{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where year = 2002 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-co-sponsors-emergency-unemployment-compensation-act-bush-turnaround-called-too-little-too-late", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Co-Sponsors Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act:   Bush Turnaround Called Too Little, Too Late", "2002-12-23", "2002", "2002-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Co-Sponsors Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act:   Bush Turnaround Called Too Little, Too Late \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  With approximately 800,000 Americans scheduled to have their federal extended unemployment benefits cut off just three days after Christmas, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-California) today signed onto legislation that would extend these unemployment benefits until the end of June.\"We have a responsibility to provide a safety net for those workers who are victimes of the worst economy since the early 1990s,\" said Lee. \"The Republicans opposed the extension of these benefits during the lame-duck session, but we're going to try again to get food and a little survival money to those people who have been unable to find jobs.\" The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Action (EUCA) co-sponsored by Lee would extend the current Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation (TEUC). It would guarantee every recently unemployed worker at least 26 weeks of extended benefits, and it would provide an additional 13 weeks of extended benefits for those who have already exhausted TEUC benefits. The EUCA goes much further than President Bush's recent call for a short-term extension of unemployment benefits. Bush's plan would only help those Americans whose relief runs out on December 28th. His proposal would do nothing to help the 90,000 workers losing their regular benefits each week. Nor will the President's proposal do anything for the more than 1 million people who have already exhausted their 13 weeks of temporary unemployment benefits and have not yet found work. Nationally, 1.73 million individuals have been unemployed 27 weeks or more, the highest number of long-term unemployed since September 1993. Overall, the national employment rate stands at 6 percent, the highest rate since the middle of President Clinton's first term. \"I know that in many cases, families have spent down their savings, hit their credit limits and are now, in many cases, facing eviction and loss of their homes or cars,\" Lee said. \"America's working families need real help, not a public-relations offensive. President Bush's inadequate proposal yet again represents how out-of-touch the Republican Party is with the working men and women of this country.\"\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/congressional-black-caucus-leaders-demand-that-president-bush-provide-greater-resources-for-hiv/aids-epidemic", "Congressional Black Caucus Leaders Demand that President Bush Provide Greater Resources for HIV/AIDS Epidemic", "2002-12-20", "2002", "2002-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.02\n\t\t\t Congressional Black Caucus Leaders Demand that President Bush Provide Greater Resources for HIV/AIDS Epidemic \n\t\t\tWashington, DC  Thirty-two Congressional Black Caucus members yesterday sent a letter to President Bush urging him to \"launch a major new US initiative to fight AIDS,\" a pandemic that has killed millions of people with many more deaths expected in the future. 14 million children have been orphaned by the disease, and 42 million people currently live with HIV/AIDS. By 2020, 70 million more people are expected to die from HIV/AIDS.The CBC letter demanded that the President \"respond on an appropriate scale to address the greatest plague in recorded history.\" The letter coincided with a historic push that HIV/AIDS activists are making both in advance of the beginning of the 108th Congress and because President Bush will make in January his first trip to Africa, the epicenter of the AIDS crisis. Yesterday, a number of HIV/AIDS grassroots organizations flooded the White House with thousands of calls, insisting that Bush do more on the HIV/AIDS crisis. Even while hundreds of thousands of people are dying monthly, the Bush administration has repeatedly killed funding for HIV/AIDS programs. Last year, the administration rejected $200 million in AIDS funding, which had been inserted in a supplemental appropriations bill. Worse, even after both the House and the Senate passed HR 2069/S2525, a comprehensive response to the Global AIDS pandemic, Republican leaders refused to negotiate the differences in the bills. In their letter, CBC members told Bush that he had a \"remarkable opportunity to demonstrate United States leadership against AIDS at a moment when the world will be watching.\" The CBC urged the President to include $2.5 billion for global AIDS programs in the Foreign Aid budget for FY 04. The Caucus insisted that 50% of this money go to the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The CBC letter also called for prioritizing treatment for those affected, promoting access to affordable medicines for developing countries, expanding programs for children orphaned by AIDS, and canceling debt for impoverished countries to free up money for AIDS programs. \"We cannot win the war against AIDS without greater financial resources and a clear plan of action for the United States,\" wrote the Congressional leaders. \"Each day we delay in mounting a comprehensive  and compassionate  response to the global AIDS and TB pandemics, the cost in human, social, and economic terms grow.\" ###\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/senator-lott-does-the-right-thing-and-steps-down-as-majority-leader", "Senator Lott Does the Right Thing and Steps Down as Majority Leader", "2002-12-20", "2002", "2002-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.02\n\t\t\t Senator Lott Does the Right Thing and Steps Down as Majority Leader \n\t\t\tWashington, DC -- Congresswoman Barbara Lee today said that Senator Trent Lott did the right thing by stepping down today as Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate after Lott's offensive remarks at the December 5th birthday party for Senator Strom Thurmond. Lee said that now the Republican Party has the unique opportunity to prove that they do not support discriminatory policies that most affect African-Americans and people of color.\"I am very glad to see Senator Lott leave his position as Majority Leader,\" said Lee. \"We shouldn't have to tolerate such backwards viewpoints from any legislator, much less the leader of the U.S. Senate.\" Lott's legislative positions have earned him an \"F\" on the NAACP's legislative report card. As a Congressman and a Senator, Lott has voted against affirmative action programs, opposed extensions of the historic Voting Rights Act, and opposed the creation of Martin Luther King Day. Lee welcomed Lott's resignation, but she encouraged the Republican Party to embrace policies that will end discrimination, which unfortunately is still alive and well in America. Lee noted how Republican economic policies had benefited the wealthiest 1% of Americans at the expense of middle- and lower-income taxpayers, many of whom are African-Americans and minorities. Other economic policies have led to a 10.6% unemployment rate for African-Americans, while only 4.9% of white Americans are unemployed. Lee hoped that the exposure of Lott's opinions on race has opened the possibility for a broader discussion of the disparities that divide Americans. \"The issue of equal opportunity, fairness, and justice must be addressed,\" she said. \"Now is the time that the Republican Party must stop discriminating against African-Americans and other people of color through their policies and funding priorities. Now is the time to end the racial divide.\" ### \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-reasserts-congressional-black-caucus-call-for-formal-censure-against-senator-lott", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Reasserts Congressional Black Caucus Call for Formal Censure against Senator Lott", "2002-12-17", "2002", "2002-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Reasserts Congressional Black Caucus' Call for Formal Censure against Senator Lott \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee today issued the following statement:\"While I respect the right of Congressman Lewis to issue his personal opinion on any matter, I want to make it absolutely clear that I continue to support the position of the Congressional Black Caucus calling for a formal censure against Senator Lott.\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-denounces-senator-lotts-comments", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Denounces Senator Lott's Comments", "2002-12-16", "2002", "2002-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Denounces Senator Lott's Comments \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee today denounced U.S. Senator Trent Lott's (D-Mississippi) comments made during the 100th birthday celebration for retiring Senator Strom Thurmond (D-South Carolina).  Lott told partygoers, \"I want to say this about my state: When Strom Thurmond ran for President, we voted for him. We're proud of it. And if the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn't have had all these problems over all these years, either.\"\"I am extremely disappointed by Senator Lott's comments,\" said Lee. \"I find them totally inappropriate and especially reprehensible coming from someone who is just four heartbeats away from being President.\" Lott dismissed his statement as a \"poor choice of words,\" but he has a history of associating with racist organizations. Lott has spoken several times to the Council of Conservative Citizens, the latest manifestation of the segregationist Citizens Councils. The Citizens Councils sprang up across the South in the 1950s in response to school integration, mandated by Brown vs. Board of Education. Lott also has a history of making racist comments. In a 1984 interview with Southern Partisan  a neo-Confederate magazine  Lott equated the Republican party's platform with \"things that Jefferson Davis believed in.\" At a 1980 Jackson, Mississippi rally, Lott honored Thurmond with virtually the same words that he used at Thurmond's 100th birthday: \"You know, if we had elected this man 30 years ago, we wouldn't be in the mess we are today.\" \"Here we go again,\" said Lee. \"I am very disgusted by Senator Lott's statements. His comments underscore why the national NAACP gave him an F' in its annual report.\" \"How can Senator Lott lead the Senate in addressing the unfinished business of America when, minimally, his judgment is questionable and, for certain, his views regarding racial justice are backwards and extreme,\" said Lee. ###\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-admonishes-the-bush-administration-for-undermining-the-united-nation-inspectors-in-iraq", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Admonishes the Bush Administration for Undermining the United Nation Inspectors in Iraq", "2002-12-09", "2002", "2002-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Admonishes the Bush Administration for Undermining the United Nation Inspectors in Iraq \n\t\t\tWashington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Lee today joined several of her colleagues in calling on the Bush Administration to cool its rhetoric and give the inspections process in Iraq the opportunity to work before prematurely calling them a failure.\"I'm very disturbed with the way that the Bush administration is undermining the work of the United Nations inspectors in Iraq,\" Lee said. Lee expressed disbelief that the Bush administration continues to meddle in the inspections, even though under UN Resolution 1441, the Bush administration agreed to allow inspectors to return to Iraq. \"It was the Bush administration who introduced the Security Council resolution that called for the inspectors to go back into Iraq,\" Lee said. \"So what is the Bush administration afraid of?\" In particular, Lee suggested how premature the complaints are. In a process that may last several months, and is to date barely a week old, \"the Administration seems to have given up on it. They say we can't trust Saddam Hussein. Well, the inspections were never about trust  they were about science and verification. They were about seeking out and destroying any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. That can't be completed in a week.\" Lee insisted that the Bush administration should do more by doing less. \"Let the inspectors do their job,\" she implored the White House. \"We have an obligation to give peace a chance by giving inspections a chance.\" ###\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/statement-of-congresswoman-barbara-lee-opposing-military-action-in-iraq", "Statement Of Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposing Military Action In Iraq", "2002-08-20", "2002", "2002-08", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "08.20.02\n\t\t\t Statement Of Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposing Military Action In Iraq \n\t\t\tWashington, DC B Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today joined Representative Dennis Kucinich in condemning proposed attacks on Iraq after a hearing that included the testimony of Scott Ritter, Former Chief Weapons Inspector for the United Nations Special Commission in Iraq.I have been deeply worried about the expansion and escalation of military action since Congress's vote last September to grant the President such sweeping war making authority, Congresswoman Lee stated.  Now, with rising calls from members of the Bush Administration and some members of Congress demanding war with Iraq and increasingly dangerous rhetoric from the President himself, those fears are becoming a reality. We have seen no evidence tying Iraq to the atrocities of September 11th, and our own allies, not only in the capitals of the Middle East but in Europe, Asia, and Africa as well, are strongly opposed to an assault on Iraq, the Congresswoman continued. Today, we are at a critical crossroads and there has been far too little honest and open debate about where our policies should go from here.  The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has held hearings on the Iraqi question, but key witnesses such as Scott Ritter, Former Chief Weapons Inspector for the United Nations Special Commission in Iraq, were excluded from participation in that dialogue. This hearing today seeks to broaden that debate and ask crucial questions regarding security priorities and international opinion, among others.  I am working as well to raise similar issues within the House International Relations Committee.  A U.S. invasion of Iraq escalating and expanding conflict in the Middle East without constitutional authority, international support, or legal justification would represent a tragedy of immense proportions.  Members of Congress must stand up and oppose this dangerous course of action and work to promote a policy that advances real U.S. security interests through renewed U.N. weapons inspections in Iraq and engagement rather than invasion. ###\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-introduces-legislation-to-provide-for-insurance-coverage-of-prescription-and-alternative-hormone-replacement-therapies", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Legislation to Provide for Insurance Coverage of Prescription and Alternative Hormone Replacement Therapies", "2002-07-25", "2002", "2002-07", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "07.25.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Legislation to Provide for Insurance Coverage of Prescription and Alternative Hormone Replacement Therapies \n\t\t\tWashington, DC B Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today introduced H.R. 5204, the Hormone Replacement Therapy Alternative Treatment Act, legislation that would provide guaranteed insurance coverage of both prescription and alternative treatments for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).The Hormone Replacement Therapy Alternative Treatment Act requires private insurance companies, the Medicare and Medicaid programs and all other Federal health insurance programs to cover all prescription hormone replacement therapies, and all alternative hormone replace therapies which have been proven in peer-reviewed scientific studies and are provided by a State licensed, certified, or accredited health care provider. AFollowing the release of the recent AMA report concerning the Prempro HRT therapy, there is even more confusion about what kind of HRT women should take, and how they can do it safely,@ said Lee. AThere are safe, effective alternatives to prescription HRT and those alternatives should be covered by health insurance. Women should be able to decide, along with their health care provider the safest, most effective HRT that is right for them individually, and cost or lack of insurance should not be an issue.@ The American Medical Association (AMA) recently published a report by the Women=s Health Initiative that studied the HRT prescription drug Prempro (a combination of Estrogen and Progestin), one of the most widely prescribed therapies. The report indicates that the HRT combination of Estrogen and Progestin can cause increases in risk for breast cancer, strokes, cancer of the uterus and blood clots. The Women=s Health Initiative also began a study of Estrogen alone HRT in conjunction with the study on Prempro, and have so far concluded that the benefits far outweigh the risks. The results of this continuing study are slated to be released in 2005. ASince some forms of HRT may be dangerous, millions of menopausal women are seeking alternative treatments for HRT, but unfortunately these alternative remedies are not covered by most insurance plans,@ said Lee. AWomen deserve the choice to seek out all forms of HRT, and their insurance plans should cover it.@ ### \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-for-work-on-global-hiv/aids", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honored for Work on Global HIV/AIDS", "2002-07-10", "2002", "2002-07", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "07.10.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honored for Work on Global HIV/AIDS \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - At the Barcelona International HIV/AIDS Conference, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) was honored with an international service award by the Family Health International (FHI) Institute for HIV/AIDS for her efforts to make the struggle against global HIV/AIDS a priority of the U.S. Congress.\"I am deeply humbled and also thrilled to receive this award,\" said Congresswoman Lee. \"The people who really deserve this award are those who are on the front-line in the battle against HIV/AIDS. \"My efforts in Congress would simply not be possible without the diligence and commitment of grassroots organizers, the NGO community and volunteers throughout the world.\" Congresswoman Lee is one of two individuals chosen by FHI for special recognition at the Barcelona International AIDS Conference. FHI's Institute for HIV/AIDS has traditionally used international HIV/AIDS conferences to honor individuals and organizations for their accomplishments in the fight against global HIV/AIDS. \"Rep. Lee helped ensure that global HIV/AIDS issues remained on America's radar after the Sept. 11 attack, when so many of us feared it would not receive the appropriate attention from Congress,\" said Peter Lamptey, MD, DrPH, president of FHI's Institute for HIV/AIDS in Arlington, Va. \"Her willingness to continue to advocate for an active U.S. role in global HIV/AIDS demonstrates critical leadership in this epidemic. The importance of keeping international HIV/AIDS issues visible at the federal level cannot be overstated.\" Congresswoman Lee was honored with Paul Delay from the U.S. Agency for International Development, The Ghana Police Service HIV/AIDS Programme, The Spiritia Foundation, Meatho Phum Ko'mah, and the Kenya Girl Guides Association. The FHI Institute for HIV/AIDS operates prevention and care programs in more than 40 developing countries, with a staff of 375 throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. Based in Arlington, Va., the Institute is part of Family Health International, a North Carolina-based NGO with three decades of experience developing and managing complex multi-country programs in family planning research, sexually transmitted diseases, and adolescent and maternal health. ###\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/2002/06/25/congresswoman-lee-hosts-winner-of-congressional-district-nine-art-competition-at-us-capitol", "Congresswoman Lee Hosts Winner of Congressional District Nine Art Competition at U.S. Capitol", "2002-06-25", "2002", "2002-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.25.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Hosts Winner of Congressional District Nine Art Competition at U.S. Capitol \n\t\t\tArtwork From Berkeley High School Student Displayed in U.S. Capitol Exhibit    Washington, DC - Susana Hernandez was hosted by Congresswoman Barbara Lee for the opening of An Artistic Discovery as the Ninth Congressional District of California's winner of the 21st Annual National High School art competition. Ms. Hernandez's work, \"Mi Familia es Mi Corazon\" will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the year-long exhibit sponsored by more than 300 Members of Congress.\"We chose this piece because it was technically well executed,\" said Bill Cone, one of the judges for the competition and a Production Designer for Pixar Animation Studios. \"It had a simple graphic strength, and expressed a personal sentiment that could be understood by people of diverse backgrounds.\" More than 50 high school students from the 9th Congressional District of California, which includes Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland and Piedmont, entered the competition. \"Mi Familia es Mi Corazon\" was chosen in May to represent California's Ninth Congressional District by a panel of judges following a month long exhibit in Oakland. \"We are very proud to have Susana's work represent our District in the Capitol during the An Artistic Discovery exhibit,\" said Congresswoman Lee. \"This is a great opportunity to highlight the ways in which art education can enrich the lives of our young people.\" \"Art is my passion. I love using my imagination to create art that reflects my thoughts and dreams as I see them. I can't imagine a world where people do not express themselves creatively,\" said Susana Hernandez. \"I am very proud and honored to have my art displayed in the Capital and to able to express my love for mi familia.\" \"We must always remember that activities such as art, music and sports are essential to students' development and to our sense of identity, community, and pride,\" said Lee. \"This art contest is very important for our community because it supports artistic expression and rewards high school students for their outstanding accomplishments.\" ### \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-expresses-concern-over-federal-reserve-board-chairman-response-to-questions-on-accuracy-of-cra-ratings-system", "Congresswoman Lee Expresses Concern Over Federal Reserve Board Chairman Response to Questions on Accuracy of CRA Ratings System", "2002-06-19", "2002", "2002-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.19.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Expresses Concern Over Federal Reserve Board Chairman Response to Questions on Accuracy of CRA Ratings System \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today sent a letter to Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board Alan Greenspan to express her disagreement with his characterization of the weight placed on lending to minorities within the CRA rating system and to request a meeting with Chairman Greenspan, representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and concerned Members of Congress.Congresswoman Lee expressed her concern that Chairman Greenspan's testimony before the Financial Services Committee and his correspondence regarding the accuracy of the CRA Rating system seemed to minimize the importance of minority homeownership in the CRA rating. \"I appreciate your response to my February 8 letter regarding CRA ratings for financial institutions in California. However, I must respectfully disagree with your characterization of the weight placed on lending to minorities,\" said Lee. \"I am concerned that your letter seems to justify the granting of high CRA ratings to major banks that provide only one percent of loans to African Americans and that have an equally poor lending record for Latinos.\" Chairman Greenspan wrote that, \"Race and ethnicity are not the focus of an assessment of CRA performance. The focus of the statute, rather, is on assuring that institutions serve all parts of their communities, including low- and moderate-income areas,\" and that matters regarding race and ethnicity are reviewed separately. \"While I am well aware that the number of home loans is just one factor considered in a CRA rating, I strongly believe that minority homeownership must be a crucial element in our country, and especially in states with large under-served minority populations, such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and many others,\" said Lee. \"I understand that the interagency review of the existing CRA recommendations is underway and I sincerely hope that these important issues surrounding ratings with regard to race and ethnicity will be taken into account.\" In July of 2001, before the Financial Services Committee, Chairman Greenspan stated that the CRA rating system was an effective method for influencing greater lending to under-served minorities in response to Congresswoman Lee's questions about the lack of home lending to African Americans and Latinos. At the request of Congresswoman Lee, the Greenlining Institute, a group of business, religious and civic leaders in the African American, Latino and Asian Community, analyzed data on home lending provided by the Federal Reserve Board. They found that an overwhelming percentage of major banks in California (with $10 billion or more in assets) receive \"outstanding\" CRA lending grades despite making less that 3 percent of their conventional homes loans to African Americans. There was no significant difference in lending patterns to Latinos. ###   \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/statement-of-congresswoman-barbara-lee-d-ca-bush-administration-proposal-for-hiv/aids-funding-falls-short", "Statement of Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) Bush Administration Proposal for HIV/AIDS Funding Falls Short", "2002-06-19", "2002", "2002-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.19.02\n\t\t\t Statement of Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) Bush Administration Proposal for HIV/AIDS Funding Falls Short \n\t\t\tI am encouraged that the President's announcement today raises the level of attention to important HIV/AIDS Mother To Child Transmission (MTCT) prevention and treatment strategies. For far too long, these efforts have gone under-funded. However, President Bush's proposal is not new money, falls short of the $2.5 billion needed this year to mount a comprehensive strategy to fight these diseases and will force a dispute about which global AIDS programs should be funded.Reducing mother to child transmission is an integral part of defeating global HIV/AIDS. Mother To Child Transmission-Plus (MTCT-Plus) programs must be a high priority as they can have a very positive impact for women and children across the globe. The U.S. can and should spend more than $200 million funding these programs. Two weeks ago President Bush derailed Senator Frist's amendment to increase U.S. emergency spending to fight these diseases to $500 million. A significant portion of those funds could have been directed to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM). By committing all of the resources made available in the FY02 Supplemental Appropriations bill to mother to child transmission initiatives, President Bush is further compromising the ability of the United States to increase its contribution to the GFATM. The Bush Administration has injected politics into the debate about how the U.S. should respond to AIDS, TB and Malaria. As this session of Congress progresses, we will be forced to decide whether we will fund Mother to Child Transmission efforts at the levels suggested today or if we will increase the U.S. contribution to the GFATM. We should do both, because we need a multi-faceted approach to these pandemics. We should greatly increase the $200 million for MTCT-Plus programs. We must also greatly increase its contribution to the global fund. The Global Fund makes grants for comprehensive, life-saving AIDS treatment, care, and prevention in poor countries. To date, the United States has approved a $300 million contribution to the Global Fund, yet, it has only released $250 million. The remaining $50 million will likely be rolled into the FY03 contribution. We have seen that when the U.S. contributes to the fund, other nations follow suit. When the second rounds of grants are made this fall, we must ensure that the GFATM has the resources it needs to be effective. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for $7-$10 billion annually. The United States is the wealthiest country in the world and should provide at least $1 billion to the Global Fund. I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to significantly expand funding to fight these horrific diseases, but we cannot continue to play this deadly shell game. ###\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-responds-to-gao-report-on-federal-energy-regulatory-committee", "Congresswoman Lee Responds to GAO Report on Federal Energy Regulatory Committee", "2002-06-18", "2002", "2002-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.18.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Responds to GAO Report on Federal Energy Regulatory Committee \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - The General Accounting Office today released a report, \"Energy Markets: Concerted Actions Needed by FERC to Confront Challenges That Impede Effective Oversight,\" which concludes that \"At the current time, FERC is not adequately performing the oversight that is needed to ensure that prices produced by these markets are just and reasonable and therefore, it is not fulfilling its regulatory mandate.\"The GAO report further concludes, \"Absent an effective regulatory and oversight approach, FERC lacks assurance that today's energy markets are producing interstate wholesale natural gas and electricity prices that are just and reasonable.\" \"During the energy crisis, California's businesses and consumers not only faced escalating prices, they experienced blackouts that endangered health and safety and the regional economy, and companies such as Enron are not being held responsible for their actions,\" said Lee. \"This is even more troubling when there is evidence that the Administration's energy plan incorporates a vast majority of Enron's policy recommendations, and that FERC is not doing its job.\" On June 5, 2002, Lee joined thirty-one members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation in wroting to FERC Chairman Pat Wood requesting and extension of the Western Price Mitigation Plan beyond September 30, 2002. \"California and its neighbors are making significant progress to address the issues within their jurisdiction that will ensure that a future crisis does not occur. We have been concerned that FERC's actions have not gone far enough to help California and the other Western states and now this report proves it,\" said Lee. \"Maybe in the face of this report, Chairman Wood will extend the existing package of mitigation measures without weakening modifications to begin to bring some justice to Californians. It is the right thing to do.\" ###\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/house-passes-congresswoman-lees-student-loan-forgiveness-provisions-in-legislative-branch-funding-bill", "House Passes Congresswoman Lee's Student Loan Forgiveness Provisions in Legislative Branch Funding Bill", "2002-06-18", "2002", "2002-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.18.02\n\t\t\t House Passes Congresswoman Lee's Student Loan Forgiveness Provisions in Legislative Branch Funding Bill \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today applauded House passage of H.R. 5121, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for FY03, which contains a provision authored by Congresswoman Lee to provide student loan forgiveness for employees for the U.S. House of Representatives.Last year, Congresswoman Lee introduced H.R. 2555 with Congressman Steny Hoyer, which would authorize a loan forgiveness program for all legislative branch employees, including House and Senate staff, Architect of the Capitol (AOC) workers and Capitol Police officers. After one year of work in the Legislative Branch, employees will be eligible to receive a maximum of $6000 per year, up to $40,000 towards outstanding student loan debt. \"As a former House staffer myself, and as the employer of a number of staffers who have a great deal of student loans, I strongly support loan forgiveness for all legislative branch employees,\" said Lee. \"Workers on Capitol Hill earn on average less than their executive branch counterparts, but still have the same student loan debt. Executive branch workers have loan forgiveness and all Congressional employees should, too.\" Last year, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act included similar loan forgiveness provisions, but only for Senate employees. Capitol Police were later added to the program. \"Loan forgiveness is an excellent tool for attracting and retaining the terrific staff we all work with every day. It's also one of the important ways we can try to compete with the private sector, which can offer higher salaries and other benefits.\" said Lee. \"Many young people want to come work for the government, and dedicate themselves to public service, but cannot afford to when they owe tens of thousands in student loans. This new program will make public service much more attractive to them.\" Congresswoman Lee thanked her colleagues for carrying out the provisions of her legislation but also expressed her concern that employees of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) were not included in the appropriations bill. She voiced her hope that the AOC staff would be included when the bill goes to conference and pledged to toward AOC employee inclusion throughout the year. \"The AOC staff work hard every day to make sure our offices are clean and our buildings are well taken care of.\" said Lee. \"I am concerned that it looks elitist to include everyone but our hardworking counterparts at the AOC. I think we owe it to the people who take care of us to add them in this program and hope that my colleagues will join me in working to include the AOC in conference.\" ###\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/2002/06/13/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-support-for-democratic-medicare-prescription-drug-plan", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Support for Democratic Medicare Prescription Drug Plan", "2002-06-13", "2002", "2002-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.13.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Support for Democratic Medicare Prescription Drug Plan \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Vice President of the Progressive Caucus, today announced her support for the Democratic Medicare Drug Benefit and Discount Act which includes many provisions of the Progressive Caucus MEDS Plan.The Democratic Medicare Drug Benefit and Discount Act, unveiled today, provides a comprehensive benefit that is affordable and dependable for all beneficiaries with no gaps in coverage. The Democratic plan contained most provisions of the Congressional Caucus MEDS plans, such as: a $25 monthly premium; a $100 yearly deductible; 80/20 cost sharing between Medicare and beneficiary; and a $2000 maximum amount Medicare beneficiaries will pay for prescription drugs annually before the government pays the rest of the cost. \"It's about time for Congress to add prescription drug coverage to Medicare. Access to affordable prescription drugs become a matter of life and death,\" said Lee. \"I urge the Republican leadership to do the right thing. Our seniors should not have to choose between buying groceries or taking the medication their doctors prescribe. We need to provide our seniors and people with disabilities with a real prescription drug benefit. They deserve better.\" The Republican prescription drug bill covers less than 25% of Medicare beneficiaries, has no defined benefit, has no guaranteed premium, has no guaranteed access, and allows private plans to vary price, benefit design and availability of drug coverage in different parts of the country. \"In the Ninth Congressional District of California, seniors pay on average 134% more for prescription drugs than the drug companies' most favored customers - the insurance companies, large hospitals and HMOs,\" said Lee. \"Frankly, it is absurd to be spending hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars on a plan in which consumers still pay more than an American citizen would pay by traveling over the Canadian or Mexican border. Often times, senior citizens and people with disabilities must choose between buying food or medicine. The GOP plan is down right insulting.\" While offering her support to the Democratic plan, Congresswoman Lee expressed her belief that the cost containment component of the plan should be strengthened. She also expressed her concern that other provisions of the Progressive Caucus MEDS plan were not contained in the bill, such as requiring drug companies to offer medicine developed from federally funded research at a reasonable price; requiring that the rate of increase in prices that Medicare pays for drugs does not exceed the Social Security Cost Of Living Adjustment; linking the discount in his bill to the average cost in the G7 nations of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom; and allowing the re-importation of prescription from countries that offer reduced prices such as Canada. ###\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-support-for-democratic-medicare-prescription-drug-plan", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Support for Democratic Medicare Prescription Drug Plan", "2002-06-13", "2002", "2002-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.13.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Support for Democratic Medicare Prescription Drug Plan \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Vice President of the Progressive Caucus, today announced her support for the Democratic Medicare Drug Benefit and Discount Act which includes many provisions of the Progressive Caucus MEDS Plan.The Democratic Medicare Drug Benefit and Discount Act, unveiled today, provides a comprehensive benefit that is affordable and dependable for all beneficiaries with no gaps in coverage. The Democratic plan contained most provisions of the Congressional Caucus MEDS plans, such as: a $25 monthly premium; a $100 yearly deductible; 80/20 cost sharing between Medicare and beneficiary; and a $2000 maximum amount Medicare beneficiaries will pay for prescription drugs annually before the government pays the rest of the cost. \"It's about time for Congress to add prescription drug coverage to Medicare. Access to affordable prescription drugs become a matter of life and death,\" said Lee. \"I urge the Republican leadership to do the right thing. Our seniors should not have to choose between buying groceries or taking the medication their doctors prescribe. We need to provide our seniors and people with disabilities with a real prescription drug benefit. They deserve better.\" The Republican prescription drug bill covers less than 25% of Medicare beneficiaries, has no defined benefit, has no guaranteed premium, has no guaranteed access, and allows private plans to vary price, benefit design and availability of drug coverage in different parts of the country. \"In the Ninth Congressional District of California, seniors pay on average 134% more for prescription drugs than the drug companies' most favored customers - the insurance companies, large hospitals and HMOs,\" said Lee. \"Frankly, it is absurd to be spending hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars on a plan in which consumers still pay more than an American citizen would pay by traveling over the Canadian or Mexican border. Often times, senior citizens and people with disabilities must choose between buying food or medicine. The GOP plan is down right insulting.\" While offering her support to the Democratic plan, Congresswoman Lee expressed her belief that the cost containment component of the plan should be strengthened. She also expressed her concern that other provisions of the Progressive Caucus MEDS plan were not contained in the bill, such as requiring drug companies to offer medicine developed from federally funded research at a reasonable price; requiring that the rate of increase in prices that Medicare pays for drugs does not exceed the Social Security Cost Of Living Adjustment; linking the discount in his bill to the average cost in the G7 nations of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom; and allowing the re-importation of prescription from countries that offer reduced prices such as Canada. ###\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-introduces-legislation-for-us-compliance-with-abm-treaty", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Legislation for U.S. Compliance with ABM Treaty", "2002-06-12", "2002", "2002-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.12.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Legislation for U.S. Compliance with ABM Treaty \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today introduced The ABM Treaty Compliance Act of 2002, legislation stating that the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty shall continue to apply with respect to the United States.The 1972 ABM Treaty required that the U.S. or Soviet Union (now Russia) give notification six months prior to withdrawal from the treaty. President Bush announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the ABM Treaty six months ago today on December 12, 2001. \"Withdrawing from the ABM Treaty is both bad policy and bad law. It's bad policy to undermine our international reputation as a nation that stands behind agreements,\" said Lee. \"Instead of continuing to lead the way towards disarmament, we are unraveling a core arms control agreement. It is bad law because the Constitution does not give the President the authority to solely make or break treaties or the authority to repeal laws.\" \"Peace is central to ensuring our national security. We cannot preach non-proliferation while practicing escalation,\" said Lee. \"President Bush announced U.S. withdrawal from the treaty to pursue development of National Missile Defense, a costly, dangerous, and destabilizing program that dozens of Nobel laureates have pointed out will not work.\" Congresswoman Lee (D-CA) has joined Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) and 28 of her House colleagues as a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Bush Administration to stop President Bush from withdrawing the United States from the ABM Treaty without Congressional consent. The lawsuit calls for a temporary restraining order to stop the Administration from withdrawing from the treaty and requests a decision from the courts on whether or not the Constitution permits the President to withdraw without the consent of Congress. The lawsuit follows a motion that Kucinich offered in the House last week calling on the Administration to consult Congress before withdrawing from the ABM Treaty. ###\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-lawsuit-to-stop-bush-administration-anti-ballistic-missile-treaty-withdrawal", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joins Lawsuit to Stop Bush Administration Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty Withdrawal", "2002-06-11", "2002", "2002-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.11.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joins Lawsuit to Stop Bush Administration Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty Withdrawal \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Lee (D-CA) today joined Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) and 28 of her House colleagues as a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Bush Administration to stop President Bush from withdrawing the United States from the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty without Congressional consent.The lawsuit calls for a temporary restraining order to stop the Administration from withdrawing from the treaty and requests a decision from the courts on whether or not the Constitution permits the President to withdraw without the consent of Congress. The lawsuit follows a motion that Kucinich offered in the House last week calling on the Administration to consult Congress before withdrawing from the ABM treaty. \"Six months ago, the President announced that he was unilaterally withdrawing the United States from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. This is both bad policy and bad law,\" said Lee. \"It is bad policy because this step escalates the international nuclear arms race, demands billions of dollars that are badly needed here at home, and undermines our international reputation as a country that stands by its agreements. It is bad law because the Constitution does not give the President the power to single handedly make or break treaties. It does not give him the authority to repeal laws.\" Congresswoman Lee will introduce legislation on Wednesday, June 12, 2002, stating that the ABM treaty shall continue to apply with respect to the United States. \"We cannot now go back on our word and abandon this treaty. Peace is in our national security. We cannot be a nation that preaches non-proliferation while practicing escalation. Instead of leading the way toward responsible disarmament, we are unraveling arms control agreements,\" said Lee. \"We must as a nation decide where we want to go - a return to a nuclear arms race or forward toward a real post-Cold War peace. Withdrawing from the ABM treaty does not make the world a safer place.\" ###\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/house-financial-services-committee-passes-lee-amendment-to-protect-victims-of-domestic-violence-under-hudone-strike-policy", "House Financial Services Committee Passes Lee Amendment to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence Under HUD\"One Strike\" Policy", "2002-06-10", "2002", "2002-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.10.02\n\t\t\t House Financial Services Committee Passes Lee Amendment to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence Under HUD\"One Strike\" Policy \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee today applauded the House Financial Services Committee for passing by a voice vote her amendment to H.R. 3995 that would provide greater protections for victims of domestic violence under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) \"one-strike\" policy.In 1996, President Clinton proposed a one-strike and your out policy (Public Law 101-625). This policy provides authority to Public Housing Administration (PHA) management and HUD field offices to develop and enforce stricter screening and eviction policies as a part of their anti-drug and anti-crime initiatives. Under the current scope of the law, a tenant can be evicted for crimes which are beyond their control and even crimes of which they are the actual victim, such as domestic violence. \"We cannot allow women who are victims of domestic violence to be evicted under this policy. We cannot allow children, who are exposed to violence in their homes and who are victims of violence themselves, to become homeless under this policy,\" said Congresswoman Lee. \"We scored a great victory in the fight to protect victims of domestic violence by passing this amendment.\" Congresswoman Lee will offer a broader amendment to H.R. 3995 on the House floor to further narrow the scope of the one strike policy used by HUD. The Supreme Court recently ruled in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development vs. Rucker that public housing authorities can evict tenants based on the criminal activity of their guests and house-hold members, regardless of where the crime occurs or regardless of whether or not the tenant had knowledge of the crime being committed. \"This amendment will expanded our ability to protect against evictions of grandparents and elderly tenants, or people who simply don't know that persons invited into their home are engaged in illegal activity,\" said Lee. \"It is outrageous to have a law that would allow eviction of an elderly woman because her grandson visited her for a while and then did something illegal outside of the home, even as far away as another state. This policy is unconscionable and it needs to be narrowed.\" Congresswoman Lee will also offer an amendment to H.R. 3995 that will authorize funding through 2005 for the Public Housing Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP) eliminated by President Bush last year. She will also support the fight to establish a national housing trust fund. The Sanders-Lee amendment to establish a housing production program was today removed by the GOP committee leadership after passing by a vote of 33-28 on June 20. ### \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/statement-of-congresswoman-barbara-lee-global-aids-amendments-in-the-fy02-supplemental-appropriations-bill", "Statement of Congresswoman Barbara Lee Global AIDS Amendments in the FY02 Supplemental Appropriations Bill", "2002-06-07", "2002", "2002-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.07.02\n\t\t\t Statement of Congresswoman Barbara Lee Global AIDS Amendments in the FY02 Supplemental Appropriations Bill \n\t\t\tI have worked with Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) on global HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria legislation in the past, and I know that he cares very deeply about this issue and understands that these diseases represent not only the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time, but also a regional and national security crisis as well.I am therefore greatly shocked that Senator Frist drastically reduced the level of funding for global AIDS, TB and malaria programs in his amendment to the FY02 Supplemental Appropriations bill. His initial amendment would have provided $500 million, but the final language instead capped spending at $200 million. A large portion of the $500 million in the original amendment would have gone to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM). I am appalled that this real opportunity to significantly increase the United States contribution to combating these diseases was squandered. It is rumored that Dr. Frist was pressured by President Bush to decrease the amount of his amendment in exchange for a promise to potentially increase funding for efforts to decrease mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS by $100 million a year for five years. Reducing mother to child transmission is an integral part of defeating global HIV/AIDS, but funding for these efforts should not come at the expense of an overall U.S. contribution to the GFATM. We are also hearing unfortunate news that the increase in funding will not take effect until 2004. Over the past several months, Senator Frist and Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) have made promises to Members of Congress, HIV/AIDS activists, and the global community to increase the U.S. contribution to fight these diseases. It is unfortunate that they did not follow through on their initial proposal to increase the U.S. contribution to $500 million. I only hope that as we move through this year's appropriations season, that all Members of Congress will stand firm behind our legislative efforts rather then use the suffering and deaths of millions of people worldwide when it suits them publicly. Congress must provide at least $1 billion this year to the GFATM. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, world leaders and many others have called for at least $10 billion dollars a year to effectively combat global HIV/AIDS. The United States is the wealthiest country in the world and we can, and must, do better. ### \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/house-passes-congresswoman-barbara-lees-amendment-to-support-women-and-minority-owned-businesses", "House Passes Congresswoman Barbara Lee's Amendment to Support Women and Minority-Owned Businesses", "2002-06-05", "2002", "2002-06", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "06.05.02\n\t\t\t House Passes Congresswoman Barbara Lee's Amendment to Support Women and Minority-Owned Businesses \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - The House today passed by a vote of 344-78 S. 1372, the conference report for the Export-Import Re-authorization Act, which included an amendment offered Congresswoman Barbara Lee to increase outreach to women and minority-owned businesses.The amendment requires the Export-Import Bank to increase outreach to women and minority-owned businesses and encourages the Bank to increase the number of loans to minority and women-owned firms. Currently, the Export-Import Bank only provides less than 0.5% of its loans to women and minority-owned businesses. \"Women and minority-owned firms deserve to have access to Export-Import Bank loans so that they can continue to grow their businesses, which contribute so greatly to our economy,\" said Lee. \"Women and minority-owned firms are the fastest-growing in the U.S. At a time when we are seeing our budget surplus shrink and our trade deficit grow, expanding the number of Export-Import Bank loans to women and minority-owned businesses is vital to our global economy.\" Congresswoman Lee also expressed concern about the elimination of language in the conference report that would have created the Office on Africa, which would focus on increases Ex-Im Bank activities in Africa and increasing visibility among U.S. Companies of African markets for exports. She also expressed dismay that the conference report excluded provisions in the House passed bill that would have increased loans to small businesses overall. ###    \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-release-of-funds-for-mlk-freedom-center-design", "Congresswoman Lee Announces Release of Funds for MLK Freedom Center Design", "2002-05-07", "2002", "2002-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.07.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Announces Release of Funds for MLK Freedom Center Design \n\t\t\tWashington DC - Congresswoman Lee today announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released funding for the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center of Oakland, California, that was included in H.R. 2620, the annual spending bill for the Department of Veterans Affairs and (VA) and HUD for fiscal year 2002.The bill passed by a vote of 401-18 and provided $250,000 for the Freedom Center in Oakland, which is dedicated to creating educational and cultural programs as well as employment opportunities in the areas of non-violence, conflict resolution, civil rights, environmental education and ecological restoration with a specific focus on at-risk youth in the Bay Area. \"The Freedom Center is a wonderful resource for under-served youth in our community to learn about Dr. King's Legacy and the principles of justice and equality,\" said Lee. \"This federal funding will further assist with the center's design and construction so they can develop an outstanding program for the young people and adults alike.\" The Freedom Center's Youth Advisory Board held its first major youth event -- \"The Sounds of Freedom\" -- last Friday evening, May 3rd in Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline Park in Oakland. Over 4 dozen Bay Area young people heard 15 young poets offer their original spoken word reflections on daily life issues, politics, global conflict and civil rights. \"This grant comes at a perfect time,\" added Claire Greensfelder, Freedom Center Executive Director. \"We have just completed our draft business plan and concept design for the Center and our youth program has been successfully launched. These funds will help us take the next essential step to creating a new Freedom Center.\" For more information on the Freedom Center, please contact Claire Greensfelder at (510) 383-1067 (Freedom Center) or (510) 917 -5468 (cell). ###\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-release-of-hud-funds-for-ed-roberts-campus", "Congresswoman Lee Announces Release of HUD Funds for Ed Roberts Campus", "2002-05-07", "2002", "2002-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.07.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Announces Release of HUD Funds for Ed Roberts Campus \n\t\t\tGrant to be Used for Planning and Development of National Prototype    Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee today announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released funding for the Ed Roberts Campus that was included in H.R. 2620, the annual spending bill for the Department of Veterans Affairs and (VA) and HUD for fiscal year 2002.The bill passed by a vote of 401-18 and provided $100,000 for the Ed Roberts Campus (ERC) multipurpose disability center in Berkeley. Once built, the ERC will be a national prototype of non-profit collaborations, representing a trend towards developing multi-tenant centers that provide lower rents, accessible facilities and an impressive array of disability related services and programs in one totally accessible location. \"We are very pleased that Rep. Lee recognized the importance of the Ed Roberts Campus to the community and worked so hard to secure funding for this year,\" said Jan Garrett, Executive Director, Center for Independent Living. \"Funding for the campus clearly demonstrates that people with disabilities count as important members of the community.\" \"The ERC will be a national model of integrated and accessible service delivery and a resource for research, legal analysis, education, training and model program development,\" said Lee. \"Internationally, the ERC will shine as a beacon of the Independent Living Movement of People with Disabilities, providing training, technical assistance, and opportunities for collaboration among people with disabilities and activist organizations worldwide.\" ###    \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-elected-whip-for-congressional-black-caucus", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee elected Whip for Congressional Black Caucus", "2002-05-06", "2002", "2002-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.06.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee elected Whip for Congressional Black Caucus \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee today was elected as Whip for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).\"I am very honored to be chosen as Whip of the Congressional Black Caucus, and I congratulate all of the newly-elected officials of the Caucus,\" said Lee. \"In the face of a Republican majority, now more than ever, we must be unified in putting forth a strong voice for the issues that matter most to the Congressional Black Caucus and the entire nation,\" Lee said. Before being elected CBC Whip, Congresswoman Lee had previously served two terms as a Democratic Regional Whip and currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Progressive Caucus. \"I would like to thank the outstanding CBC leaders of the 107th Congress who have an exceptional record of achievement, said Lee. \"I look forward to building on the those achievements during the 108th 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/congresswoman-lee-democrats-rally-with-college-students-against-bush-proposal-to-eliminate-loan-consolidation-program", "Congresswoman Lee, Democrats Rally with College Students Against Bush Proposal to Eliminate Loan Consolidation Program", "2002-05-01", "2002", "2002-05", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "05.01.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee, Democrats Rally with College Students Against Bush Proposal to Eliminate Loan Consolidation Program \n\t\t\tWashington DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined House Democrats and college students at a rally today to oppose the Bush Administration's proposal to increase the amount of money that students will pay for federal loans in an effort to reduce the federal deficit.Every year, nearly 700,000 students consolidate their student loans in order to benefit from a fixed, lower interest rate. The proposed legislation would prevent students from consolidating their loans at a fixed rate. Under this plan, consolidated loans would have variable interest rates, which fluctuate with market rates. \"Once again, we see who wins and who loses from the Bush Administration's economic plan. This time it is our college students,\" said Lee. \"The Bush Administration pushed a $2 trillion tax cut that primarily benefitted the wealthy. Now that the country is facing deficit spending, the same Administration is placing the cost of that tax cut on the backs of people who must borrow money to obtain an education and pursue their dreams. This is wrong.\" \"This proposal would especially hurt low-income students because they are more likely to graduate with significant loan debt and are more likely to earn less than their peers after graduation,\" said Lee. \"We simply cannot burden our students with more debt, especially those who are already at an economic disadvantage.\" In 2001, more than 5.6 million students borrowed money to attend college. Nearly two out of three full time students at four year institutions had federal students loans, and the average student loan debt has nearly doubled over the past eight years. Over one third of these students graduate with unmanageable levels of debt, with monthly payments exceeding 8% of their monthly income. \"There are more than 14 community colleges, colleges and universities in the Ninth Congressional district. This legislation will place undue burdens on thousands of students who are currently taking out loans because they cannot afford to pay for college on their own,\" said Lee. \"We must make college more affordable. We must oppose any legislation that makes it harder for people to attend college and receive an education.\" ###    \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-chosen-as-2002-wayne-morse-integrity-in-government-award-recipient", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Chosen as 2002 Wayne Morse Integrity in Government Award Recipient", "2002-04-25", "2002", "2002-04", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "04.25.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Chosen as 2002 Wayne Morse Integrity in Government Award Recipient \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) was today named as the recipient of the Wayne Morse Integrity in Government Award for 2002. Congresswoman Lee, Senator Russell Feingold, (D-WI), and Senator James Jeffords, (I-VT) were the three finalists chosen from an original list of seven nominees. Final selection was made by a blue ribbon national committee of former holders of the Morse Chair in Law and Politics at the University of Oregon.\"I am very honored to receive this award. I want to congratulate all of the nominees for their outstanding public service. They exemplify Senator Wayne Morse's standard of integrity and principle,\" said Lee. \"Senator Morse was a true inspiration. This is indeed a humbling and remarkable moment. The constituents of the Ninth Congressional District are the ones who deserve this award for continuing to be passionate and engaged on issues that affect the future of this nation and the world.\" The Wayne Morse Integrity in Government Award was created in 1987. Congresswoman Lee is the eighth recipient of the award and only the second woman. The first was the initial winner, Justice Rose Bird of California. Other recipients include Senator Lowell Weicker, 1988; President Jimmy Carter, 1989; Senator Paul Simon, 1991; Representative Henry Gonzalez, 1993; Senator William Proxmire, 1995; and Representative Jim Leach, 1997. Since its inception in 1981, the Wayne Morse Chair of Law and Politics has invited distinguished scholars and advocates to the University of Oregon to carry on the tradition of Wayne Morse. Housed at the University of Oregon School of Law, it is an independent center dedicated to interdisciplinary research, discussion, publication and teaching on critical topics in the fields of law and politics. ###    \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-israel-to-withdraw-from-the-palestinian-territories-and-for-a-return-to-a-negotiated-peace-process", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for Israel to Withdraw from the Palestinian Territories and for a Return to a Negotiated Peace Process", "2002-04-09", "2002", "2002-04", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "04.09.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for Israel to Withdraw from the Palestinian Territories and for a Return to a Negotiated Peace Process \n\t\t\tThe current crisis in the Middle East has spiraled out of the control of both the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government. Each day, the violence claims more victims and creates deeper hatred and anguish.The Palestinians and the Israelis both have a right to have a state, safety, and security; none of these goals can be achieved with a military solution. I believe sincerely that the search for a negotiated solution to this political and security crisis is more critical than it has ever been. The return to the peace process must include an immediate Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territories as called for in United Nations Resolution 1402. The suicide bombings must stop: the path to a just peace cannot be found through violence. The continuation of war  with its cruel victimization of children and other innocent victims on both sides  will bring security to none. Urgent discussions and negotiations should begin to search for the threads within the Tenet and Mitchell plans and the Saudi proposal to find a possible solution to this current crisis and the outstanding issues. The key now is for a sustained U.S. engagement as an honest broker and a sustained commitment from all parties to the quest for peace. I urge all parties to take advantage of Secretary of State Powell's visit to the region to work towards mutual peace, in which Israel's security and sovereignty exist alongside an independent Palestine. The future of Israeli and Palestinian children is at stake. They should be promised a future that is absent of fear and violence, a future filled with hope and optimism. ###\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/members-of-international-relations-committee-urge-public-hearings-on-global-warming", "Members of International Relations Committee Urge  Public Hearings on Global Warming", "2002-03-22", "2002", "2002-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.22.02\n\t\t\t Members of International Relations Committee Urge  Public Hearings on Global Warming \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), joined by 15 Democratic colleagues on the House International Relations Committee, sent a letter to committee Chairman Henry Hyde (R-IL) and to committee Ranking Member Tom Lantos (D-CA) urging them to hold a public hearing this year to learn more about the geopolitical, economic, and environmental impacts of global climate change and about proposed international remedies.Last year, the United States withdrew from negotiations over the Kyoto Protocol, the international agreement limiting emissions and seeking to curb global warming. More than 170 nations, including the entire European Union, Russia, and Japan, then went forward without the U.S. in creating a global permit trading system and in setting target goals for reductions. Recently, the Bush Administration released its own national plan to reduce emissions, relying on voluntary reporting and reductions with a goal of \"slowing the growth of emissions.\" \"I do not believe voluntary limits will be sufficient. However, the president's plan is on the table, and we believe that this is an opportune moment for the House International Relations Committee to take up this issue,\" said Lee. \"We have an obligation to address this far-reaching environmental problem, and substantial evidence shows we can cut emissions while still growing the economy.\" \"The International Relations Committee should address the growing and well-documented problem of global climate change. The U.S., with 5% of the world's population, contributes 25% of all greenhouse gases, and we have a responsibility to the global community to reduce our impact on the planet's climate,\" said Blumenauer. \"The effects of climate change will be felt not only in our weather and on the polar ice caps, but in our relations with other countries. This hearing would be an important step to deal with what is already becoming an international relations hurdle.\" In August, tens of thousands of participants, including heads of State and Government, national delegates and leaders from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses and other major groups will convene in Johannesburg, South Africa, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development to focus the world's attention and direct action toward meeting difficult challenges, including improving people's lives and conserving our natural resources in a world that is growing in population, with ever-increasing demands for food, water, shelter, sanitation, energy, health services and economic security. ###\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/2002/03/20/representative-barbara-lee-passes-amendment-to-fund-afghanistan-ministry-for-womens-affairs", "Representative Barbara Lee Passes Amendment to Fund Afghanistan Ministry for Womens Affairs", "2002-03-20", "2002", "2002-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.20.02\n\t\t\t Representative Barbara Lee Passes Amendment to Fund Afghanistan Ministry for Women's Affairs \n\t\t\tWashington DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congresswoman Juanita Millender McDonald (D-CA) today successfully offered an amendment to H.R. 3656, the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002, in the International Relations Committee that authorizes funding for the Ministry for Women's Affairs of Afghanistan.H.R. 3656 authorizes over $1 billion over four years for humanitarian, economic and democratic development assistance for Afghanistan and was passed out of Committee by voice vote. The Lee-Millender-McDonald amendment which passed unanimously, authorizes funding to assist the Afghan Ministry of Women's Affairs in carrying out its responsibilities for legal advocacy, education, vocational training, and women's health programs. \"Women in Afghanistan are once again enjoying many freedoms that were denied them by the Taliban regime,\" said Lee. \"We must do all we can to ensure that women are able to participate in all aspects of this new democracy.\" \"For the first time in five years young women are being allowed to attend school and do many things that we take for granted,\" said Lee. \"This amendment will help ensure that the Ministry for Women's Affairs will protect the basic rights that Afghan women deserve, and support their work to improve conditions of Afghan women.\" Congresswoman Lee urged quick consideration of H.R. 3656 by the House of Representatives. ###\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/representative-barbara-lee-calls-for-art-submissions-for-us-capitol-exhibit", "Representative Barbara Lee Calls for Art Submissions  for U.S. Capitol Exhibit", "2002-03-20", "2002", "2002-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.20.02\n\t\t\t Representative Barbara Lee Calls for Art Submissions  for U.S. Capitol Exhibit \n\t\t\tDeadline for Submissions Set for April 10, 2002    Washington DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee today issued a call for submissions for the 21st Annual National High School art competition and exhibition called An Artistic Discovery, a year-long exhibit sponsored by more than 300 Members of Congress.High School students from the 9th Congressional District of California, which includes Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland and Piedmont, are requested to submit artwork to their high school principal's office or art department. \"This art contest is very important for our community because it supports artistic expression and rewards high school students for their outstanding talent and accomplishments,\" said Lee. \"We need to remember that activities such as art, music, and sports are essential to a student's development and to our sense of identity, community, and pride.\" Each high school may establish their own deadline for the selection of no more than three works to be judged in the district-wide competition, but Congresswoman Lee's office must receive submissions by Wednesday, April 10, 2002. One work of art will be chosen by a panel of judges during an exhibit that runs April 24 - May 4, 2002, at the Junior Center for Arts and Sciences. The work of art chosen to represent the Ninth District of California will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. While only one student's artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, Congresswoman Lee pointed out the importance of displaying our students' work locally during April and May. \"I am very pleased that, thanks to the collaborative efforts and support of several organizations and individuals, we will have an opportunity to celebrate and reward the artistic accomplishments of all our students.\" said Lee. The Junior Center is located at 558 Bellevue Avenue, Lake Merritt, in Oakland. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more info contact Monifa Kelly, at Congresswoman Lee's office, at (510) 763-0370 or visit the national competition's website at www.house.gov/solis/artshow.htm. ###\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/representative-barbara-lee-passes-amendment-to-fund-afghanistan-ministry-for-womens-affairs", "Representative Barbara Lee Passes Amendment to Fund Afghanistan Ministry for Womens Affairs", "2002-03-20", "2002", "2002-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.20.02\n\t\t\t Representative Barbara Lee Passes Amendment to Fund Afghanistan Ministry for Women's Affairs \n\t\t\tWashington DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congresswoman Juanita Millender McDonald (D-CA) today successfully offered an amendment to H.R. 3656, the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002, in the International Relations Committee that authorizes funding for the Ministry for Women's Affairs of Afghanistan.H.R. 3656 authorizes over $1 billion over four years for humanitarian, economic and democratic development assistance for Afghanistan and was passed out of Committee by voice vote. The Lee-Millender-McDonald amendment which passed unanimously, authorizes funding to assist the Afghan Ministry of Women's Affairs in carrying out its responsibilities for legal advocacy, education, vocational training, and women's health programs. \"Women in Afghanistan are once again enjoying many freedoms that were denied them by the Taliban regime,\" said Lee. \"We must do all we can to ensure that women are able to participate in all aspects of this new democracy.\" \"For the first time in five years young women are being allowed to attend school and do many things that we take for granted,\" said Lee. \"This amendment will help ensure that the Ministry for Women's Affairs will protect the basic rights that Afghan women deserve, and support their work to improve conditions of Afghan women.\" Congresswoman Lee urged quick consideration of H.R. 3656 by the House of Representatives. ###\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/los-demcratas-luchan-para-ayudar-a-los-desempleados", "Los Demcratas Luchan para Ayudar a los Desempleados", "2002-03-14", "2002", "2002-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.14.02\n\t\t\t Los Demcratas Luchan para Ayudar a los Desempleados \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. - La Rep. Lee expres hoy su apoyo a las acciones congresionales de la pasada semana para aprobar un proyecto de ayuda a los trabajadores. \"Estoy orgulloso de unirme a mis colegas para apoyar esta legislacin que dar a los trabajadores desempleados 13 semanas adicionales de beneficios\", dijo la Rep. Lee.\"Durante meses, los demcratas han estado tratando de aprobar un proyecto para extender los beneficios a los trabajadores que han perdido sus empleos. Es desafortunado que los republicanos combatieran estos esfuerzos durante tanto tiempo, pero me alegra que por fin hayan decidido apoyarnos\", seal la Rep. Lee. \"Es particularmente importante que el Congreso actuara ahora para asegurar que esta ayuda estuviera disponible ya que los beneficios por desempleo para muchos trabajadores que fueron despedidos inmediatamente despus del 11 de septiembre expiran esta semana.\" El Congreso aprob la legislacin de ayuda a los trabajadores slo despus de que los republicanos dejaran de insistir en que el proyecto tuviese recortes contributivos adicionales para las empresas. \"Los republicanos continan impulsando planes para dar a los individuos ms ricos y a las corporaciones recortes contributivos en lugar de enfocarse en los hombres y mujeres trabajadoras que han recibido el mayor impacto\", continu la Rep. Lee. \"An ahora, el liderato republicano en la Cmara ha expresado planes para otro conjunto sustancial de recortes contributivos adems de los que ya han aprobado.\" De todos los trabajadores en este pas, los trabajadores latinos han sido particularmente perjudicados durante la actual recesin. Hoy, ms de uno de cada diez trabajadores en los Estados Unidos es hispano; cuatro de cada cinco hombres latinos, o cerca del 80%, estn en la fuerza laboral. \"La tasa de desempleo de los hispanos en este pas alcanza el 7%. Algunos expertos predicen que en lugar de descender, continuar aumentando este ao a 8%  9%. Debemos recordar que hay muchas familias que necesitan la ayuda que estos beneficios les proveern\", manifest la Rep. Lee. La comunidad latina ha sido una vibrante fuerza econmica en aos recientes. Los demcratas seguiremos comprometidos con luchar por todas las familias trabajadoras y apoyar soluciones reales para ayudar a todos los trabajadores a recuperarse\", concluy la Rep. Lee. Alivio para los Desempleados de la Nacin La semana pasada, la Cmara de Representantes aprob legislacin para proveer alivio econmico a los trabajadores que han perdido sus empleos y a los negocios. El proyecto otorga a los trabajadores desempleados 13 semanas adicionales de beneficios por desempleo. Esta ayuda viene en un buen momento ya que los beneficios para aquellos que fueron despedidos inmediatamente despus de los ataques del 11 de septiembre expirarn esta semana. Desde el pasado otoo, los demcratas han estado abogando por un proyecto que proveera una extensin de los beneficios de desempleo. Desafortunadamente, durante meses los republicanos han estado oponindose a los esfuerzos para ayudar a los trabajadores y sus familias. En su lugar, han apoyado plan tras plan para otorgar recortes contributivos a los individuos ms ricos y alivios a corporaciones sin ofrecer soluciones reales para ayudar a los trabajadores de Estados Unidos. Los trabajadores latinos en este pais han sido particularmente afectados por las difulcultades econmicas. Cuando la tasa de desempleo de los Estados Unidos se elev a 5.5%, el desempleo entre los hispanos alcanz el 7.2%. En un informe publicado a principios de este ao el Pew Hispanic Research Center predijo que mientras la situacin econmica del pas est mejorando, el panorama para los hispanos no es tan alentador. Las investigaciones del Centro Pew demuestran que el desempleo entre los hispanos permanecer en 7% por el resto del ao y podra aumentar a 8%  9%. Hoy, ms de uno de cada diez trabajadores es hispano; cuatro de cada cinco hombres latinos, o cerca de 80%, estn en la fuerza laboral. Este es el porcentaje ms alto de participacin de cualquier otro grupo comparable. La slida economa de los pasados aos ha contribudo a un aumento de los tasa de ingresos y a un descenso en los niveles de pobreza para las familias hispanas. El poder adquisitivo de los latinos es de ms $450 mil millones. Sin embargo, estos positivos aumentos econmicos estn directamente ligados a los niveles y disponibilidad de empleos. Desafortunadamente, los trabajadores hispanos tienden a estar en sectores que son los primeros en ser impactados por un bajn en la economa y los ltimos en recuperarse. Mientras la nacin est experimentando lentamente una recuperacin econmica, es ms importante que nunca proveer asistencia a aquellos que todava tienen dificultades. Los demcratas lucharon arduamente para extender beneficios por desempleo para que aquellos que han sido afectados por la recesin tengan un poco ms de tiempo para recuperarse. La comunidad latina ha contribudo activamente a la economa de la nacin. Los beneficios econmicos que este proyecto de ayuda a los trabajadores provee, contribuye no slo a las comunidades, sino a toda la nacin. Mientras los republicanos buscan nuevas formas para beneficiar a las corporaciones, Los demcratas debemos estar orgullosos de nuestro compromiso con las familias trabajadoras. ###\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-helps-secure-funding-for-homeless-health-care-program-in-alameda-county", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Helps Secure Funding for Homeless Health Care Program in Alameda County", "2002-03-13", "2002", "2002-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.13.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Helps Secure Funding for Homeless Health Care Program in Alameda County \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Lee today announced that the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency in Oakland, CA would receive grant funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand health care services for the homeless.As part of its campaign to improve and expand access to care for all, the Health Resources and Services Administration has awarded $174,479 to the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency. The grant will help fund a new office to provide health care and substance abuse services for the homeless in Alameda County. The center anticipates serving approximately 1,900 homeless individuals and families at the new site. \"This funding is needed more than ever and will make a difference for thousands of people in Alameda County who desperately need health care, particularly substance abuse services,\" said Lee. \"This is precisely the type of funding that I've been trying to defend in wake of last year's $2 trillion tax cut.\" ###\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-pide-a-los-republicanos-dejen-de-jugar-con-el-seguro-social", "REP. LEE PIDE A LOS REPUBLICANOS:  DEJEN DE JUGAR CON EL SEGURO SOCIAL", "2002-03-11", "2002", "2002-03", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "03.11.02\n\t\t\t REP. LEE PIDE A LOS REPUBLICANOS:  DEJEN DE JUGAR CON EL SEGURO SOCIAL \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.- La Rep. Lee pidi hoy a sus colegas que rechacen los intentos republicanos para cambiar el programa del Seguro Social. \"Una vez ms, estamos viendo al Presidente y a los republicanos en el Congreso apoyar propuestas que fallan al no asegurar la solvencia del Seguro Social\", dijo la Rep. Lee. \"En su lugar, estn jugando un juego pblico y peligroso que socavar la seguridad del retiro de los ancianos de nuestra nacin.\"El Presidente Bush est proponiendo un plan para convertir el Seguro Social en un programa de cuentas privadas de retiro, similar a un plan propuesto por la Comisin Presidencial sobre el Seguro Social a fines del ao pasado. \"Cuando la Comisin Presidencial sobre Seguro Social public su informe, an miembros de su propio partido expresaron preocupacin con respecto a las recomendaciones. Ahora, el colapso de Enron nos ha provisto un ejemplo muy desafortunado de lo que puede suceder cuando las cuentas de retiro son invertidas en su totalidad en la bolsa de valores\", aadi la Rep. Lee. Para lidiar con algunas de las preocupaciones con respecto al plan de la Administracin para privatizar el Seguro Social, los republicanos en el Congreso estn proponiendo enviar a los ancianos un certificado que les garantiza que recibirn sus beneficios de Seguro Social. \"La propuesta del certificado republicano costar a los contribuyentes $14 millones\", continu la Rep. Lee. \"Lo que los envejecientes necesitan no es un pedazo de papel sin valor, sino un plan para proveer la solvencia a largo plazo al programa de Seguro Social. En un momento en que el presupuesto propuesto por el Presidente utiliza los fondos del excedente del Seguro Social, los demcratas vamos a luchar para asegurar que el programa est disponible para los ancianos que han trabajado duro y contribudo al programa.\" La Rep. Lee aadi que reconoce la importancia del Seguro Social para los ancianos latinos. \"Los ancianos hispanos, en particular, tienen ms posibilidades de carecer de beneficios de pensiones y seguro de salud. Menos latinos ganan pensiones durante sus aos de trabajo, por lo que dependen ms de los beneficios del Seguro Social. Asegurar el futuro de este programa es crtico para ellos y para todos los envejecientes de bajos ingresos en este pas.\" \"Sacar dinero del programa de Seguro Social y ponerlo en el mercado de valores no es la solucin que los demcratas queremos ver. Necesitamos soluciones reales para proveer beneficios reales a aquellos que han trabajado duro todas sus vidas y se merecen una proteccin en sus aos de retiro. Espero que mis colegas se unan a m en esta lucha,\" concluy la Rep. Lee. LOS ANCIANOS HISPANOS SE PERJUDICARAN POR LAS PROPUESTAS REPUBLICANAS DE SEGURO SOCIAL Una vez ms, la Administracin Bush y los republicanos en el Congreso estn proponiendo peligrosos cambios al sistema de Seguro Social de nuestra nacin. Ellos quieren convertir al Seguro Social en un sistema de cuentas privadas de retiro, un plan que deja vulnerable a este importante programa. Privatizar el Seguro Social pone a muchos retirados en riesgo de perder la nica proteccin que tienen luego de aos de trabajar y de contribuir al programa. A fines del ao pasado, la Comisin Presidencial para Fortalecer el Seguro Social public un informe que respaldaba los planes para privatizar parcialmente el programa. Sin embargo, an miembros del propio partido del Presidente respondieron con preocupacin a las recomendaciones de la Comisin. El reciente colapso de Enron sirve como un recordatorio de lo que puede pasar cuando los planes de retiro son invertidos en su totalidad en la bolsa de valores. Ahora, cientos de ciudadanos de la tercera edad se enfrentan a la posibilidad del retiro sin los fondos que acumularon con tanto trabajo. En lugar de buscar soluciones reales para aumentar los fondos del Seguro Social, el Presidente ha propuesto un presupuesto que utiliza los fondos del fideicomiso del Seguro Social. Adems, est impulsando un plan para retirar dinero del programa y ponerlo en el mercado de valores. Adems de crear un riesgo mayor para los planes futuros de retiro de los trabajadores en Estados Unidos, esta propuesta no cumplira con las obligaciones actuales existentes. La respuesta de los republicanos en el Congreso a esta propuesta es pedir la asignacin de $14 millones para enviar certificados a los envejecientes garantizndoles que recibirn sus beneficios. Desafortunadamente, estos certificados no harn nada para fortalecer el programa. Lo que los envejecientes necesitan no es un pedazo de papel sin valor, sino una poltica pblica que no ponga al Seguro Social en riesgo, que lo arregle para que pueda ser un beneficio confiable para los ciudadanos de la tercera edad de la nacin. El Seguro Social ha sido exitoso en sacar a los envejecientes de este pas de la pobreza. Los hispanos, comparados con otros grupos tnicos tienen ms posibilidades de depender de los beneficios del Seguro Social. A pesar del hecho de que los latinos tienen la tasa de participacin ms alta en la fuerza laboral, todava tienen mayores posibilidades de tener bajos ingresos y carecer de beneficios de pensiones y de seguro mdico. Adems, la poblacin hispana de la tercera edad est aumentando. Aumentar en un 341% para el ao 2030, una tasa de crecimiento que excede todos los dems grupos tnicos. Para los ancianos latinos y para otros envejecientes de bajos ingresos, la solvencia del programa de Seguro Social es crtica. Es necesario reformar el programa de Seguro Social. Sin embargo, Enron y otros ejemplos del mercado de valores nos han despostrado que esta no es la solucin para fortalecer el programa. Los republicanos estn proponiendo riesgosos esquemas que no funcionarn y podran dejar a los ancianos hispanos y a otros ancianos de bajos ingresos ms vulnerable. Estas propuestas le faltan a la promesa que le hicimos a los jubilados de Estados Unidos quienes deben ser compensados debidamente por sus aos de arduo trabajo y sus contribuciones al sistema. ###\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/league-of-conservation-voters-gives-congresswoman-lee-100percent", "League of Conservation Voters Gives Congresswoman Lee 100%", "2002-02-21", "2002", "2002-02", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "02.21.02\n\t\t\t League of Conservation Voters Gives Congresswoman Lee 100% \n\t\t\tWashington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Lee received a 100% voting record on the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) 2001 National Environmental Scorecard, released on February 20, 2001.LCV has published a National Environmental Scorecard every Congress since 1970, the year it was founded by leaders of the environmental movement following the first Earth Day. LCV serves as the political voice of the national environmental and conservation community and is the only organization working full-time to educate citizens about the environmental voting records of Congress. The National Environmental Scorecard provides objective, factual information about the environmental voting records of U.S. Representatives and Senators. The Scorecard represents the consensus of experts from numerous respected environmental and conservation organizations who selected the key votes on which members of Congress should be graded. LCV scores votes on the most important issues of environmental health and safety protection, resource conservation, and spending for environmental programs. Votes included in the Scorecard presented members of Congress with a real choice on protecting the environment and help distinguish which legislators are working for environmental protection. ###\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-questions-federal-reserve-board-chairman-on-accuracy-of-cra-ratings-system", "Congresswoman Lee Questions Federal Reserve Board Chairman on Accuracy of CRA Ratings System", "2002-02-20", "2002", "2002-02", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "02.20.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Questions Federal Reserve Board Chairman on Accuracy of CRA Ratings System \n\t\t\tWashington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Lee today sent a letter to Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board Alan Greenspan questioning the effectiveness of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating system and requesting a meeting within 30 days by the four primary regulators, the Secretary of the Treasury and the President's chief economic advisor, to discuss efforts to promote greater minority home ownership and to seek parity with white home ownership (presently 72 percent) within ten years.In July of 2001, before the Financial Services Committee, Chairman Greenspan stated that the CRA rating system was an effective method for influencing greater lending to underserved minorities in response to Congresswoman Lee's questions about the lack of home lending to African Americans and Latinos. \"For many people, home ownership is the only way of acquiring equity and achieving the American dream. We must do all we can to increase minority homeownership,\" said Lee. \"Banks have a responsibility to serve their communities, and that includes providing home loans to minorities.\" At the request of Congresswoman Lee, the Greenlining Institute, a group of business, religious and civic leaders in the African American, Latino and Asian Community, analyzed data on home lending provided by the Federal Reserve Board. They found that an overwhelming percentage of major banks in California (with $10 billion or more in assets) receive \"outstanding\" CRA lending grades despite making less that 3 percent of their conventional homes loans to African Americans. There was no significant difference in lending patterns to Latinos. \"An institution that makes such a small percentage of its conventional home loans to African Americans is not doing an outstanding job,\" said Lee. \"It is a disservice to the federal regulators, the banking industry, and 90 million minorities in the United States to reward institutions with inadequate lending patterns.\" Congresswoman Lee will question Chairman Greenspan about CRA ratings and what can be done to increase minority homeownership when he appears before the Financial Services Committee on February 27, 2002. ###\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-applauds-house-passage-of-historic-campaign-finance-reform-legislation", "CONGRESSWOMAN LEE APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF HISTORIC CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM LEGISLATION", "2002-02-14", "2002", "2002-02", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "02.14.02\n\t\t\t CONGRESSWOMAN LEE APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF HISTORIC CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM LEGISLATION \n\t\t\tWashington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Lee today applauded House passage early this morning of the Shays-Meehan Campaign Finance Reform bill by a vote of 240-188.The House of Representatives voted 240-191 to pass Shays-Meehan as a base bill after defeating substitute amendments offered by Robert Ney (R-OH) and Dick Armey (R-TX). The House also defeated 10 \"poison pill\" amendments would have sent the bill into conference with the Senate, which would have most likely prevented the bill from reaching the President's desk. \"The House of Representatives today took a great step forward in getting big money out of our political system,\" said Lee. \"Eliminating soft money is a genuine victory, but we must continue to work for the full public financing of campaigns. I am hopeful that once this bill is signed into law that we can focus our efforts on passing legislation to provide for public financing.\" While Congresswoman Lee applauded passage of Campaign Finance Reform, she expressed dismay over an amendment added to the bill that set individual contributions (hard money) limits at $2,000 for House and Senate campaigns. The language in H.R. 2356 would have set the limits at $1,000 for House campaigns and $2,000 for Senate campaigns. \"The Wamp amendment hinders us from reaching our goal of getting money out of our political system. Minority constituencies do not have as much money to contribute to campaigns because of wage and economic disparities. If we raise the amount of hard money that an individual can contribute these communities are only further disenfranchised,\" said Lee. \"Additionally, this hard money system makes it much harder for women, people of color, and low-income people to run for office. Allowing that amount to be doubled will give wealthy people even more influence in our political system and this hurts democracy .\" \"Wealthy Enron and Arthur Andersen executives gave almost $800,000 in $1000 contributions since the 1990 election cycle according to U.S. Public Interest Research Group. We don't want to give these executives even more influence over Congress,\" said Lee. \"Congress should be working for everyone. Instead, this Congress continues to cater to the rich and powerful by passing bills to give enormous tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans in exchange for huge campaign checks. We must work towards full public financing of elections, because it is the only way to get big money out of politics.\" ###\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-a-grade-from-naacp-mid-term-legislative-report-card", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee Receives \"A\" Grade from  NAACP Mid-Term Legislative Report Card", "2002-02-06", "2002", "2002-02", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "02.06.02\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee Receives \"A\" Grade from  NAACP Mid-Term Legislative Report Card \n\t\t\tWashington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee received an A grade for her record from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in the NAACP Federal Legislative Report Card recently released in January.The NAACP Federal Legislative Report Card tracks the voting record of Members of Congress in the first session of the 107th Congress, which convened from January 3, 2001 to December 20, 2001. The mid-term report includes votes on legislation before the full House of Representatives and does not include votes made at the committee level. From the NAACP Federal Legislative Report Card: Since 1914 the NAACP Legislative Report Card has served as a presentation of the key civil rights votes taking the United State Senate and the United Sates House of Representatives. The NAACP Federal Legislative Report Card is updated and distributed to NAACP members twice a year, once at the NAACP annual convention (which usually takes place in July) and once immediately after the end of each Congressional session (which usually takes place some time between October and December). ###\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/2002/01/31/members-of-congress-express-concern-over-president-bushs-proposal-for-increase-in-abstinence-only-funding", "MEMBERS OF CONGRESS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER PRESIDENT BUSH'S PROPOSAL FOR INCREASE IN ABSTINENCE-ONLY FUNDING", "2002-01-31", "2002", "2002-01", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "01.31.02\n\t\t\t MEMBERS OF CONGRESS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER PRESIDENT BUSH'S PROPOSAL FOR INCREASE IN ABSTINENCE-ONLY FUNDING \n\t\t\tWashington, DC B Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Congressman James Greenwood (R-PA), and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), today sent a letter to President Bush expressing strong concern about his proposal for increased funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs in the Administration=s Fiscal Year 2003 budget.President Bush is expected to ask for a 33 percent increase in funding for abstinence-only programs in the budget that he will submit to Congress next week. The Federal Government currently only funds programs that support abstinence-only education, which prohibits discussion of birth control or condoms as effective methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. AAllowing our young people to be ignorant in the times of HIV/AIDS is a matter of life and death. An average of 2 young people in the U.S. are infected with HIV every hour of every day,@ said Lee. ADenying our sons and daughters the information they need to protect their health and their lives is not only naive and misguided, but irresponsible and extremely dangerous.@ There is currently no federal funding for comprehensive sexuality education that includes information about both abstinence and contraception, from both a values and public health perspective. The Centers for Disease Control states that Aresearch has clearly shown that the most effective programs are comprehensive ones that include a focus on delaying sexual behavior and providing information on how sexually active young people can protect themselves@ Reps. Lee, Greenwood, and Woolsey have introduced H.R. 3469, The Family Life and Education Act, which will provide funding to allow states to implement a comprehensive approach to sexuality education in public schools. AAbstinence only education is a short-sighted approach that won=t work,@ said Rep. Lynn Woolsey. AWe can=t risk our children=s future by not fully educating them about their options. It is irresponsible to withhold information that could protect them from dangerous diseases and unwanted pregnancy. I will fight to expand abstinence only education funding to include other birth control methods.@ The American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), the Surgeon General of the United States, and more than 100 other medical and professional organizations all support comprehensive sexuality education. H.R. 3469 is supported by Advocates for Youth, AIDS Action, American Civil Liberties Union, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American School Health Association, Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Council of La Raza, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, among other health and community organizations. Attached is a copy of the letter sent to President Bush and a fact sheet on H.R. 3469. ###\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/members-of-congress-express-concern-over-president-bushs-proposal-for-increase-in-abstinence-only-funding", "Members of Congress Express Concern Over President Bushs Proposal for Increase in Abstinence-Only Funding", "2002-01-31", "2002", "2002-01", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "01.31.02\n\t\t\t Members of Congress Express Concern Over President Bush's Proposal for Increase in Abstinence-Only Funding \n\t\t\tWashington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Congressman James Greenwood (R-PA), and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), today sent a letter to President Bush expressing strong concern about his proposal for increased funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs in the Administration's Fiscal Year 2003 budget.President Bush is expected to ask for a 33 percent increase in funding for abstinence-only programs in the budget that he will submit to Congress next week. The Federal Government currently only funds programs that support abstinence-only education, which prohibits discussion of birth control or condoms as effective methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. \"Allowing our young people to be ignorant in the times of HIV/AIDS is a matter of life and death. An average of 2 young people in the U.S. are infected with HIV every hour of every day,\" said Lee. \"Denying our sons and daughters the information they need to protect their health and their lives is not only naive and misguided, but irresponsible and extremely dangerous.\" There is currently no federal funding for comprehensive sex education that includes information about both abstinence and contraception, from both a values and public health perspective. The Centers for Disease Control states that \"research has clearly shown that the most effective programs are comprehensive ones that include a focus on delaying sexual behavior and providing information on how sexually active young people can protect themselves\" Reps. Lee, Greenwood, and Woolsey have introduced H.R. 3469, The Family Life and Education Act, which will provide funding to allow states to implement a comprehensive approach to sexuality education in public schools. \"Abstinence only education is a short-sighted approach that won't work,\" said Rep. Lynn Woolsey. \"We can't risk our children's future by not fully educating them about their options. It is irresponsible to withhold information that could protect them from dangerous diseases and unwanted pregnancy. I will fight to expand abstinence only education funding to include other birth control methods.\" The American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), the Surgeon General of the United States, and more than 100 other medical and professional organizations all support comprehensive sexuality education. H.R. 3469 is supported by Advocates for Youth, AIDS Action, American Civil Liberties Union, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American School Health Association, Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Council of La Raza, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, among other health and community organizations. Attached is a copy of the letter sent to President Bush and a fact sheet on H.R. 3469. ###\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/congressional-quarterly-names-barbara-lee-as-an-emerging-player-in-107th-congress", "Congressional Quarterly Names Barbara Lee as an Emerging Player in 107th Congress", "2002-01-15", "2002", "2002-01", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "01.15.02\n\t\t\t Congressional Quarterly Names Barbara Lee as an Emerging Player in 107th Congress \n\t\t\tWashington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Lee was profiled in the January 5, 2002 edition of Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Weekly as an emerging player in the 107th Congress.Congresswoman Lee was profiled as one of 28 Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate who have \"skills, styles and leadership personalities that seem to be at a premium in a Congress overtaken by an entirely new agenda from the one it started out with just a year before.\" The full text of the article profiling Congresswoman Lee can be found at: http://www.cq.com/editorial_access/news/players_2002/ep_dis_lee.pdf ###    \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": 41, "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 \"year\" = :p0 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "2002"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?year=2002", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 41, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2002&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?year=2002", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 41, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2002&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?year=2002", "results": [{"value": "CA", "label": "CA", "count": 41, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2002&state=CA", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?year=2002", "results": [{"value": "2002", "label": "2002", "count": 41, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 2057.3150599375367, "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"}