Press Releases

Congresswoman Lee Statement On Declassified Report on Russian Interference in U.S. Election

January 06, 2017

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the declassified report on Russian interference in the U.S. election: "Today, I objected to the certification of Electoral College votes based on overwhelming evidence from our intelligence community that Russia interfered with our election. This chilling report confirms what we have known to be true: the Russian government hacked our electoral process to benefit Donald Trump's campaign. Despite grave concerns from… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee on Voter Disenfranchisement and the Challenge of Electoral Votes

January 06, 2017

Washington, D.C. - Today Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined with Representatives Sheila Jackson-Lee, Maxine Waters, Raúl Grijalva, Jim McGovern, Pramila Jayapal and Jamie Raskin in formally challenging the certification of the electoral votes of several states and released the following statement: "During this presidential election cycle, hundreds of thousands of minority voters were disenfranchised before and on Election Day. It's unconscionable that more than 50 years after the signing … Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee Slams House Republican Rules Package

January 03, 2017

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in opposition to the House rules package for the 115th Congress: "Instead of working to protect American families, House Republicans have spent their first day back trying to silence Democrats and the American people. This destructive rules package should serve as a chilling reminder that Congressional Republicans will stop at nothing to limit transparency and protect the gun lobby. "This package would also lay the g… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Sworn In as Member of 115th Congress

January 03, 2017

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was sworn in as a member of the 115th Congress. She released the following statement: "It is a privilege and honor to be sworn in as representative of California's 13th Congressional District for the 115th Congress. The trust and confidence my constituents have placed in me once again strengthens my resolve and determination in these trying times. "As we prepare for the challenges ahead, one thing is certain: a progressive resistance to R… Continue Reading

In Letter to Trump, House Democrats Draw Line on Women’s Right to Choose

December 20, 2016

Washington, D.C. - This week, 105 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, sent a letter to President-elect Trump urging the elimination of the Hyde Amendment. Federal restrictions prevent millions of women, including low-income women, servicewomen, federal employees, Native American women and residents of Washington, D.C. from exercising their constitutional right to abortion care. The letter was co-led by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Congressw… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee Applauds Appointment of Catherine E. Lhamon and Debo P. Adegbile to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

December 16, 2016

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee applauded President Barack Obama on his appointment of Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon and attorney Debo P. Adegbile to six-year terms on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights matters and issuing a federal civil rights enforcement report. The Congresswoman issued the fo… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee Welcomes Secretary Castro to the East Bay to Discuss Public-Private Partnerships to Address Housing Crisis

December 14, 2016

Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee welcomed the Honorable Julian Castro, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to the East Bay to participate in a tour of the Lion Creek Crossings housing complex and learn about the programs and resources readily available to its residents. Following the tour, Congresswoman Lee hosted a roundtable discussion with Secretary Castro, stakeholders from Uber, Google, and Facebook and housing advocates to discuss the need to preserve affordable hous… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Barbara Lee: "Trump's Misguided Secretary of State Selection Jeopardizes National Security"

December 13, 2016

Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump's decision to nominate ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State: "I am deeply troubled by Donald Trump's decision to nominate ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to serve as our nation's chief diplomat. The Secretary of State represents America's interests across the globe and advocates for diplomatic solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our nation and the world. America's con… Continue Reading

Rep. Lee Statement on Senate Passage of Resolution Honoring Victims of Oakland Fire

December 10, 2016

Washington, DC - On Saturday, December 10th, the United States Senate passed S. Res 637, a resolution honoring the individuals who lost their lives in the tragic fire in Oakland, California on December 2nd, 2016. The resolution also commended the brave first responders who worked tirelessly under difficult conditions to bring comfort to the families of the victims. Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement: "I want to thank the Senate for passing this resolution in memory of th… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee Attends Launch of Bay Area Hygiene Kit Program

December 10, 2016

Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined SupplyBank.org, Kaiser Permanente, the Alameda County Public Health Department, and First 5 Alameda County to kick off the Bay Area's Baby Hygiene Kit Program to raise awareness about the struggle many families face to afford diapers for their children. Nearly 20,000 diapers, 60,000 baby wipes, and hundreds of "diaper backpacks" and other items will be distributed to families through this vital program. "I would like to thank SupplyBank.org … Continue Reading

U.S. House of Representatives Observes Moment of Silence for Victims of the Oakland Fire

December 08, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC - On Thursday, December 8th, the U.S. House of Representatives observed a moment of silence for the victims of the tragic Oakland warehouse fire. Prior to the moment of silence, Congresswoman Lee delivered remarks honoring the victims of the Oakland fire. "Last weekend, my home city of Oakland, California suffered a horrific tragedy. A devastating fire at an artists' collective warehouse in the Fruitvale neighborhood in Oakland killed 36 young, talented individuals. These were yo… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee: The Pentagon is Defrauding the American People

December 06, 2016

Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released a statement responding to reports that the Pentagon buried a study identifying $125 billion in waste from the agency: "For decades, officials have resisted any serious efforts to reign in bloated Pentagon spending. Yesterday, the Washington Post revealed just how far they'll go to bury evidence of rampant waste, fraud and abuse. "Reports show that Pentagon officials intentionally deceived Congress and the American people to hide at least $125 bi… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee: White House Use of Force Report Shows Urgent Need to Repeal 2001 War Authorization

December 06, 2016

Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the use of force report released by the White House yesterday: "I applaud President Obama for requesting this report and bringing much-needed transparency to our military operations. "This report reveals the vast scope of US military operations, in our nation and abroad, as well as the administration's reliance on the outdated 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force. "In the 15 years since its passage, this a… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee Applauds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Decision Rejecting Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline

December 05, 2016

Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' decision not to grant an easement for construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline under Lake Oahe: "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' announcement that they will not grant an easement for the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline under Lake Oahe is a victory for tribal sovereignty, environmental justice, and the countless individuals who raised their voices in opposition to this des… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee Releases Update on Oakland Fire

December 04, 2016

Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement following the tragic 31st Avenue fire: "As the entire East Bay mourns the devastating impact of this tragedy, I continue to extend my deepest condolences and prayers to the families of the victims, especially as more families learn the fate of their loved ones. "Today, I spoke with the White House to update them on our efforts. I will continue to support the hard work of Mayor Libby Schaaf and City Officials to provide a… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on 31st Avenue Fire

December 03, 2016

Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement following the tragic 31st Avenue fire: Today the entire East Bay community is in mourning as we come to understand the scale of the devastation caused by this fire. I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to the victims of this unimaginable tragedy and their families. I am incredibly grateful to the firefighters and first responders who worked so hard to prevent further loss of life and I am confident that Oakland off… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee’s Statement on November Jobs Report

December 02, 2016

Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, chair of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity, released the following statement on the Department of Labor's November Jobs Report. The report shows that the economy added 178,000 jobs in November. "Today's jobs report is a promising sign that our economy continues to pick up steam under President Obama's leadership, despite continued Republican obstruction. However, more work remains to address employment and hiri… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee to Serve as Vice Chair of the Steering & Policy Committee

December 02, 2016

Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was appointed to serve as Vice Chair of the Steering and Policy Committee. "I am deeply humbled by Leader Pelosi's appointment to serve as Vice Chair of the Steering and Policy Committee. As we prepare to stand up to a Trump Administration, our caucus and party must be more united than ever," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "As Vice Chair of the Steering and Policy Committee, I am committed to supporting my colleagues and their agendas while cr… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Race

November 30, 2016

Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement: "I'm deeply humbled and grateful for all the support that I've received in my campaign to serve as the next Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus. I'd like to congratulate Congresswoman Linda Sánchez on her election to this position. I look forward to working with her to unite our caucus and fight for American families." # # # Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering… Continue Reading

Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on the Passing of Fidel Castro

November 28, 2016

Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a steering committee member of the Congressional Cuba Working Group, released this statement on the passing of Cuban President Fidel Castro: ‎"My deepest condolences to Fidel Castro's family and the Cuban people during this time. While there are many disagreements between our countries, President Castro was a recognized world leader who was dedicated to the Cuban people. ‎ It is my hope that we continue to build on President Obama's efforts t… Continue Reading

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