protections, and Freedom from Erasure for LGBTQI+ Youth in K-12 Schools
Washington, DC - Today, Reps. Barbara Lee (CA-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) released a statement after reintroducing a resolution to support the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in School Initiative. This resolution was cosponsored by Senator Wyden. At only three months in, this has been the worst legislative year for the LGBTQI+ community on record. The national public discourse over the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals has had a particularly severe impact on young … Continue Reading
March 29, 2023
Rep. Lee Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation to Repeal the 2002 AUMF
Washington DC - Representative Barbara Lee (CA-12) today released a statement applauding the Senate passage of legislation to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force. Representative Lee leads the House companion legislation alongside Reps. Chip Roy (TX-21), Abigail Spanberger (VA-7), and Tom Cole (OK-4). "It's about damn time. Today's vote was a crucial step in our fight to end forever wars. Senators Kaine and Young have done a great job building on the momentum we built in … Continue Reading
March 28, 2023
Reps. Lee, Bera, Schakowsky Call for Repeal of Global Gag Rule with Introduction of Global HER Act
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, joined Representatives Ami Bera (CA-6) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-9) in reintroducing the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights (Global HER) Act. The global gag rule (also known as the “Mexico City Policy”) was reinstated and expanded under the previous administration, requiring non-U.S. organizations receiving U.S. global health funding to choose … Continue Reading
March 28, 2023
CONGRESSWOMAN LEE CELEBRATES SOCIAL WORK MONTH BY REINTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT SOCIAL WORKERS
Washington DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) introduced legislation to recognize the contributions of social workers before the conclusion of Professional Social Work Month: "As a former psychiatric social worker, I know firsthand the invaluable contributions that social workers make to our communities," said Congresswoman Lee. "With empathy and compassion, social workers provide vital support to individuals and families and help ensure high quality care and resources are given to … Continue Reading