Press Releases
Congresswoman Lee Issues Black History Month Statement
Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Oakland, CA. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement to commemorate Black History Month: "The celebration of Black History Month has grown from a week established by Dr. Carter Woodson in 1926, to a month-long opportunity to reflect on the many contributions African Americans have made in every facet of American life. This February we also celebrate two landmarks in American history: the 150th anniversary of … Continue Reading
February 01, 2013
Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on January Jobs Numbers
Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the U.S. Department of Labor showing 157,000 jobs were added in January, marking the 35th consecutive month of private sector job growth. Overall unemployment rate was 7.8 percent and has been at or near that level since September 2012. "With 12.3 million Americans still unemployed, with the long term unemployment rate at near record … Continue Reading
January 29, 2013
Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on Immigration Reform
Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on Immigration Reform Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding immigration reform: "I am encouraged by the momentum to address immigration reform. As a nation of immigrants we need a comprehensive plan that promotes equity, long term growth and economic well-being. I will continue to fight for a plan that strengthens families, builds the American workforce and … Continue Reading
January 25, 2013
Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement in Response to The President’s Gun Violence Prevention Plan
For Immediate Release: January 16, 2013 Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to the President's Plan to Protect our Children and our Communities by reducing Gun Violence. "I am encouraged by the actions taken by President Obama today to protect our children and communities from gun violence. However, there is much more work to be done in Congress and I will continue to fight for common sense … Continue Reading
January 22, 2013
Congresswoman Lee Introduces a Resolution in Observance of the Third Anniversary of the Haiti Earthquake
For Immediate Release: January 15, 2013 Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced a resolution in observance of the third anniversary of the tragic 7.0 earthquake in Haiti of January 12, 2010. In addition to honoring the 316,000 individuals who lost their lives, the resolution reaffirms the commitment of the United States House of Representatives to support Haiti's reconstruction, including efforts to address the cholera … Continue Reading
January 22, 2013
Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement Recognizing the 40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Washington, DC - Today Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released a statement recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. "As we recognize the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we must remain vigilant in protecting a woman's right to access safe and legal reproductive and preventative health services. "Last year, House Republicans introduced numerous pieces of legislation that sought to do nothing more than restrict … Continue Reading
January 19, 2013
Congresswoman Lee Issues Martin Luther King Jr. Day Statement
Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding Martin Luther King Jr. Day: "As we near the historic second inauguration of our nation's first African American President, I recognize this as a time of deep reflection. This month we commemorate the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights March on Washington, and a … Continue Reading
January 11, 2013
Leading Appropriators Urge Biden to Support Increased Gun Research
CONTACT: Katherine Jolly: 510-763-0370 WASHINGTON, DC-Leading Democratic members of the House Appropriations Committee today wrote to Vice President Biden, urging him to include a proposal promoting increased research on firearms by the Health and Human Services Department. Since 1997, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been under a chilling restriction that effectively keeps it from conducting any research or analysis related to gun violence. "Current law has a … Continue Reading
January 04, 2013
Barbara Lee Issues Statement on December Jobs Numbers
Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the U.S. Department of Labor showing 155,000 jobs were added in December, marking the 34th consecutive month of private sector job growth. Overall unemployment rate was unchanged at 7.8 percent, after the November unemployment rate adjustment from 7.7 to 7.8 percent. "Earlier this week, Congress reached a budget agreement that will … Continue Reading
January 04, 2013
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Hits the 113th Congress Running
Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Introduces Key Legislation to Fight Poverty, Restore Equity and Promote Global Peace & National Security WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee reiterated her commitment to fighting poverty and creating opportunity, restoring income equity and promoting global peace and national security as she introduced a number of bills at the start of the 113th Congress. Barbara Lee introduced the Poverty Impact Trigger Act, the Income Equity Act, … Continue Reading
January 01, 2013
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on "Fiscal Cliff" Budget Deal
Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued the following statement regarding vote on the "Fiscal Cliff" budget deal: "I am pleased that a budget agreement has been reached between our President and the Congress that will keep our most vulnerable from falling of the "human cliff". While of course this bill is far from perfect, I am encouraged that the efforts of members of the Progressive and Congressional Black Caucus's led to the extension of the middle class … Continue Reading
December 20, 2012
Congresswoman Lee Appointed to Budget Committee
Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. - Today Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding her appointment to the House Budget Committee: "I am pleased and honored serve on the House Budget Committee. I continue to believe that our nation's budget is a moral document that lays out the priorities that we have as a nation. From my seat on the Committee I will work with my colleagues to craft a budget that will strengthen our nation, grow our … Continue Reading
December 20, 2012
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $7.8 Million Grant to the Oakland Fire Department
For Immediate Release: December 20, 2012 Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced a $7.8 million grant through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program (SAFER) to increase the number of frontline firefighters to improve Oakland's protection from fire and fire-related hazards. "This highly competitive funding is critical to improving public safety and ensuring … Continue Reading
December 19, 2012
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $1.5 Million in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Grants to East Bay Health Organizations
Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced $1.5 million in federal funding to three East Bay healthcare organizations from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its Affordable Care Act (ACA) Grants for School-Based Health Centers Capital Program. "I am excited that several East Bay health organizations were selected for this highly competitive funding which is critical to closing the healthcare gap for low-income … Continue Reading
December 19, 2012
Barbara Lee Participates in White House Launch of Plan to Address the Humanitarian Crisis Facing the World’s Children
Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C.-Today Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) provided remarks at the White House's official launch of the United States Government Action Plan on Children in Adversity. The Action Plan on Children in Adversity is the first-ever strategic guidance for U.S. Government international assistance for children 0 to 18 years of age who are affected by HIV/AIDS, orphans, trafficked, exploited for child labor, in disasters, recruited as soldiers, … Continue Reading
December 18, 2012
Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on the Passing of Senator Daniel Inouye
Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 "Today our country has lost one of its most committed advocates for justice for all Americans. "Senator Inouye was brilliant legislator, war hero, public servant and humanitarian. During his four years of service in the House of Representatives and 49 years in the Senate, Inouye represented Hawaii and our country with great honor and distinction. "As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I truly appreciate Senator Inouye's … Continue Reading
December 18, 2012
Letter to Obama: Reinstate Healthcare to DREAMers
Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) was joined by over 80 members of the House of Representatives in sending a letter to President Obama, calling for the reinstatement of Affordable Health Care eligibility to DREAMers who were granted temporary legal status through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). In August, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sent a letter to State Health Officials and Medicaid Directors … Continue Reading
December 13, 2012
Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Ambassador Susan Rice
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) provided the following statement concerning Ambassador Susan Rice's decision to withdraw from consideration for Secretary of State. "I am profoundly disappointed that Ambassador Rice, such a well qualified woman of color, would be denied the opportunity to become our next Secretary of State due to the baseless and manufactured allegations of the radical right. "I have known and worked closely with Ambassador Susan Rice for many years-on many … Continue Reading
December 10, 2012
Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Marriage Equality
Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) provided the following statement concerning decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the issue of marriage equality. "I am hopeful that the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the issue of marriage equality will move California and this nation one step closer to truly standing for equal rights for all. Though this fight is far from over, I consider the Court's decision to be an important … Continue Reading
December 07, 2012
Barbara Lee Issues Statement on November Jobs Numbers
Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the U.S. Department of Labor showing 146,000 jobs were added in November, marking the 33nd consecutive month of private sector job growth. Overall unemployment rate decreased from 7.9 to 7.7 percent. "The continued growth of jobs in the private sector shows that our economy is heading in the right direction, and is a clear signal that … Continue Reading