Press Releases
Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Attack in Benghazi, Libya
Contact: Katherine Jolly (202) 744-7293 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the killing of U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three Embassy staff: "I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on our diplomatic post in Benghazi and I extend my thoughts and prayers to the families, friends and loved ones of all the victims of these heinous acts. Among those killed was a son of California and the Bay Area, Ambassador Chris … Continue Reading
September 11, 2012
Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on the Eleventh Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks
Contact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) issued the following statement on the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: "Today, we as a nation commemorate the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. This anniversary is yet again a sobering moment for our country and a reminder that we must always remember those who perished in this appalling act of violence. "As we observe the … Continue Reading
September 09, 2012
Lee to GOP: Stop Standing in the Way of Moving Our Economy Forward
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the Department of Labor showing the economy added 96,000 jobs and the unemployment rate fell slightly to 8.1 percent in August: "The August report marked the 30th consecutive month of private sector job growth, adding 103,000 private sector jobs. While the overall unemployment rate dropped to 8.1 percent from 8.3 percent, African American joblessness remains unacceptably … Continue Reading
August 30, 2012
Lee Announces Federal Youth Reentry Grant
Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) will award the City of Oakland a $750,000 Demonstration Programs Continuation Grant to fund juvenile reentry programs. "I applaud the Department of Justice for its commitment to reducing juvenile crime and recidivism," said Congresswoman Lee. "These types of investments in our youth are … Continue Reading
August 25, 2012
Rep. Lee Praises HHS App Challenge
Contact Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370 Health IT Initiative Aimed at Reducing Cancer Among Women of Color reflects key provisions of Tri-Caucus Health Equity and Accountability Act Oakland, CA - Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the Reducing Cancer Among Women of Color App Challenge, an initiative to motivate entrepreneurs to create a mobile device application to help underserved and minority women combat and prevent cancer. Yesterday, the department … Continue Reading
August 03, 2012
Lee to GOP: We Need a Jobs Bill
Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the Department of Labor showing a rise in the unemployment rate to 8.3 percent: "Today, the Department of Labor released a mixed jobs report for July, adding 163,000 private sector jobs. While the July report marked the 29th consecutive month of private sector job growth, the overall unemployment rate ticked up to 8.3 percent from … Continue Reading
August 02, 2012
Barbara Lee: Reckless Republican Tax Cuts for Rich Hurt Families, Working Poor
Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) offered the following statement after the GOP-led House voted to pass H.R. 8, a bill to extend all the Bush tax cuts for the rich and end vital middle and working class tax credits like the Child Tax Credit: "I am deeply dismayed that in the face of a rising tide of poverty and an economy with high unemployment, the Tea Party lead Republicans continue their effort to slash … Continue Reading
July 31, 2012
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for the End of AIDS
For Immediate Release: August 1, 2012 After International AIDS Conference, Congresswoman Encourages Continued Bipartisan Support Washington, D.C. - Following the completion of the 19th International AIDS Conference, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) thanked the International AIDS Society for choosing Washington, D.C. as the host city. Known as AIDS 2012, the International AIDS Conference marked a dramatic return to U.S. soil of this major biannual global health gathering after a hiatus … Continue Reading
July 27, 2012
Lee Statement on White House Initiative on Education Excellence for African-Americans
Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Lee Statement on White House Initiative on Education Excellence for African-Americans Washington, D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement after President Obama signed an executive order establishing the White House Initiative on Education Excellence for African-Americans: "Today, the President signed an Executive Order that will improve access to quality education for African Americans. During my … Continue Reading
July 19, 2012
Barbara Lee Introduces Bill Providing Policy and Financing Framework to Achieve an AIDS Free Generation
Contact: Kristal DeKleer 202-225-1882 Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced H.R. 6138, a bill that articulates a policy and financing framework to achieve an AIDS-Free Generation in the United States and globally. The bill was introduced in advance of the 19th International AIDS Conference which will be held in Washington D.C. beginning on July 22, 2012. "The conference is an excellent opportunity to shine a global spotlight on the fight against AIDS in … Continue Reading
July 19, 2012
Barbara Lee Announces Two Department of Transportation Grants Totaling $10.8 Million to Benefit East Bay Commuters
Contact: Katherine Jolly - 202-744-7293 Washington D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award two grants totaling $10.8 Million to fund AC Transit's farebox system replacement project and improving BART's regional real-time transit information at intermodal BART stations. AC Transit will be awarded $7.5 million through the Department of Transportation's 2012 State of Good Repair Program to fund farebox system … Continue Reading
July 13, 2012
Congresswoman Lee Introduces Bi-Partisan Resolution Calling for Continued International Cooperation to Combat HIV/AIDS
Contact: Kristal DeKleer 202-225-1882 Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) introduced a House resolution expressing support for continued international cooperation to combat HIV/AIDS. The resolution was co-sponsored by Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) who are both co-chairs of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, and Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Alcee Hastings (D-FL). An … Continue Reading
July 11, 2012
Barbara Lee Stands with the American People and Votes Against the Repeal of Health Reform
For Immediate Release: July 11, 2012 Contact: Katherine Jolly,510-763-0370 Barbara Lee Stands with the American People and Votes Against the Repeal of Health Reform WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Barbara Lee (D-CA) stood with the American people and voted against the repeal of healthcare reform which is already protecting patients and improving healthcare for millions of seniors and families. Additionally, Rep. Lee and other House Democrats offered a final … Continue Reading
July 06, 2012
Lee Statement on June Jobs Report: GOP Obstruction Costing Jobs
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 Department of Labor showing no change in the unemployment rate of 8.2 percent: "Today, the Department of Labor released a disappointing jobs report for June, showing an added 84,000 private sector jobs with a net gain of 80,000 jobs. The overall unemployment rate remained stagnant at 8.2 percent. "The stagnant … Continue Reading
June 28, 2012
Democrats to Walk Out on Partisan Attempt to Hold Attorney General Eric Holder in Contempt
From: Ricci Graham, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C.:Today Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined members of the Congressional Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific American and Progressive Caucuses as well as other members of Congress who walked off the Floor of the House instead of voting on the partisan effort to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress. "I cannot and will not participate in this hyper-partisan and purely political vote today to hold Attorney General in contempt of … Continue Reading
June 28, 2012
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces DOL Grant for the Oakland Private Industry Council
Contact: Ricci Graham, 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee announced today that the Oakland Private Industry Council (PIC) has been selected to receive $709,272 in funding from the Department of Labor (DOL) to provide workforce-development assistance for adult and youth ex-offenders. The PIC is one of nine non-profit organizations nationwide that has been selected to receive grant support to provide job-training for ex-offenders that will eventually lead to … Continue Reading
June 28, 2012
Congresswoman Barbara Lee's Statement on the Supreme Court Ruling on the Affordable Care Act
Contact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement today after the Supreme Court ruled the Affordable Care Act constitutional: "The decision today is a victory for the American people and the health and future of our nation. With this ruling, the Supreme Court confirmed that the reforms in the Affordable Care Act will move forward and provide millions of Americans with the fundamental human … Continue Reading
June 27, 2012
Barbara Lee Observes National HIV Testing Day, Gets Tested with Members of Congress
Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C.- Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement in observance of National HIV Testing Day: "Testing is one of the most crucial and effective tools we have in responding to the AIDS epidemic. The only way to eliminate stigma in our communities is by getting informed and knowing your status. I encourage my constituents and everyone in the country to take part in this important day by going to a testing location … Continue Reading
June 27, 2012
Lee Statement in Opposition to House Contempt Vote on Attorney General Holder
Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to House GOP leadership announcing a vote to hold U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress: "On Thursday, Speaker Boehner has scheduled a House vote to hold U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for failing to produce additional documents related to the 'Fast & Furious' operation run by the Bureau of … Continue Reading
June 27, 2012
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors Montford Point Marines at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony
Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) attended a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the Montford Point Marines. After President Franklin Delano Roosevelt opened the doors for African Americans to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, 20,000 brave African Americans enlisted in a time of war when the military services were still resistant to integration. Years before Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr., … Continue Reading