{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"CA\" and year = 2012 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-78-million-grant-to-the-oakland-fire-department", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $7.8 Million Grant to the Oakland Fire Department", "2012-12-20", "2012", "2012-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $7.8 Million Grant to the Oakland Fire Department  \n\t\t\tFor Immediate Release: December 20, 2012\r\nContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nWashington, 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.\r\nThis highly competitive funding is critical to improving public safety and ensuring 24-hour staff coverage by hiring new and laid-off Oakland firefighters, said Congresswoman Lee. As Oakland and our nation continue to recover from the greatest economic downturn since the great depression, federal investments in public sector hiring are critical to moving our economy forward.\r\nThe SAFER program is a funding initiative designed to strengthen the nation's ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards and improve the nation's overall level of preparedness. The goal of any SAFER grant is to enhance the ability of grantees to attain and maintain 24-hour staffing and to assure that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.\r\nThe specific objective of the program is to award grants directly to volunteer, combination, and career fire departments to help the departments increase the number of frontline firefighters, and to rehire firefighters who were laid-off due to the economy.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-appointed-to-budget-committee", "Congresswoman Lee Appointed to Budget Committee", "2012-12-20", "2012", "2012-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Appointed to Budget Committee \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nWashington, D.C.  Today Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding her appointment to the House Budget Committee:\r\nI 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 economy and put our nation on a sustainable fiscal pathway.\r\nOur nation faces many challenges and a budget with the right priorities can help to lift millions of Americans out of poverty, strengthen our national security by rethinking and streamlining our defense spending, and reinvest in the future of all Americans. A budget with the right priorities can create millions of new jobs by rebuilding and modernizing our nation's infrastructure, providing a 21st century education to every child in America and putting us on track to building a sustainable and energy independent green economy future.\r\nI look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that our country's budget is fair, balanced, reduces our nation's deficit, and reignites the American dream for all.\r\nCongresswoman Lee will also serve on the House Appropriation Committee and as the Regional Representative on the Steering and Policy Committee (Region II).\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-participates-in-white-house-launch-of-plan-to-address-the-humanitarian-crisis-facing-the-worlds-children", "Barbara Lee Participates in White House Launch of Plan to Address the Humanitarian Crisis Facing the Worlds Children", "2012-12-19", "2012", "2012-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Participates in White House Launch of Plan to Address the Humanitarian Crisis Facing the World's Children \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nWashington, 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. TheAction 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, neglected, or in other vulnerable states. The Action Plan is unique in that seven agencies and departments have agreed to align funding that address needs of vulnerable children toward three goals.\r\nThis plan important step forward, not only towards addressing the growing crisis facing orphans and vulnerable children, but towards a more proactive foreign policy aimed at addressing the root causes of these problems, said Congresswoman Lee. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for the critical investments we need to continue and expand these vital programs.\r\nUnited States Government Action Plan on Children in Adversity was developed partially in response to Congresswoman Lee's 2005 bill, The Assistance for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act. This legislation established the position of Special Advisor for Orphans and Vulnerable Children within the USAID to better coordinate and provide assistance in support of basic care; treatment for HIV-infected children; psychosocial support; school food programs; educational opportunities through the elimination of school fees; and inheritance rights for orphans and vulnerable children.\r\nAt the time of signing, Lee's bill had 130 co-sponsors in the House and support from more than 30 non-governmental organizations working on HIV/AIDS and international aid issues. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives with bi-partisan support, was unanimously passed by the Senate and signed into signed into Law by President Clinton on November 8, 2005 (Public Law 109-95).\r\nClick here to view the United States Government Action Plan on Children in Adversity. \r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-15-million-in-affordable-care-act-aca-grants-to-east-bay-health-organizations", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $1.5 Million in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Grants to East Bay Health Organizations", "2012-12-19", "2012", "2012-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $1.5 Million in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Grants to East Bay Health Organizations \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nWashington, 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.\r\nI 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 youth, said Congresswoman Lee. These grants will allow for improved access to dental and healthcare services for Oakland area youth who have few options for accessible and affordable care.\r\nThe School-Based Health Centers Capital Program grants are designed to address significant and pressing capital needs to improve delivery and support expansion of services at school-based health centers which will lead to improvements in access to health services for children. Information on the specific grants is provided below:\r\nChildren's Hospital & Research Center: $500,000\r\nChildren's Hospital Oakland plans to use the grant to expand their efforts to stabilize their cost structure, offer specialty services in a setting more convenient to their patients and link their primary care clinic more strongly to their specialists.\r\nFinch, Fred Children's Home: $500,000\r\nWith the help of this funding the Rising Oaks Wellness Center will provide health, dental and behavior health services to targeted student and Transition Age Youth (TAY) populations in Alameda County.\r\nLifelong Medical Care, INC: $500,000\r\nLifeLong will use the funds to purchase a dental van to be used in their work in the Oakland public schools, specifically for Elmhurst Middle School/Alliance Academy, and neighboring elementary schools. Services will include preventive as well as restorative care.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-issues-statement-on-the-passing-of-senator-daniel-inouye", "Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on the Passing of Senator Daniel Inouye", "2012-12-18", "2012", "2012-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on the Passing of Senator Daniel Inouye \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nToday our country has lost one of its most committed advocates for justice for all Americans.\r\nSenator 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.\r\nAs a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I truly appreciate Senator Inouye's legacy of service and leadership. As the first Japanese-American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and later the first in the U.S. Senate, he was a trailblazer for Asian American politicians in our country.\r\nAfter serving as a volunteer in Pearl Harbor, Inouye enlisted in the U.S. Army when it dropped its ban on Japanese-Americans. He served with distinction in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated infantry regiment in U.S. Army history. He was shot multiple times and lost an arm battling German forces in Italy. Despite his injuries, he remained in the military until 1947 and was honorably discharged with the rank of captain. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery in this action and later the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton.\r\nInouye was an advocate for justice for all Americans and was known to advocate for fair treatment for interned Japanese Americans, Filipino World War II veterans, Native Americans and Native Hawaiians.\r\nAs a fellow appropriator, I have had the distinct pleasure to work alongside Senator Inouye and I will miss his wise counsel and friendship. The tangible benefits Senator Inouye's legacy will be felt in Hawaii and our nation for decades to come.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/letter-to-obama-reinstate-healthcare-to-dreamers", "Letter to Obama: Reinstate Healthcare to DREAMers", "2012-12-18", "2012", "2012-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.12\n\t\t\t Letter to Obama: Reinstate Healthcare to DREAMers \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nWashington, 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).\r\nIn August, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sent a letter to State Health Officials and Medicaid Directors stating that individuals granted deferred action through the DACA process were not eligible for federal Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage to cover lawfully residing children under 21 and pregnant women. CMS also released an interim final rule carving out DREAMers granted deferred action through DACA from being eligible for the ACA federally funded Pre-existing Condition Insurance Program (PCIP), buying health insurance in the Exchange, or from accessing the premium tax credits.\r\nThe CMS interim rule to exclude youth and pregnant women approved for the new deferred action policy from key features of the Affordable Care Act is unjust and needs to be reversed, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. There is no logical reason to disqualify DREAMers who obtain legal status through Deferred Action access to health care and should be therefore covered under the Affordable Care Act as originally enacted.\r\nWith up to 1.7 million immigrants potentially benefiting from deferred action under DACA, we need to consider the potential astronomical burden placed on our nation's emergency rooms and safety net medical providers by not providing DREAMers access to quality preventative care.\r\n###\r\n==================================================================\r\nPresident Barack Obama\r\nThe White House\r\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\r\nWashington, DC 20500\r\nDear President Obama,\r\nAs members of Congress, many of us from the Congressional Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific American and Progressive Caucuses, we congratulate you on your re-election and thank you for taking the bold step of implementing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. Already this considered action has begun to enable thousands of young aspiring Americans to live without fear of deportation and to begin giving back to their communities and our country. A critical first step on the path to reforming our broken immigration system, DACA is dramatically improving the lives of these young people and their families.\r\nDACA has attracted a high number of applicants to date and is strongly supported by the communities we represent. However, we are deeply concerned about the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) decision to issue an Interim Final Rule that will explicitly exclude youth granted deferred action under DACA from key features of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including participation in the state health insurance exchanges. We believe this rule-making process offered an opportunity for the Department to enable these young peopleAmericans in every respect except on paperto access the same range of health care options as the citizens they hope to one day become. Instead, they will be barred even from purchasing coverage in these markets with their own money. Disconcertingly, HHS has also taken action to prevent children and pregnant women who benefited from DACA from securing affordable health insurance under the state option available in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Prior to this August 28, 2012 HHS guidance, federal rules would have allowed DACA individuals, like others granted deferred action, to enroll in these affordable health coverage programs if otherwise eligible.\r\nThe Department's stated explanations for taking these actions is that the decision to implement the DACA policy was not motivated by a desire to make these deserving young people eligible to secure affordable health insurance. That may be true, but it also is entirely beside the point. Indeed, until the Department decided to carve out DACA beneficiaries they were covered like all other persons who have been granted deferred action for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with the government's desire to ensure that they have access to affordable health insurance. Nevertheless, that is one of the many things that follows from that grant of deferred action.\r\nThere is no principled reason to treat differently young people who received deferred action through DACA and any other person who has received deferred action. The unfairness of singling out DACA beneficiaries is also clear when you consider that many of them will now be studying alongside students with nonimmigrant visas who have not been excluded from the ACA.\r\nThe relevant questions in deciding whether to reconsider the Department's recent actions are whether those actions advance the goals of the ACA and whether they are beneficial to the American people. The answer to those questions is decidedly no. First, they interfere with the cost-effective strategy of including healthy and young individuals in the nation's risk pool. With up to 1.7 million immigrants potentially benefiting from deferred action under DACA, there are significant costs to leaving immigrants uninsured if they are unable to afford health care on their own, particularly if they turn to hospital emergency rooms and public safety net hospitals for careultimately driving up costs in the long run. Second, the actions also run counter to the basic notion that by enabling people to access simple preventative care we can lower long-term costs and improve health care outcomes. Third, by precluding more people from gaining coverage, the Department's decisions could have negative public health implications. As you know, illness does not discriminate on the basis of documentation or legal status.\r\nWe look forward to working with you to reform our broken immigration system so that newly classified immigrants can become full participants in our society, including having access to affordable health care through the ACA.In the meantime, we strongly urge your administration to take the necessary steps to enable these young people who are American in every way but on paper to obtain the basic coverage and care they so clearly need and deserve. We remain committed to ensuring that the Affordable Care Act achieves its goals and hope that we can continue working together to empower immigrant youth to realize their full potential.\r\nSincerely,\r\nMembers of Congress\r\nCo-signers (81): Barbara Lee; Judy Chu; Donna Christensen; Zoe Lofgren; Jan Schakowsky; Lucille Roybal-Allard; Charles Rangel; Joe Baca; Gwen Moore; Jim Moran; John Conyers; Mike Honda; Linda Snchez; Luis Gutierrez; Grace Napolitano; Raul Grijalva; Eleanor Holmes Norton; Sam Farr; Yvette Clarke; Jared Polis; Maxine Waters; Henry Waxman; Jos Serrano; Anna Eshoo; John Lewis; Mel Watt; Jim McGovern; Maurice Hinchey; Jerrold Nadler; Wm. Lacy Clay; Keith Ellison; Lloyd Doggett; Adam Smith; Louise Slaughter; Ed Pastor; Sheila Jackson Lee; Gene Green; Lois Capps; Adam Schiff; Al Green; Elijah Cummings; Donald Payne Jr.; Hank Johnson; Emanuel Cleaver; Karen Bass; Albio Sires; Silvestre Reyes; Ted Deutch; Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott; Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan; Janice Hahn; Laura Richardson; Mike Thompson; Frank Pallone; Danny Davis; Edolphus Towns; Chaka Fattah; Kathy Castor; Lynn Woolsey; Loretta Sanchez; Jim McDermott; Ben Ray Lujn; Joseph Crowley; Mike Quigley; Chellie Pingree; Steve Cohen; Doris Matsui; Corrine Brown; Frederica Wilson; Pete Stark; Eni Faleomavaega; Colleen Hanabusa; Peter Welch; Rush Holt; Marcy Kaptur; Carolyn Maloney; Robert Brady; Earl Blumenauer; Hansen Clarke; Howard Berman; Barney Frank\r\nCc:\r\nThe Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services\r\nAlejandro Mayorkas, Director, USCIS\r\nValerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States\r\nCecilia Munoz, Director, White House Domestic Policy Council\r\nJon Carson, Director of the Office of Public Engagement, White House\r\nCindy Mann, Director, Center for Medicaid and State Operations", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-issues-statement-on-ambassador-susan-rice", "Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Ambassador Susan Rice", "2012-12-13", "2012", "2012-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Ambassador Susan Rice \n\t\t\tOakland, CA  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) provided the following statement concerning Ambassador Susan Rice's decision to withdraw from consideration for Secretary of State.\r\nI 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.\r\nI have known and worked closely with Ambassador Susan Rice for many yearson many global issues. From the genocide in Sudan to the ongoing violence in Syria, the humanitarian crisis in Haiti and the global HIV/AIDS crisis. Ambassador Rice works each and every day to advance the highest ideals of our country and would have been an outstanding Secretary of State.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-issues-statement-on-marriage-equality", "Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Marriage Equality", "2012-12-10", "2012", "2012-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Marriage Equality \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nOakland, 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.\r\nI 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 victory for equality.\r\nAs a founding member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, I have repeatedly spoken against the effort to ban same-sex marriage, and I will continue to fight until equal rights are enjoyed by all.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-issues-statement-on-november-jobs-numbers", "Barbara Lee Issues Statement on November Jobs Numbers", "2012-12-07", "2012", "2012-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Issues Statement on November Jobs Numbers \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nWashington, 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 we must work together in Congress to avoid stymieing that growth.\r\n\"House Republicans should work with Democrats to extend the middle class tax cuts and the emergency unemployment compensation program to encourage consumer spending, job creation, and strengthen the economy for all.\r\n\"There are still unprecedented levels of long term unemployment, with 4.8 million Americans unemployed for 27 weeks or longer. African American unemployment is still untenable high at 13.2 percent, and 2 million American workers are slated to be stripped of their unemployment insurance benefits - one of the only remaining lifelines they have to feed and house their families - this Holiday season. The American people and their families cannot afford continued Republican grandstanding and Congressional inaction.\r\nAs President Obama and Congressional leaders continue to negotiate a year-end deal, targeted job-creating measures, including infrastructure spending, and accelerating public-sector job growth to re-hire teachers, firefighters, police officers and the long-term unemployed should be key components to keep our economy moving forward.\r\n###\r\nCongresswoman Lee is a long-time champion of the unemployed. Earlier this week she and Congressman Gary Peters (D-MI) authored a letter to House and Senate Leadership requesting a full and robust extension of the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, which is currently set to expire at the end of December. The letter earned the support of 78 Members of Congress.\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-urges-president-obama-to-expedite-troop-withdrawal-from-afghanistan", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Urges President Obama to Expedite Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan", "2012-12-07", "2012", "2012-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Urges President Obama to Expedite Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nBi-partisan letter to Obama: No military solution in Afghanistan, bring troops home\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) were joined by over 90 Members of the House of Representatives in sending a bipartisan letter to President Obama, calling for an accelerated end to the war in Afghanistan.\r\nOur responsibility to our men and women in uniform in Afghanistan is as important as ever, said Lee. As Pentagon military advisors prepare to present President Obama with a set of recommendations for U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, we owe it to our troops to earnestly deliberate our defense policies.\r\nNow that the President has accomplished every goal that was originally set in Afghanistan and it is widely accepted that there is no military solution in the country, it is time to bring home our brave men and women in uniform and transition to full Afghan control. After 10 years and $600 billion invested in an unstable country, it is past time to end this war. This war has taken the lives of more than 2,000 members of the armed services and wounded another 18,000. Our troops have done everything we have asked of them, but they cannot be tasked with building up a modern nation state. It is time to bring our troops and tax dollars home.\r\nWe have an opportunity to ensure that our brave troops are brought home in a swift and responsible manner so that we can create jobs and engage in nation-building here at home. The overwhelming majority of Americans, both Republicans and Democrats, believe it is time to bring a responsible end to the war in Afghanistan.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\nDecember 5, 2012\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Barack Obama\r\nPresident of the United States\r\nThe White House\r\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\r\nWashington, DC 20500\r\nDear President Obama:\r\nYour military advisors will soon be providing you with a set of military options in Afghanistan. We are writing to urge you to pursue a strategy in Afghanistan that best serves the interests of the American people and our brave troops on the ground. That strategy is simple: an accelerated withdrawal to bring to an end the decade-long war as soon as can safely and responsibly be accomplished.\r\nAfter 10 years and almost $600 billion spent, over 2,000 American lives lost, and 18,000 wounded - it is time to accelerate the transition to full Afghan control. While NATO and Afghan National Security Forces have made considerable strides, no military strategy exists and morale has been undermined by the proliferation of Green on Blue attacks. Sixty coalition soldiers have been killed this year alone by their Afghan allies. To quote a former Commandant of the Marine Corps, When our friends turn out to be our enemy, it is time to pull the plug.\r\nThis is one issue that overwhelmingly unifies Americans: the desire to bring the war in Afghanistan to an accelerated close. Polls show over two-thirds of Americans, on a bipartisan basis, believe it is past time to end our combat role and bring the troops home.\r\nWe write to request that you respond to the consensus amongst military experts, diplomats, and the American people. It is time to announce an accelerated transition of security responsibility to the Afghan government and to bring our troops home as soon as can be safely and responsibly accomplished.\r\nAl Qaeda's presence has been greatly diminished and Osama bin Laden is no longer a threat to the United States. There can be no military solution in Afghanistan. It is past time for the United States to allow the Afghanistan government to assume responsibility for its own security.\r\nWhile many of us would prefer an immediate withdrawal from Afghanistan starting today, there is broad recognition that the primary objectives have been completed. We also would like to remind you that any long term security agreement committing U.S. troops to the defense of Afghanistan must have congressional approval to be binding. In addition, we would like to request a meeting to discuss these issues directly with you and your staff.\r\nWe look forward to working with you.\r\nSincerely,\r\nMembers of Congress\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/us-reps-lee-and-peters-lead-the-effort-to-protect-our-nations-most-vulnerable-families", "U.S. Reps. Lee and Peters lead the effort to protect our nations most vulnerable families", "2012-12-05", "2012", "2012-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.12\n\t\t\t U.S. Reps. Lee and Peters lead the effort to protect our nation's most vulnerable families \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nLee-Peters letter calling for full extension of Unemployment Insurance in Fiscal Cliff debate earns support of 78 members of Congress\r\nWashington, D.C.  Yesterday afternoon, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Gary Peters (D-MI) sent a letter to House and Senate Leadership requesting a full and robust extension of the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program. The current program is set to expire at the end of the year, stripping two million workers of their unemployment insurance benefits.\r\nBy working together, Congresswoman Lee and Congressman Peters secured the support of 78 members of Congress in their letter.\r\nUnemployment benefits are the most effective fiscal policy to stimulate the economy and get people back to work, said Congresswoman Lee. In fact, every one dollar spent on unemployment insurance generates $1.55 in economic activity. With millions of Americans still struggling to recover from the recession, we cannot afford to strip one of the only remaining lifelines for workers that are eager to get back to work.\r\nDuring this holiday season, Congress needs to stand up for families that are facing serious economic challenges, said Congressman Gary Peters. Unemployment insurance is a crucial lifeline that many American families rely on to get through tough times and we can't allow them to be used as a bargaining chip in the fiscal cliff debate. I'm proud to stand with Congresswoman Lee and more than 75 members of Congress that are fighting to protect Unemployment Insurance.\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\nBelow is the full text of the Lee-Peters letter. You can also view a signed copy by clicking here.\r\nDear House and Senate Leaders,\r\nWhile our economy is showing signs of recovery with the addition of 171,000 jobs in October 2012 and the unemployment under 8%, over 12 million Americans remain unemployed. The long-term unemployment rate  the share of unemployed workers who have been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer  was over 40% throughout the entirety of 2010 and 2011, and persists at a rate of 40.6% in October 2012. This is an unprecedented level of long-term unemployment; the previous peak, in June 1983, was just 26%.\r\nUnemployment benefits are a proven lifeline to families that they rely on to help pay for necessities such as rent, groceries, and utilities. Expansions to the unemployment insurance program enacted in the Recovery Act and subsequent legislation in 2009 and 2010 lifted over 3.2 million Americans out of poverty in 2010, and 2.3 million in 2011 including over 600,000 children.\r\nAs House and Senate leadership negotiate legislation addressing expiring tax provisions, cuts mandated by sequestration, and the Medicare sustainable growth rate, we urge you to include a robust extension of federal unemployment benefits for American workers. Given the unprecedented levels of long-term unemployment our nation currently faces, a full extension of unemployment benefits through 2013 should represent the minimum acceptable extension in any year-end compromise legislation. Should Congress fail to act by the last week of December, over two million workers will immediately lose their federal unemployment benefits.\r\nDisconcertingly, federal unemployment benefits were already reduced earlier this year; the total cap on combined state and federal unemployment benefits was cut from 99 weeks at the beginning of 2012 to 73 weeks currently. Additionally, the need to extend federal unemployment benefits is amplified by unprecedented cuts to both the amount and duration of unemployment benefits made by a number of states.\r\nWe also have serious concerns about proposals that divert unemployment funds from direct recipients or that subject recipients to new drug testing and education requirements which create barriers for our nation's unemployed. We encourage House and Senate leadership to ensure that states use their unemployment funds, as they have historically done, to compensate recipients and not for any other purpose, and reject efforts to create new barriers for eligible individuals seeking unemployment benefits.\r\nReducing federal unemployment benefits would plunge hundreds of thousands of Americans into poverty and jeopardize our nation's economic recovery. With millions of American workers relying on these benefits to make ends meet as our nation's economic recovery continues to take hold, now is not the time to roll back this critical lifeline. We urge you to come together and ensure that unemployment benefits remain available to American workers when they need it most.\r\n Sincerely,\r\nBarbara Lee\r\nGary Peters\r\nSander Levin, Barney Frank, John Conyers, Donna M. Christensen, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Gwen Moore, Laura Richardson, Sam Farr, Hank Johnson, Lynn Woolsey, Pete Stark, Mike Honda, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Marcia Fudge, Peter DeFazio, Janice Schakowsky, Judy Chu, Joe Baca, Robert A. Brady, Keith Ellison, James P. McGovern, Melvin L. Watt, Albio Sires, Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Ral Grijalva, Dennis Kucinich, Bennie G. Thompson, Chellie Pingree, Al Green, Steve Cohen, Henry Waxman, Dale Kildee, Bob Filner, Ben Ray Lujan, Sheila Jackson Lee, Rosa L. DeLauro, Danny K. Davis, David Cicilline, Yvette D. Clarke, Hansen Clarke, Charles Rangel, George Miller, Joseph Crowley, G.K. Butterfield, Maxine Waters, Mike Doyle, Corrine Brown, John Dingell, Sanford Bishop, Edolphus Towns, John Lewis, Terri Sewell, James R. Langevin, Betty McCollum, Elijah E. Cummings, Bobby Rush, John F. Tierney, Lois Capps, Carolyn Maloney, Gene Green, Dave Loebsack, Jerry McNerney, Karen Bass, Anna Eshoo, Pedro Pierluisi, David Curson, Janice Hahn, Jerrold Nadler, William R. Keating, Peter Welch, Bobby Scott, Jos E. Serrano, Michael Michaud, Rubn Hinojosa, Ed Markey, Doris O. Matsui", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-announces-120-million-in-federal-grant-funding-to-advance-green-battery-technology", "Congresswoman Lee Announces $120 Million in Federal Grant Funding to Advance Green Battery Technology", "2012-12-03", "2012", "2012-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Announces $120 Million in Federal Grant Funding to Advance Green Battery Technology \n\t\t\tFor Immediate Release: November 30, 2012\r\nContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\n  \r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced that a multi-partner team led by Argonne National Laboratory, which includes Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), has been selected for an award of up to $120 million over five years to establish a new Batteries and Energy Storage Hub.\r\n\r\nI am proud to support Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's contributions to this collaboration that will make critical advances in hybrid and electric vehicle technologies, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA). Berkeley Labs' essential role in this project highlights the important role the East Bay plays in rebuilding the nation's economy of the future driven by innovative green technology.\r\nThe Hub, to be known as the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), will combine the R&D firepower of five DOE national laboratories, five universities, and four private firms in an effort aimed at achieving revolutionary advances in battery performance. Advancing next generation battery and energy storage technologies for electric and hybrid cars and the electricity grid are a critical part of President Obama's all-of-the-above energy strategy to reduce America's reliance on foreign oil and lower energy costs for U.S. consumers.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-commends-administration-for-new-pepfar-blueprint", "Lee Commends Administration for New PEPFAR Blueprint", "2012-11-29", "2012", "2012-11", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.29.12\n\t\t\t Lee Commends Administration for New PEPFAR Blueprint \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), a founding co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, issued the following statement regarding today's launch of the Obama Administration's AIDS Free Generation Blueprint:\r\nI applaud Secretary Clinton, Ambassador Goosby and the Obama Administration for their commitment to achieving an AIDS-free generation. As we mark World AIDS Day on December 1, the Blueprint provides an important roadmap in our renewed efforts to transform the international response to this epidemic and accelerate progress toward making the end of AIDS the legacy of our generation.\r\nThe successful efforts of the bipartisan PEPFAR program and the international efforts thru the Global Fund, coupled with remarkable breakthroughs in scientific research in recent years have brought us to important crossroads. Now more than ever, a roadmap to rapidly scale-up effective evidence-based interventions can truly begin to put us on a path to achieving an AIDS-free generation and lead other nations and donors in this collective effort.\r\nOn July 18th, Congresswoman Lee introduced H.R. 6138, Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Act of 2012, which articulated a policy and financing framework to achieve an AIDS-Free Generation in the United States and globally. The bill increases and targets federal resources to maximize impact of HIV efforts, expands efforts to end stigma and discrimination, repeals and reforms laws that violate human rights and undermine the positive impact of resources, and maximizes federal coordinating efforts to drive greater efficiency and improved results in all HIV and related programs.\r\nClick here to read the blueprint.\r\nCongresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establish a National AIDS Strategy, and is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services & Education with jurisdiction over all domestic HIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference in Washington DC in July of 2102.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-announces-134-million-in-federal-department-of-energy-grants", "Congresswoman Lee Announces $13.4 Million in Federal Department of Energy Grants", "2012-11-28", "2012", "2012-11", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.28.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Announces $13.4 Million in Federal Department of Energy Grants  \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nWashington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced $13.4 million in Federal funding to East Bay research organizations from the Energy Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency  Energy (ARPA-E) through its OPEN 2012 program. The selected projects will focus on a wide array of technologies, including advanced fuels, advanced vehicle design and materials, building efficiency, carbon capture, grid modernization, renewable power, and energy storage.\r\nI am excited that several Berkeley-based institutions were selected for this highly competitive funding which is critical to support innovation in emerging green technology fields, said Rep. Lee. The fact that over 10 percent of the $130 in total grant funding announced today was awarded to research organizations in the 9th Congressional District highlights the important role the East Bay plays in rebuilding the nation's economy of the future.\r\nThe four East Bay grants announced today include:\r\n$3 Million: Low-Cost Smart Window Coatings for Heat and Light \r\nLawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA\r\nLawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) will develop low-cost coatings that control how both light and heat enter buildings through windows. By individually blocking infrared (heat) and visible (light) components, LBNL will significantly enhance both the energy efficiency of buildings and the comfort of occupants. These coatings can be applied to windows using inexpensive techniques similar to spray-painting a car.\r\n$1.9 Million: Automated Modeling and Simulation of Existing Buildings for Energy Efficiency \r\nLawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA\r\nLawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) will develop a portable system of sensing and computer hardware to rapidly generate indoor thermal and physical building maps. This mapping technology allows for cost-effective evaluation of heat loss and building inefficiencies. The system enables rapid data collection and export to existing computer models to guide strategies that reduce building energy usage.\r\n$4 Million: Micro-Synchrophasors in Distribution Systems \r\nUniversity of California Berkeley / California Institute for Energy and Environment, Berkeley, CA\r\nThe California Institute for Energy and Environment (CIEE) will develop a device to monitor and measure electric power data from the grid's distribution system. Data collected from a network of these devices would provide new capabilities to monitor and control grid power flow, a critical element for integrating intermittent and renewable resources such as rooftop solar and wind energy. If widely deployed, these devices could also enhance grid reliability.\r\n$4.5 Million: High-Performance, Low-Cost Aqueous Lithium-Sulfur Batteries \r\nPolyPlus Battery Company, Berkeley, CA\r\nPolyPlus Battery Company and Johnson Controls will develop an innovative water-based, lithium-sulfur battery. Today, lithium-sulfur battery technology offers the lightest high-energy batteries that are completely self-contained. New features in these water-based batteries make PolyPlus's unique, lightweight battery ideal for a variety of military and consumer applications. If successful, this technology would be able to transition to a widespread commercial and military market.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-elected-regional-representative-on-the-democratic-steering-and-policy-committee", "Congresswoman Lee Elected Regional Representative on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee", "2012-11-28", "2012", "2012-11", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.28.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Elected Regional Representative on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nWashington, D.C.  Today Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding her election, by unanimous consent to serve as the Regional Representative on the Steering and Policy Committee (Region II):\r\nI am pleased and honored to represent my colleagues as the Regional Representative on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. In this role I will continue my advocacy for our region and my state. I am excited to work with my colleagues as we move our inclusive agenda forward and reignite the American dream for all.\r\nRegion II includes CA (Congressional Districts 1-20), HI, AS, GU, CNMI, AK.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-issues-statement-in-honor-of-veterans-day", "Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement in Honor of Veterans Day", "2012-11-10", "2012", "2012-11", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.10.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement in Honor of Veterans Day \n\t\t\tFor Immediate Release: November 11, 2012\r\nContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\nOakland  Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) offered the following statement in support of America's troops and veterans in honor of the 93rd Veterans Day:\r\nOn this Veterans Day it is important that we remember those who have fought with dignity and honor to protect democracy and freedom throughout the world. As we recognize the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, we must not forget our obligation making sure our veterans come home to good jobs and services that are needed to transition successfully into civilian life.\r\nAs the daughter of a veteran, I believe we have a moral responsibility to keep our promise to the brave women and men who have served our nation. Veterans, service members, and their families deserve our full support and I will continue to fight to keep the promises made to our veterans who have served selflessly and answered our nation's call to duty in times of peace and war.\r\nSince military forces deployed a record number of troops to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I will continue to fight for a corresponding increase in job placement and support services for our veterans. I am proud that Congress enacted the President's VOW to Hire Heroes Act, a law that makes it easier for veterans to obtain quality jobs by expanding access to education and training opportunities and provides tax credits for employers who hire Veterans with service-connected disabilities.\r\nI have also been working with my colleagues from the California congressional delegation to ensure that the over 26,000 veterans served by the Oakland Regional Office are receiving fair, timely, and accurate decisions on their claims. I am optimistic that the office-wide training held in July and the transformation initiatives which were introduced in October will assist the VA in improving accuracy and efficiency.\r\nReports show claim response time and accuracy are showing improvement, but in spite of these advances I know that there is still work to be done. I will continue to advocate forcefully for our veterans and fight to give them the benefits they have earned.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-21-million-in-federal-grant-funding-to-support-innovation-in-advanced-manufacturing", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $2.1 Million in Federal Grant Funding to Support Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing", "2012-10-09", "2012", "2012-10", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.09.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $2.1 Million in Federal Grant Funding to Support Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\n\r\n\tOakland, CA  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced today that five East Bay organizations including Laney College and University of California Berkeley will be awarded a total of $2.1 million in Federal grants through the Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge for the Advanced Manufacturing Medical/Biosciences Pipeline for Economic Development (AM2PED) project which will build a regional system to facilitate technology transfer, economic development and workforce development in medical device and bio-science manufacturing in the East Bay.\r\n\r\n\tThe Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). These funds will help the winning clusters support local efforts to spur job creation through connecting innovative small suppliers with large companies, linking research with the start-ups that can commercialize new ideas, and training workers with skills that firms need to capitalize on business opportunities. These public-private partnerships consist of small and large businesses, colleges, nonprofits, and other local stakeholders that cluster in a particular area.\r\n\r\n\tAM2PED Project Partners:\r\n\r\n\t Laney College\r\n\r\n\t University of California Berkeley\r\n\r\n\t Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County\r\n\r\n\t Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence\r\n\r\n\t Norcal SBDC\r\n\r\n\tI am excited that the AM2PED project was selected for this highly competitive funding, said Congresswoman Lee. This funding will provide critical funding to help support innovation in emerging advanced manufacturing, medical, device and bio-science fields. I am confident that their collaboration will yield real results for the East Bay. Together we are rebuilding an East Bay economy of the future that is built to last.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-issues-statement-on-september-jobs-numbers", "Congresswoman Barbara Issues Statement on September Jobs Numbers", "2012-10-05", "2012", "2012-10", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.05.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Issues Statement on September Jobs Numbers \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the Department of Labor showing the unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent, and that the economy added 114,000 jobs in September:\r\n\r\n\tI was encouraged by the September report showing that the overall unemployment rate dropped to 7.8 percent, the lowest unemployment rate since January 2009. September marked the 31th consecutive month of private sector job growth.While rates remain high, the decrease in African American unemployment from 14.1% to 13.6%, and Hispanics from 10.1% to 9.9% are encouraging.\r\n\r\n\tThese decreases show that we are headed in the right direction. However, much more needs to be done. Targeted investments and accelerating government-sector job creation to re-hire teachers, firefighters, police officers and the long-term unemployed is needed to keep our economy moving forward. Republicans in Congress must work with Congressional Democrats and President Obama to reignite the American dream and put Americans back to work. Passing the American Jobs Act will get struggling Americans into good paying jobs and contribute to deficit reduction and will strengthen the American economy for all.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-issues-statement-on-the-passing-of-mervyn-dymally", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on the Passing of Mervyn Dymally", "2012-10-05", "2012", "2012-10", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.05.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on the Passing of Mervyn Dymally \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370\r\nOakland, CA  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement on the passing of Mervyn Dymally:  I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mervyn Dymally, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.\r\nMervyn was truly a world renowned leader. As the California's first foreign-born black assemblyman in 1962, the first black senator in 1966, the first and only black lieutenant governor in 1974, he was a trailblazer for African American politicians in the state. In 1980, he was elected to the U.S Congress where he served as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. His dedication to global issues and Africa saved and improved the lives of many and inspired all of those around him.\r\n\"I believe his legacy of over 50 years of service to California, the nation and the world will inspire many to speak for the voiceless and stand up for justice across the globe.\r\n\"He has been a personal friend since early 70's. I will deeply miss his wise counsel and friendship.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-honored-as-2012-champion-for-children", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honored as 2012 Champion for Children", "2012-10-02", "2012", "2012-10", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.02.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honored as 2012 Champion for Children \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC  The bipartisan First Focus Campaign for Children announced today that it will recognize Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) as a 2012 Champion for children, based on her legislative agenda that prioritizes the needs of children and youth locally, nationally and globally.\r\n\r\n\tI am truly honored to receive this recognition, Congresswoman Lee said. The work that is being done by First Focus Campaign for Children gives me constant encouragement in my own work to improve the health and well being, educational opportunities and overall quality of life for the children of Oakland and our nation.\r\n\r\n\tLots of politicians talk about kids' issues, but few back it up, said Bruce Lesley, president of the Campaign for Children. Representative Lee delivered for kids.\r\n\r\n\tFor the third year, First Focus has selected a group of 50 members of the House and Senate who have made extraordinary efforts to introduce, co-sponsor and vote for legislation that would improve the quality of life and well-being of our nation's children. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and as Co-Chair of the Out-of-Poverty Caucus, Representative Lee has long focused on the educational and health and nutritional needs of children, especially those living in poverty.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/2012/09/27/barbara-lee-statement-on-national-gay-mens-hiv/aids-awareness-day", "Barbara Lee Statement on National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day", "2012-09-27", "2012", "2012-09", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.27.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Statement on National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day \n\t\t\t\r\n\tWashington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in observance of National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day:\r\n\r\n\tSeptember 27th, 2012 marks the 5th Annual National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. In the thirty years since HIV was discovered in the US, we have made great strides in treatment, care and prevention efforts; but much work remains. Gay men in the U.S. represent the largest proportion of new HIV infections--- and for African Americans, the crisis is especially dire. National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an important opportunity to rededicate ourselves to achieving a world free of AIDS.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establish a NationalAIDS Strategy, and is a member ofthe Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services & Educationwith jurisdiction over all domesticHIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference to be held in the United States in July 2012. \r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/two-oakland-drug-treatment-programs-to-receive-a-total-of-1-million-in-hhs-grant-funding", "Two Oakland Drug Treatment Programs to Receive a Total of $1 million in HHS Grant Funding", "2012-09-26", "2012", "2012-09", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.26.12\n\t\t\t Two Oakland Drug Treatment Programs to Receive a Total of $1 million in HHS Grant Funding \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370\r\nOakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) announced today that two Oakland health agencies that provide services throughout the Bay Area will receive a total of $1 million in funding through Health and Human Services Mental Health & Substance Abuse Service Grants.\r\nOakland-based AIDS Project of the East Bay and Native American Health Services, Inc will both receive $500,000 to provide HIV and Hepatitis testing, substance abuse treatment, recovery support services and case management to East Bay youth.\r\nI am pleased to announce that these two organizations have been selected to receive this vital funding, said Congresswoman Lee. This funding will help support the comprehensive and culturally appropriate treatment that East Bay youth struggling with substance abuse need to assist their path to long term recovery.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-fights-voter-suppression-efforts-by-preparing-californias-voters-for-election-day", "Congresswoman Lee Fights Voter Suppression Efforts by Preparing California's Voters for Election Day", "2012-09-25", "2012", "2012-09", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.25.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Fights Voter Suppression Efforts by Preparing California's Voters for Election Day \n\t\t\t\r\n\tOakland, CA  On September 25, 2012, National Voter Registration Day, hundreds of East Bay residents joined Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, Emeryville Mayor Jennifer West and community leaders to ensure that all voters in California are prepared to vote this fall. In response to moves throughout the country to enact strict voting laws that impose unfair restrictions on eligible voters, Representative Lee and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have committed to ensuring that no eligible voter is turned away from the ballot box during early voting and on Election Day. Block-the-vote efforts, like restrictive voter ID laws, could impede as many as five million people from registering to vote and/or casting a ballot. At least 34 states have introduced laws that would require voters to show photo identification in order to vote. At least 12 states have introduced laws that would require proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, to register to vote or to vote. The states that have already cut back on voting rights provide 171 electoral votes in 2012 - 63 percent of the 270 needed to win the presidency. We are engaged in a battle to protect the fundamental, Constitutional right to vote, said Representative Lee. Voter suppression tactics do nothing at all to prevent voter fraud, while disproportionately excluding and disenfranchising people of color, elderly and young adults from their Constitutionally given right to vote. By preparing all Alameda County residents to vote this fall, we are standing in solidarity with communities fighting intense battles against voter suppression efforts throughout the country. Through a coordinated series of events across the country as part of the CBC's \"For the People\" Voter Protection Initiative (H. Res. 542), Congresswoman Lee and her colleagues encouraged eligible voters to register and to make certain that they are prepared to vote on Election Day. ###\r\n\r\n\tFollow @RepBarbaraLee on Twitter.\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-seeks-defense-budget-transparency-with-latest-bill", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Seeks Defense Budget Transparency With Latest Bill", "2012-09-21", "2012", "2012-09", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.21.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Seeks Defense Budget Transparency With Latest Bill  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C.Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced the Audit the Pentagon Act of 2012 for increased fiscal transparency and accountability in the defense budget.\r\n\r\n\tThis bill will reduce the authority of any Federal agency by five percent if it does not receive an independent audit for the previous year. Both military personnel accounts and the Defense Health Program would be exempt from cuts and the President would be granted a national security waiver.\r\n\r\n\tThe American people want some basic measure of accountability in the way the Pentagon spends their tax dollars., said Congresswoman Lee. The Department of Defense's refusal to provide an audit is recipe for waste, fraud and abuse.Nearly sixty cents of every federal discretionary dollar now goes toward defense spending, and by the Pentagon's own admission, they cannot properly account for how the money is spent. It is time to finally do away with a culture of unlimited spending and no accountability at the Pentagon. As our economy is continuing to rebound from the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression, this lack of fiscal transparencyin our excessive and bloated defense budgetis unacceptable.\r\n\r\n\tTreasury Department reported that for the fiscal year 2011, 32 of 35 major federal agencies received clean audits. Two more, the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department, were partially auditable and making progress, leaving the Department of Defense as the only agency without an audit. If the bill had been law this year, the Department of Defense (DOD) would have faced around $30 billion in cuts.\r\n\r\n\tThe Government Accountability Office found that the DOD is not consistently able to control costs; ensure basic accountability; anticipate future costs; measure performance, maintain funds control; and prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse, underscoring the importance of this proposed legislation.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee has been a long time critic of the lack of transparency and accountability at the Department of Defense. During the FY2012 and FY2013 Defense Appropriations debates, Congresswoman Lee joined with Congresswoman Schakowsky offered amendments to audit the Pentagon. The Congresswoman is committed to bringing sunlight and financial oversight to the United States Government's largest federal agency.\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/trailblazing-african-american-marines-honored-with-congressional-gold-medal-in-oakland", "Trailblazing African American Marines honored with Congressional Gold Medal in Oakland", "2012-09-21", "2012", "2012-09", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.21.12\n\t\t\t Trailblazing African American Marines honored with Congressional Gold Medal in Oakland \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\n\r\n\r\n\tOakland, CA  Today, the Office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) honored two former members of the Montford Point Marines, a group of African American servicemen who broke the last color barrier in the US Armed Forces. Sergeant Riley A. McCray (Oakland, CA) and Corporal Lynn L. Williams (Berkeley, CA) received Congressional Gold Medals in a ceremony officiated by the U.S. Marine Corps at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland on Friday, September 21, 2012.\r\n\r\n\tSergeant McCray and Corporal Williams were honored for their service in the Second World War as part of the Montford Point Marines  a segregated company of the Marine Corps established following a 1942 Presidential Directive to allow African Americans to serve as Marines. In the face of discrimination and adversity from the Marine Corps and countrymen, these men served their nation throughout the Pacific Theater along with some 20,000 others trained at Montford Point.\r\n\r\n\tDespite being denied many basic rights, the Montford Point Marines committed to serve our country with selfless patriotism. Choosing to put their lives on the line, these men helped advance civil rights and influenced President Harry Truman's decision to desegregate the Armed Forces in 1948, wrote President Barack Obama in a letter to the honorees. Embodying the Marine Corps motto of Semper Fidelis, Always Faithful, the heroes paved the way for future generations of warriors, regardless of background, to serve in the finest military the world has ever known.\r\n\r\n\tIt give me great pleasure to finally publicly honor the service of East Bay's own Montford Point Marine heroes, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Their selfless service reminds us of the contributions that so many African Americans have made to our great nation in the face of racism and discrimination and how far we have come as a country. \r\n\r\n\tUnited States Marine Corps Captain Caitlin Ferrarell officiated ceremony.\r\n\r\n\tMontford Point Marine representative, Mr. William McDowell, accepted the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of all Montford Point Marines in a ceremony in Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on June 27.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-149-million-in-federal-grant-funding-for-regional-job-training-for-workers-displaced-by-foreign-trade", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $14.9 Million in Federal Grant Funding for Regional Job Training for Workers Displaced by Foreign Trade", "2012-09-19", "2012", "2012-09", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.19.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $14.9 Million in Federal Grant Funding for Regional Job Training for Workers Displaced by Foreign Trade \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\n\r\n\tOakland, CA  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced today that a consortium of 10 East Bay community colleges, which includes Merritt College, Laney College, and Berkeley City College, will be awarded $14.9 million in grants for Design it-Build it-Ship it (DBS), a regional workforce initiative that seeks to retrain displaced workers in emerging manufacturing and technology fields through the Department of Labor's (DOL) Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant Program.\r\n\r\n\tThe DOL grant program provides eligible institutions of higher education funds to expand and improve their ability to deliver education and career training programs that can be completed in two years or less. The grant program was intended to meet the educational or career training needs of workers who have lost their jobs as a result of foreign trade.\r\n\r\n\tThe Los Medanos College Consortium was awarded $14.9 million to fund DBS. DBS will create a regional workforce system by developing a regional career path educational system with stackable certificates within and across the 10 DBS Community Colleges, strengthen and link training and referral placement systems that integrate the work of the colleges One Stop Career Center System, and the develop career transfer pathways from the community colleges to the University of California and California State University to facilitate advanced Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics training and education. Colleges in the consortium receiving awards include:\r\n\r\n\t Berkeley City College\r\n\r\n\t Chabot College\r\n\r\n\t College of Alameda\r\n\r\n\t Contra Costa College\r\n\r\n\t Diablo Valley College\r\n\r\n\t Laney College\r\n\r\n\t Los Medanos College\r\n\r\n\t Merritt College\r\n\r\n\t Ohlone College\r\n\r\n\t Solano College\r\n\r\n\tI am pleased and excited that the consortium representing East Bay colleges was selected to receive this critical and highly competitive funding, said Congresswoman Lee. This funding will provide area community colleges critical funding to help retrain individuals who lost their jobs to foreign trade in emerging manufacturing and technology fields. I have worked closely with many of the education and industry partners in this consortium and am confident that their collaboration will yield real results for the East Bay. Together we are rebuilding an East Bay economy of the future that is built to last.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-statement-on-womens-issues-scorecard", "Congresswoman Lee Statement on Women's Issues Scorecard", "2012-09-19", "2012", "2012-09", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.19.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Statement on Women's Issues Scorecard \n\t\t\t\r\n\tFor Immediate Release September 19, 2012  \r\n\tContact Katherine Jolly (202) 744-7293 \r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement following today's press conference held by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and Congresswoman Janice Schakowsky.\r\n\r\n\tThe report issued by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce further underlines the persistent, unrelenting War on Women being waged by the Republicans in the House of Representatives. The report shows that the attacks have not been only been targeted at reproductive health care services for women, but have included cuts to funding for nutritional assistance programs for pregnant women, nursing mothers and families.\"\r\n\r\n\tOf the 55 times that the House Republicans have voted against women in 2011 and 2012, 7 were votes to cut funding for key nutrition programs for women, including votes for significant cuts in Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Cuts such as these are particularly devastating for women of color, poor and low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and infants for whom WIC provides nutrition, food counseling, and support each month. This is just outrageous. As a Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, I will continue to stand and fight for the protection of women's rights, and for investments in families.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/2012/09/14/barbara-lee-commemorates-national-hispanic-heritage-month", "Barbara Lee Commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Month", "2012-09-14", "2012", "2012-09", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.14.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Month \n\t\t\t\r\n\tFor Immediate Release\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement today in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15 to October 15:\r\n\r\n\tAs a proud member of the Tri-Caucus  the coalition of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, and the Asian Pacific American Caucus  it is my honor to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month and its importance to our nation. \r\n\r\n\tI have the privilege of serving a thriving and engaged Latino community in my 9th Congressional District and have been able to witness firsthand their record of achievement in every facet of our richly diverse community. For generations, Hispanic American intellectuals, writers, artists, workers, activists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and leaders have enriched my district and our nation as they worked to achieve the American dream.\r\n\r\n\tWhile Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor the numerous contributions of Latinos in the United States, it is also a time to reflect on the struggles and hardship the community continues to face. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 6.1 million, or 35% of all Latino children, were living in poverty. These tragic numbers demonstrate the need to continue building our economy and helping the vulnerable who are working hard to realize the American dream.\r\n\r\n\tUnfortunately the economy is not the Latino community's only concern. Many Latinos experience intolerance, racism, and discrimination, whether they were born here, are legal permanent residents or American citizens, or are undocumented. \r\n\r\n\tAdditionally, others face a flawed immigration system that is slow, insensitive, and broken. For this reason, I applauded President Obama's decision to grant deferred action to children that came here through no fault of their own. While I will continue advocating for the passage of the DREAM Act, I believe this is a step in the right direction meant to strengthen our country and provide these hard working individuals with the resources they need to become the next generation of leaders, teachers, scientists, and service members among other things. These young people have succeeded and will continue to succeed because of their tireless work ethic and passionate love for our country and we should be working to lift them up, not tear them down.\r\n\r\n\tDuring this Hispanic Heritage Month let us reflect with appreciation the contributions that Latinos have made to our country and together extend our commitment to improve our communities, lift more of the vulnerable out of poverty, and invest in all of our children to empower a diverse generation that will be the next leaders of our country.\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-issues-statement-on-attack-in-benghazi-libya", "Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Attack in Benghazi, Libya", "2012-09-12", "2012", "2012-09", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.12.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Attack in Benghazi, Libya \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly (202) 744-7293\r\n\r\n\tWashington, 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:\r\n\r\n\tI 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 Stevens, who attended Piedmont High School and Cal Berkeley in my congressional district. By any account, his service to our nation was exceptional. Those who knew him well describe him as an unflappable diplomat. Certainly, his service, and the service of those lost must be held up as an example of what is best about our nation and the better, stronger future for our country they were working to achieve.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-calls-for-urgent-response-to-poverty-crisis", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for Urgent Response to Poverty Crisis", "2012-09-12", "2012", "2012-09", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.12.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for Urgent Response to Poverty Crisis \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly (202) 744-7293\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus, issued the following response to the figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau showing 46.2 million Americans living in poverty. The data also displays a wide racial disparity, with the poverty rate for non-Hispanic whites standing at 9.8 percent, while the rates for African Americans and Hispanics remain unacceptably high at 27.6 percent and 25.3 percent, respectively.\r\n\r\n\tThe Census numbers released today underscore the urgent need to act boldly and quickly to create jobs in this country, protect our safety net, and target resources to communities of color who were hit hardest by the economic downturn. It is beyond shameful that over 45 million Americans, including over 16 million children, are living in poverty in the wealthiest nation in the world.\r\n\r\n\tNow is not the time to turn our backs on struggling families just to preserve or even expand tax giveaways to millionaires and billionaires. We must come together to wage a war on poverty and end the war on the poor, which have already been devastated by multiple rounds of budget cuts that are hurting families across this country.\r\n\r\n\tThe President took swift action to stop a depression, prevent millions from slipping into poverty through the Recovery Act and to get the economy growing again, but much work remains. Far too many Americans are continuing to suffer joblessness and poverty because of Republican obstructionism. Republicans in Congress have continually blocked efforts to extend and expand vital safety net programs which safeguard millions of American children and families who face the stark realities of unemployment, hunger and homelessness each and every day.\r\n\r\n\tIt is wholly unacceptable that poverty rates for African Americans and Hispanics remain nearly three times as high as whites. We must commit to investing in targeted programs that bring an end to the structural inequity that continues to hold our entire economy back. We should be extending benefits for the long-term unemployed and ensuring access to important nutrition benefits like SNAP and WIC. Additionally, we should be investing in more affordable housing, targeting economic development to help the communities hardest hit by the downturn, and by passing the American Jobs Act to boost hiring and employment.\r\n\r\n\tClick here for the U.S. Census Bureau Full Report: http://www.census.gov/prod/2012pubs/p60-243.pdf\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee is a founding member and Co-Chair of the Out of Poverty Caucus, created in 2005 in response to the rising rates of poverty caused by the Bush Administration's failed economic policies. \r\n\r\n\tShe is the author of H.R. 3300, the Half in Ten Act, to create an interagency taskforce to develop and implement a national strategy to cut poverty in half and also introduced and passed in the 110th Congress, H. Con. Res. 198, which committed the Congress to set a national goal of cutting poverty in half over the next 10 years .\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-issues-statement-on-the-eleventh-anniversary-of-the-9/11-attacks", "Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on the Eleventh Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks", "2012-09-11", "2012", "2012-09", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.11.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on the Eleventh Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks \n\t\t\tContact: Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) issued the following statement on the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:\r\nToday, 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.\r\nAs we observe the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we pause to honor and remember the men, women and children whose lives were lost on this tragic and sad day in Pennsylvania, New York and Washington, DC.\r\nWe continue to extend our deepest sympathies to their families, friends and loved ones, and we again salute the heroism and courage exhibited by the first responders  law enforcement personnel, volunteers and others  who risked their lives, and in many cases sacrificed their own lives, to help others.\r\nWe owe a debt of gratitude to these first responders, and we must ensure that we repay their service and sacrifice by ensuring that those who were exposed to the toxic aftermath of these attacks receive the requisite health care to address their needs.\r\nHere at home, each of us can honor the lives lost on 9/11 by participating in the National Day of Service and Remembrance. I encourage everyone to take time to reflect, to give back, and to rededicate ourselves to the ideals that unite us as Americans.\r\nTo learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.serve.gov/sept11.asp\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-to-gop-stop-standing-in-the-way-of-moving-our-economy-forward", "Lee to GOP: Stop Standing in the Way of Moving Our Economy Forward", "2012-09-09", "2012", "2012-09", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.09.12\n\t\t\t Lee to GOP: Stop Standing in the Way of Moving Our Economy Forward  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tWashington, 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:\r\n\r\n\tThe 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 high at 14.1 percent and 10.2 percent for Latinos. While rates of unemployment for African Americans have lowered since last summer when it reached a 28 year high, continuing losses in public sector jobs disproportionately impact communities of color.\r\n\r\n\tRepublicans in Congress must end their obstructionist agenda and work with Congressional Democrats and President Obama to reignite the American dream and put Americans back to work. Passing the American Jobs Act will get struggling Americans into good paying jobs and strengthen the American economy for all. Passing the American Jobs Act would also accelerate job creation in communities of color by investing in our infrastructure, increasing job training efforts, and strengthening the public sector to prevent layoffs and to enable states to rehire hundreds of thousands of teachers, construction workers and first responders.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-announces-federal-youth-reentry-grant", "Lee Announces Federal Youth Reentry Grant", "2012-08-30", "2012", "2012-08", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "08.30.12\n\t\t\t Lee Announces Federal Youth Reentry Grant \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370\r\n\r\n\tOakland, 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.\r\n\r\n\tI 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 critical to breaking the cycle of violence and crime by providing young people tools to build productive and prosperous lives. I amcommitted to continuing fight to bring all federal resources available to address crime and improve public safety here in Oakland and in the East Bay.\r\n\r\n\tOJJDP's Demonstration Programs Continuation Grants program was established to provide grants and cooperative agreements to organizations that OJJDP has selected for funds in prior years. This program will be authorized by an Act appropriating funds for the Department of Justice.\r\n\r\n\tThis funding will support the Comprehensive System of Community Reentry Support for Juvenile Offenders (C3RS) project. This is the third major phase of reforms initiated by the City of Oakland in collaboration with key city, county, state, and community partners to address the crime and recidivism challenges in the area. Supplemental funds will continue to support key outcomes like major reductions in recidivism, measured through analyses of service delivery and juvenile justice data, and the development of a highly innovative reentry system. The net result will be the creation of a sustainable community-based reentry system with high potential for replication.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\t \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-lee-praises-hhs-app-challenge", "Rep. Lee Praises HHS App Challenge", "2012-08-25", "2012", "2012-08", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "08.25.12\n\t\t\t Rep. Lee Praises HHS App Challenge  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370\r\n\r\n\tHealth IT Initiative Aimed at Reducing Cancer Among Women of Color reflects key provisions of Tri-Caucus Health Equity and Accountability Act\r\n\r\n\tOakland, 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 also announced that it will begin a push to implement electronic health records across the country, leading to greater coordination, fewer errors and less duplication throughout our healthcare system.\r\n\r\n\tIn her role as the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus's (CAPAC) Healthcare Taskforce, Congresswoman Lee led the efforts to write the provisions into the Health Equity and Accountability Act which make this challenge possible and builds upon the Affordable Care Act.\r\n\r\n\tToday's health IT announcement is a welcome step forward in our collective mission to reduce and eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities that persists in communities of color in the Bay Area and across the country, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Health Care Taskforce Chair, CAPAC. Cancer, among other health conditions, remains widespread among women of color. I am optimistic that Bay Area business and health leaders will draw on the regions strengths in IT and community health services to lead new innovations and achieve health equity for all.\r\n\r\n\t\"We in the health center community warmly welcome this exciting announcement from HHS,\" stated Jeff Caballero, executive director of the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations. \"This new smartphone application is another innovative tool that builds on the many opportunities within the Affordable Care Act to promote and educate communities of color about the importance of preventive care services that can save lives.\"\r\n\r\n\tBackground:\r\n\r\n\tThe announcements from HHS followed months of advocacy by the Congressional Tri-Caucus to implement Health IT challenge grants designed to address racial and ethnic health disparities. In September 2011, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9), CAPAC's Healthcare Taskforce Chair, introduced H.R. 2954, the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2011 on behalf of the Tri-Caucus. CAPAC Executive Board Member Senator Daniel K. Akaka introduced a companion bill, S. 2474 in the Senate this Spring. During CAPAC's meeting with President Obama last year, the President agreed to implementing provisions of the bill administratively, including efforts to improve outreach and adoption of Health IT resources in minority communities.\r\n\r\n\tThis challenge is being issued by the HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH). The Challenge calls for the creation of applications for mobile devices that can help minority women and their health care providers fight and prevent cancer, addressing factors that contribute to health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities. \r\n\r\n\tThe challenge being issued today is a multidisciplinary call to software application innovators and developers to create an app that provides information directly to women at a high risk of breast, cervical, uterine and ovarian cancers or women who already have been diagnosed with these cancers. The app must be able to communicate with electronic health records used by their health care providers and other members of their health care teams, and protect patient privacy.\r\n\r\n\tThe winning app will:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvide users with general, accessible information about preventive and screening services for breast and gynecologic cancers  in different languages and in culturally appropriate contexts;\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCommunicate with patient health records or provider-sponsored patient portals in a secure way that protects patient privacy and that will provide specific reminders and trigger electronic health record-based clinical decision support about preventive services;\r\n\t\r\n\t\tSupport the secure storage, viewing, and the exchange of complex patient care plans in a way that protects patient privacy while strengthening communications between a patient's care team that may be located across a large geographic area, such as a local clinician being able to work with a regional cancer center in a major metropolitan area; and\r\n\t\r\n\t\tSupport patient engagement and caregiver support by helping patients and their caregivers keep track of complex care plans with a particular emphasis on connections to community health workers, such aspromotores de salud.\r\n \r\n\r\n\tThe Reducing Cancer Among Women of Color App Challenge is a partnership between ONC and the HHS Office of Minority Health. The app challenge is also part of ONC's Investing in Innovation (i2) Initiative, which holds competitions to accelerate development and adoption of technology solutions that enhance quality and outcomes.\r\n\r\n\tThe winning app will be judged on its effectiveness in providing relevant and compelling content that can be acted upon by the target audience.\r\n\r\n\tThe first place winner will receive $85,000. The second place prize will be $10,000 and third prize will be $5,000.\r\n\r\n\tMore information about the challenge can be found athttp://challenge.gov/ONC/402-reducing-cancer-among-women-of-color.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-to-gop-we-need-a-jobs-bill", "Lee to GOP: We Need a Jobs Bill", "2012-08-03", "2012", "2012-08", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "08.03.12\n\t\t\t Lee to GOP: We Need a Jobs Bill \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, 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:\r\n\r\n\tToday, 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 8.2 percent. Over the past two years approximately 4.5 million new private sector jobs have been created. Although the number of private sector jobs added in July was much better than for June (which was adjusted down to 64,000), the stagnant unemployment rate continues to be a major concern.\r\n\r\n\t\"African American joblessness is still unacceptably high at 14.1 percent and the nation is desperate for serious jobs plan  one that will spur economic growth and accelerate job creation by strengthening the public sector, investing in our infrastructure, increasing job training efforts, and strengthening our safety net.\r\n\r\n\tThe long-term unemployed did not fare much better, with 5.2 million people having been out of work for longer than 27 weeks (40.7 percent of the total unemployed)  which does not include the 852,000 people who have become discouraged by the lack of available jobs. Any serious job plan must include extending unemployment benefits for those who have and will exhaust their benefits.\r\n\r\n\tRepublicans in Congress have made it clear they only care about tax cuts for the richest Americans. This week, the Tea Party led House voted to extend the Bush tax cuts for the richest 2 percent while raising taxes on 25 million middle-class families by an average of $1,000. Meanwhile, Speaker Boehner has led the House for 570 dayswithout offering a jobs agenda, while pushing a budget that would cut almost $900 billion from America's investmentsin education, science and technology research and development, and transportation infrastructure  the very things that help support a strong economy in the long run. We cannot afford more obstruction and gridlock. Together, we must invest in America's future and put Americans back to work.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-reckless-republican-tax-cuts-for-rich-hurt-families-working-poor", "Barbara Lee: Reckless Republican Tax Cuts for Rich Hurt Families, Working Poor", "2012-08-02", "2012", "2012-08", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "08.02.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee: Reckless Republican Tax Cuts for Rich Hurt Families, Working Poor \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\tWashington, 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:   \r\n\t  \r\n\tI 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 programs which protect the health and well-being of millions of low income and working poor families. The bill that passed today does not create jobs. I voted against H.R. 8 because it would saddle our nation with nearly $1 trillion in more deficits. H.R. 8 would give away nearly $1 trillion to the wealthiest Americans while it slams low-income and working poor families by leaving them out in the cold. The Republican majority is so busy trying to write a big check  $160,000 on average  to every millionaire in America, that it forgot to protect 13 million low wage families and nearly 26 million children from a massive tax increase. The failure to extend vital expansions of the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) would raise taxes for millions of struggling families. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, these programs kept an estimated 1.6 million people out of poverty last year. Failing these families would push hard working men and women and their children back into poverty, while giving away tax breaks to the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans. The wealthiest Americans must be asked to pay their fair share and to invest in the future success of all Americans, not just the wealthy few. Again, Republicans have exempted tax cuts for the super rich from all budget constraints and deficit reduction goals. Somehow, the deficit is of paramount concern when Republicans cut funds for education programs for the poor, housing programs for the poor, and all of the safety net programs that keep American families from facing the depths of poverty. But when it comes to giving away nearly $1 trillion to the super rich? They get a free pass and the deficit just somehow does not matter anymore. We need a balanced approach that asks the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share so that we can invest in a growing middle class and lift up the millions of Americans struggling to join it. We must come together to close tax loopholes that give away billions to big oil and that encourages big corporations to off shore American jobs. We need to make smart cuts to our bloated Pentagon budget that brings our troops home, reduces waste fraud and abuse and brings down our deficit to make room to invest in the future success of every American family. We need to find a pathway forward that reignites the American Dream for all the American people, not just the wealthiest 1 percent.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-calls-for-the-end-of-aids", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for the End of AIDS", "2012-07-31", "2012", "2012-07", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "07.31.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for the End of AIDS \n\t\t\tFor Immediate Release: August 1, 2012\r\n\r\nAfter International AIDS Conference, Congresswoman Encourages Continued Bipartisan Support\r\n\r\nWashington, 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 of 22 years. Congresswoman Lee was the original sponsor of legislation that cleared the way for the conference to be held in the United States by repealing the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals.\r\n\r\nThe return of the Conference was an important opportunity to shine a global spotlight on the fight against AIDS here in the United States and a national spotlight on the ongoing global epidemic, said Congresswoman Lee, Co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus. AIDS is still the greatest humanitarian crisis of our lifetime. As we work to turn the tide together, America's need for a greater AIDS response underscores that AIDS 2012 was an important and long overdue opportunity for our domestic pandemic to become part of a global effort.\r\n\r\nCongresswoman Lee addressed the Opening Session of AIDS 2012. She welcomed the delegates from the Bay Area, discussed the importance of bi-partisan cooperation on fighting AIDS, and called on Congress to commit to achieving an AIDS Free Generation. Throughout the week, Congresswoman Lee participated in a number of events, including a bipartisan Congressional panel on the important role of the U.S. Congress' continued U.S. leadership to combat HIV/AIDS around the world where she highlighted the important role of the Congressional Black Caucus in the creation of PEPFAR. Watch her Opening Session speech here: Opening Session Speech. Watch the panel discussion here: Congressional Panel.\r\n\r\nWhile at the conference, I saw first-hand that our youth are a key element in our fight to turn the tide against AIDS, said Congresswoman Lee. Recognizing the central role young people play in the fight is an important step in addressing the unequal burden young people carry in this epidemic. That is why I am calling for a National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day.\r\n\r\nIn advance of the conference, Congresswoman Lee introduced H.R. 6138, a bill that articulates a 5-year Global HIV/AIDS-Free Generation Strategy to expand and improve efforts to combat global HIV/AIDS, while promoting efficiency and maximizing results. The Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Act of 2012 increases and targets federal resources to maximize impact of HIV efforts, expands efforts to end stigma and discrimination, repeals and reforms laws that violate human rights and undermine the positive impact of resources, and maximizes federal coordinating efforts to drive greater efficiency and improved results in all HIV and related programs. The bill also provides for the expansion of comprehensive sex education, the distribution of condoms to people in prison, and improved provisions for monitoring HIV care. Get more information on the legislation here: Press Release on H.R. 6138\r\n\r\nSecretary of State Clinton announced that the Administration will deliver a blueprint to achieve an AIDS Free Generation and intensify efforts to reach at-risk populations, said Congresswoman Lee. I am hopeful that we can continue down a bipartisan path to secure the funding and support needed to make this a reality. If any issue is post-partisan, it is AIDS. Pathology knows no ideology.\r\n\r\n###\r\n\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n  \r\n\tRead the 2002 letter to President Bush from the Congressional Black Caucus Letter supporting funding to end the AIDS epidemic around the work: Link to letter\r\n\r\nFor more information, visit my webpage dedicated to the International AIDS Conference: Click here\r\n\r\nCongresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establish a NationalAIDS Strategy, and is a member ofthe Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services & Educationwith jurisdiction over all domesticHIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference to be held in the U.S. after 20 years.\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-on-white-house-initiative-on-education-excellence-for-african-americans", "Lee Statement on White House Initiative on Education Excellence for African-Americans", "2012-07-27", "2012", "2012-07", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "07.27.12\n\t\t\t Lee Statement on White House Initiative on Education Excellence for African-Americans \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tLee Statement on White House Initiative on Education Excellence for African-Americans\r\n\r\n\tWashington, 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: \r\n\r\n\t\"Today, the President signed an Executive Order that will improve access to quality education for African Americans. During my term as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and other members championed this idea as a framework to begin to improve educational outcomes for African American students. I am delighted that this executive order has been signed. With African American dropout rates well above the national average (at 8 percent), with the pipeline to prison overcrowded with young black males, and with the unemployment rate for African Americans teens at 39.3 percent, it is past time to address what has become an educational state of emergency for many African American students. This new initiative will provide critical educational support from cradle to career.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tThe White House Initiative on Education Excellence for African Americans will be housed in the Department of Education and will work with the Executive Office of the Present and other cabinet agencies to identify evidence-based practices to improve African American student's achievement in school and college. It creates both a President's Advisory Commission and a Federal Interagency Working Group on Educational Excellence for African Americans. A similar program for Hispanic students was created in 1990.\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-announces-two-department-of-transportation-grants-totaling-108-million-to-benefit-east-bay-commuters", "Barbara Lee Announces Two Department of Transportation Grants Totaling $10.8 Million to Benefit East Bay Commuters", "2012-07-19", "2012", "2012-07", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "07.19.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Announces Two Department of Transportation Grants Totaling $10.8 Million to Benefit East Bay Commuters \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly  202-744-7293\r\n\r\n\tWashington 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.\r\n\r\n\tAC Transit will be awarded $7.5 million through the Department of Transportation's 2012 State of Good Repair Program to fund farebox system replacement.\r\n\r\n\tAdditionally, BART will be awarded $3.1 million through the U. S. Department of Transportation's 2012 Bus Livability Program to fund regional real-time transit information at intermodal BART stations. The project will provide up to 17 additional real time bus and rail departure and arrival information at key intermodal BART stations.\r\n\r\n\tI am pleased that both AC Transit and BART have been awarded these important grants which will make critical transportation infrastructure improvements, said Rep. Lee. These grants million are a clear example of the success of federal transportation grant programs and why we must preserve and protect these grants from efforts to end the funding.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-introduces-bill-providing-policy-and-financing-framework-to-achieve-an-aids-free-generation", "Barbara Lee Introduces Bill Providing Policy and Financing Framework to Achieve an AIDS Free Generation", "2012-07-19", "2012", "2012-07", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "07.19.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Introduces Bill Providing Policy and Financing Framework to Achieve an AIDS Free Generation \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer\r\n\r\n\t202-225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, 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.\r\n\r\n\tThe conference is an excellent opportunity to shine a global spotlight on the fight against AIDS in African American communities and a national spotlight on the ongoing global epidemic, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee, founding co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus. I'm calling for a new, Global AIDS Free Generation Strategyfor the US and abroad. AIDS remains an urgent global health crisis, but the end of AIDS is within our reach.\r\n\r\n\tThe Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Act of 2012 increases and targets federal resources to maximize impact of HIV efforts, expands efforts to end stigma and discrimination, repeals and reforms laws that violate human rights and undermine the positive impact of resources, and maximizes federal coordinating efforts to drive greater efficiency and improved results in all HIV and related programs. The bill establishes a system to expand targeted efforts to prevent HIV infection using a combination of effective, evidence-based approaches and accelerated research and educational reforms to addressing the epidemic at home and abroad. The bill also provides for the expansion of comprehensive sex education, thedistribution of condoms to people in prison, and improved provisions for monitoring HIV care.\r\n\r\n\tThirty years after the first discovery of AIDS cases, the U.S. has made tremendous progress in addressing the global and domestic crisis, said Congresswoman Lee. AIDS, however, remains an urgent global crisis requiring a long-term strategy and immediate action. Our hard won successes are in jeopardy and H.R. 6138, the Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Act, is a critical measure as we recommit ourselves to fighting to end AIDS. Our charge in Congress must now be to ensure that we provide the necessary resources to address these urgent needs and ensure that this new strategy gets implemented quickly and effectively.\r\n\r\n\tThe legislation introduced today spearheads a new era by defining U.S. public health goals toward an AIDS-free generation. Specifically, the bill supports a 5-year Global HIV/AIDS-Free Generation Strategy, to expand and improve efforts to combat global HIV/AIDS, while promoting efficiency and maximizing results.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establish a NationalAIDS Strategy, and is a member ofthe Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services & Educationwith jurisdiction over all domesticHIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference - scheduled for July 2012 in Washington DC -to be held in the U.S. after 20 years.\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-introduces-bi-partisan-resolution-calling-for-continued-international-cooperation-to-combat-hiv/aids", "Congresswoman Lee Introduces Bi-Partisan Resolution Calling for Continued International Cooperation to Combat HIV/AIDS", "2012-07-13", "2012", "2012-07", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "07.13.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Introduces Bi-Partisan Resolution Calling for Continued International Cooperation to Combat HIV/AIDS  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer\r\n\r\n\t202-225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, 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).\r\n\r\n\tAn estimated 34,000,000 people around the world are living with HIV, yet 1 in 5 individuals in the U.S. is unaware of being infected. The good news is that new HIV infections worldwide are at their lowest levels since 1997 and recent scientific advancements have resulted in revolutionary breakthroughs in the AIDS response. Significant disparities persist across different communities and populations with regard to incidence of infection, access to treatment, and health outcomes, and the resolution calls for the engagement of civil society as a critically component to any global strategy to end AIDS.\r\n\r\n\tH.Con.Res. 131 recognizes the XIX International AIDS Conference as a unique opportunity to change the course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic by capitalizing on scientific advances in treatment and prevention, building consensus to maximizing results, facilitating public-private partnerships, and accelerating momentum towards a cure. Known as AIDS 2012, the International AIDS Conference, runs July 22-27 in Washington, D.C., marking a dramatic return to U.S. soil of this major biannual global health gathering after a hiatus of 22 years. More than 20,000 persons from around the world will attend. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a founding co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, will speak at the opening plenary session on July 22, 2012.\r\n\r\n\tAIDS is still the greatest humanitarian crisis of our lifetime, said Congresswoman Lee. As we work to turn the tide together, America's need for a greater AIDS response underscores that AIDS 2012 is an important and long overdue opportunity for our domestic epidemic to become part of a global effort.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establish a NationalAIDS Strategy, and is a member ofthe Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services & Educationwith jurisdiction over all domesticHIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference - scheduled for July 2012 in Washington DC -to be held in the U.S. after 20 years.\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-stands-with-the-american-people-and-votes-against-the-repeal-of-health-reform", "Barbara Lee Stands with the American People and Votes Against the Repeal of Health Reform", "2012-07-11", "2012", "2012-07", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "07.11.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Stands with the American People and Votes Against the Repeal of Health Reform \n\t\t\t\r\n\tFor Immediate Release: July 11, 2012 \r\n\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly,510-763-0370 \r\n\r\n\tBarbara Lee Stands with the American People and Votes Against the Repeal of Health Reform\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, 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 amendment to the GOP bill that would require Members of Congress to forfeit their own taxpayer-subsidized health care benefits if they voted to take away health care protections from families across the country. The GOP-led House defeated the amendment. \r\n\r\n\tAmericans have spoken loud and clear about the need for reliable and affordable health care for all and I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to pass the Affordable Care Act in 2010, said Rep. Lee. One of the most conservative Courts in a generation has found the provisions of the health care law constitutional and it is past time to end the obstructionist tactics of the Tea Party. Repealing healthcare reform would have devastating impacts to low-income and middle-class families and this Congress needs to get serious about our nation's economic recovery and pass a comprehensive jobs bill.\r\n\r\n\tInstead of working to create jobs, House Republicans are wasting time on voting to take away patient protections millions of Americans are already seeing thanks to the Affordable Care Act:\r\n\r\n\t No lifetime limit on coverage for 105 million Americans.\r\n\r\n\t Up to 17 million children with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage by insurers.\r\n\r\n\t 6.6 million young adults up to age 26 have taken advantage of the law to obtain health insurance through their parents' plan.\r\n\r\n\t Free coverage for comprehensive preventive services for millions of women starting in August.\r\n\r\n\t 86 million Americans, including 32 million seniors in Medicare, have already received free preventive services.\r\n\r\n\t 5.3 million seniors in the donut hole' have already saved $3.7 billion on their prescription drugs.\r\n\r\n\t 3.4 million free senior Annual Wellness Visits under Medicare to date.\r\n\r\n\t The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit has already been used by 360,000 small businesses to help insure 2 million workers.\r\n\r\n\t $1.1 billion in rebates from health insurance companies this summer will help benefit nearly 13 million Americans.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-on-june-jobs-report-gop-obstruction-costing-jobs", "Lee Statement on June Jobs Report: GOP Obstruction Costing Jobs", "2012-07-06", "2012", "2012-07", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "07.06.12\n\t\t\t Lee Statement on June Jobs Report: GOP Obstruction Costing Jobs \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact Katherine Jolly (510) 763-0370\r\n\r\n\tWashington, 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:\r\n\r\n\tToday, 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.\r\n\r\n\t\"The stagnant unemployment rate is bad enough, but with African American joblessness up nearly a percentage point from last month, to 14.4 %, we are long overdue for a serious jobs planone that will spur economic growth and accelerate job creation by strengthening the public sector, investing in our infrastructure, increasing job training efforts and strengthening our safety net.\r\n\r\n\tAdditionally, long-term unemployment continues to be untenably high, with 5.4 million people having been out of work for longer than 27 weeks (41.9% of the total unemployed)  which doesn't include the more than 800,000 people who have become discouraged by the lack of jobs available jobs. Any serious job plan must include extending unemployment benefits for those who have and will exhaust their benefits.\r\n\r\n\t\"The GOP leaders in the House must end their obstructionist agenda, stop wasting limited floor time and commit to working together with Democrats and the President to create jobs if we are to have true economic recovery and equity for all Americans, and especially the millions who continue to struggle through this recovery.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-dol-grant-for-the-oakland-private-industry-council", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces DOL Grant for the Oakland Private Industry Council", "2012-06-28", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.28.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces DOL Grant for the Oakland Private Industry Council \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Ricci Graham, 510-763-0370\r\n\r\n\tWashington, 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.\r\n\r\n\tThe 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 credentials in high-demand industries, employment preparation, mentoring and assistance in securing housing, substance-abuse counseling and mental health services. All totaled, the nine non-profits organizations will receive nearly $12 million in grant support.\r\n\r\n\tI am pleased that the PIC has been selected to receive this vital funding, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. The PIC has a longstanding history of providing a broad range of employment services for our community. And with this funding, the PIC will be able to continue providing accessible, high-quality training and employment services to ex-offenders working to transition back into society.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lees-statement-on-the-supreme-court-ruling-on-the-affordable-care-act", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee's  Statement on the Supreme Court Ruling on the Affordable Care Act", "2012-06-28", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.28.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee's  Statement on the Supreme Court Ruling on the Affordable Care Act \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly, 510-763-0370 \r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement today after the Supreme Court ruled the Affordable Care Act constitutional:\r\n\r\n\tThe 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 right of health care.\r\n\r\n\tThe Affordable Care Act will now take its rightful place with Social Security and Medicare as powerful examples of what this country can do to improve the lives of every American.\r\n\r\n\tAs the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus when Congress crafted the Affordable Health Care Act, I am particularly pleased that our work to ensure the strongest possible health care law and provisions to reduce and eliminate health care disparities will move forward.\r\n\r\n\tNow we can and must stand prepared to fight back any Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and deny health care and patient protections to millions of Americans. We cannot turn back now but build upon this victory and continue our march toward affordable, quality health care for all.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/democrats-to-walk-out-on-partisan-attempt-to-hold-attorney-general-eric-holder-in-contempt", "Democrats to Walk Out on Partisan Attempt to Hold Attorney General Eric Holder in Contempt", "2012-06-28", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.28.12\n\t\t\t Democrats to Walk Out on Partisan Attempt to Hold Attorney General Eric Holder in Contempt \n\t\t\t\r\n\tFrom: Ricci Graham, 510-763-0370\r\n\r\n\tWashington, 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.\r\n\r\n\tI cannot and will not participate in this hyper-partisan and purely political vote today to hold Attorney General in contempt of Congress.\r\n\r\n\tContempt power should be used sparingly, carefully and only in the most egregious situations. The Attorney General has gone above and beyond in his response to request for information on \"Fast and Furious\", an unfortunate operation that began under the Bush Administration and, in fact, was terminated by Attorney General Holder. This contempt vote is unprecedented, unwarranted and entirely unnecessary. Gandhi once said that Non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as cooperation with good.' That is why I am standing with so many of my colleagues in refusing to participate in this shameful Republican political stunt.\r\n\r\n\t ### \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-observes-national-hiv-testing-day-gets-tested-with-members-of-congress", "Barbara Lee Observes National HIV Testing Day, Gets Tested with Members of Congress", "2012-06-27", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.27.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Observes National HIV Testing Day, Gets Tested with Members of Congress \n\t\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\tWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement in observance of National HIV Testing Day: \r\n\r\n\tTesting 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 near them and taking control of their health.\r\n\r\n\r\n\tDespite the many accomplishments we have made in the fight against HIV and AIDS here at home, still, nearly 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States and more than 21 percent of those infected do not even know it. Expanding routine HIV testing is essential to improving both individual and public health. Testing is the only way to learn of one's HIV status, and we know that appropriate treatment can suppress the ability to transmit the virus.\r\n\r\n\tI am happy to announce that Mike's Pharmacy in Oakland, California was selected to take part in a new pilot project funded by the Centers for Disease Control to provide free testing in drugstores across the nation. Yesterday, I joined a number of my colleagues in getting tested and will continue to do so until we never ever need another HIV Testing Day.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\tNational HIV Testing Day is organized every year by the National Association of People With AIDS, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on June 27th. The annual theme is Take the test, take control, emphasizing that knowing your status gives you control of your life. As part of this campaign, they encourage everyone to visit a local health service organization to discuss the importance of getting tested. To find a testing site near you please visit the CDC's website at: http://hivtest.org/.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establish a NationalAIDS Strategy, and is a member ofthe Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services & Educationwith jurisdiction over all domesticHIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference - scheduled for July 2012 in Washington DC -to be held in the U.S. after 20 years. \r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-honors-montford-point-marines-at-congressional-gold-medal-ceremony", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors Montford Point Marines at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony", "2012-06-27", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.27.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors Montford Point Marines at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony    \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, 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., these heroes joined the Marines to defend our great nation.\r\n\r\n\tToday I was proud to sit with the Montford Point Marines as they received due recognition for their service and sacrifice, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Seventy years later, the first Black Marines were finally honored with Congressional Gold Medal  the highest civilian honor. Despite stooped bodies and declining health, these patriotic Montford Point Marines salute the flag under which they fought.\r\n\r\n\tOakland resident and Montford Point Marine Wortham Fears was honored at the ceremony. Mr. Fears answered our nation's call at a time when our society was deeply divided along racial lines.\r\n\r\n\tToday's occasion provided a time to recognize and pay respect for the service of Reverend Wortham Fears, said Congresswoman Lee. This Congressional Gold Medal will go a long way towards correcting this past injustice and forever anchor their role in the history of our nation's military.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-in-opposition-to-house-contempt-vote-on-attorney-general-holder", "Lee Statement in Opposition to House Contempt Vote on Attorney General Holder", "2012-06-27", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.27.12\n\t\t\t Lee Statement in Opposition to House Contempt Vote on Attorney General Holder   \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, 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: \r\n\r\n\tOn 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 Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms at the Department of Justice. The failed program, which relied on inappropriate tactics developed by the Bush Administration, was run by a local ATF office and mistakenly allowed untraced guns to go to Mexican drug cartels. One of these firearms was tragically used to kill an American border patrol officer.\r\n\r\n\tThe fact is that once the Justice Department learned about these flaws, Attorney General Holder put a stop to the operation, called for an independent investigation, and instituted reforms and personnel changes to ensure it will not happen again. The Justice Department has provided more than 7,600 documents related to the program to the House Committee on Oversight. After an 18-month investigation, the Committee has yet to discover any evidence that Attorney General Holder or the Department of Justice had any knowledge of a cover-up or any evidence of wrongdoing.\r\n\r\n\tThis contempt vote is without precedent and is a hyper-partisan election year political ploy. Congress has the answers to its questions about who designed this flawed operation and who authorized it. The true motivation behind this contempt resolution is simple: this is really about suppressing voter turnout. The Department of Justice continues to block GOP efforts to stop millions of Americans from casting their vote this fall.\r\n\r\n\tA continuation of this witch hunt diverts attention from issues that matter to Americans, like passing a transportation bill, stopping an increase in the student loan rates, fixing our sputtering economy, and creating jobs for Americans that are desperate to get back to work.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tWatch Barbara Lee's Speech: House Floor Speech\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/alameda-county-awarded-1-875-000-to-hire-veterans-as-police-officers", "Alameda County Awarded $1,875,000 to Hire Veterans as Police Officers", "2012-06-25", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.25.12\n\t\t\t Alameda County Awarded $1,875,000 to Hire Veterans as Police Officers \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact:Katherine Jolly, (510) 763-0370\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) announced today that the Department of Justice COPS Office will award Alameda County $1,875,000 in Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program grants. This award will partially fund 15 law enforcement officer positions.\r\n\r\n\tThe COPS Hiring Program provides funding to address the full-time sworn officer needs of state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies nationwide. The Hiring Program grants go directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new as well as rehire career law enforcement officers in an effort to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. A unique change for the 2012 program requires that all new officers hired under the grant must be military veterans that have served at least 180 days of active military service, any part of which occurred on or after September 11, 2001.\r\n\r\n\tThis investment not only brings quality jobs to Alameda County, it also makes sure that these jobs go to veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which takes us one step closer to fulfilling our obligation to our local heroes, said Rep. Lee. I applaud the Department of Justice COPS Office for its commitment to Alameda County and the continued leadership in community policing and crime prevention efforts.\r\n\r\n\tThis year's Hiring Program grants provide 75 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years (36 months) for newly-hired, full-time sworn officer positions (including filling existing unfunded vacancies) or for rehired officers who have been laid off, or are scheduled to be laid off on a future date, as a result of local budget cuts. Any additional costs above the approved entry-level salaries and fringe benefits, up to $125,000, are the responsibility of the grantee agency.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-on-arizona-immigration-law", "Lee Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Arizona Immigration Law", "2012-06-25", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.25.12\n\t\t\t Lee Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Arizona Immigration Law  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court issued a ruling on S.B. 1070, Arizona's controversial immigration law: \r\n\r\n\tToday, the Supreme Court struck down key provisions of Arizona's immigration law, SB 1070, on the grounds that they undermined the federal government's role in immigration enforcement. Still, the Court made a grave error by failing to strike the provision that allows law enforcement to discriminate based on appearance and accent. By allowing the controversial papers please' provision to stand, I fear the floodgates have been opened for legally-sanctioned racial profiling. The Supreme Court will soon learn what we all already know: in practice, this provision is an assault on communities where people look and dress a certain way and it is a violation of our most basic civil rights. I will continue to fight for common-sense immigration reform, and oppose Republican efforts to kill the American Dream. The United States is at her best when we are committed to ensuring that all are treated fairly.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-statement-in-support-of-caribbean-american-heritage-month", "Barbara Lee Statement in Support of Caribbean-American Heritage Month", "2012-06-22", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.22.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Statement in Support of Caribbean-American Heritage Month \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement today to commemorate Caribbean-American Heritage Month:\r\n\r\n\tCaribbean American Heritage Month reminds us of the large and diverse constituencies of Caribbean Americans in our nation, and provides us with an opportunity to send a message of good will to the community at home and abroad. In addition to this celebratory occasion, one is reminded of the challenges we must also face alongside our Caribbean neighbors. From trade, energy, and immigration to disaster preparedness, HIV/AIDS, critical challenges are present that we must solve together.\r\n\r\n\tIt took many years for the United States Government to officially recognize June as Caribbean American Heritage. After working with the Caribbean American community to push for bipartisan support for such a bill, I was pleased to finally see my legislation become law in February 2006 when House Concurrent Resolution 71 passed Congress unanimously. Since then, both President Bush and President Obama have issued a proclamation annually recognizing June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month.\r\n\r\n\tAs a long-time supporter of the Caribbean and frequent visitor of the region, I am proud to be the main sponsor of H. Res. 289, acknowledging the important contributions Caribbean-Americans have made to our nation's history and culture. In supporting this measure we honor not only the Caribbean American Community but the rich gifts they continue to provide this country. Let us continue to celebrate the rich diversity of this nation of immigrants and recognize that it will forever be the great blessing and strength of our community.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-15-million-tiger-grant-award-for-the-port-of-oakland", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $15 Million TIGER Grant Award for the Port of Oakland", "2012-06-19", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.19.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $15 Million TIGER Grant Award for the Port of Oakland \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Ricci Graham(510) 763-0370\r\n\r\n\tWashington D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) announced today that the Port of Oakland will be awarded a $15 million TIGER grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to modernize the Port's ship-to-rail exchange capacity. The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER Discretionary Grant program, awards the most promising local infrastructure proposals with investments in road, rail, transit, and port projects that advance critical infrastructure goals for the United States.\r\n\r\n\tThe highly coveted TIGER grant will allow the Port of Oakland to improve access to the Port for existing ship and container traffic. Additionally, the project will enhance the Port's reputation as a premier shipping gateway for the Asia-Pacific by modernizing intermodal transfer infrastructure, reducing emissions, and significantly increase both the Port's efficiency and competitiveness.\r\n\r\n\tI am pleased and excited that the Port of Oakland has been selected to receive this critical and highly competitive funding, said Congresswoman Lee. This key logistical project will streamline and enhance the Port's critical operations while maintaining and creating thousands of construction and permanent jobs. The fact that this project was selected above hundreds of submissions from around the country demonstrates the competitiveness of the proposal and the pivotal role the Port of Oakland plays in the economic health of Northern California and the region.\r\n\r\n\tOakland Mayor Jean Quan thanked Congresswoman Lee for her work in securing this grant, adding: This is great news for Oakland. This grant is another giant step forward toward implementing a transformative project at the Port of Oakland which will translate into thousands of jobs for our city and will spur economic growth for generations to come. We are grateful to Secretary Ray Lahood and the Obama Administration for their leadership in creating jobs.\r\n\r\n\tSaid Port Commissioner President Pamela Calloway, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and her staff worked tirelessly to help us secure this grant, and we collectively thank President Obama and his Transportation Secretary LaHood for recognizing the national importance of this job-creating project. This will demonstrate clear and compelling momentum to the California Transportation Commission so that they continue to work with us to preserve our state funding and get this project built.\"\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-applauds-change-in-immigration-policy", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Change in Immigration Policy", "2012-06-15", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.15.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Change in Immigration Policy \n\t\t\t\r\n\tFor Immediate Release: June 15, 2012  \r\n\t Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\tObama's executive action grants relief to undocumented youth\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) applauded the actions of President Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano in announcing a major initiative to protect young undocumented immigrants raised in the United States from being deported. The policy, contained in a memo by Secretary Napolitano, will give \"deferred action,\" a form of deportation relief and work authorization, to those who are already in deportation proceedings and to those who go through a process to apply affirmatively for relief. They will be granted a two-year deferred action if they meet certain criteria.\r\n\r\n\tI applaud today's decision by President Obama, said Congresswoman Lee. Young people who have been trained and educated in the United States should be allowed to remain in this country and be rewarded for their contributions to our society. They are integral to America's next generation of leadership and innovation, and it is a moral imperative to keep their families together by making comprehensive immigration reform a top priority in Congress.\r\n\r\n\tLegislation to provide a permanent protection to young undocumented students has been blocked in the U.S. Senate. The bill, known as the DREAM Act, would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrant children who go to college or join the military. President Obama's announcement today is a temporary policy that will apply to nearly 800,000 immigrants students who were brought to the United States as young children,do not present a risk to national security or public safety, and meet several key criteria, such as arriving in the U.S. before their sixteenth birthday and graduating from an American high school, serving in the military, or getting admitted to an institution of higher education.\r\n\r\n\tWhile President Obama's announcement is a step in the right direction, this is not a permanent solution or a substitution for Congressional action, said Congresswoman Lee. I will continue to fight for, and urge my colleagues to pass, the DREAM Act so that we can provide these young people who came to America and excelled, the full range of opportunities they have earned. Today's announcement underscores the need to pass comprehensive immigration reform.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-and-united-nations-official-michel-sidib-tour-east-bay-aids-facility", "Lee and United Nations Official Michel Sidib Tour East Bay AIDS Facility", "2012-06-15", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.15.12\n\t\t\t Lee and United Nations Official Michel Sidib Tour East Bay AIDS Facility \n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly,510-763-0370\r\n\r\n\tOakland, CA  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) joined UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidib for a site visit and tour of AIDS Project of the East Bay. This site visit is intended to inform Mr. Sidib's work to reduce HIV/AIDS both domestically and internationally.\r\n\r\n\tWhile we have made tremendous progress, make no mistake  HIV/AIDS is devastating communities of color, women, and young gay and bisexual men in the United States, said Congresswoman Lee. If we are going to truly end the AIDS epidemic in this country and across the globe, we must address the underlying issues of race, education, sex, poverty and stigma which continue to fuel the spread of HIV in certain communities. Nowhere is this more critical than in Oakland, California, where HIV transmission is alarmingly high. Unless we stand up and fight for our right to live, our friends and family members, and our brothers and sisters, will continue to suffer and die because of this preventable and treatable disease.\r\n\r\n\t\"Access to care, removing stigma and discrimination, adequate numbers of health care workers to provide services - these are still challenges of critical importance whether you are in Oakland, California or in rural communities across Africa,\" said Mr. Sidib. \"The U.S. epidemic is very much part of the global epidemic requiring leadership across all sectors. Only together can we envision a path to zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.\"\r\n\r\n\tTen years after local officials first declared the city to be in a state of emergency over its rising HIV rates, Oakland remains torn apart by a seemingly unstoppable epidemic. Since 1998, Alameda County has been fighting a rapidly increasing rate of diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV cases. Oakland, the county's largest city, has accounted for the highest number of cases within the county for more than 10 years. The city alone accounts for 65 percent of Alameda County's HIV/AIDS cases, and its infection rate is seven times higher than other cities in the county. Nationally, African Americans continue to face the most severe burden of HIV/AIDS of all racial groups. According to the Centers for Disease Control, African Americans account for nearly half of all new infections (44%) while only representing 14% of the population.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee has been a leader in the effort to establish a National AIDS Strategy, and is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services and Education with jurisdiction over all domestic HIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the U.S. Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal of the travel ban allowed the International AIDS conference - scheduled for July 2012 in Washington DC - to be held in the U.S. after 20 years. Representative Lee and Mr. Sidibe will both be addressing the International AIDS Conference in Washington at the opening session.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-barbara-lee-applauds-berkeley-city-council-for-passing-a-resolution-urging-an-end-to-corporate-power-in-elections", "Rep. Barbara Lee Applauds Berkeley City Council for Passing a Resolution Urging an End to Corporate Power in Elections", "2012-06-14", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.14.12\n\t\t\t Rep. Barbara Lee Applauds Berkeley City Council for Passing a Resolution Urging an End to Corporate Power in Elections \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact\r\n\r\n\tKristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tLocal Resolution Calls for a Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United  Part of Nationwide Fight Against Explosion of Money in Politics\r\n\r\n\tOakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today hailed the Berkeley City Council vote calling for a constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ruling, which gave corporations and wealthy individuals the power to spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaign advertisements.\r\n\r\n\tSince the Supreme Court's 2010 ruling, Super PACs and corporations have spent record amounts of money in elections nationwide. Corporate spending soared during the 2010 election cycle to $294 million, 427 percent over the previous mid-term elections in 2006.\r\n\r\n\tThe Berkeley City Council vote is part of the nationwide Resolutions Week effort to pass more than 100 local resolutions against the Citizens United case.\r\n\r\n\tGovernment is supposed to work for all of us, but that won't happen until corporations stop buying the government they want instead of the government people deserve, Rep. Lee said. Corporations are not people. This decision has undermined our democracy, and it's great to see state and local governments standing up against special interest control over our elections. In America, democracy should never, ever be for sale.\r\n\r\n\tRep. Lee welcomed the groundswell of support from hundreds of elected officials and organizations for reversing this ruling. Twenty Members of Congress have introduced constitutional amendments to reverse Citizens United alongside 21 state legislatures and more than 150 cities, including Berkeley, Oakland, and Albany.\r\n\r\n\tAs of May 23, 2012, 555 groups organized as Super PACs have reported receiving $216 million and spending $113 million in the 2012 election cycle. Overall spending in the 2012 election is predicted to reach up to $8 billion.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-statement-in-honor-of-lgbt-pride-month", "Barbara Lee Statement in Honor of LGBT Pride Month", "2012-06-06", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.06.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Statement in Honor of LGBT Pride Month \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tBarbara Lee Statement in Honor of LGBT Pride Month\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement in recognition of LGBT Pride Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of June:\r\n\r\n\tAs we honor the occasion of LGBT Pride Month, we not only acknowledge the tremendous efforts of so many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who have fought for equality, but also those who have been forced to endure the stain of discrimination because of who they are and who they love.\r\n\r\n\tPride Month takes on an entirely new meaning in light of the U.S. Ninth Circuit of Appeals Court's decision not to rehear the February ruling that declared Proposition 8  the California measure banning same-sex marriage  unconstitutional.\r\n\r\n\tAs a Californian, I am proud to say that our great state is helping lead the fight for equality. But despite some of the progress being made, the truth is that we have a long way to go toward a world that affords all people the respect, dignity, and equality that they are entitled to. I commend the court for its decision, and I applaud those who had the courage to challenge this unjust measure for their unwavering commitment to continue the fight for marriage equality.\r\n\r\n\tIn the past few years, Congress has passed a fully-inclusive hate crimes law and has eliminated the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy. President Obama followed suit, announcing that his administration will no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court.\r\n\r\n\tThe day is fast approaching when all American families will be treated with fairness and equality under the law. We believe we can and will make great progress in our efforts because we know that the fight for equality is the fight for justice and that this fight is one we will win.\"\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\tLGBT Pride Month has been celebrated annually in June as the unofficial Pride month in honor of the Stonewall Riots of June 1969. Congresswoman Barbara Lee is a Vice-Chair and founding member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. She is proud to stand with a bipartisan caucus that is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBT people in the U.S. and around the world. \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-johnson-and-lee-urge-white-house-to-address-rising-hiv-rate-in-the-south", "Reps. Johnson and Lee Urge White House to  Address Rising HIV Rate in the South", "2012-06-06", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.06.12\n\t\t\t Reps. Johnson and Lee Urge White House to  Address Rising HIV Rate in the South \n\t\t\tContact:   \r\n\tRep. Lee  Kristal DeKleer (202-225-1882)  \r\n\tRep. Johnson  Andy Phelan (404-593-9126)\r\nReps. Johnson and Lee Urge White House to Address Rising HIV Rate in the South\r\nMembers raise awareness of alarming increase HIV rates among women, particularly women of color across the country\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) today urged the White House to address the rising HIV rate in the South and among women  particularly women of color.\r\nTheir letter, co-signed by 50 colleagues, urged the Administration to develop and support specific approaches to reduce new HIV cases, increase access to care, and reduce health disparities in Southern states, including addressing underlying structural and social factors contributing to the spread of HIV.\r\nCongresswoman Barbara Lee, Co-Chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, said: While we have made tremendous progress, make no mistake  HIV/AIDS is devastating communities of color, women, and young gay and bisexual men in the U.S. If we are going to truly end the AIDS epidemic in this country, we must address the underlying issues of race, education, sex, poverty and stigma which continue to fuel the spread of HIV in certain communities. Nowhere is this more critical than in the South, where HIV transmission is alarmingly high. Unless we stand up and fight for our right to live, our friends and family members, and our brothers and sisters, will continue to suffer and die because of this preventable and treatable disease.\r\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), black women make up 66 percent of all new HIV infections among women in the United States. A recent report on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the South found that among persons living with HIV, nine of the 10 states with the highest HIV case fatality rates were in the South and women of color have been found to be less likely than men and white women to start antiretroviral therapy.\r\nBlack women are getting sick and dying at an outrageous rate, while resources for treatment and prevention are totally inadequate  especially in the South, said Johnson. This epidemic needs urgent attention at the highest levels.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-lee-criticizes-republicans-for-blocking-consideration-of-critical-paycheck-fairness-act", "Rep. Lee Criticizes Republicans For Blocking Consideration of Critical Paycheck Fairness Act", "2012-06-05", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.05.12\n\t\t\t Rep. Lee Criticizes Republicans For Blocking Consideration of Critical Paycheck Fairness Act  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tRep. Lee Criticizes Republicans For Blocking Consideration of Critical Paycheck Fairness Act Paycheck Fairness Act Updates and Modernizes the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Helps Close the Wage Gap Between Women and Men\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee condemned Republicans for continuing to stand in the way of progress for America's women and their families. Today, Senate Republicans voted to block the critical Paycheck Fairness Act from even receiving the simple vote it deserves. Similarly, last week, House Republicans voted unanimously against bringing the Paycheck Fairness Act to the House Floor. Women still only earn 77 cents, on average, for every dollar earned by men, stated Rep. Lee. Equal pay is not simply a women's issue  it's a family issue. In more than 50 percent of American households, women's salaries help pay the bills. When women bring home less money each day, it means they have less for the everyday needs of their families  groceries, rent, child care, visits to the doctor.\r\n\r\n\tAchieving equal pay for women has been one of the top priorities of Democrats. In January 2009, the Democratic-led 111th Congress sent to the President's desk the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act  and it became the first bill signed into law by President Obama. This Act restores the right of women to challenge unfair pay in court  but virtually all House Republicans rejected this critical measure for women.\r\n\r\n\tAlthough the Lilly Ledbetter Act has been enacted, we need to do more, Rep. Lee said. I will continue to fight for the enactment of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would provide a much-needed update to the 49-year-old Equal Pay Act by providing effective remedies to women who are not being paid equal wages for doing equal work. The Paycheck Fairness Act would ensure women start receiving the same legal remedies and protections against pay discrimination currently provided to protect against pay discrimination based on race and ethnicity.\r\n\r\n\tIn order to strengthen the American family and ensure fairness in American life, despite the setback today, I vow I will continue to fight until we have achieved an America where women are truly paid equal pay for equal work, concluded Rep. Lee. It is unacceptable that women continue to be discriminated against in the workforce. We need equal pay and we need it now.\r\n\r\n\t### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-discusses-unemployment-benefits-at-local-event", "Congresswoman Lee Discusses Unemployment Benefits at Local Event", "2012-06-04", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.04.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Discusses Unemployment Benefits at Local Event \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Ricci Graham or Katherine Jolly  \r\n\t510-763-0370\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee Discusses Unemployment Benefits at Local Event\r\n\r\n\tOakland  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) today conducted a brief roundtable discussion with job-placement counselors, representatives from the Employment Development Department (EDD),and individuals whose unemployment benefits are due to expire. This meeting was held at the third-floor conference of the Oakland Private Industry Council (PIC) headquarters in downtown Oakland.\r\n\r\n\tThe meeting occurred on the first day EDD counselors are required to meet with the first wave of long-term unemployed clients who are required to have their claims reassessed to remain eligible for assistance. According to the EDD, an estimated 24,000 people throughout Alameda County  and some 14,000 in the city of Oakland  will be required to have their unemployment claims reassessed between now and December.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee has consistently advocated on behalf of the long-term unemployed, sponsoring H.R 589  legislation that would provide an emergency unemployment extension for those who have exhausted their benefits. Congresswoman Lee and representatives of the PIC also discussed the need for Congress to address the nation's employment crisis by making vital investments in direct job-creation and job-training initiatives.\r\n\r\n\tFar too many Americans have exhausted all of their unemployment benefits and are still unable to find work, said Congresswoman Lee. Abandoning these job seekers will only further depress the economy and will fail to reduce our deficits as more people will fall into poverty and begin to be eligible for other needs based federal benefits. It is only by providing these millions of struggling American families with adequate and immediate relief and agenuine long term pathway out of poverty that we can put America back on track to prosperity and economic growth for all.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/2012/06/01/lee-to-gop-we-need-a-jobs-bill", "Lee to GOP: We Need a Jobs Bill", "2012-06-01", "2012", "2012-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.01.12\n\t\t\t Lee to GOP: We Need a Jobs Bill \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, 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 8.2 percent:\r\n\r\n\tToday, the Department of Labor released a bleak jobs report for May, adding 82,000 private sector jobs with a net gain of 69,000 jobs. The overall unemployment rate increased to 8.2 percent.\r\n\r\n\tThese are not simply numbers for the millions of Americans looking for work  they are lost jobs, missed opportunities, and anxious futures for themselves and their families. Those hardest hit continue to be Hispanics (11% up from 10.3%), African Americans (13.6% up from 13%), and youth (little change at 24.6%). Long-term unemployment remains a grave concern, as 5.4 million people have been out of work for longer than 27 weeks (42.8% of the total unemployed up from 41.3%).\r\n\r\n\tIt doesn't have to be a jobless recovery. I urge GOP House leaders to bring up the American Jobs Act, invest in our infrastructure, increase job training efforts, and strengthen our safety net. Only by providing these millions of struggling American families with genuine and long term pathways to prosperity, can we reignite the American Dream. \r\n\r\n\tThe Department of Labor reports that nearly one million jobless workers exhausted their benefits in May, with another 2 million exhausting their benefits by the end of the year. This year, 3 million families will be abruptly cut off as emergency extensions of unemployment insurance run out. Congress must be prepared to act to extend unemployment benefits for those who will exhaust their benefits. I reiterate my call to Speaker Boehner to allow an up or down vote on H.R. 589, a bill I introduced that would provide fourteen weeks of benefits for those whose were cut-off from emergency unemployment benefits in the middle of an emergency.\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\tOver the last 514 days of GOP control in the House, Republican leadership has failed to enact any jobs measures or put forth any clear jobs agenda. This is nothing short of a national emergency and Republicans must come to the table and work to create jobs and provide some relief for the millions of Americans still struggling to find a good job. \r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/oakland-based-organizations-awarded-32-million-in-americorps-funding", "Oakland-based Organizations Awarded $3.2 million in AmeriCorps Funding", "2012-05-31", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.31.12\n\t\t\t Oakland-based Organizations Awarded $3.2 million in AmeriCorps Funding \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Ricci Graham: (510) 763-0370\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) announced today that the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) will award five Oakland-based organizations a series of 2012 AmeriCorps grants totaling $3,210,500.\r\n\r\n\tGrants awarded by AmeriCorps are directed to organizations that sponsor national service programs concerning community needs in education, military and veteran families, economic opportunities, health, and environmental stewardship. This year, CNCS focused on channeling AmeriCorps funding to organizations that emphasized education, veterans, military families, and disaster relief.\r\n\r\n\tI applaud AmeriCorps for its continued commitment to improving the quality of early learning opportunities for young children in Oakland, said Congresswoman Lee. These investments in our children provide a strong start for literacy, physical health, and improved academic learning. To win the future, we must continue to provide the necessary support for education to ensure that our children have a bright and productive future.\r\n\r\n\tReading Partners California received an AmeriCorps grant of $1,130,500. The funds will be used to recruit and manage community volunteers to provide one-on-one literacy tutoring to low-income K-5 students at low-performing schools throughout California.\r\n\r\n\tOther AmeriCorps grant recipients include:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tPlayworks Education Energized will be awarded $1,040,000 for its coaches-in-residence program that serves low-income elementary school children. The program provides sports and other programming designed to improve student discipline.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tSuper Stars Literacy will be awarded $372,384 to support in-school and after-school literacy tutorial services for economically-disadvantage K-5 students in the cities of Oakland and Hayward.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tReading Partners  Literacy Intervention will receive $239,400 grant to support reading centers located in understaffed schools in California, New York, the District of Columbia and North Carolina.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tSafe Passages will be awarded $428,216 to provide academic tutoring, conflict mediation and mentoring to high-need middle school students.\r\n \r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-applauds-atf-and-oakland-pd-for-operation-gideon-iii", "Lee Applauds ATF and Oakland PD for Operation Gideon III", "2012-05-29", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.29.12\n\t\t\t Lee Applauds ATF and Oakland PD for Operation Gideon III  \n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\tOakland - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) today released the following statement after attending a press conference to announce the results of Operation Gideon III, a long term pro-active violent crime operation in Oakland: \r\n\r\n\t\"I want to thank the ATF and ATF Director Todd Jones for answering our call to make these critical investments in addressing crime and gun violence in Oakland. I would also like to thank Oakland Mayor Jean Quan and Oakland Police Chief Howard Jordan for their work in this important partnership.\r\n\r\n\tWe all share in our concern and outrage about the number of illegal firearms that have landed on the streets of Oakland, and how often they are involved in violent crimes. It's an issue that the Oakland Police Department and city leaders have devoted much time and energy in trying to address, with the hope of eradicating the flow of illegal firearms through our city.\r\n\r\n\tIn an effort to address this problem, I met with AFT Director Todd Jones in Washington, D.C. and made the case and request that the ATF provide the city of Oakland and the Oakland Police Department with these specialized investments and targeted resources needed to help tackle this ongoing problem. I am pleased that this law enforcement partnership has been so successful, having led to the seizure of 92 firearms, several kilos of illegal drugs, and more than 70 arrests. The Gideon initiative serves as a model program that other cities can incorporate into efforts to stem the flow of illegal firearms in their communities. Most importantly, the initiative shows how effective we can be when we create federal and local partnerships to confront our problems head on. I will keep fighting to bring all federal resources available to address crime and improve public safety here in Oakland and in the East Bay. Because we can and must continue to build upon these types of collaborative relationships to continue to address the issue of gun violence and the range of public safety issues that affect our communities.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-in-observance-of-memorial-day", "Lee Statement in Observance of Memorial Day", "2012-05-25", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.25.12\n\t\t\t Lee Statement in Observance of Memorial Day   \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in observance of Memorial Day: \r\n\r\n\tOn Memorial Day, it is my hope that we all take the time to honor the men and women who laid down their lives for our Nation's most treasured and highest ideals  freedom, liberty, and democracy. Let us honor the sacrifice of those who died by ensuring that the mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, and fellow soldiers left behind receive the very best our Nation can provide. Memorial Day will have a more profound and personal significance for many families this year  those who are mourning the loss of one of their own and those who have loved ones serving far from home. As a way to honor these heroes, I ask that we recommit ourselves to caring for and serving our veterans and their families.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-releases-statement-on-nato-summit-and-afghanistan", "Barbara Lee Releases Statement on NATO Summit and Afghanistan", "2012-05-21", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.21.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Releases Statement on NATO Summit and Afghanistan    \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tOakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to NATO's announcement to end combat operations in Afghanistan in 2013:   While NATO leaders and President Obama took an important step toward ending the war, we need to bring our troops home now  not years from now. \r\n\r\n\tAs it is widely acknowledged, there is no military solution in Afghanistan. After ten long years of war, almost two thousand U.S. troops have been killed in Afghanistan and more than $530 billion spent in direct costs, which is why two-thirds of Americans say the war is not worth fighting. It is past time for our policy to catch up with the American people. Enough is enough. I will remain steadfast in my efforts for an accelerated withdrawal and am heartened that a majority of Democrats in the House and 12 Republicans joined me last week in an effort to end the war now and safely and responsibly bring our troops home.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-opposes-national-defense-reauthorization-bill", "Lee Opposes National Defense Reauthorization Bill", "2012-05-18", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.18.12\n\t\t\t Lee Opposes National Defense Reauthorization Bill \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tLee Calls for Cuts to Bloated Pentagon Budget, Swift Withdrawal from Afghanistan\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) was one of 120 Members of Congress to vote against H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Lee offered amendments to the bill which would safely and responsibly bring our troops home from Afghanistan, keep Pentagon spending within the limits of the Budget Control Act, and ensure that a meaningful diplomatic option with Iran is on the table.\r\n\r\n\tLee introduced an amendment to enforce the terms of the Budget Control Act which was signed into law on August 2, 2011, to avert a government shutdown. Congress voted to limit Pentagon spending, but the House Republican leadership proposal spends$8 billion more than allowed under the Budget Control Act. The bi-partisan amendment was not adopted (170-252).\r\n\r\n\tThe Pentagon budget already consumes almost fifty cents out of every discretionary dollar we spend, and adding billions of unrequested dollars at the expense of struggling families during the ongoing economic downturn is wrong, said Congresswoman Lee. While many of us would support a larger cut, this is a common sense amendment to keep spending in line with what was agreed to just last year. At a time when American families, businesses, and government agencies are facing budget cuts and tightening their beltswhy shouldn't the Department of Defense be asked to become more efficient and eliminate wasteful programs?\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee introduced an amendment to appoint a Special Envoy for Iran to ensure that all diplomatic avenues  including direct, bilateral talks  are pursued to avoid a war with Iran and to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. In the past thirty years, Iran and the United States have sat down for direct, bilateral talks for all of 45 minutes. Three decades of little contact and open hostility have accomplished nothing. The amendment would begin in earnest the diplomatic dialogue necessary to ensure that all alternatives to war are truly exhausted. The amendment did not pass (77-344).\r\n\r\n\tLee commented: We must prevent an Iran armed with nuclear weapons. We must not let the military option override any diplomatic initiative which would stand a better chance of keeping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee also introduced an amendment that would bring about a responsible and immediate end to the war in Afghanistan.The amendment would end combat operations at the same time it protects troops by requiring that any dollar directed to Afghanistan could only be spent for the safe and orderly withdrawal of U.S. troops and military contractors. The amendment did not pass the House (113-303).\r\n\r\n\tOn Wednesday, Congresswoman Lee was joined by 100 Members of the House, including five Republicans, in sending a letter to President Obama urging an expedited withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Afghanistan in advance of the NATO summit.\r\n\r\n\tThe American people have overwhelmingly come to the conclusion that our brave men and women in uniform have accomplished all that we have asked of them and it is time to bring them home from Afghanistan, said Congresswoman Lee. My amendment provided Members of the House the opportunity to stand squarely with the war-weary American people. After over a decade of war and more than $500 billion in direct costs  not a penny of it paid for, it is past time to shift our budget priorities and invest in jobs and our economy here at home.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tHouse Floor speech on Budget Control Act amendment: here\r\n\r\n\tHouse Floor speech on Iran Envoy amendment: here\r\n\r\n\tHouse Floor speech on Afghanistan amendment: here \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/142-defense-amendments-in-the-house", "142 Defense Amendments in the House", "2012-05-17", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.17.12\n\t\t\t 142 Defense Amendments in the House \n\t\t\t\r\n\tBy JONATHAN ALLEN | 5/17/12 9:15 AM EDT\r\n\r\n\tOver the next couple of days, the House will vote on how much the military can spend on its bands, whether it can detain American citizens suspected of terrorism indefinitely, and if the U.S. will continue to give aid to Pakistan.\r\n\r\n\tThose questions are among the 142 pending amendments to the defense authorization bill, which every year provides a sprawling and intense debate over the nation's values in matters of war and peace, caring for soldiers and veterans, and spending.\r\n\r\n\tThis is as good as it gets on C-SPAN.\r\n\r\n\tThe main event: An amendment by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) that would end the war in Afghanistan. House leaders have reserved 20 minutes for that debate - twice as long as any of the other amendments.\r\n\r\n\tReps. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) and Adam Smith of Washington, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, want to repeal current law allowing the military to indefinitely detain American citizens within the United States - and without access to civilian courts  if they are suspected of plotting terrorist attacks. Civil libertarians on the right and left have joined forces to back their amendment.\r\n\r\n\tThe House floor may also turn into a stage for a real-life version of the hazing debate made famous in the Broadway play and film A Few Good Men.\r\n\r\n\tRep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) would force each branch of the service to quickly transfer service members who were the victims of hazing; it's one of three hazing-related amendments due to get a vote.\r\n\r\n\tThere are matters of international consequence, such as Rep. Dana Roharabacher's effort to cut off funds for Pakistan, and of parochial concern, such as a joint effort by Wisconsin Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner, a Republican, and Ron Kind, a Democrat, to allow Union soldier Alonzo Cushing, a Delafield native, to win the medal of honor for his actions at Gettysburg nearly 150 years ago.\r\n\r\n\tRep. Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) is renewing an old debate over detainee trials. His amendment would prohibit transferring detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States for trial.\r\n\r\n\tNot everyone will have a chance to be heard on every issue.\r\n\r\n\tThe House Rules Committee decided against allowing Rep. Betty McCollum to offer an amendment prohibiting the military from slapping ads on scoreboards and uniforms at certain sporting events. But she will get a chance to debate her effort to hold spending on military bands to $200 million.\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\tRead more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/76438.html#ixzz1v8o34ev7\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-amendment-calls-for-end-to-war-in-afghanistan", "Lee Amendment Calls for End to War in Afghanistan", "2012-05-17", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.17.12\n\t\t\t Lee Amendment Calls for End to War in Afghanistan  \n\t\t\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\nLee amendment for swift withdrawal from Afghanistan falls short in House vote\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced an amendment to H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), that would bring about a responsible and immediate end to the war in Afghanistan.The amendment would end combat operations at the same time it protects troops by requiring that any dollar directed to Afghanistan could only be spent for the safe and orderly withdrawal of U.S. troops and military contractors. The amendment did not pass the House (113-303).\r\nThe American people have overwhelmingly come to the conclusion that our brave men and women in uniform have accomplished all that we have asked of them and it is time to bring them home from Afghanistan, said Congresswoman Lee. My amendment provided Members of the House the opportunity to stand squarely with the war-weary American people. I am disappointed that a majority of House Members did not stand with seven out of ten Americans who oppose the war in Afghanistan.\r\nOn Wednesday, Congresswoman Lee was joined by 100 Members of the House, including five Republicans, in sending a letter to President Obama urging an expedited withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Afghanistan n advance of the NATO summit.\r\nOur brave troops have done everything that was asked of them, said Congresswoman Lee. With almost two thousand U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan, and many tens of thousands more maimed with injuries both hidden and visible, we must recognize that the boots on the ground strategy in Afghanistan is not working. After 11 long years of war, I will continue to work to bring the troops home from Afghanistan. \r\n###\r\nToday's House Floor speech: here\r\nLink to letter to President Obama: here\r\nText of the Lee Amendment:\r\nAMENDMENT TO H.R. 4310, AS REPORTED\r\n\tOFFERED BY MS. LEE OF CALIFORNIA\r\nAt the end of subtitle B of title XII of division A of the bill, add the following:\r\nSec. 12xx. LIMITATION ON FUNDS FOR OPERATIONS OF THE ARMED FORCES IN AFGHANISTAN.\r\n (a) IN GENERAL --- Funds made available to carry out this Act for operations of the Armed Forces in Afghanistan shall be obligated an expended only for purpose of providing for the safe and orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan of all members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense contractor personnel who are in Afghanistan.\r\n (b) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION --- Nothing in this section shall be construed \r\n(1) To authorize the use of funds for the continuation of combat operations in Afghanistan while carrying out the safe and orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan of all members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense contractor personnel who are in Afghanistan; and\r\n(2) To prohibit or otherwise restrict the use of funds available to any department or agency of the United States to carry out diplomatic efforts or humanitarian, development, or general reconstruction activities in Afghanistan.\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-urges-colleagues-to-catch-up-with-the-will-of-the-american-people-and-end-the-war-in-afghanistan", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Urges Colleagues to Catch up with the Will of the American People and End the War in Afghanistan", "2012-05-16", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.16.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Urges Colleagues to Catch up with the Will of the American People and End the War in Afghanistan  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\r\n\tDownload the picture here\r\n\r\n\tLee leads bi-partisan group of 90 Representatives in penning letter to President \r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON  Today 91 Members of the House of Representatives, led by Barbara Lee (D-CA), sent a letter to President Obama urging an expedited withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Afghanistan. Ninety Members of the House of Representatives signed the letter, including four Republicans. The Congresswoman was joined by a dozen colleagues at a morning press conference.\r\n\r\n\tToday, Iam announcing that 90 Members of Congress are joining me in requesting that President Obama expedite our troops' return and speed up the transition to having Afghans in charge of Afghanistan, said Congresswoman Lee. The American people have overwhelmingly come to the conclusion that our brave men and women in uniform have accomplished all that we have asked of them and it is time to bring them home from Afghanistan.\r\n\r\n\tToday, the House of Representatives is scheduled to begin debate on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides war funding, at the same time President Obama prepares for the NATO summit in Chicago. The bi-partisan group of Members outlined the need to discuss the need to make a change in policy in Afghanistan.\r\n\r\n\tI believe that it is time for Members of Congress to stand with seven out of ten Americans who oppose the war in Afghanistan, said Congresswoman Lee. There is no military solution in Afghanistan, which is why I am pushing Republican leadership to allow me to offer an amendment to the NDAA that would bring about a responsible and immediate end to the war in Afghanistan. The amendment would end combat operations while protecting our troops by ensuring that any dollar directed to Afghanistan can only be spent for the safe and orderly withdrawal of U.S. troops and military contractors.\r\n\r\n\tThe Congresswoman was joined by Representatives Walter Jones (R-NC), Ron Paul (R-TX), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Laura Richardson (D-CA), Janice Hahn (D-CA), Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-NY), and James McGovern (D-MA). Congresswoman Lee thanked her colleagues for joining her at the press conference, noting that the silence on Capitol Hill on this issue has been deafening.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n  \r\n\r\n\tMay 16, 2012\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tThe Honorable Barack Obama\r\n\r\n\tPresident of the United States\r\n\r\n\t1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC 20500\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tDear President Obama:\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tEarlier this month you visited Afghanistan to sign a Strategic Partnership Agreement. As you stated at Bagram Air Base, this time of war began in Afghanistan, and this is where it will end. The core of al Qaeda has been greatly reduced in size and ability to attack Americans. Our brave men and women in uniform have done everything that we have asked of them. With over 17,000 dead and wounded U.S. servicemen and women, and long term costs estimated at $4 trillion for the past decade of unfunded wars, the overwhelming majority of American people want to bring the war in Afghanistan to an expedited end.\r\n\r\n\tWhile many of us would prefer an immediate full withdrawal from Afghanistan, there is broad, bipartisan consensus in Congress and across America that it is time to accelerate the transition from U.S. to full Afghan control. We also remind you that any agreement committing U.S. troops to Afghanistan must have congressional approval to be binding.\r\n\r\n\tTherefore, at the upcoming NATO summit in Chicago, we ask that you announce an accelerated transition of security responsibility to the Afghan government and security forces and the expedited withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan as quickly as these can be safely and responsibly accomplished.\r\n\r\n\tSincerely,  \r\n\tMembers of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tCurrent Co-Signers (90): Adam Smith, Becerra, Baldwin, Bass, Blumenauer, Boswell, Braley, Capps, Castor, Chu, Cicilline, Yvette Clarke, Clay, Cleaver, Clyburn, Cohen, Conyers, Costello, Courtney,Cummings, John Duncan, DeFazio, DeLauro, Edwards, Ellison, Farr, Filner, Frank, Garamendi, Grijalva, Gutierrez, Hahn, Hanabusa, Alcee Hastings, Heinrich, Hinchey, Holt, Honda, Jackson Jr., Eddie Bernice Johnson, Hank Johnson,Tim Johnson, Kucinich, Rick Larsen, John Larson, Lewis, Loebsack, Lofgren, Lujan, Maloney, Markey, McCollum, McDermott, McGovern, Michaud, George Miller, Moran, Moore, Chris Murphy, Nadler, Napolitano, Olver, Pastor, Paul, Pingree, Polis, Quigley, Rangel, Richardson, Rush, Loretta Sanchez, Schakowsky, Schiff, Serrano, Sherman, Sires, Slaughter, Speier, Stark, Mike Thompson, Tierney, Tonko, Towns, Tsongas, Velazquez, Waters, Watt, Waxman, Welch, Woolsey, Yarmuth.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-votes-against-partisan-and-irresponsible-gop-bill-to-reauthorize-violence-against-women-act", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Votes Against Partisan and Irresponsible GOP Bill to Reauthorize Violence Against Women Act", "2012-05-16", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.16.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Votes Against Partisan and Irresponsible GOP Bill to Reauthorize Violence Against Women Act \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON  Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) voted against H.R. 4970, a partisan proposal offered by Republican leadership to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA was signed into law in 1994 to strengthen protections for victims of domestic and sexual violence and was reauthorized in 2000 and 2005. The GOP-sponsored bill considered today by the House of Representatives to reauthorize the law rolls back protections, undermines the confidentiality and privacy of victims of violence, and marginalizes LGBT victims, tribal victims, and immigrant victims. The House approved the bill along a mostly party line vote: 222-205.\r\n\r\n\tVAWA is a critical tool to ending domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Unfortunately, instead of being serious about the federal reauthorization of VAWA, Republicans are attempting to roll back current law and weaken protections for women. I know from personal experience that domestic violence is not only physical, it is emotional. It is brutal, it is dehumanizing to the batterer and the battered, and without strong and enforceable criminal laws and services, it can shatter and destroy a life.\r\n\r\n\tAs a member of the California Legislature, Congresswoman Lee authored the Violence Against Women's Act for the State of California. She authored many pieces of state legislation targeting domestic violence that were signed into law by a Republican Governor, as well as co-sponsoring numerous bills in Congress to support victims of domestic violence and to prevent domestic violence.\r\n\r\n\tOn April 26, the Senate approved a version of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, S. 1925, which passed with bipartisan support. The approved language was heavily negotiated, carefully considered, and attempts to address some of the unmet needs forLGBT, tribal, and immigrant populations.\r\n\r\n\tOur colleagues in the Senate recognize the need to modernize and expand protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence, continued Lee. This is the bill that the House of Representatives should be consider  not H.R. 4970, which would pose a serious threat to the lives of victims. We cannot afford to play political games with women's lives.\r\n\r\n\tIn California, approximately 40% of California women experience physical intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. Of these women, three out of four of them had children under the age of 18 at home.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tSee Congresswoman Lee's floor speech on VAWA here \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-in-opposition-to-the-sequester-replacement-reconciliation-act", "Lee Statement in Opposition to the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act", "2012-05-11", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.11.12\n\t\t\t Lee Statement in Opposition to the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in opposition to the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act, which passed the House with a vote of 218-199: \r\n\r\n\tI strongly oppose the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act.\r\n\r\n\tToday, House Republican leadership is asking low and middle income families to sacrifice their health care and basic services in order to protect a bloated and wasteful pentagon spending and to protect tax cuts for millionaires.\r\n\r\n\tThis out of touch budget to end the Medicare guarantee while giving massive tax breaks to Big Oil and the wealthiest is NOT a serious proposal, Mr. Speaker.\r\n\r\n\tIn these difficult times for millions of struggling families, Republicans are asking that we vote to cut $36 billion from the food stamp program and children's health services so we can spend more money on cold war weapons that do nothing to improve our national security.\r\n\r\n\tOur budget should reflect our values. We should not be balancing our budget on the backs of the most vulnerable.\r\n\r\n\tWe do not have to make these heartless cuts that hurt our poor and struggling families. We do not have to make choices that abandon the needy, our seniors and the futures of our children.\r\n\r\n\tWe must come together to protect people who are struggling, our nation's children and our elderly during economic downturns, not make them more vulnerable. We must protect and invest in the futures of our most vulnerable families, not dole out more money to the Pentagon for outdated and over budget weapons programs that we don't need and doesn't make America any safer.\r\n\r\n\tWe should not be shortchanging the education of our children, risk the health of our seniors and allow our infrastructure to crumble beneath our feet so that bloated defense contractors can keep getting contracts.\r\n\r\n\tThe priorities on display in this bill are clear and shameful. Once again, the Republicans put millionaires and billionaires, subsides for big oil and gas, and bloated pentagon spending above everyone and everything else.\r\n\r\n\tAs co-chair of the Out of Poverty caucus, I urge my colleagues to reject this attack on our most vulnerable.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-announces-millions-in-upward-bound-grants", "Lee Announces Millions in Upward Bound Grants", "2012-05-10", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.10.12\n\t\t\t Lee Announces Millions in Upward Bound Grants \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Katherine Jolly \r\n\r\n\t(510) 763-0370\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) announced today that three universities in the 9th Congressional District have been selected to receive a total of $3,641,067 in Upward Bound grants. Upward Bound is a federally-funded program designed to identify and provide support services for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities.\r\n\r\n\tMills College was the recipient of three Upward Bound grants totaling $1,246,235. Holy Names University will receive two grants totaling $573,300, and the University of California, Berkeley, will receive a grant of $686,726.\r\n\r\n\tAs a long time supporter of the Upward Bound program and advocate for these grants, I am pleased that these universities will be receiving this critical funding, said Congresswoman Lee. With this funding these universities will be better positioned to serve their students and ensure that they succeed in college.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/four-medical-institutions-to-receive-over-8-million-in-hhs-grant-funding", "Four Medical Institutions to Receive Over $8 million in HHS Grant Funding", "2012-05-04", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.04.12\n\t\t\t Four Medical Institutions to Receive Over $8 million in HHS Grant Funding \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer\r\n\r\n\t202-225-1882\r\n\r\n\tOakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) announced today that four health agencies that provide services throughout the Bay Area will receive a total of $8.3 million in grant funding through the Health and Human Services.\r\n\r\n\tBerkeley-based Lifelong Medical Care will receive a discretionary grant of $4,966,552, and Children's Hospital and Research Center of Oakland will receive two discretionary grants totaling $2,913,505.\r\n\r\n\tOther grant recipients include:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tThe Oakland-based La Clinica De La Raza, which will receive a $400,272 in HHS grant through the Affordable Care Act program.\r\n \r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tAnd the Oakland-based Asian Health Services, which has been targeted to receive a HHS grant of $62,000 through the Affordable Care Act.\r\n \r\n\r\n\tThese grants will be dispersed incrementally between May 2012 and April 2015.\r\n\r\n\tI am pleased to announce that these four institutions have been targeted to receive this vital funding, said Congresswoman Lee. These fine institutions have historically provided a broad range of services to thousands of residents throughout the Bay Area, and this funding will allow them to expand the reach of their services for years to come.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-on-april-jobs-report", "Lee Statement on April Jobs Report", "2012-05-04", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.04.12\n\t\t\t Lee Statement on April Jobs Report \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the Department of Labor showing a slight decline in unemployment rates: \r\n\r\n\tToday's report shows that the unemployment rate continues to slowly trend downward. After gaining just 115,000 new jobs in April, the national unemployment rate remains high at 8.1%. We must target investment and focus our efforts at rapidly reducing unemployment, especially among those hardest hit which continue to be youth (24.9%), Hispanics (10.3%), and African Americans (13%), whose unemployment rate dropped one point from last month in today's report. Further, we must immediately invest in programs and projects that not only make our country better, but provide jobs for the 5.1 million people in this country who have been out of work for longer than 27 weeks and are struggling.  \r\n\r\n\tThe Department of Labor reports that nearly one million jobless workers will exhaust their benefits by the end of this month, another million by August, and another million by the end of the year. Nearly 3 million families will be abruptly cut off this year as emergency extensions of unemployment insurance run out and they find themselves with no income and nowhere to turn. Congress must be prepared to act to extend unemployment benefits for those who will exhaust their benefits. It is incumbent upon this Congress to ensure that our bridge is strong enough to deliver us all  even the most vulnerable  over these troubled waters.\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\tOver the last 486 days of GOP control in the House, Republican leadership has failed to enact any jobs measures or put forth any clear jobs agenda. Congress must enact President Obama's American Jobs Act and put people back to work. We must address the immediate needs of the long-term unemployed. I reiterate my call to Speaker Boehner to allow an up or down vote on H.R. 589, a bill I introduced that would provide fourteen weeks of benefits for those who have exhausted their unemployment benefits and are now off the books and in desperate need.\r\n\r\n\tAmericans are waiting; Democrats have been prepared to act; and Republicans must join us in creating jobs and reigniting the American Dream for all. \r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-releases-statement-on-us-afghanistan-strategic-partnership", "Barbara Lee Releases Statement on U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership", "2012-05-02", "2012", "2012-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.02.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Releases Statement on U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership   \n\t\t\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\nBarbara Lee Releases Statement on U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership \r\n  \r\n\tOakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland), a tireless advocate for ending the war in Afghanistan and the lone vote on September 14, 2001, against the overly broad Authorization of Use of Military Force, released the following statement in response to the U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership announcement by President Obama:    \r\n\t  \r\n\tI had hoped that President Obama would have seized this opportunity to announce an expedited end to the war in Afghanistan. Instead of speeding the transition to a fully independent Afghanistan, the newly signed U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership agreement is an open-ended commitment that could extend our presence at least another ten years. After ten long years of war, nearly two-thirds of Americans say the war is not worth fighting. It is past time for our policy to catch up with the American people. As it is widely acknowledged, there is no military solution in Afghanistan. We need to end the war now. \r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\nClick here to learn more about Congresswoman Lee's record on global peace and security issues\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-republicans-not-serious-about-addressing-student-loan-rate-increase-hikes", "Barbara Lee: Republicans Not Serious About Addressing Student Loan Rate Increase Hikes", "2012-04-27", "2012", "2012-04", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "04.27.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee: Republicans Not Serious About Addressing Student Loan Rate Increase Hikes  \n\t\t\t  \r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) voted against the GOP plan to eliminate the Prevention and Public Health Fund as a way to stop the doubling of student loan interest rates. The plan passed the House with a 215-195 vote. The Congresswoman spoke in opposition to H.R. 4628 on the House Floor:   \r\n\t  \r\n\tMr. Speaker, I'm here today to speak out against H.R. 4628, the so-called Interest Rate Reduction Act.\r\nIt is clear to me that Republicans are not serious about addressing the student loan interest rate hikes, with this so-called Interest Rate Reduction Act.\r\nTheir bill is a wolf in sheep's clothing, and would permanently end the Prevention and Public Health Fund, a key component of the Affordable Care Act that promotes wellness, prevents disease, and protects against public health emergencies.\r\nThis prevention Fund is the first mandatory funding stream dedicated to improving public health  and it is extremely important in our fight to prevent chronic diseases, including HIV/AIDS, in Women's health.\r\nThis is such a sad and sinister ploy.\r\nInstead of pitting student loan relief for middle and low-income families against critical preventive services for middle and low-income families, we should be working toward real solutions.\r\nInstead of paying for subsidies to big oil, we should invest in our students, who are our future.\r\nThis bill jeopardizes the health of our nation and it uses our students as pawns. And it is morally wrong.\r\nI hope we defeat this insincere proposal.\r\n###\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee\r\nClick here to view the speech \r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/senate-committee-passes-lee-legislation-to-assess-progress-in-haiti", "Senate Committee Passes Lee Legislation to Assess Progress in Haiti", "2012-04-26", "2012", "2012-04", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "04.26.12\n\t\t\t Senate Committee Passes Lee Legislation to Assess Progress in Haiti  \n\t\t\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n  \r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) released the following statement in response to Senate Foreign Relations Committee passage of H.R. 1016 (Lee), the Assessing Progress in Haiti Act:   \r\n\t  \r\n\tI am pleased that the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs today passed H.R. 1016, a bill I introduced to require the United States government to report on the status of humanitarian, reconstruction, and development efforts in Haiti in the aftermath of the tragic earthquake of January 12, 2010. In the wake of the disaster, the American people and the global community rallied in solidarity with the Haitian people to provide one of the largest relief efforts in history. Today, Senators on the Foreign Relations Committee reinforced critical U.S. support for the people of Haiti as they struggle to combat an ongoing cholera epidemic, curb post-election violence, and rebuild their neighborhoods, livelihoods, and country following the tragic earthquake. Passage of H.R. 1016 is good policy and also reinforces our sustained solidarity with the Haitian people.\r\n\r\nThe Assessing Progress in Haiti Act reflects the next step in U.S. efforts and passage of this bill is critical to the long-term recovery of Haiti. The bill requires the U.S. to assess and report on progress made, the extraordinary challenges that remain, and the areas in which improvement is greatly needed.\r\n\r\nIt is my hope that H.R. 1016 will next be considered and approved by the Senate in a timely fashion, so the law can be implemented and the ensuing report can provide an improved roadmap to Haitian recovery. \r\n\r\n###\r\n\r\nFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\nClick here to learn more about the bill and to access clips of House Floor speeches on the issue\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/amid-ongoing-crisis-in-sudan-region-congresswoman-barbara-lee-named-co-chair-of-congressional-sudan-caucus", "Amid Ongoing Crisis in Sudan Region, Congresswoman Barbara Lee Named Co-Chair of Congressional Sudan Caucus", "2012-04-24", "2012", "2012-04", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "04.24.12\n\t\t\t Amid Ongoing Crisis in Sudan Region, Congresswoman Barbara Lee Named Co-Chair of Congressional Sudan Caucus  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee has been named co-chair of the Congressional Sudan Caucus in the House of Representatives. Lee has been a long-standing leader within the Caucus, focusing her efforts on bringing the world's attention to the genocide in Darfur. Congresswoman Lee continues to call attention to the ongoing human calamity in the Sudanese border areas of South Kordofan, Blue Nile, Abyei, and Darfur, and in Yida and other refugee camps in South Sudan. The Sudanese government has targeted civilian populations through the use of indiscriminate bombing and the denial of humanitarian aid. These actions have left nearly half a million people at risk of starvation in the coming weeks and months.\r\n\r\n\tI am eager to work with my colleagues and fellow co-chairs, Representatives Capuano, Wolf, and McCaul to bring Khartoum, Juba, and all stakeholders together to ensure that peace prevails in the region, said Congresswoman Lee. At this critical time with Sudan and South Sudan on the brink of war, it is critical that Congress and the United States use all tools at its disposal to bring the two sides to the negotiating table for peace talks. \r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee has sponsored legislation recognizing acts of genocide in the region and urging China as well as the Arab League to step up efforts to stop the genocide in Darfur. Her legislation to allow divestment from companies doing business in the region was enacted into law in 2007.The Congresswoman continues to call on international leaders to support humanitarian efforts to aid delivery and access to these border areas. This week, Congresswoman Lee will participate in a subcommittee hearing on Sudan and will host U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice for a special briefing with Members of Congress on international efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee fills the seat vacated by the late Representative Donald Payne of New Jersey, a long-time leader on Sudan and conflict resolution in sub-Saharan Africa.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/2012/04/23/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-artistic-discovery-winners", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Artistic Discovery Winners", "2012-04-23", "2012", "2012-04", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "04.23.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Artistic Discovery Winners \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Ricci Graham\r\n\r\n\t510-763-0370\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Artistic Discovery Winners\r\n\r\n\tWinner's work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year\r\n\r\n\tOakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) announced that Saint Mary's High School junior Freddie Lambright, III was selected as the winner of the 30th annual Artistic Discovery High School Congressional Arts Competition. Congresswoman Lee announced the winner of this year's competition during a ceremony at Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley on Saturday, April 21, 2012.  \r\n\tBy finishing first, Lambright will have his Self Portrait displayed in the corridor that connects the Cannon House Office Building with the U.S. Capitol for a year. Lambright will also receive a pair of round-trip tickets to attend a ceremony that will be held this summer in Washington D.C. to celebrate the winners of this year's Congressional arts competition.\r\n\r\n\tI was impressed with the efforts of all of the students who participated in Artistic Discovery, said Congresswoman Lee. The creativity and energy of these students and their art is an inspiration to us all. I congratulate Freddie and all of the students who participated in the competition.\r\n\r\n\tAn Artistic Discovery is an annual Congressional art competition that recognizes emerging high school artists throughout the country. Forty-six students from throughout the 9th Congressional District competed in this year's competition. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since its inception, over 650,000 high students from throughout the country have participated in the competition.\r\n\r\n\tCastro Valley High School sophomore Grace Moon took home the competition's second-place prize and will have her artwork displayed in Congresswoman Lee's office for the next year. Eriana Panopoulos, a senior from Saint Joseph Notre Dame, finished third.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-statement-on-equal-pay-day", "Congresswoman Lee Statement on Equal Pay Day", "2012-04-18", "2012", "2012-04", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "04.18.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Statement on Equal Pay Day  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer(202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee Statement on Equal Pay Day \r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement today in recognition of Equal Pay Day: Today is Equal Pay Day  a day to reflect on the wage gap and how it affects women, families, and the economy. Although the wage gap between men and women has narrowed since the passage of the Equal Pay Act in 1963, gender-based wage discrimination remains a serious obstacle for women in the U.S. workforce. Women are the primary or co-breadwinners in six out of ten households in America - yet earn only 77 cents to every dollar paid to men. For African American and Latina women, it is even worse; they are paid only 62 and 54 cents for every dollar paid to white men.\r\n\r\n\tIn California, women are paid 84 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to a yearly gap of $8,151 between full time working men and women in the state, which is equal to 120 tanks of gas or 62 weeks of groceries. Women in California cannot afford discrimination and lower wages, and neither can their families. This is especially true for Latina women who are only paid 57 cents for every dollar paid to men. The difference in the pay gap would equal 13 more months of rent for these women and their families.\r\n\r\n\tI strongly support H.R. 1519, the Paycheck Fairness Act, a common-sense solution to the problem of pay inequity. I urge my colleagues to consider this bill that would help promote fair pay for women by creating stronger incentives for employers to follow the law, by closing loopholes, and by giving women additional tools to help fight pay discrimination. \r\n\r\n\tAs we rebuild our economy, we must send an unequivocal message that we will not allow pay discrimination to continue. Women deserve equal pay for equal work. Today, let's renew our commitment to closing the wage gap once and for all. I am proud to continue to work to shatter these barriers so that when our daughters and granddaughters join the American workforce, they will not encounter a single shard of today's glass ceiling. \r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-visits-global-health-programs-in-uganda-participates-in-126th-assembly-of-the-inter-parliamentary-union", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Visits Global Health Programs in Uganda, Participates in 126th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union", "2012-04-09", "2012", "2012-04", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "04.09.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Visits Global Health Programs in Uganda, Participates in 126th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Ricci Graham\r\n\r\n\t(510) 763-0370\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) joined a number of U.S. policymakers and stakeholders in traveling with CARE - a global poverty-fighting organization - on a Learning Tour through Uganda to focus on health, governance, gender and savings in urban and rural settings.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, was joined on the trip by Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA.), Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA), CARE USA CEO Helene Gayle and top executives from United Parcel Service, Inc. The five-day trip was designed to highlight the success of integrated programs in the country, which brings together various tools and services to provide a holistic approach to overcoming poverty. The delegation also visited several US PEPFAR-funded health clinics that once focused primarily on HIV treatment but have extended programming to address issues such as childhood nutrition and financial literacy. Additionally, Congresswoman Lee addressed the 126th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union to discuss the successes and challenges in making the law work for the global AIDS response.\r\n\r\n\tAs the United States representative to the Global Commission on HIV and the Law, Congresswoman Lee is one of 15 of the world's most respected legal, human rights and HIV leaders. As part of a global drive to remove barriers to progress in the AIDS response, the Global Commission on HIV and the Law is finalizing a two-year review of research, analysis and community consultations to build an understanding of how legal environments influence HIV epidemics. A final report of the Global Commissions report is forthcoming.\r\n\r\n\tResponding on behalf of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law, Congresswoman Lee said: The effectiveness of the global HIV response will depend not just on the scale-up of HIV prevention, treatment and care, but on whether the legal and social environments support or hinder programs for those who are most vulnerable. This requires bold and effective legal and policy measures to reach out to vulnerable communities and individuals at risk.\r\n\r\n\tIn Uganda, Congresswoman Lee also met Mr. John Roberts, the first recipient of antiretroviral drugs funded by the US PEPFAR program. Said Lee United States global health leadership is making historic progress, touching the lives of millions of families and communities around the world. Foreign assistance is just a fraction of 1% of the federal budget, yet enables PEPFAR and the Global Fund to continue its critical, life-saving work.\r\n\r\n\tThose interested in interviewing Congresswoman Lee about her trip to Uganda should call Ricci Graham at (510) 763-0370.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-issues-statement-on-march-jobs-report", "Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on March Jobs Report", "2012-04-06", "2012", "2012-04", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "04.06.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on March Jobs Report \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Ricci Graham\r\n\r\n\t(510) 763-0370\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the Department of Labor showing a continuing decline in unemployment rates: \r\n\r\n\tToday's jobs report showed a gain of 120,000 jobs in March.The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the number of unemployed and the national unemployment rate both edged lower to 12.7 million and 8.3 percent. March marks the 25th consecutive month of private sector job growth. I am pleased to see that we are continuing to move in the right direction.\r\n\r\n\tBut the rate of job growth has slowed and I believe that we can and must do more to immediately spur more robust job growth. I again call on all of my Republican colleagues to join Democrats in creating jobs and reigniting the American Dream for all. Republicans in the House should pass President Obama's American Jobs Act immediately.\r\n\r\n\tI continue to call for targeted programs and projects to help those who are hardest hit, which continue to be youth (25%), Hispanics (10.3%), and African Americans (14%) and the long term unemployed, those without a job for longer than 27 weeks, who were essentially unchanged at 5.3 million, and accounted for 42.5% percent of the unemployed.\r\n\r\n\tAmericans want to work. Americans want to do their part to get our country back on track. Good paying jobs with real American benefits are the only way that we can reduce our deficits and put us back on a pathway to prosperity for all.\r\n\r\n\tWe know that in a couple of months one million jobless workers will exhaust their unemployment benefits, followed by another million in August and another million by the end of the year. Nearly 3 million families will be abruptly cut off this year as emergency extensions of unemployment insurance run out and they find themselves with no income and nowhere to turn. Congress must prepare now to extend benefits to prevent what will be a massive hit to our economy. Unemployment benefits don't just help the families who are looking for a good job, but it safeguards our entire economy from sliding back into recession. Congress must ensure that this critical bridge over troubled waters is strong enough to help both the long term unemployed and hundreds of thousands of small businesses across America who rely on them as customers.\r\n\r\n\tMy bill, H.R. 589, provides this lifeline, not only to jobless workers and their families, but to the entire economy. Not only do jobless workers need assistance for food and shelter month to month, but unemployed workers immediately spend the assistance  which stimulates the economy and contributes to job growth. It is far past time we act.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-comments-on-shooting-at-oikos-university", "Barbara Lee Comments on Shooting at Oikos University", "2012-04-02", "2012", "2012-04", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "04.02.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Comments on Shooting at Oikos University \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on today's shooting at Oikos University:\r\n\r\n\tI join the entire Oakland and East Bay community today in expressing my deepest condolences to the families of those who were lost in the tragic shooting at Oikos University today. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family members and friends of all the victims, including those wounded by this senseless act of violence and to all the students who witnessed this tragedy. As we continue to learn more about the facts surrounding this matter, I am confident that local officials and law enforcement will complete a thorough investigation into this terrible incident.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-statement-on-legislation-to-strengthen-life-saving-supports-to-victims-of-violence", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Legislation to Strengthen Life-Saving Supports to Victims of Violence", "2012-03-29", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.29.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Legislation to Strengthen Life-Saving Supports to Victims of Violence  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee voiced her support for H.R. 4271, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012. This legislation strengthens the abilities of the federal government, states, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.\r\n\r\n\tWe must protect the right of all Americans to feel safe at home, in the workplace, and every place in between, said Congresswoman Lee. Although the original Violence Against Women Act has resulted in tremendous gains, too many women continue to live in fear. And that is why we must reauthorize and strengthen this critical legislation.\r\n\r\n\tThe Violence Against Women Act has a strong track record of success, demonstrably improving the criminal justice system's ability to keep victims safe and hold perpetrators accountable. The annual incidence of domestic violence has dropped more than 50% since the law was originally enacted.\r\n\r\n\tThe original passage of the Violence Against Women Act was a defining moment for women's rights and a bipartisan victory, Lee said. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in again making progress to protect America's women and children.\r\n\r\n\t###  \r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-supports-progressive-budget-that-rewards-work-not-wealth", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Progressive Budget that Rewards Work, Not Wealth", "2012-03-29", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.29.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Progressive Budget that Rewards Work, Not Wealth    \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee cast her vote for the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) alternative budget, the Budget for All. The Budget for All is fiscally sustainable and sharply reduces the deficit even as it makes smart investments in our schools and our critical national infrastructure that would create 3.3 million new jobs by 2014,in stark contrast to the House Republican cuts-only scheme that eliminates 4.1 million jobs even as it gives away $4.4 trillion in tax breaks to the top 1%.\r\n\r\n\tThe CPC Budget For All would end the war in Afghanistan by committing one year of funds for a safe and orderly withdrawal and redeployment of our troops out of Afghanistan and ensuring the there are no funds for maintaining permanent bases in either Iraq or Afghanistan.\r\n\r\n\tThis budget puts power back in the hands of the American people by creating jobs, making sure everyone pays their fair share, taking corporate money out of politics and putting justice at the forefront of our national conversation, said Congresswoman Lee. The CPC budget is the only proposal that addresses poverty head on by safeguarding Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and the critical human needs programs that feed, clothe and shelter the most vulnerable Americans. The Budget for All also commits the funds necessary to build 21st Century schools and builds a 21st Century workforce that will rebuild our nation and reignite the American Dream for all. I'm proud to support it this budget.\r\n\r\n\tThe CPC budget increases funding for a variety of successful job creation programs, restores top marginal tax rates to Clinton-era levels, and entirely puts Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid on sound financial footings for generations to come without making benefit cuts. The bill builds on the successes of the CPC 2012 proposal, which gathered praise from notable economists such as Paul Krugman and Jeffrey Sachs and outlets such as The Economist.\r\n\r\n\tAnyone who thinks trillions of dollars in cuts and more corporate giveaways are what the country needs has been sleeping through the last two years, Rep. Lee said. This budget responds to what the people need, what the economy requires and what the Progressive Caucus believes in. I look forward to a national discussion about what's in this plan, and I am proud to be a lead sponsor of this alternative vision for a brighter, safer and more prosperous America for all.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee voted for the Democratic alternative budget, as well as the budget proposal from the Congressional Black Caucus. The Congresswoman voted against the GOP budget proposal. \r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\tFloor speechin support of Congressional Black Caucus Budget Proposal\r\n\r\n\tFloor speechin support of Congressional Progressive Caucus Budget Proposal\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-reckless-republican-budget-hurts-families-working-poor", "Barbara Lee: Reckless Republican Budget Hurts Families, Working Poor", "2012-03-28", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.28.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee: Reckless Republican Budget Hurts Families, Working Poor \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) spoke in opposition to the GOP budget plan considered on the House Floor that would threaten Medicare and Medicaid and hurt our nation's most vulnerable communities:   \r\n\t  \r\n\tI rise in strong opposition to the Republican Budget for the 1%.\r\n\r\n\tOnce again, Republicans are proposing a budget that pays for tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of the poor and most vulnerable Americans.\r\n\r\n\tAt a time when America faces the greatest income inequality since the Great Depression, this Republican budget would continue the largest wealth transfer in history to the top 1 percent.\r\n\r\n\tIt would recklessly deny basic support services to the poor and hungry, end the Medicare guarantee, and destroy American jobs while preserving tax breaks for millionaires, special interest, and Big Oil.\r\n\r\n\tThat's not all. While the Republican Budget crushes the American Dream for the poor, it would increase spending for an already bloated Pentagon budget and continue the war in Afghanistan at a time when 7 out of 10 Americans believe the war should end.\r\n\r\n\tWe cannot do this to America's struggling families and the working poor.\r\n\r\n\tI urge all Members to reject this Republican Budget and instead support the budget proposals of the Democratic Caucus, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and the Congressional Black Caucus.\r\n\r\n\tMr. Speaker, a budget is a moral document that shows our nation's priorities and our values.\r\n\r\n\tWe need a budget that puts Americans back to work, invests in our future, protects the safety net, including Medicare, and works to reignite the American dream for all  not crush it for all but the wealthiest 1 percent.\r\n\r\n\tVote no on the Ryan budget.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\tWatch Representative Lee's Floor speech: http://bit.ly/H1igvu \r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-celebrates-two-year-anniversary-of-the-affordable-care-act-as-supreme-court-takes-up-the-case", "Barbara Lee Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act as Supreme Court Takes up the Case", "2012-03-27", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.27.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act as Supreme Court Takes up the Case  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 or (202) 957-2176\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement today as the Supreme Court begins its historic review of the Affordable Care Act:   \r\n\t  \r\n\tToday, the Supreme Court will begin its historic review of the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, a law passed to improve access to health care, extend insurance to nearly 32 million people, lower health care costs. I continue to support this critical legislation and will fight to protect and eventually expand it so that high quality affordable health care for all is a reality in this country.\r\n\r\n\tSince its passage, the ACA has provided 2.5 million more young adults with health care coverage; saved 5.1 million seniors an average of $635 on their prescription drugs and made available tax credits to 360,000 small business employers that have used the credit to insure 2 million workers. The ACA also provides millions of women access to affordable health care coverage, enabling millions to receive no-cost mammograms, contraception, and health check-ups.\r\n\r\n\tIn the 9th district of California, 7,200 young adults now have health insurance and 4,400 seniors received prescription drug discounts worth $2.2 million. Additionally, some 500 small businesses have received tax credits to help maintain or expand health care coverage for employees.\r\n\r\n\tOur nation cannot afford to turn back. I believe that access to affordable, quality health care is a fundamental human right. Any portion of real will only increase premiums and overall health costs at unsustainable levels and damage our economy.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/-barbara-lee-end-the-cuba-embargo", "Barbara Lee: End the Cuba Embargo", "2012-03-26", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.26.12\n\t\t\t  Barbara Lee: End the Cuba Embargo    \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact\r\n\r\n\tKristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC  Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement today in reaction to Pope Benedict's travels to Cuba: \r\n\r\n\tAs a long time supporter of ending the ineffective and unnecessary embargo of Cuba, I sincerely hope that Pope Benedict's visit will help us move forward in that effort. I am saddened to see that very little has changed in the fourteen years since Pope John Paul II's landmark trip to Cuba.\r\n\r\n\tAfter 50 years of a broken U.S. policy, it is time to acknowledge the failures of the past and engage the Cuban government and the Cuban people to rebuild the bilateral relationship between our two nations. The rest of the world has normalized relations with Cuba but Americans are forbidden by our own government from even traveling to Cuba. Businesses from around the world are investing in opportunities in Cuba, but American businesses are cut off from investing in Cuba or even exporting American goods 90 miles off of the Florida coast. There is important research in healthcare happening in Cuba that everyone can benefit from, everyone that is, except Americans. It is time to end the embargo.\r\n\r\n\tI believe that it is long past time for us to move our Cuba policy into the 21st Century.\r\n\r\n\tI hope that we can mark the Pope's visit by opening our eyes to the truth and opening our hearts to the possibility of a new policy and a new future. The U.S. must not be trapped by the blind ideologies of the past.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-statement-on-the-trayvon-martin-case", "Barbara Lee Statement on the Trayvon Martin Case", "2012-03-26", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.26.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Statement on the Trayvon Martin Case  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement regarding the Trayvon Martin case:   \r\n\t  \r\n\tThe tragedy surrounding the senseless shooting death of unarmed, 17 year-old Trayvon Martin has pricked the conscience of our nation. This young teenager was gunned down because of how he looked, because of the color of his skin. We need to see justice in this case immediately. The alleged assailant continues to walk free. As President Obama said, this is a time of soul searching for our nation as it comes to grips with this tragedy.\r\n\r\n\tParents  African American parents especially  are encouraged that President Obama talked about this issue in a personal way. The Congressional Black Caucus will lead briefings on Capitol Hill this week to raise the level of awareness around the country about hate crimes and racial profiling. I am pleased by actions taken by Attorney General Eric Holder and other law enforcement leaders to conduct thorough investigations into this incident.\r\n\r\n\tWhile this issue has shocked American culture, it hasn't shocked me. The combination of the powerful gun lobby, racial profiling, and hate crimes make this local matter one of national attention. Sanford could be anywhere.\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\tWatch Congresswoman Lee's interview on MSNBC:http://www.youtube.com/user/RepLee?feature=mhee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-introduces-resolution-to-honor-social-workers-on-world-social-work-day", "Barbara Lee Introduces Resolution to Honor Social Workers on World Social Work Day", "2012-03-20", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.20.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Introduces Resolution to Honor Social Workers on World Social Work Day \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) observed World Social Work Day by introducing a House resolution honoring professional social workers. H.Res. 589 honors social work and social workers by highlighting the accomplishments and goals of the profession, which include enhancing human well-being and helping meet the basic needs for the most vulnerable in our society.\r\n\r\n\tAs a professional social worker, I am passionate about the contribution that social workers make to society and seek to pay tribute to the more than 640,000 social workers in the nation, said Congresswoman Lee. This resolution allows the House of Representatives to promote this critical profession and bring recognition to the immeasurable impact that social workers have on their communities.\r\n\r\n\tIf enacted the resolution will not only observe Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day, it will also acknowledge the diligent efforts of individuals and groups who promote the importance of social work. The resolution was drafted to encourage activities that work to promote the profession and raise awareness of the life-changing role that social workers play. Additionally, the resolution recognizes the contributions of social workers and shows gratitude to the millions of social workers caring for their communities.\r\n\r\n\tBy supporting this resolution, my colleagues have the opportunity to reaffirm to the hardworking members of this profession that the work they do, does indeed matter, said Congresswoman Lee. This year, the theme of Social Work Month is Social Work Matters' and I am honored to bring recognition to the many social workers who use their collective power, every day, to strengthen our nation's families and communities, to help individuals overcome adversity, and to advance sound social policies.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-republican-budget-plan-undercuts-economic-recovery-with-reckless-spending-cuts", "Barbara Lee: Republican Budget Plan Undercuts Economic Recovery with Reckless Spending Cuts", "2012-03-20", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.20.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee: Republican Budget Plan Undercuts Economic Recovery with Reckless Spending Cuts   \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC- Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement today in reaction to the budget plan introduced by Chairman Paul Ryan and Republicans that would threaten Medicare and Medicaid and hurt our nation's most vulnerable communities:\r\n\r\n\tOur nation's budget is a moral document that should serve as a blueprint for how we build our communities. The Republican budget unveiled today is morally bankrupt and is a blueprint for leaving our country, and especially our seniors, out in the cold. Unfortunately, the Fiscal Year 2013 budget proposed today by Chairman Ryan and Republicans ends the Medicare guarantee, raises health care costs for seniors, favors the richest one percent of Americans, and undercuts the economic recovery with dramatic austerity policy and drastic and immediate cuts. It fails to include a single measure to help the unemployed get a job and it raises taxes on the middle class.\r\n\r\n\tThis Republican proposal is an attack on low- and middle-income people. First and foremost, the plan ends the Medicare guarantee of decent health insurance in retirement. It also slashes critical investments, such as education and infrastructure by 45 percent and 24 percent, respectively. While the Republican plan would dramatically cut domestic spending, it would increase the 2013 defense budget from $546 billion to $554 billion.\r\n\r\n\tThis budget proposal confirms that House Republican leaders intend to cut the deficit that they helped create by draining support from vital programs and services. Republicans want to pay for their reckless tax giveaways to millionaires on the backs of our nation's most vulnerable: working families, seniors, children, and our middle class  and that's wrong. This plan is a Roadmap to Ruin' for our neediest communities and our country, and I will work to ensure that we protect our nation's most vulnerable populations, who are already bearing the brunt of these difficult economic times.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/white-house-announces-bay-area-public-health-leader-to-direct-office-of-national-aids-policy", "White House Announces Bay Area Public Health Leader to Direct Office of National AIDS Policy", "2012-03-14", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.14.12\n\t\t\t White House Announces Bay Area Public Health Leader to Direct Office of National AIDS Policy \n\t\t\t\r\n\tFor Immediate Release March 14, 2012\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on the announcement of Dr. Grant Colfax as the new Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy: \r\n\r\n\tI look forward to working with Dr. Grant Colfax, the new Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) to implement the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.\r\n\r\n\tAs the Director of HIV Prevention and Research at the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Dr. Colfax brings more than 20 years of experience in HIV medicine, research and healthcare policy to the White House. I am hopeful that further progress can be made in reducing the number of new HIV infections across the United States and improving health outcomes for those living with HIV and AIDS.\r\n\r\n\tWhile we have made tremendous strides over the past thirty years, HIV remains a crisis in our communities  threatening the well-being of our neighborhoods, the health of our families, and the lives of our brothers and sisters. However, at this moment of time, an extraordinary opportunity is in front of us. Scientific discovery has brought new powerful tools and created a renewed momentum to do what it takes to bring AIDS to an end.\r\n\r\n\tThis summer, the United States will host the International AIDS Conference for the first time in 20 years  a remarkable opportunity to take aggressive steps to fight the domestic epidemic and partner with countries in this global fight.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\tH.R. 3053 REPEAL Act (Lee)\r\n\tThe REPEAL Act would provide states with incentives and support to reform outdated criminal laws that target people living with HIV.\r\n\r\n\tH.R. 3324 Real Education for Healthy Youth Act (Lee)\r\n\r\n\tThe Real Education for Healthy Youth Act would help schools implement and expand age-appropriate sex education programs that are medically accurate and evidence based; train teachers and educators to effectively educate teenagers in order to reduce unintended pregnancy and the transmission of STDs; and expand sex education programs at colleges and universities.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establish a NationalAIDS Strategy, and is a member ofthe Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services & Educationwith jurisdiction over all domesticHIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference - scheduled for July 2012 in Washington DC -to be held in the U.S. after 20 years.\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-on-february-jobs-report", "Lee Statement on February Jobs Report", "2012-03-09", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.09.12\n\t\t\t Lee Statement on February Jobs Report \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the Department of Labor showing a continuing decline in unemployment rates: \r\n\r\n\tI am encouraged by today's jobs report, showing a gain of 227,000 jobs in February and adding 50,000 jobs to the January tally for 293,000 jobs that month. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 12.8 million are unemployed. While the national unemployment rate remains unchanged at 8.3%, February marks the 24th consecutive month of private sector job growth.\r\n\r\n\tNow more than ever we must focus our efforts at rapidly reducing unemployment, especially among those hardest hit which continue to be youth (23.8%), Hispanics (10.7%), and African Americans (14.1%). The number of those without a job for longer than 27 weeks was unchanged at 5.4 million, and accounted for 42.6% percent of the unemployed in February.\r\n\r\n\tAmericans want to work. Americans want to participate more fully in America's economy, support their family, and earn a living wage. Job creation remains the best way to get our economy back on track. We must invest in programs and projects that create jobs. We must specifically address long-term and chronic unemployment. And we must act immediately.\r\n\r\n\tThe Department of Labor reports that nearly one million jobless workers will exhaust their benefits by May, another million by August, and another million by the end of the year. Nearly 3 million families will be abruptly cut off this year as emergency extensions of unemployment insurance run out and they find themselves with no income and nowhere to turn. Congress must be prepared to act to extend unemployment benefits for those who will exhaust their benefits. It is incumbent upon this Congress to ensure that our bridge is strong enough to deliver us all  even the most vulnerable  over these troubled waters.\r\n\r\n\tWhile it is clear that progress is being made, Republicans must join Democrats in creating jobs and reigniting the American Dream for all. Until Republican leaders in the House can pass President Obama's American Jobs Act, or put forth any kind of reasonable plan for job creation, we must provide jobless workers with temporary assistance to meet their basic needs while they focus on getting a job. My bill, H.R. 589, provides this lifeline. Not only do jobless workers need assistance for food and shelter month to month, but unemployed workers immediately spend the assistance  which stimulates the economy and contributes to job growth. It is far past time we act.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-to-be-honored-by-the-san-francisco-sierra-club", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee to be Honored by the San Francisco Sierra Club", "2012-03-08", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.08.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee to be Honored by the San Francisco Sierra Club \n\t\t\t\r\n\tFor Immediate Release \r\n\r\n\tContact: Ricci Graham\r\n\r\n\t510-763-0370\r\n\r\n\tOakland  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) will be presented with the Phil Burton Badge of Courage Award during the San Francisco Sierra Club's Annual David Brower Celebration at the Intercontinental Grand Ballroom in San Francisco on Friday evening.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Lee is being honored as a champion of environmental justice and for fighting against efforts to weaken the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act and other environmental laws. Congresswoman Lee is also being honored for her ongoing efforts to increase investments in the development and use of renewable energy sources such as wind, geothermal and solar energy.\r\n\r\n\tI am truly honored to receive this award, Congresswoman Lee said. The work that is being done by the Sierra Club in the Bay Area gives me constant encouragement in my own work as a legislator to curb greenhouse gas emissions, demand clean air quality for all communities, and increase investments in the development and use of renewable energy sources in my District and around the nation.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-receives-humane-advocate-award", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Receives Humane Advocate Award", "2012-03-07", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.07.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Receives Humane Advocate Award   \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 \r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) was presented with the Humane Champion Award by the Humane Society of the United States. This award is given to legislators who received a perfect score on the 2011 Humane Scorecard, which tracks key votes as well as co-sponsorship of important pro-animal bills.\r\n\r\n\tI am extremely honored to receive this award, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. I join with the nearly 20,000 supporters of the Humane Society in my district and the more than 11 million supporters nationwide in applauding this wonderful organization on their continued efforts to end the cruelty, exploitation, and neglect that so many animals are subjected to daily.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-statement-on-passing-of-donald-payne", "Barbara Lee Statement on Passing of Donald Payne", "2012-03-06", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.06.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Statement on Passing of Donald Payne  \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement on the loss of Donald Payne:   \r\n\t  \r\n\tI am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and to his constituents.\r\n\r\n\tDon was truly a world renowned leader. I had the privilege to serve under his brilliant leadership as the Senior Democratic member of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Africa. I also had the honor to work very closely with him in the legislative process addressing the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and addressing the genocide in Darfur both through our efforts to obtain an official declaration and through divestment legislation that was signed into law. His dedication to global health issues and Africa saved and improved the lives of many and inspired all of those around him. Today, Congress lost its best teacher on Africa.\r\n\r\n\tDon was also committed to the underserved in our society, and I benefited greatly from his tremendous wisdom, insight and counsel. As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Don was a leader on education issues and fiercely dedicated to building stronger communities for our children. I will deeply miss Don, and believe that his legacy will inspire many to speak for the voiceless and stand up for justice across the globe.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-joins-the-faith-and-politics-institutes-12th-congressional-civil-rights-pilgrimage", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joins the Faith & Politics Institute's 12th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage", "2012-03-02", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.02.12\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joins the Faith & Politics Institute's 12th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) today announced participation in the 12th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage from March 2  4. The pilgrimage of more than 20 Members of Congress, Civil Rights luminaries, and noted scholars and leaders will include events, meetings and tours in Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery, Alabama. Young people are also expected to participate in the pilgrimage, including three students from The Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center in Oakland, California: Stephanie Martinez,Jack Huang, and Deric Fuller.\r\n\r\n\tThe pilgrimage includes visits to many historic places in Alabama that changed the course of history for all Americans, said Congresswoman Lee. I look forward to this annual pilgrimage, and the reminders of progress and the lessons of what remains to be done in the struggle for civil rights for all.\r\n\r\n\tHouse Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) will serve as honorary co-leaders. Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL), Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL), and Martha Roby (R-AL) serve as honorary co-hosts. This year's record number of participating Members of Congress will be joined by, among others, Kerry Kennedy, Ethel Kennedy, John Seigenthaler, Dr. Douglas Brinkley, Dr. Bob Zellner, Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Ms. Juanita Abernathy, Bettie Mae Fikes, Carolyn McKinstry, Dorothy Cotton and, on Saturday night of the Pilgrimage, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R-AL).\r\n\r\n\tThis pilgrimage is about coming together, not as Democrats not as Republicans, but as Americans, men and women who believe somehow and some way that we can find a way to create the American community. I am honored to have Congresswoman Barbara Lee join us, stated Civil Rights legend, Pilgrimage Chair and U.S. Congressman John Lewis (D-GA).\r\n\r\n\tThis three-day passage through living history demonstrates the powerful role that spirituality and courage have played in shaping our nation's history. These annual pilgrimages have afforded more than 100members of the U.S. House and Senate an experiential journey through the history of the American civil rights movement.\r\n\r\n\tDescribed by many participants as one of the most valuable experiences they have had while in Congress, the pilgrimages bring people together across political, religious and racial lines, offering opportunities for engaged and reflective dialogue on the value of the civil rights movement and its meaning for us today, added FPI Senior Advisor and Interim CEO, Rev. Doug Tanner.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\r\n\tVisit the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center online at: http://www.mlkfreedomcenter.org/\r\n\r\n\tVisit Faith & Politics online at: http://www.faithandpolitics.org/\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/alameda-county-to-receive-hhs-grant-to-support-hiv/aids-program", "Alameda County to Receive HHS Grant to Support HIV/AIDS Program", "2012-03-01", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.01.12\n\t\t\t Alameda County to Receive HHS Grant to Support HIV/AIDS Program \n\t\t\t\r\n\tFor Immediate Release\r\n\r\n\tContact: Ricci Graham \r\n\r\n\t(510) 763-0370\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) announced today that the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency has been selected to receive a discretionary grant award to support its HIV/AIDS-related services for predominantly low-income residents.\r\n\r\n\tThe county will receive $7,051,038 from the Department of Health and Human Services for its HIV Emergency Relief Project, which provides primary medical care, access to antiretroviral therapies and other core services to those living with the HIV/AIDS virus. Specifically, the funds will be used to provide care for people living with HIV/AIDS who are primarily low-income, underserved, uninsured or underinsured.\r\n\r\n\tI am very pleased that the Alameda County Health Care Service Agency has been selected to receive this funding, said Congresswoman Lee. As I continue to work in Congress and with organizations around the world in the fight to end the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, I'm very heartened today to see these vital resources being directed to programs right here in my Congressional District. With this funding, I know Alameda County will be able to continue offering service and support to low-income residents who are living with HIV/AIDS.\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-releases-statement-in-honor-of-womens-history-month", "Barbara Lee Releases Statement in Honor of Women's History Month", "2012-03-01", "2012", "2012-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.01.12\n\t\t\t Barbara Lee Releases Statement in Honor of Women's History Month \n\t\t\t\r\n\tFor Immediate Release  \r\n\tContact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\tWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement today to commemorate Women's History Month:\r\n\t  \r\n\tThe celebration of Women's History Month has grown from an idea initiated in Sonoma, California, in the 1970s by the Education Task Force, to a week established in 1978, to a month-long celebration of the impact of women throughout history. Formally established in 1987, Women's History Month honors the enormous strides and great accomplishments of women. It is a reminder to build on their legacy by sharing with children in classrooms across the country the countless ways women have made an impact on the outcome of American history.\r\n\r\n\tIn the midst of the formation of Women's History Month, the Honorable Shirley Chisholm, my mentor and friend, was making history. As the first African American woman member of Congress, she worked tirelessly to remain unbought and unbossed. In 1972, her trailblazing path continued when she became the first woman to make a bid for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. I had the great pleasure of meeting her then and becoming one of her delegates. As we reach the 40th anniversary of this bid, I am reminded that Shirley Chisholm inspired me to believe that the Oval Office was not the sole property and province of men.\r\n\r\n\tNaturally, there are a number of inspirational women who have contributed in ways big and small to the fabric of America. Society, however, does not make it easy for women to be leaders. These heroines fought for equal pay in the workplace, voting rights, the right to raise a family while maintaining a career, women's reproductive rights and so much more. I am eternally grateful for the courage of these women who sacrificed so much to make the dreams of future generations of women more attainable.\r\n\r\n\tAs we mark the beginning of Women's History Month, I encourage women from every corner in the world to take up the same challenge that our predecessors embarked upon. Let's join together to become mentors to young women and dedicate ourselves to helping cultivate the next generation of female leaders.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-barbara-lee-calls-for-justice-for-underwater-mortgage-holders", "Rep. Barbara Lee Calls for Justice for Underwater Mortgage Holders", "2012-02-29", "2012", "2012-02", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "02.29.12\n\t\t\t Rep. Barbara Lee Calls for Justice for Underwater Mortgage Holders \n\t\t\t\r\n\tContact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C.Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), joined advocates in New York, Washington, D.C. and Southern California in calling on Edward DeMarco, the Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to write down principal amounts for struggling homeowners.\r\n\r\n\tTwelve million Americansowe more money than their home is worth, Congresswoman Lee said.The American people have been duped, lied to, and kicked out of their homes and now it is time for Mr. DeMarco to stand up and do right by them.\r\n\r\n\tCombined, Freddie Mac and Fannie Maeown or guarantee more than half of allmortgagesin the country. DeMarco has faced calls for his resignation for refusing principal reduction, sometimes called debt forgiveness, for Freddie and Fannie mortgage holders.\r\n\r\n\tUnderwater homeowners need justice, continued Congresswoman Lee. Write downs are about keepingfamilies in their homesand saving taxpayers money by preventing foreclosures. Simple, straightforward principal reductionsare a good way to prevent the foreclosurecrisis anchor from dragging down the U.S. recovery.\r\n\r\n\tThis call echoes that of a coalition of progressive organizations and families struggling to keep their homes. The coalitionincludes Bowie, Maryland homeowner Bertina Jones, U.S. Marine Arturo de los Santos in Southern California, and advocates for Mr. de los Santos in New York. Protests were held yesterday at regional Freddie Mac offices demanding fair negotiations for themselves and other Americans who have been evicted from their homes.\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tFollow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee\r\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 120, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "CA", "p2": "2012"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2012", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 120, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=CA&year=2012", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2012", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 120, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2012&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2012", "results": [{"value": "CA", "label": "CA", "count": 120, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2012", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2012", "results": [{"value": "2012", "label": "2012", "count": 120, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2012-02-29,https~3A~2F~2Flee~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Frep-barbara-lee-calls-for-justice-for-underwater-mortgage-holders", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2012&_next=2012-02-29%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Flee~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Frep-barbara-lee-calls-for-justice-for-underwater-mortgage-holders&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 771.292018936947, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}