Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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150 rows where chamber = "House", party = "Democrat" and year = 2003 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-263-million-in-affordable-housing-program-awards-for-9th-congressional-district | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $2.63 Million in Affordable Housing Program Awards for 9th Congressional District | 2003-12-19 | 2003 | 2003-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.19.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $2.63 Million in Affordable Housing Program Awards for 9th Congressional District Oakland, CA Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced today that the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBSF) is awarding $2.63 million for seven projects in the 9th Congressional District through its 2003 Affordable Housing Program (AHP). Overall, FHLBSF is giving $43 million in grants for affordable housing units in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, and Nevada.In Berkeley, Picante House of the Ursula Sherman Village received $120,000. Six projects in Oakland received awards: Seven Directions ($240,000), Oak Street Terrace ($155,000), Mandela Gateway Townhouses ($700,000), Foothill Family Apartments ($575,000), East Oakland Community Project Shelter ($600,000) and ACORN Phase-III Palm Court ($240,000). With the crisis in affordable housing in the Bay Area and all over this country, I am pleased to see these vital funds going toward projects in the 9th Congressional District and throughout our state and country, said Lee. While substantial, we still need to do much more to ensure that housing -- a fundamental human right -- is available for all Americans. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/statement-of-congresswoman-barbara-lee-on-the-capture-of-saddam-hussein | Statement of Congresswoman Barbara Lee on the Capture of Saddam Hussein | 2003-12-15 | 2003 | 2003-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.15.03 Statement of Congresswoman Barbara Lee on the Capture of Saddam Hussein Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on the capture of Saddam Hussein: I am pleased with the capture of Saddam Hussein. Our military should be given due credit for their skill in tracking him down and bringing him in alive. Saddam Hussein has been a cruel dictator, and must be held accountable and face the justice of the Iraqi people. More immediately, I'm hopeful that the capture of Hussein will lessen the violence in Iraq and decrease the attacks that have taken the lives of so many aid workers, soldiers, and innocent Iraqi citizens. The capture of Hussein, however, is a separate matter from the initial rationale that led to the war. The Administration chose to go it alone, pre-emptively striking Iraq even though there was no justification for the attack. And the alienation of the international community continues. Recently, the Administration's mistakes have been compounded by denying bids to companies from countries who challenged the Administration's Iraq policy. The Bush Administration now has an opportunity to redefine the occupation and be involved in the final disposition of Saddam Hussein and the creation of a new Iraq. We must bring the international community into Iraq, restore sovereignty to the Iraqis, and return our troops home at the earliest possible moment. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-calls-on-congress-to-extend-federal-unemployment-benefits | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls on Congress to Extend Federal Unemployment Benefits | 2003-12-08 | 2003 | 2003-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.08.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls on Congress to Extend Federal Unemployment Benefits Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today called on Republicans in the House of Representatives to extend unemployment benefits before the House adjourns for the year. Under current law, unemployment benefits will expire at the end of the month, when Congress is not in session, so both the House and the Senate must act now to extend benefits to 4.6 million unemployed workers.Since Bush took office, we've lost nearly 3 million private sector jobs, and yet Republicans continue to stand up for special interests and give tax cuts to the wealthy, said Lee. Extending unemployment benefits will not only help unemployed Americans, but it is also an effective economic stimulus: for every $1.00 spent on unemployment benefits, $1.73 is returned in economic growth. Lee has co-sponsored a bill offered by Reps. Charlie Rangel (D-NY), Sandy Levin (D-MI) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) to extend the federal benefits program for an additional six months, increase the amount of benefits to 26 weeks, include coverage for 1.4 million workers who have already exhausted their extended benefits, and expand unemployment insurance coverage for low-wage and part-time workers. The cost of the unemployment insurance extension is covered by the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which was developed for just the kind of economic situation we are facing today. Since the beginning of the Bush Administration, long-term unemployment has tripled to the highest level in almost 10 years. The percentage of Americans exhausting their regular unemployment benefits without finding a job has reached a record level. Many workers will run out of benefits long before they find a job. In fact, two million Americans have been out of work for more than six months. And yet, just after Christmas, the current extended unemployment benefits program is scheduled to expire - denying benefits to nearly 90,000 workers every week thereafter. Last year, the Repu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-opposes-republican-omnibus-appropriations-bill | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes Republican Omnibus Appropriations Bill | 2003-12-08 | 2003 | 2003-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.08.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes Republican Omnibus Appropriations Bill Refuses to Compromise Workers' Overtime Pay, Undermine Elimination of Drug Reimportation Provisions, and Support Private School Vouchers Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today opposed the controversial Republican omnibus appropriations package, a package of seven appropriations bills that the Republican leadership tied together in order to force Members to support undermining workers' overtime pay, eliminate the reimportation of prescription drugs, and underfund public education. It is an outrage that the Republican leadership would not address these very serious issues in a serious way, said Lee. As they did with the three-hour Medicare vote, the Republicans have used disingenuous tactics to steamroll this bill, even though these are issues of vital importance to real Americans. The bill excludes a provision to block Administration regulations that would deny overtime pay to 8 million employees even though the measure was agreed upon by a majority of both bodies. Under pressure from the Bush Administration at the eleventh hour, the Republican leadership went against the will of both the House and the Senate, choosing instead to benefit large employers. The omnibus bill also drops drug reimportation provisions, which would have drastically reduced the cost of prescription drugs for America's seniors. As with overtime pay, drug reimportation was agreed to by both the House and Senate. The bill also falls woefully short in providing funding for America's students and education systems. For the No Child Left Behind Act, Republicans provided $7.8 billion less than was promised by President Bush. Of that money, after-school centers will receive $751 million less than promised, depriving 1 million children of after-school care. Finally, the bill contains private school vouchers for the District of Columbia, a move that will harm public schools, reduce accountability and drain much-needed resources aw… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-salutes-world-aids-day-2003 | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Salutes World AIDS Day 2003 | 2003-12-01 | 2003 | 2003-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.01.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Salutes World AIDS Day 2003 Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today served as the keynote speaker for a Bay-Area World AIDS Day demonstration at the Oakland Federal Building. Lee, who has spearheaded congressional efforts for more global and domestic AIDS funding, spoke at the noon rally that also featured Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, Berkeley Vice Mayor Maudelle Shirek, Zimbabwean Phillip Machingura of HealthGAP, and Gerald Lenoir of Priority Africa Network.A United Nations study released last week estimates that 40 million people worldwide are infected with AIDS. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the hardest-hit region, as it is home to over 70% of those living and dying with HIV. This is a global tragedy of unthinkable proportions, said Lee. We have a responsibility to the human family to invest our resource into fighting the scourge of AIDS. Lee criticized President Bush's refusal to fully fund the Global AIDS Act, which he signed in May. Lee was a lead sponsor of the legislation. President Bush made many promises when he went to Africa for his photo ops last July, yet he has consistently attempted to undercut and under-fund our global AIDS initiative every step of the way. Each and every day, I am fighting along with many of my colleagues to make sure he is not successful and to expose this hypocrisy. Lee also told the rally that despite some progress, more efforts need to be made on the domestic front. Since the beginning of the epidemic, 6,383 cases of HIV have been reported in Alameda County. While only 183 AIDS cases were reported at the end of last year, the total proportion of female cases has increased dramatically from 4% in the early 1980s to nearly 25%. Increasing numbers of these cases are occurring among African-Americans and Hispanics, who have been traditionally underserved by the existing health-care system. Today on World AIDS Day, let us remind the world that this is a global pandemic. Combined with the thousands o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-keeps-fighting-for-education-as-congress-seeks-to-adjourn-for-the-year | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Keeps Fighting for Education as Congress Seeks to Adjourn for the Year | 2003-11-20 | 2003 | 2003-11 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 11.20.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Keeps Fighting for Education as Congress Seeks to Adjourn for the Year Washington, DC In honor of American Education Week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today called on her colleagues in Congress to reverse their current course and to keep their promises to invest in education before Congress adjourns for the session. This week, negotiators will be working out a final omnibus appropriations bill to fund much of the federal government, including the Department of Education. Lee urged members of Congress to fully fund the promises made in the No Child Left Behind Education Reform Act (NCLB) and to drop the experimental provisions for the District of Columbia that would spend millions of dollars for private school vouchers, diverting much-needed resources away from the 90 percent of American children who attend public schools. Every week must be American Education Week, said Lee. Education is the top priority of parents, children, and our nation, yet President Bush and the Republican Congress have shortchanged the No Child Left Behind Education Reform Act, including teacher training, after-school programs, special education and basic math and reading help. Thanks to the Republicans, the Congress will get a failing grade if we adjourn for the year without making sure that our children have the best education possible -- or deliver on the education improvements that were promised. This summer, House Republicans passed an education spending bill that breaks promises made to parents and children in the bipartisan No Child Left Behind Act. That bill under-funds the landmark NCLB by $9 billion meaning that 2 million children will not get reading and math help, 1 million children will not have after-school programs, and 80,000 fewer teachers will get high-quality training, compared to that promised under the NCLB. In September, House Republicans included a private school vouchers proposal in the appropriations bill for the District of Columbia. Both bills will now be c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-praises-house-passage-of-african-american-museum-legislation | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Praises House Passage of African American Museum Legislation | 2003-11-20 | 2003 | 2003-11 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 11.20.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Praises House Passage of African American Museum Legislation Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) celebrated the successful House passage of a bill late last night authorizing the creation of the first National Museum of African American History and Culture. The effort to create the museum, initiated by Black Civil War veterans, marked the culmination of a decades-long effort to commemorate the significant contributions of African American soldiers, scientists, educators, artists, activists, businesspersons, pioneers and leaders. Lee co-sponsored the bill. The museum will establish the only national institution devoted to the documentation of African American life, art, history and culture. The museum will be a part of the Smithsonian Institution. The effort to create a national African American museum has been a long, tough fight, but we have been willing to undergo this fight because we understand as all Americans should that African American history is an integral part of our country, said Lee. With this museum, we now have the opportunity to educate all people on the rich cultural and historic struggle of African Americans from the Middle Passage to the Civil Rights Movement to today's continued struggle for equality. With the passage of this historic legislation and its signing into law, the effort to raise $200 million of private support for this museum, which will be matched by Federal funding, will begin. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-appropriations-projects-for-the-port-of-oakland | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Appropriations Projects for the Port of Oakland | 2003-11-18 | 2003 | 2003-11 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 11.18.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Appropriations Projects for the Port of Oakland Port to Receive $32 Million Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today applauded news that the FY 04 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill includes $32 million for the Port of Oakland projects. The conference report was passed by the House today and now goes to the Senate for final approval.The Port is scheduled to receive $20 million in funding for the Port of Oakland's ongoing 50-foot dredging project and $9 million for the Port's channel maintenance dredging. The Port's dredging projects are the underpinning for the largest maritime expansion in the history of the Port of Oakland. That development is expected to create 8,000 jobs and generate millions of dollars in business, personal, local, and state revenue. Also included in the bill is $3 million for the preparation of Hamilton Army Airfield to receive dredged material from multiple Bay Area dredging projects. President Bush's FY 04 budget request was only $7 million for the dredging project; $6.875 million for the maintenance dredging; and $2 million for the Hamilton Army Airfield project. These figures represent a huge victory for the 9th Congressional District, said Lee. These monies will help bring jobs to our District and will ensure that the Port of Oakland continues to be one of the leading centers of commerce on the West Coast. "This is excellent news, said Port of Oakland Executive Director Tay Yoshitani. The $20 million appropriated for deepening the harbor will keep us on schedule as we move forward with our 50-foot dredging project. Funding for this project is essential for the Port of Oakland to handle future growth in international trade and contribute to the stability of our regional economy. Congresswoman Barbara Lee and the Bay Area congressional delegation should be congratulated for their leadership and tireless efforts to bring this critical federal funding to Oakland. ### … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-applauds-additional-400-million-for-global-aids-act | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Additional $400 Million for Global AIDS Act | 2003-11-18 | 2003 | 2003-11 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 11.18.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Additional $400 Million for Global AIDS Act Exceeds President Bush's Request, But Falls Short of $3 Billion Authorization Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today applauded news that House and Senate budget negotiators agreed to provide $2.4 billion to fund authorizations contained in The United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003, even though President Bush's budget requested only $2 billion for this fiscal year. The agreement was filed late last night, and final passage on the bill is expected tomorrow. The conferees' action came after Lee, joined by 109 Members of Congress, wrote negotiators on October 30, urging them to approve more than the President's $2 billion request. Lee wrote, The lives of millions of people in the developing world literally hinge upon increased funding. Lee also wrote that additional funding was necessary for the sake of the estimated 14 million children who have already been orphaned by AIDS. Although the $2.4 billion falls short of the $3 billion we authorized back in May, this is still good news, said Lee. The additionally money gives us the opportunity to care for thousands of more individuals who are suffering from HIV/AIDS and will enable us to work toward preventing hundreds of thousands more from being victimized by this deadly disease. Lee was also pleased by reports that a total of $550 million in funding was to be earmarked for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, an international grant-making organization in Geneva that has committed $2.2 billion in the last two years to combat these three diseases. Dr. Feachem and the entire Global Fund staff deserve our maximum support in light of the exemplary work that they have been doing, said Lee. I thank my colleagues for realizing that this global pandemic is a humanitarian issue that transcends partisan politics, said Lee. Lee noted that the $2.4 billion would come from both the FY 04 Foreign Operat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-opposes-republican-energy-bill | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes Republican Energy Bill | 2003-11-18 | 2003 | 2003-11 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 11.18.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes Republican Energy Bill Bill would repeal consumer protections, damage environment, and protect big energy companies Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today attacked the Republican energy bill, a measure that repeals consumer protection regulations, harms the environment, and serves as a billion-dollar handout for the nation's fossil-fuel and nuclear industry. Democrats were largely excluded from participating in the conference process on the bill.At the center of a bill is a Republican effort to reward big energy companies with tax breaks and production subsidies totaling $416 billion. This bill is a failure in process and policy, said Lee. The Republican majority has steamrolled concerns, facts, and opposition, all to benefit powerful energy industries at the expense of American people. The Republican energy plan also poses an enormous threat to our nation's air quality, drinking water, and public lands. Of particular interest to Californians is that the bill protects MTBE producers from product liability lawsuits. The gasoline additive, which is leaking out of storage tanks, has contaminated groundwater supplies in numerous California communities. MTBE is a known carcinogen. That leakage and the Republicans' willingness to reward MTBE companies -- will cause catastrophic harm to the public health and the public interest. This bill will damage American's environment, endanger the health of Americans, and hurt American taxpayers, said Lee. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-rails-against-republican-medicare-plan | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Rails Against Republican Medicare Plan | 2003-11-18 | 2003 | 2003-11 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 11.18.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Rails Against Republican Medicare Plan Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today issued a statement against the Republican Medicare bill, which privatizes Medicare and lines the pockets of the pharmaceutical and private insurance companies:The Republican Medicare bill is nothing but a cruel joke on seniors and disabled people. This bill will only raise false hopes that real help is on the way from the drug prices that are crushing our seniors. Nothing could be further from the truth. This bill not only offers a weak benefit with major gaps in coverage, it actually prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from negotiating lower drug prices on behalf of America's 40 million Medicare beneficiaries. Make no mistake: the drug companies will make out like bandits under this bill at the expense of taxpayers and at the expense of Medicare beneficiaries who deserve much more than this bogus Republican benefit. This bill is a sham and a shame. Let's be clear: this bill does not do one thing to address the outlandish and skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs. Much has been said about the Washington leaders of AARP supporting the bill, but it is important to note that over 125 senior advocacy groups, including the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and the Alliance for Retired Americans, as well as Bay area groups such as Center for Independent Living and Project Reform, are opposed to the bill. We stand here today like we have for years: as Democrats who stand for a meaningful prescription drug benefit that is affordable, comprehensive, and guaranteed. We stand here today, unfortunately, with a Republican bill that is not affordable, not comprehensive, and not guaranteed. We call on our colleagues to join us in opposing this sad attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of our nation's Medicare beneficiaries, and we call on the President and Republicans to not only provide a meaningful benefit, but to get at the other pressing iss… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-to-receive-distinguished-public-health-legislator-of-the-year-award-from-the-american-public-health-association | Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Receive Distinguished Public Health Legislator of the Year Award from the American Public Health Association | 2003-11-14 | 2003 | 2003-11 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 11.14.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Receive Distinguished Public Health Legislator of the Year Award from the American Public Health Association Award to be given at APHA's Annual Meeting in San Francisco Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) will receive the American Public Health Association (APHA)'s Distinguished Public Health Legislator of the Year Award this Sunday. The award will be presented during the APHA's annual meeting, which is in San Francisco. The APHA annual meeting is the world's largest public health forum.In a release, the APHA called Lee a champion of universal health care and prescription drug coverage for seniors. According to the APHA, Lee has worked to build bipartisan coalitions to address such needs as health care, housing, education, and employment. Rep. Barbara Lee is a shining example of a true public servant working in the public interest, said Georges Benjamin, MD, FACP, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association. Her work on behalf of not only Americans' health, but the health of the world, spans years of accomplishments and legislative work that rightly deserve praise and recognition. I am honored to receive the Distinguished Public Health Legislator of the Year Award from the American Public Health Association, said Lee. At a time when we are struggling to ensure the health of all citizens, the APHA has been a leading voice for strong measures to prevent disease and promote the opportunity for people to live long, healthy lives. I am truly honored to receive this award. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-to-receive-national-peacemaker-award-from-houston-peace-and-justice-center | Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Receive National Peacemaker Award from Houston Peace and Justice Center | 2003-11-14 | 2003 | 2003-11 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 11.14.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Receive National Peacemaker Award from Houston Peace and Justice Center Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) will receive the National Peacemaker Award from the Houston Peace and Justice Center at the Center's Awards Dinner Saturday night. Lee will give the keynote address at tomorrow's night dinner.According to Bob Henschen, President of the Houston Peace & Justice Center, Lee is being honored for her uniquely courageous championing of human decency and international law at a decisive moment in U.S. History. It is truly an honor to be recognized as the recipient of the National Peacemaker Award by the Houston Peace and Justice Center, said Lee. The Peace and Justice Center has been a leading voice in Houston and in Texas for non-violence and human rights. They have also been vigorous proponents for ensuring economic, social, and environmental justice. I am proud to be honored by the Peace and Justice Center. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-to-join-colleagues-in-introducing-resolution-calling-for-resignation-of-defense-secretary-rumsfeld | Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Join Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Calling for Resignation of Defense Secretary Rumsfeld | 2003-11-06 | 2003 | 2003-11 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 11.06.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Join Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Calling for Resignation of Defense Secretary Rumsfeld Resolution to be introduced in the House tomorrow Washington- Tomorrow, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) will join fellow lead sponsors, Congressman Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), in offering a resolution calling on the President to immediately request the resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.This resolution states that as the key architect of the Administration's Iraq policy, Secretary Rumsfeld must bear primary responsibility for the lack of planning that has created a quagmire in Iraq, a tragedy that is underscored by the deaths of 240 American soldiers and an unknown number of Iraqi civilians. Secretary Rumsfeld played a key role in creating this failed and failing policy, Congresswoman Lee stated. The President should demand his resignation as the first step in the creation of a new policy. We must develop an exit strategy, generate greater international support, and create the conditions for a rapid transition to Iraqi sovereignty. With American troops dying one, two, and now fifteen at a time, it is imperative that the Administration initiate a fundamental change in direction in its policies. Secretary Rumsfeld is clearly incapable of directing this change, Lee said. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-protests-signing-of-so-called-partial-birth-abortion-ban | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Protests Signing of So-Called Partial Birth Abortion Ban | 2003-11-05 | 2003 | 2003-11 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 11.05.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Protests Signing of So-Called Partial Birth Abortion Ban Members Walk to Supreme Court to Call on Federal Courts to Overturn the Law on Constitutional Grounds Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today joined with fellow members of the Pro-Choice Caucus today in protesting the Bush Administration's signing of a bill banning so-called partial birth abortion. The group marched to the Supreme Court building where they called upon the courts to overturn the ban on constitutional grounds.The House passed similar legislation five separate times in 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000 and 2002. President Clinton vetoed this legislation twice, and the House and Senate forced veto-override votes in each chamber in 1996 and 1998. The most recent version of the bill passed both the House and Senate earlier this year. The Senate language reaffirming Roe vs. Wade was stripped out. The Congresswoman issued the following statement: This is nothing but a temporary, hollow victory for President Bush and his anti-choice allies in Congress because we know that this bill is unconstitutional and will not withstand judicial scrutiny. We stand here at the steps of our nation's high court, the court of last resort, and we are mindful of the inscription above its doors, that says equal justice under law' and we are moved to ask: Where is the justice in denying women their constitutionally protected right to choose? Where is the justice in endangering women's health? Where is the justice in criminalizing safe medical practices? Where is the justice in women dying for no reason? Where is justice in assaulting women's fundamental reproductive rights? And where on earth is the justice in doing all this for the political gain? There is none. So, we will fight this attempt to undermine our Constitution and our protected right to chose. We will fight this dangerous politically motivated law in court, and we will fight President Bush at the polls next year. The Constitution is on our side and so … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-support-for-operation-hero-miles | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Support for Operation Hero Miles | 2003-10-29 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.29.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Support for Operation Hero Miles Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today announced her support for Operation Hero Miles, a website (www.heromiles.org) that enables the public to donate unused and extra frequent flyer miles to our troops returning to the states on rest and relaxation (R&R) leave. Currently, soldiers granted two weeks of R&R are flown to BWI Airport, but the Department of Defense refuses to pay their way any further, requiring them to pay their own way to catch connecting flights to their hometowns across the country. This added expense is something that our soldiers don't deserve, said Lee. Isn't it enough that they've had their lives and the lives of their families disrupted without being asked for more money just to see their loved ones? Lee urged her constituents to log on to the website, which serves as a clearinghouse for information for soldiers, families, and travelers about how to donate their frequent flyer miles, how soldiers can receive complimentary tickets, as well as other ways to help our troops serving our country in Iraq. At the moment, Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, Delta, and Southwest Airlines are the only participants, but discussions are underway with other airlines to have them participate. This program offers all of our families a chance to give back to our troops and to help solve a problem that is preventing many of our troops from enjoying their R and R time, said Lee. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-and-california-delegation-meets-with-governor-elect-schwarzenegger | Congresswoman Barbara Lee and California Delegation Meets with Governor-Elect Schwarzenegger | 2003-10-28 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.28.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee and California Delegation Meets with Governor-Elect Schwarzenegger Lee Calls for Schwarzenegger to Deliver $30 Billion in Federal Money Owed California;Calls for Inclusion of Women- and Minority-owned Businesses in Federal Funds for State Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and the California Congressional Delegation today met with Governor-Elect Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is on a trip to Washington. Lee joined her colleagues requesting that Schwarzenegger deliver on the $30 billion that is owed to California under the Bush Administration budgets but not appropriated. The $30 billion owed Californians includes money for education and children; environment and energy; health care; immigration; and transportation. In all of these areas, the Bush Administration has under-funded even its own requests. Education has been particularly hard-hit. California needs $500 million in order to fund all 166,000 California children eligible for Head Start. California has also been shortchanged approximately $700 million for elementary and secondary education, including money for No Child Left Behind programs. For child care, President Bush's failure to increase funding means not only that 3500 families in California will lose their child care subsidies, while the state's waiting list has climbed to almost 300,000 children. As we have already seen, without that money, we are losing programs that are absolutely essential to Californians, said Lee. Our children's futures stand in the balance. After the meeting, Lee made a special plea to Schwarzenegger to include women-owned and minority-owned businesses in any economic development generated by federal funds in line with federal affirmative action requirements. Minority- and women-owned businesses create jobs, and what Californians need are jobs. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-introduces-the-new-partnership-for-haiti-act-of-2003 | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces The New Partnership for Haiti Act of 2003 | 2003-10-28 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.28.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces The New Partnership for Haiti Act of 2003 Bill would partner US and Haitian professionals to rebuild Haiti health infrastructure Washington, DC Citing a need to address the medical and humanitarian crisis crippling Haiti, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today introduced The New Partnership for Haiti Act of 2003, H.R. 3386, a bill that would execute an environmentally-sound approach to rebuild and develop basic sanitation, water, and health infrastructure systems for Haiti. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. 80% of the population lives in abject poverty; 76% of Haiti's children under the age of five are underweight or experience stunted growth; and 63% of Haitians are undernourished. Its medical crisis is of huge proportions. 90% of all HIV/AIDS cases in the Caribbean are from Haiti; there is only one doctor for every 10,000 people, and in great part because of this shortage of medical care, its infant mortality rate stands at 93 deaths per 1000 live births. The New Partnership for Haiti Act seeks to restore a partnership between the United States and Haiti, a relationship that has soured under the Bush Administration. The bill would address the impediments to adequate medical care and basic necessities for millions of Haitians by providing the resources necessary to build new roads; offering water treatment solutions; and developing sanitation systems. We have a moral imperative to help the Haitian people survive this humanitarian and medical crisis, said Lee. This bill provides that aid. As a Congress, we must work together to make this happen. One other feature of the Partnership for Haiti Act calls for a Peace Corps-like pilot program that would provide the means for American doctors, scientists, and engineers interested in participating in the development process for Haiti to live and work there in partnership with Haitian non-governmental organizations, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-signs-discharge-petition-that-would-bring-up-bill-to-extend-and-strengthen-federal-unemployment-benefits-program | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Signs Discharge Petition That Would Bring Up Bill to Extend and Strengthen Federal Unemployment Benefits Program | 2003-10-28 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.28.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Signs Discharge Petition That Would Bring Up Bill to Extend and Strengthen Federal Unemployment Benefits Program Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and fellow House Democrats today signed a discharge petition that would force Republicans to bring up a bill that would extend and expand the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation (TEUC) federal unemployment benefits program. TEUC benefits are scheduled to expire at the end of the year. The Democratic bill would help 4.6 million Americans by extending federal unemployment benefits for six months, doubling the maximum length of benefits to 26 weeks, and including coverage for the 1 million workers who have already exhausted their extended benefits. By the end of this month, 172,000 Californians will have exhausted their TEUC benefits and still be unemployed. From November-March, an additional 118,000 Californians are projected to exhaust their TEUC benefits. And between January-June of next year, more than 348,000 California workers are projected to exhaust their regular state unemployment benefits. This Administration has added almost 3 million unemployed workers to the ranks of the unemployed since coming into office in January 2001, and we must do everything possible to make sure that the victims of the President's failed economic policies receive the assistance that they deserve, said Lee. Extending and expanding the federal unemployment benefits program is the right thing to do to ensure that families can survive in this jobs depression. When the discharge petition receives 218 signatures, the House of Representatives will consider the measure under the discharge rule. A discharge petition is the main mechanism to force a House vote on legislation that has been bottled up in committee. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-to-receive-healing-the-planet-award-from-physicians-for-social-responsibility | Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Receive Healing the Planet Award from Physicians for Social Responsibility | 2003-10-23 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.23.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Receive Healing the Planet Award from Physicians for Social Responsibility To be Honored at Los Angeles Ceremony on Sunday Night Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) will be awarded the Physicians for Social Responsibility's (PSR) Los Angeles Chapter's 2003 Healing the Planet Award on Sunday, October 24 in Los Angeles. PSR, which is honoring Lee for her service to the nation in the U.S. House of Representatives, is dedicated to creating a world free of nuclear weapons, global environmental pollution, and gun violence.Representative Lee is a hero, said Felix Aguilar, M.D., Los Angeles president of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization. In the days following the September 11th tragedy, Ms. Lee was the lone courageous voice in Congress pleading for a measured multilateral approach to US security problems in Asia. Given the mess in Afghanistan and Iraq, history has found that Representative Lee was absolutely right. I am honored to receive this award from Physicians for Social Responsibility, said Lee. PSR has always been a strong advocate for ensuring that we live in a world free of danger and violence. I am happy to be associated with them and their efforts to bring about meaningful change in the world. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-calls-for-increased-funding-for-federal-education-programs-critical-to-the-future-of-latinos | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for Increased Funding for Federal Education Programs Critical to the Future of Latinos | 2003-10-21 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.21.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for Increased Funding for Federal Education Programs Critical to the Future of Latinos Washington, DC La Congresista Lee hoy hizo las siguientes declaraciones en apoyo de un aumento de los recursos federales para los programas educativos que son esenciales para la educacin de la juventud latina.No existe mayor preocupacin a travs de la comunidad latina que el estado educativo de sus nios, quienes ahora representan el segundo segmento ms grande de la poblacin de edad escolar y quienes tambin son una parte significativa y cada vez mayor de la mano de obra de esta nacin, dijo la Congresista Lee. Esta preocupacin proviene del hecho inquietante que el esquema educativo de los latinos es caracterizado por las oportunidades perdidas en la niez, por programas educativos insubstanciales en las escuelas primarias y secundarias, y por barreras a la educacin universitaria. Esto no es justo, y no puede continuar. Las estadsticas demuestran los siguientes hechos sobre el sistema educativo de los latinos: comparado a los no-hispanos, los latinos tienen una probabilidad ms alta de entrar a la escuela con desventajas significativas, incluyendo altas tasas de la pobreza, padres con bajos niveles de educacin, y, para cerca de un cuarto de los nios hispanos, limitaciones en la habilidad de manejar el ingls. Adems, los nios latinos: Tienen menos probabilidad de matricularse en programas preescolares, los cuales contribuyan al desarrollo escolar en edades tempranas Tienen mayor probabilidad de tener que a repetir un grado escolar Tienen menos probabilidad de ser elegidos para participar en programas y cursos avanzados (AP, por sus siglas en ingls) Tienen menos probabilidad de terminar a la escuela secundaria y menos probabilidad de participar en programas educativos federales que buscan aumentar la tasa de graduacin de las escuelas secundarias Tienen menos probabilidad de matricularse en programas universitarios de cuatro aos Tienen menos probabilidad de obtener un ttulo universitario… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-co-sponsors-the-health-care-equality-and-accountability-act-of-2003 | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Co-Sponsors the Health Care Equality and Accountability Act of 2003 | 2003-10-20 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.20.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Co-Sponsors the Health Care Equality and Accountability Act of 2003 Washington, DC For a press conference today that introduced the Health Care Equality and Accountability Act of 2003, comprehensive and ambitious legislation that will improve the health and healthcare of minority populations while simultaneously eliminating health and healthcare disparities based on race, ethnicity, and primary language, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today issued the following statement:I am proud to join the membership of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Hispanic Caucus, the Asian-Pacific Islander Caucus, and the caucus for all Americans -- the Democratic Caucus in sponsoring a bill that will provide health and access to quality care for all. Today, we introduce the Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act of 2003. The bill has been a long time in the making. It is criminal that in the United States the color of your skin makes you more likely to die of HIV/AIDS, heart disease or diabetes, as a result of our flawed and culturally-insensitive health care system. Our goal, and that of the American public, is the complete elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities. I believe that with this bill we have provided a good first step toward that goal. In this bill, we have diagnosed the major health care shortfalls and provided sound and culturally-conscious solutions. Over 43 million Americans are uninsured -- half of which are minorities. Further, those who have access to care are still dying of diseases that go undetected and undiagnosed because the quality of their care is subpar. Today, we are united for all minorities across this country, and we will win the battle against ethnic and racial health disparities. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-disappointed-by-continued-job-loss-under-bush-administration | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Disappointed by Continued Job Loss under Bush Administration | 2003-10-20 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.20.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Disappointed by Continued Job Loss under Bush Administration California Loses 16,000 more Jobs in September Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today said that she was disappointed that the state of California continues to lose jobs, according to the latest state unemployment figures. In September, the state lost 16,000 more jobs, bringing to 298,200 the number of jobs that have been lost since January 2001, when President Bush took office. Nationwide, more than 2.7 million jobs have been lost under the Bush Administration. The California unemployment rate stands at 6.4%, while the national rate is 6.1%.Manufacturing, in particular, continues to be hard hit, with almost all of the jobs lost in California during the Bush Administration in manufacturing. As of September, the number of manufacturing jobs lost in California stands at 297,700. Nationwide, 2.5 million jobs have been lost in manufacturing since the beginning of 2001. Today's numbers show that President Bush's economic policies have not produced jobs, but only misery, for thousands of Californians, said Lee. From the beginning, this Administration's economic policies have been wrongheaded. With his tax cuts for the wealthy, the President has made millionaires richer, but at the expense of thousands of regular Californians, people who struggle to pay for the necessities of life, including health care, housing, and food. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-introduces-non-adjournment-resolution-today | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Non-Adjournment Resolution Today | 2003-10-20 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.20.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Non-Adjournment Resolution Today Resolution Calls for Congress Not to Adjourn until Bush Administration Failures on WMD is Investigated by Independent Panel Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today introduced a congressional resolution calling on Congress to refuse adjournment until an independent commission or select committee to investigate the Administration's use of WMD intelligence in justifying the war against Iraq is established. Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) has previously introduced a bill calling for a select committee, and Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) earlier introduced a bill calling for an independent commission.But Lee's resolution ups the ante, insisting that Congress, under Republican leadership, create one of the oversight bodies before ending the legislative session in the next few weeks. Lee's resolution has 36 co-sponsors, including Tauscher and Waxman. The American people are still owed a clear explanation of why this nation went to war, said Lee. Time and time again, President Bush declared that Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program posed an imminent threat to the U.S. and its allies, and the Administration used this as justification for invading Iraq. Now, in the wake of the war, the same Administration has repeatedly backpedaled on the accuracy and truth of this intelligence. Their supposed intelligence' was the basis for a conflict that killed more than 300 Americans and wounded more than 1200 soldiers not to mention untold numbers of Iraqis. The American people deserve some real answers. Until we create an independent commission or committee to study the Administration's errors WMD intelligence, Congress should refuse to adjourn. I, for one, am prepared to stay here as long as necessary to receive answers to the questions of the American people about this WMD intelligence. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-to-introduce-adjournment-resolution-tomorrow | Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Introduce Adjournment Resolution Tomorrow | 2003-10-20 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.20.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Introduce Adjournment Resolution Tomorrow Resolution Calls for Congress to Address the WMD Question Before Adjourning Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee tomorrow will introduce a congressional resolution calling for Congress to refuse to adjourn until an independent commission or select committee is established to investigate whether Administration officials misled or manipulated Congress, the American public, and the international community about Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) intelligence. Time and time again, President Bush declared that Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program posed an imminent threat to the U.S. and its allies. The Administration used this intelligence to justify the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The American people are still owed a clear explanation of why this nation went to war, said Lee. So far, we have not received a credible justification for the war, even though more than 300 Americans have died and more than 1,200 soldiers have been wounded. Now grave questions have arisen regarding the interpretation of intelligence information presented by the Administration, and until we create an independent commission or select committee to study the Administration's WMD intelligence and its misuse, Congress should refuse to adjourn. Original sponsors for the bill will include Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA). Tauscher earlier this session introduced a bill calling for a select committee, and Waxman introduced a bill calling for an independent commission. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-applauds-125-votes-against-president-bushs-87-billion-appropriations-package-for-iraq | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds 125 Votes Against President Bushs $87 Billion Appropriations Package for Iraq | 2003-10-16 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.16.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds 125 Votes Against President Bush's $87 Billion Appropriations Package for Iraq Number of no votes is 10 times larger than the votes on the first Iraq installment Washington, DC Rallying Democratic forces to oppose President Bush's latest installment on the war in Iraq, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) spearheaded an effort to send a message to the President that his policy against Iraq is fundamentally flawed. Although only 12 Members of Congress, including Lee, voted against Bush's first request of $78 billion package in April, today's tally included 125 Representatives voting against the bill.I am very excited by the results of today's vote, said Lee. I knew that the popular sentiment among Americans has been that we cannot support a failed foreign policy that has needlessly caused the loss of hundreds of lives. These results show that the public is educating the Congress on this issue. Like all of my colleagues, I support our troops. My heart and prayers go out to our troops and their families. I want to see them safe at home and reunited as soon as possible, and I want them to receive all the benefits they deserve. But we would not have done our job if we blindly signed this $87 billion check. We still do not have anything close to sufficient proof to support the allegations raised by the Administration that Iraq posed an imminent threat to the United States. We do not have an exit strategy that leads the Iraqi people to control of their own government, their own resources, and their own obligations and that leads us out of this quagmire. We could have pursued containment, inspections, and multilateralism and saved hundreds of American lives and potentially hundreds of billions of dollars. We have urgent unmet needs here at home. We have schools here that need to be reconstructed, housing that needs to be built, and jobs that need to be created. We should not appropriate another cent without a clear vision of how and when the United Nations wil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-joins-congressional-black-caucus-members-in-opposing-president-bushs-nomination-of-california-supreme-court-justice-janice-rogers-brown-to-the-dc-court-of-appeals | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joins Congressional Black Caucus Members in Opposing President Bushs Nomination of California Supreme Court Justice Janice Rogers Brown to the D.C. Court of Appeals | 2003-10-16 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.16.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joins Congressional Black Caucus Members in Opposing President Bush's Nomination of California Supreme Court Justice Janice Rogers Brown to the D.C. Court of Appeals Washington, DC Joining her Congressional Black Caucus colleagues in a press conference challenging the nomination of California Supreme Court Justice Janice Rogers Brown on the basis of protecting civil liberties and rights, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today issued the following statement:Now, more than ever, Americans are seeing their civil liberties under siege. In California, the attack has been especially severe. In our recent election, we have just defeated Proposition 54, a measure that would have kept the state from collecting data that would have protected the lives and well-being of minorities and people of color. Now with President Bush's nomination of Ms. Brown to the D.C. Court of Appeals one step away from the Supreme Court we see another attempt to undermine the rights of American citizens. While in the California State Assembly, I worked on issues relating to children's health and safety, specifically lead poisoning issues. Ms. Brown wrote an opinion invalidating a state law that required paint companies to help pay for screening and treatment of children exposed to lead paint. Her lack of concern for the protections of citizens is especially apparent in her rulings on Affirmative Action cases. When she was on the California Supreme Court, Ms. Brown consistently ruled against Affirmative Action. In a 2000 case, Hi-Voltage Wire Works, Brown suggested that affirmative action resembled segregationist laws from the Jim Crow era. Those decisions are wrong and outrageous. We have come too far in this country in protecting fundamental human rights to turn back the clock years and decades. I join my Congressional Black Caucus colleagues in opposition the nomination of Justice Brown to the DC Court of Appeals ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-offers-1-billion-amendment-for-aids-funding-as-part-of-87-billion-supplemental-appropriation | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Offers $1 Billion Amendment for AIDS Funding as Part of $87 Billion Supplemental Appropriation | 2003-10-16 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.16.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Offers $1 Billion Amendment for AIDS Funding as Part of $87 Billion Supplemental Appropriation Amendment Rejected Twice by Republicans Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee today attempted to provide an amendment to the $87 billion supplemental appropriations package that would have added $1 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis.The additional money would have met the funding appropriations for AIDS that President Bush has called for, but has yet to deliver on. In his State of the Union Address this year, President Bush declared himself to be a proponent of AIDS funding, calling for $15 billion over five years to fight a disease that kills 3 million each year. Shortly thereafter, the Congress passed and the President signed into law legislation that would provide $3 billion per year. Throughout his recent trip to Africa, Bush touted that legislation, even though his own budget called for only $2 billion this year. Lee's amendment was rejected from being considered on the floor, first by the Committee on Rules and then by a second rule on the House floor that blocked Members from offering amendments. My amendment was simple. It would have added $1 billion to our global AIDS initiative this year, in order to reach the $3 billion that the President has been promising for Africa and the Caribbean. If the President can ask for a blank check of $87 billion, for the life of me I don't understand why he won't ask for this $1 billion? He promised it, he traveled to African and touted his commitment, and yet he has not delivered. Millions of lives are hanging in the balance, and we have the power to save them. We cannot allow further delay, and AIDS will not wait for us to act. I urge the Republican leadership and the administration to wake up to this reality. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-applauds-awarding-of-700-000-economic-development-administration-grant-to-ebcrc-revolving-loan-fund | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Awarding of $700,000 Economic Development Administration Grant to EBCRC Revolving Loan Fund | 2003-10-15 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.15.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Awarding of $700,000 Economic Development Administration Grant to EBCRC Revolving Loan Fund Media OpportunityDate:Tuesday, October 21, 2003 Time:8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. - Breakfast provided 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. - Check Presentation Ceremony Place:The Rotunda Building, 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA Press can confirm their participation by contacting the EBCRC office at 510-628-0605. Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration will award a $700,000 grant to the East Bay Conversion and Reinvestment Commission (EBCRC) at a special ceremony to be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2003. Matthew Crow, EDA Director of Communications will be present to deliver the check to David Wilson, EBCRC Executive Director. The EBCRC was established in 1993 to identify and create innovative approaches to improve the defense conversion process, as several East Bay military bases were being decommissioned in the early 1990s. Through its Defense Conversion Revolving Loan Fund, the EBCRC has helped finance more than $1.4 million to qualified small, minority, and disadvantaged businesses. With this new grant from EDA, EBCRC's funding capabilities will increase to $2 million, which will be leveraged with other resources to create a $15 million loan pool. This new round of funding will give even more local businesses a chance to grow, develop, and thrive, and will help to establish jobs for community residents, said Congresswoman Lee. I am pleased that the EDA has recognized the EBCRC's outstanding record of achievement and success in creating and fostering economic development opportunities in and around my Congressional district. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-applauds-global-fund-decision-to-avoid-bush-administrations-delay-attempt-and-proceed-with-fourth-round-of-funding-grants | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Global Fund Decision to Avoid Bush Administrations Delay Attempt and Proceed with Fourth Round of Funding Grants | 2003-10-15 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.15.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Global Fund Decision to Avoid Bush Administration's Delay Attempt and Proceed with Fourth Round of Funding Grants Letter from Legislators to Secretary Thompson Instrumental in Avoiding Delay Washington, DC Despite an attempt by the Bush Administration to delay the fourth round of Global Fund grants to fight AIDS, TB, and malaria, the Executive Board of the Global Fund agreed today in a meeting in Thailand to initiate a call for the next round of grants on January 10, 2004. The Administration retreated after AIDS groups publicly questioned the Administration's commitment to advocating for AIDS funding. The decision also came after a bipartisan group of Congress, led by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), wrote a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson asking for prompt action in support of an early call for the fourth round of funding. The Global Fund was established through bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Jim Leach (D-IA) in the 106th Congress. Since 2002, the Global Fund has signed a number of two-year grant agreements totaling over $1 billion and has disbursed $139 million to fight HIV, AIDS, and tuberculosis around the globe. In his State of the Union Address this year, President Bush declared himself to be a proponent of AIDS funding, calling for $15 billion over five years to fight a disease that kills 3 million each year. Shortly thereafter, the Congress passed and the President signed into law legislation that would provide $3 billion per year. Throughout his recent trip to Africa, Bush touted that legislation, even though his own budget called for only $2 billion this year. The October 15 letter from Lee, Leach, Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), and Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-IA) told Thompson that delaying the fourth round would set a bad precedent for the Fund because it would signal a lack of international commitments and consequently will reduce confidence in the Fund it… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-leads-press-conference-against-president-bushs-87-billion-supplemental-appropriations | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Leads Press Conference Against President Bushs $87 Billion Supplemental Appropriations | 2003-10-15 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.15.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Leads Press Conference Against President Bush's $87 Billion Supplemental Appropriations Vote on Bill Expected Tonight Washington, DC With opposition to President Bush's latest installment on the war in Iraq mounting, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today led a press conference that brought together a coalition of Democrats opposed to the President's appropriations request. Although only 12 Members of Congress voted against Bush's first request of $78 billion package, including Lee, that number is expected to be dramatically higher when the vote occurs today. Yesterday, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced that she would vote against the bill.Lee issued the following statement: We are here today to tell the President that we refuse to sign his blank check to continue a failed foreign policy that has needlessly caused hundreds of lives and deepened an economic downturn that began on Day 1 of the Bush Presidency. Like all of my colleagues, I support our troops. As the daughter of a career Army officer, I could do nothing less. My heart and prayers go out to our troops and their families. I want to see them safe at home and reunited as soon as possible, and I want them to receive all the benefits they deserve. We do not protect our troops and Congress will not have done its job if we blindly sign this $87 billion check. Nor have we had an adequate accounting of how the last $78 billion was spent. We still do not have anything close to sufficient proof to support the allegations raised by the Administration that Iraq posed an imminent threat to the United States. We do not have an exit strategy that leads the Iraqi people to control of their own government, their own resources, and their own obligations and that leads us out of this quagmire. We could have pursued containment, inspections, and multilateralism and saved hundreds of American lives and potentially hundreds of billions of dollars. We have urgent unmet needs here at home. We have schoo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressional-black-caucus-announces-opposition-to-president-bushs-87-billion-supplemental-appropriations-request | Congressional Black Caucus Announces Opposition to President Bushs $87 Billion Supplemental Appropriations Request | 2003-10-14 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.14.03 Congressional Black Caucus Announces Opposition to President Bush's $87 Billion Supplemental Appropriations Request Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on Opposing Bush's Request. I oppose this $87 billion installment payment for the war against Iraq. Like all of my CBC colleagues, I support our troops. As the daughter of a career Army officer, I could do nothing less. My hearts and prayers go out to our troops and their families. I want to see them safe at home and reunited as soon as possible.In the meantime, I want them to have the health benefits they deserve, the bulletproof vests they need, and the basic supplies that have been denied them. I want to know that our wounded and our veterans receive proper treatment and proper respect. But we do not protect our troops and Congress will not have done its job if we blindly sign this $87 billion check. We have not had an adequate accounting of how the last $78 billion was spent. We still do not have anything close to sufficient proof to support the allegations raised by the Administration that Iraq posed an imminent threat to the United States. And we do not have an exit strategy that leads the Iraqi people to control of their own government, their own resources, and their own obligations and that leads us out of this quagmire. We did not have to go down this path. We could have pursued containment, inspections, and multilateralism and saved hundreds of American lives and potentially hundreds of billions of dollars. We have urgent unmet needs here at home. We have schools here that need to be reconstructed, housing that needs to be built, and jobs that need to be created. We had choices before, and we have choices now. We should not appropriate another cent without a clear vision of how and when the United Nations will assume real authority over the political and economic transition in Iraq and how and when American troops will be coming home. I am glad that the CBC has chosen to unanimously oppose this bill. The CBC continues to be … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-speaks-at-national-coalition-for-the-homeless-conference-rally | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks at National Coalition for the Homeless Conference Rally | 2003-10-07 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.07.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks at National Coalition for the Homeless Conference Rally Calls for Passage of Bring America Home Act Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement for the National Coalition for the Homeless Conference's rally to support the Bring America Home Act.Thanks to the National Coalition for the Homeless, Congressman Conyers, and Congresswoman Carson for sponsoring this event, and a special thanks to the housing advocates who are here today to send the message to the Bush Administration that we must end homelessness now because housing is a fundamental human right. Homelessness has become a way of life for too many Americans and too many families. My home state of California is supposed to be a land of riches, but homelessness robs the state of its promise. On any given night, there are 360,000 people homeless in our great state. Over the course of a year, 1 million Californians are homeless. Even with all of the world's media in California during the past two months, you didn't see any stories on these homeless. And I guarantee that you won't see many stories on the over 2.5 million homeless men, women and children throughout this country! You won't hear stories on how our streets have become poor substitutes for treating those in our country desperately in need of medical care: 22% of the homeless in our cities are considered mentally ill and 37% suffer from substance abuse. We must make these stories known because we must prod the Bush Administration into funding these solutions. The Administration can approve billions of dollars for rebuilding Iraq, but we can't come up with the relatively small resources necessary to end homelessness in this country. Housing should be a basic civil right, and the time is now to make this civil rights movement a reality. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-disappointed-with-loss-of-manufacturing-jobs-in-september-unemployment-report | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Disappointed With Loss of Manufacturing Jobs in September Unemployment Report | 2003-10-02 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.02.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Disappointed With Loss of Manufacturing Jobs in September Unemployment Report Unemployment Rate for African Americans Also Increases Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today expressed concern with the Department of Labor's September national unemployment figures. Even though the figure included a slight increase overall, the report showed that manufacturing lost jobs for 37 consecutive months and the unemployment rate for African-Americans actually rose three-tenths of a percentage point.Today's September unemployment report showed an overall increase of 57,000 private-sector jobs, but even with this number, the Bush Administration has lost almost 3 million jobs since January 2001. More than halfway through his term, Bush has lost over 80,000 jobs per month. The unemployment rate for the nation's manufacturing sector was once again hard-hit. In September, the American economy actually lost 29,000 jobs. Overall, more than 2.5 million of the net loss of 3.2 million private-sector jobs since January 2001 have been in the manufacturing sector. Disturbingly, the unemployment rate for African Americans increased from 10.9% to 11.2%. That increase in the unemployment rate came as a result of the loss of 61,000 jobs for African Americans. Today's figures, as the manufacturing and African American numbers indicate, shows that we are still in a jobs depression and for far too many it's just getting worse, said Lee. We are still in the midst of the worst economy in a decade, and we need to get Americans back to work, said Lee. With hundreds of thousand of Americans still unemployed, if the President considers these numbers a recovery, then perhaps he should first talk to those unemployed workers struggling to find adequate housing and food for themselves and their families. Lee has supported an economic growth package that would have created 1 million jobs this year by providing infrastructure development to create good-paying jobs and strong communities, as … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-issues-statement-on-the-arrival-of-immigrant-workers-freedom-riders | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on the Arrival of Immigrant Workers Freedom Riders | 2003-10-01 | 2003 | 2003-10 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 10.01.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on the Arrival of Immigrant Workers Freedom Riders Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today issued a statement on the arrival of the Immigrant Workers Freedom Riders, an event that brought immigrant workers to Washington to highlight the struggles that immigrant workers face across the country deal. The event was sponsored by a large coalition of religious groups, labor unions, immigrant advocates, and civil rights organizations, including political groups such as the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.I am honored to welcome all of the hundreds of immigrant workers who have traveled long distances to be part of this historic event, said Lee. Their presence highlights the plight that immigrant workers struggle with on a daily basis, beginning with finding adequate housing, health care, and even food. The Immigration Workers Freedom Ride resembles the Freedom Rides of the civil rights movement where student activists united as they traveled through the Deep South to challenge segregation. In both cases, people scarified themselves to right injustice, to ensure that the voices of their children and grandchildren would be heard. The arrival of the Freedom Riders should remind this Congress that we still have much more to do in the way of providing for our immigrant population. As a co-sponsor of the resolution supporting the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride, I encourage everyone to recognize the needs of the millions of immigrant workers in this country. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-and-congressman-pete-stark-observe-national-port-security-day | Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Pete Stark Observe National Port Security Day | 2003-09-28 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.28.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Pete Stark Observe National Port Security Day Call on Bush Administration to Take Seriously the Protection of Ports Washington, DC Pointing to a lack of Presidential commitment to address security concerns at our nation's ports, Democrats across the country marked Monday as National Port Security Day. Joining in the chorus of voices advocating for more funding, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Pete Stark (D-CA) called the Administration's handling of port security empty rhetoric.Much like his commitment to the No Child Left Behind Act, federal election reform, and our global AIDS initiative, the President has refused to provide the money necessary to upgrade our port security system, said Lee. Based on his own budget requests to Congress, the President has not asked for a single dollar in port security grants following the September 11th attacks. And so far, the Republican-controlled Congress has appropriated only $388 million, despite the fact that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has received grant applications totaling almost $2.7 billion -- a clear signal of the great needs of this country's ports. Stark said, The Bush Administration continues to talk the talk on port security, but as we've found on other domestic priorities ranging from a Medicare prescription drug benefit to expanding access to child care, the President never matches his rhetoric with necessary funds. As the fourth largest container port in the country, the Port of Oakland applied for grants for new security projects totaling nearly $60 million, but has received only $6.2 million. Clearly the Port of Oakland is not getting the money it needs to improve its security infrastructure, said Lee. Unfortunately that's been the case at virtually every single port in the country. Every day that we delay in providing much-needed funding for port security is another day that terrorists may take advantage of vulnerabilities in our security system, said L… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-receives-black-womens-agenda-legislative-award | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Receives Black Womens Agenda Legislative Award | 2003-09-25 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.25.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Receives Black Women's Agenda Legislative Award Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today received the Black Women's Agenda Legislative Award. The award was presented at BWA's 26th Annual Luncheon and Workshop.The BWA called Lee's legislative work exemplary, applauding her for outstanding and distinguished service to your district and the nation and for your courageous stand concerning Congressional approval of armed conflict. The BWA will also be honoring Lee in the next issue of The BWA Report. I am honored to receive the Legislative Award from the Black Women's Agenda, said Lee. The BWA has been an advocate for issues of equity for black women worldwide, and their efforts have created meaningful change. I am proud to receive this award. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-supports-wexler-resolution-of-inquiry-on-wmd-intelligence | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Wexler Resolution of Inquiry on WMD Intelligence | 2003-09-24 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.24.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Wexler Resolution of Inquiry on WMD Intelligence Resolution Would Require President Bush to Release Joint Chiefs of Staff's Report Criticizing Bush Administration's WMD Policies Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), today with House International Relations Committee (HIRC) colleagues, called on the Bush Administration to send to Congress a report drafted last month for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The report, entitled Operation Iraqi Freedom Strategic Lessons Learned, was compiled from a series of interviews with senior U.S. military officials, including now-retired Army Gen. Tommy Franks.According to a Washington Times story, Operation Iraqi Freedom Strategic Lessons Learned assesses the Administration's post-war planning and search for weapons of mass destruction as falling short of expectations or needs. The report also supposedly claims that Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) elimination and exploitation planning efforts did not occur early enough in the process to allow Centcom to effectively execute their mission. The extent of the planning required was underestimated. Insufficient U.S. government assets existed to accomplish the mission. In today's House International Relations Committee debate, Lee said, The American occupation of Iraq is a disaster. Now, the Joint Chiefs have commissioned a report entitled Operation Iraqi Freedom Strategic Lessons Learned,' and we deserve to have access to that information. With an $87 billion installment payment in the balance, Congress has every right to know what lessons have been learned. We've certainly seen mistakes that have been made a war that we didn't have to have and an occupation that is poorly planned. So what are the lessons learned? According to press accounts, this report to the Joint Chiefs concludes that the Administration's post-war planning, reconstruction effort, and the search for weapons of mass destruction are rated as falling short of expectations or needs.' With Americans dy… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-supports-benjamin-franklin-true-patriot-act | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Benjamin Franklin True Patriot Act | 2003-09-23 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.23.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Benjamin Franklin True Patriot Act Bill Would Repeal Sections of President Bush's Patriot Act Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued a statement today on the Benjamin Franklin True Patriot Act, which would repeal many of the egregious and invasive civil liberty violations of President Bush's Patriot Act. The bill includes provisions to eliminate the Patriot Act's arbitrary search-and-seizure provision, unwarranted incarcerations, and the possibility of federal officials searching students' educational records without probable cause. Lee said, We must correct this injustice. The Patriot Act was passed in a blind rush, and in that rush to judgment Congress trampled some important civil liberties. Justice is supposed to be blind, but lawmakers shouldn't be. All legislators should have foreseen the consequences of our actions. Some of us did, and that's why we voted against the Patriot Act. The Benjamin Franklin True Patriot Act seeks to repeal the unconstitutional provisions of the Patriot Act and to protect the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. This bill would eliminate the Patriot Act's sneak-and-peek searches that undermine our fundamental understanding of citizens' right to privacy. It will also repeal other deplorable provisions violating attorney-client confidentiality and other basic principles of justice and government. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill, and I will continue to oppose the Bush Administration's efforts to steal away our civil liberties through Patriot II and the Victory Act. We must not sacrifice our fundamental freedoms in the Age of Ashcroft. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-issues-response-to-president-bushs-address-to-the-united-nations | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Response to President Bushs Address to the United Nations | 2003-09-22 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.22.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Response to President Bush's Address to the United Nations President Bush today went to the United Nations to condemn terrorism, to applaud democracy, and to call on the world community to rebuild Iraq, reduce the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and combat AIDS and other global calamities. However, Bush Administration policies have failed to advance these goals. The Doctrine of Preemption has made the world more dangerous, rather than more secure. The President now seeks U.N. involvement in Iraq without giving the U.N. the political and economic authority to accomplish its tasks. He preaches against proliferation but threatens to use weapons of mass destruction and to build more. He calls for decisive action against AIDS but fails to push for the funding needed in this battle. And now he has come to Congress with an $87 billion installment on the American taxpayers' burden in Iraq while failing to design an exit strategy to transition from U.S. to U.N. and then Iraqi authority. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-calls-on-president-to-be-more-of-a-friend-to-small-business-owners | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls on President to be More of a Friend to Small Business Owners | 2003-09-21 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.21.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls on President to be More of a Friend to Small Business Owners Votes for 50th Anniversary Resolution for Small Business Administration Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today spoke out about the need to provide more support for American small business owners. Lee, who voted for a resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Small Business Administration, said today that, particularly at a time when the economy is in a downward spiral, small businesses and small business owners need the support of the Bush Administration. Small businesses are one of the great engines of our economy, said Lee. Small business owners represent 99 percent of all American employers, and their output makes up more than half of this country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Small businesses create approximately 75 percent of all new jobs. Lee expressed concern that the Bush Administration had not done enough to help small business owners. The Administration claimed that its $350 billion tax package was targeted at small business owners, but in reality, the tax cut contained only a small percentage for small business relief. Under the President's plan, over half of small businesses will receive less than $500 and almost a third will receive less than $100. Even though this administration's rhetoric is small business-friendly, its policies are not, Lee said. This President has shown once again that he is friends with big corporations, not small business owners. He has demonstrated that he is friends with Wall Street, not Main Street. I call on him to rethink his focus. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-introduces-right-to-know-student-nutrition-act | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Right to Know Student Nutrition Act | 2003-09-16 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.16.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Right to Know Student Nutrition Act Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today introduced the Right to Know Student Nutrition Act, a bill calling for proper labeling and alternatives to irradiated food served under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under new USDA rules, which were established by the 2002 Farm Bill, the federal government will no longer prevent school districts from purchasing irradiated food products to serve to their students. However, USDA does not currently require labeling of irradiated foods in cafeterias or lunch rooms, nor do they require the continued availability of non-irradiated food to those parents and children who do not wish to consume irradiated food products.Already, a number of school boards have indicated that they will not serve irradiated food to their students, including the Berkeley School Board. Other Northern California school districts banning irradiated products include Ukiah and Point Arena. Last week, the Los Angeles Unified School District also instituted a ban on the irradiation foods. For the safety of our children, we must provide lunchroom labeling for irradiated food, and we must provide kids with a healthy non-irradiated alternative, so that our children are aware of the possible dangers of eating certain foods and can make a choice to avoid them, said Lee. My bill would accomplish these objectives and preserve the safety of our children and the well-being of their parents. The school lunch program was begun to ensure the good health of our students. Now, this program could possibly sacrifice our students' health and nutrition. That's a dangerous policy. A number of public interest groups, including Public Citizen, have begun a campaign to challenge these regulations, rallying parents and students across the country. Originally, Lee had scheduled a press conference to unveil the bill, but the imminent arrival of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-barbara-lee-el-congreso-debe-de-promulgar-el-acta-de-ajuste-de-estatus-inmigratorio-para-estudiantes | Rep. Barbara Lee: El Congreso debe de promulgar el Acta de Ajuste de Estatus Inmigratorio para Estudiantes | 2003-09-11 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.11.03 Rep. Barbara Lee: El Congreso debe de promulgar el Acta de Ajuste de Estatus Inmigratorio para Estudiantes Washington, DC -- Hoy yo exhorto a mis colegas en el congreso a arreglar el fallo de nuestras leyes de inmigracin, el cual castiga a los jvenes por las acciones de sus padres por medio de aprobar el Acta de Ajuste de Estatus Inmigratorio para Estudiantes, dijo La Rep. Lee. Cada ao, el 2% de los estudiantes que se gradan de las escuelas secundarias publicas de los Estados Unidos no pueden inscribirse como estudiantes estatales en su universidad local o trabajar legalmente en los estados unidos, por ninguna falta propia, aadi La Cong. Esto no es justo, y no debemos permitir que esta injusticia siga siendo la realidad para tantos estudiantes inteligentes. Reconociendo que estos jvenes inmigraron de manera indocumentada a este pas de manera involuntaria, la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos decidi que estos jvenes tienen el derecho de recibir una educacin publica sin costo ninguno hasta terminar la preparatoria. Gracias a esta oportunidad, muchos de estos estudiantes se han convertido en algunos de los estudiantes ms destacados en nuestra nacin. Pero, el potencial de estos estudiantes no es reconocido despus que se gradan de la preparatoria y descubren que son excluidos de la universidad, o que no pueden pagar por su educacin porque su estado no les puede ofrecer las tarifas ms baratas dedicadas a los estudiantes residentes. El estatus de estos estudiantes les niega la oportunidad no solo de poder asistir a la universidad local y pagar una tarifa estatal que pueden costear, sino tambin les niega la oportunidad de trabajar legalmente o de regularizar su estatus de inmigracin, aunque hayan vivido la mayora de su vida en los Estado Unidos, dijo La Rep Lee. La propuesta de ley con respaldo bipartidista, la Acta de Ajuste de Estatus Inmigratorio para Estudiantes, conocida en ingls como The Student Adjustment Act, H.R. 1684, rompe los obstculos enfrentados por estos jvenes por su estatus de indoc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-opposes-so-called-fair-and-accurate-credit-transactions-act | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes So-Called Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act | 2003-09-09 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.09.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes So-Called Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act Bill would Partially Preempt California's Financial Information Privacy Act Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today voted against HR 2622, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, because the bill would not eliminate the partial preemption of California's recently-enacted Financial Information Privacy Act, which protects consumers from having their personal information shared between affiliates of a financial institution.During the course of debate, Lee introduced an amendment to HR 2622 that would have guaranteed the implementation of California's tough consumer protection standards. Lee's amendment would not have only permitted the implementation of SB 1, but it would also have used California's strong consumer protections as a benchmark by which other states could enact their own laws. This fight is not over, said Lee. We will continue to work with our colleagues here and in the Senate to protect California financial privacy and identity theft laws as the bill moves to Conference. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-to-introduce-financial-privacy-amendment-to-so-called-fair-and-accurate-credit-transactions-act | Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Introduce Financial Privacy Amendment to So-Called Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act | 2003-09-08 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.08.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Introduce Financial Privacy Amendment to So-Called Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act Lee-Sherman Amendment Would Enable California's Financial Information Privacy Act to be Implemented Washington, DC In an effort to ensure that California's recently-enacted consumer privacy act is not preempted by federal law, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today announced that she has submitted an amendment to HR 2622 that would guarantee the implementation of California's tough consumer protection standards. If made in order by the Republican-controlled Rules Committee, the amendment will be debated on the House floor tomorrow; at the center of that debate will be the question of the prerogative of state and federal financial privacy laws.The California bill, SB 1, was signed by Governor Gray Davis on August 27, the culmination of four years of lobbying by State Senator Jackie Speiers to protect consumers from having their personal information shared between affiliates of a financial institution. One newspaper last year estimated that the banking industry spent $20 million in 2002 to defeat the bill. In spite of enormous public support, the California law stands to be preempted. Lee's amendment would not only permit the implementation of SB 1, but it would use California's strong consumer protections as a benchmark by which other states could enact their own laws. According to Lee's amendment, laws of other states that are similar to SB1 would be exempt from the federal preemption. Lee said, It is important not only that we preserve and protect California's tough financial privacy provisions, but that we offer the opportunity for other states to enact similar consumer protections that Californians will now enjoy. My amendment will do both. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/2003/09/07/congresswoman-barbara-lee-disappointed-by-continued-job-loss-under-bush-administration | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Disappointed by Continued Job Loss Under Bush Administration | 2003-09-07 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.07.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Disappointed by Continued Job Loss Under Bush Administration New Data Shows Loss of 93,000 More Jobs in August Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today said that she was extremely disappointed by this morning's national unemployment figures, which show that the economy lost 93,000 private-sector jobs in August. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, a staggering 3.2 million private sector jobs have been lost since President Bush took office in January, 2001. More than halfway through his term, Bush has lost more than 85,000 jobs per month, giving him the worst record of job creation of any President since Depression-era President Herbert Hoover.Nationwide, the overall unemployment rate is currently 6.1%, with the unemployment rate for Hispanics at 7.8 % and for African Americans at 10.9 % in August. In California, 265,100 jobs have been lost since Bush took office. The most recent report from California shows that the overall state unemployment rate in California was 6.6% in July, up from 4.7% in January 2001. "This unemployment data shows yet again that the Bush Administration economic policies have failed, said Lee. President Bush can only claim success in creating jobseekers, not jobs. The poor economy under the Bush Administration has had a particularly devastating impact on the nation's manufacturing sector. In August, the economy lost an additional 44,000 manufacturing jobs. Overall, more than 2.5 million of the net loss of 3.2 million private-sector jobs since January 2001 has been in the manufacturing sector. Lee has supported an economic growth package that would have created 1 million jobs this year by providing infrastructure development to create good-paying jobs and strong communities, as well as providing relief for states. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-to-hold-emeryville-town-meeting-on-saturday | Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Hold Emeryville Town Meeting on Saturday | 2003-09-07 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.07.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Hold Emeryville Town Meeting on Saturday View InvitationDate: Saturday, September 13, 2003 Time: 1 p.m. Lunch provided. 1:30 p.m. Meeting with Congresswoman Lee. Place: Emeryville Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 4321 Salem Street, Emeryville (1 block above San Pablo Ave., between 43rd and 45th Streets) If you have questions, please call the Congresswoman's Oakland District Office at (510) 763-0370. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-introduces-universal-health-care-bill | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Universal Health Care Bill | 2003-09-02 | 2003 | 2003-09 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 09.02.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Universal Health Care Bill Would Provide Insurance for All Americans Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today introduced H.R. 3000, the United States Universal Health Service Act, which would provide health coverage for all Americans. H.R. 3000 would establish a United States Health Service (USHS), which would eliminate profit issues from health care because it would be owned and controlled by the public and administered primarily at the local level.The decentralized system would provide high quality comprehensive care for all, regardless of one's ability to pay. Lee's bill would make high-quality preventive, acute and long term care available to everyone regardless of demographics, employment status, or previous health status. Over forty million individuals in America have no health insurance. Despite numerous debates and discussions, Congress has failed to provide a viable solution to this national crisis. Access to health care directly impacts the welfare of individuals in many poor and minority communities. Of the uninsured, 56% are low income, and although minorities make up approximately 34% of the population, they comprise over half of the nation's uninsured. The United States is the only industrialized nation in the world that does not provide universal health care, said Lee. We must become a health care provider, not a denier of this fundamental right. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-comments-on-latest-california-unemployment-figures | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Comments on Latest California Unemployment Figures | 2003-08-20 | 2003 | 2003-08 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 08.20.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Comments on Latest California Unemployment Figures Latest Statistics Show 21,800 More Jobs Lost in the State During July Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) said today that the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics confirm that President Bush's economic policies continue to hurt workers in California. Since President Bush took office, 285,600 jobs have been lost in California, with 21,800 of these jobs lost during the month of July. Since President Bush was inaugurated in January 2001, the economy has lost a total of 3.2 million private-sector jobs. The unemployment rate nationwide is 6.2%, with 9.1 million people out of work across the country, an increase of 51% since Bush took office. In addition, 470,000 people have given up looking for work altogether because they believe no jobs are available. In California, the unemployment rate stands at 6.6%; on Bush's Inauguration Day, the rate was 4.7%. The poor economy under the Bush Administration has had a particularly devastating impact on the nation's manufacturing sector. In July, the economy lost an additional 71,000 manufacturing jobs. Indeed, overall, 2.5 million of the 3.2 million private-sector jobs lost since January 2001 have been in the manufacturing sector. Since President Bush took office, 3.2 million jobs have been lost, and more than $3 trillion in deficits over 10 years will be added to the national debt, said Lee. Workers throughout the country are suffering under the policies of a President with the worst job-creation record in more than 50 years. More than halfway through his term, President Bush has lost an average of 84,000 jobs per month. That is not a record to be proud of. Lee supported an economic growth package unveiled by House Democrats that would have created more than 1 million jobs this year, by providing tax cuts to middle-income Americans, small businesses and US manufacturers, providing relief for states and the unemployed, and investing in highways to cre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-blasts-president-bushs-environmental-record-and-parks-policy | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Blasts President Bushs Environmental Record and Parks Policy | 2003-08-15 | 2003 | 2003-08 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 08.15.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Blasts President Bush's Environmental Record and Parks Policy Oakland, CA In response to President Bush's visit today to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement:The President's so-called environmental tour has taken him across the West and now brought him to the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Unfortunately this scenic photo opportunity does not come as part of an effort to protect and rebuild our national parks system. The Bush Administration's record on the Parks system is abysmal, as is its record on the environment as a whole. The non-partisan National Parks Conservation Association has given the Bush Administration a D-, reflecting on the Administration's failures to protect air quality and habitat; its management of the system; inadequate funding; and shortcomings in rebuilding crumbling infrastructure and other issues related to the experience of visitors to our national parks. The Bush Administration has underfunded the Parks and public lands; now it is seeking to privatize much of them. On Christmas Eve of last year, the President handed corporate interests a great gift: exclusive control over significant areas of land within national parks and other public lands. This assault on public lands is linked to a landslide of environmental rollbacks threatening longstanding air and water protections and endangering both the public health and America's remaining wilderness heritage. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-1125-million-grant-for-security-at-oakland-international-airport | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $11.25 Million Grant for Security at Oakland International Airport | 2003-08-12 | 2003 | 2003-08 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 08.12.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $11.25 Million Grant for Security at Oakland International Airport Oakland, CA -- Congressman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will provide the Oakland International Airport an $11.25 million grant for security measures. The grant is expected to be officially announced tomorrow, and it will help counter recent Transportation Services Administration (TSA) cuts, which will reduce the number of screeners in airports around the country. At this point and due to the nature of security measures in airports, the FAA is releasing very little information about the grant, but Lee welcomed the money for an airport that has become a leading transportation center. We have worked hard to make the Oakland Airport a major travel center for the Bay Area and for the West Coast, and this grant ensures that the Airport will not only better meet the increased security demands of the post-9/11 world, but will also better serve its customers as a premiere transportation hub, said Lee. Working together, we have succeeded in securing these resources. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-applauds-transfer-of-oakland-army-base-to-city-of-oakland-and-port-of-oakland | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Transfer of Oakland Army Base to City of Oakland and Port of Oakland | 2003-08-08 | 2003 | 2003-08 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 08.08.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Transfer of Oakland Army Base to City of Oakland and Port of Oakland Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today applauded the transfer of Oakland's former army base from the State of California to the City of Oakland, which has agreed to lease part of the land to the Port of Oakland. The transfer of the almost 365 acres of land came after Governor Gray Davis certified that the property was environmentally suitable for the transfer and after the Governor was assured that the cleanup of the former oil recycling facility would go on as planned.The transfer came after months of negotiations by local officials, an agreement that will terminate costly legal battles and, through development of the Port, will continue to ensure that the Port remains an economic engine for the East Bay while Oakland will receive money for the rental of the land. Under the agreement, the Port will expand the maritime operations for what is the fourth-largest container port in the country. The Port will relocate its rail yard to the bottom part of the property, translating into greater efficiency for the Port and its shippers. Oakland also benefits from the deal because it will receive $30 million over the next three decades for the lease of land to the Port. Oakland also plans to transform the upper part of the property into a beautiful entryway into the city from the Bay Bridge. I'm pleased that all of our hard work has finally paid off, said Lee. I look forward to working with both the Port of Oakland and the City of Oakland to make sure that the transfer of this land will lead to continued economic success for and beautification of the 9th Congressional District. This is a win-win situation for all parties. I also want to push Oakland and the Port to live up to their promise made almost a decade ago for a multi-million dollar community trust fund to serve the West Oakland community affected by military base closure. ### N… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-and-congressman-stark-to-hold-press-conference-tuesday-august-12-at-noon | Congresswoman Lee and Congressman Stark to Hold Press Conference Tuesday, August 12 at Noon | 2003-08-08 | 2003 | 2003-08 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 08.08.03 Congresswoman Lee and Congressman Stark to Hold Press Conference Tuesday, August 12 at Noon To Discuss H.R. 2625, Establishing an Independent Commission to Investigate Intelligence on Iraq WHO: Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Congressman Pete Stark (D-CA), and Constituents from California's 9th and 13th Congressional Districts who have signed MoveOn.org's petition calling for an independent commission to investigate the Bush Administration's possible misuse of intelligence data about Iraq's WMD programs. WHAT: Press conference WHERE: Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building, 1301 Clay Street, Oakland (North Tower, Conference Room D) WHEN: Tuesday, August 12 at 12 noon (Reporters should arrive 15 minutes early to clear cameras through security.) ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-outraged-by-continued-job-loss | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Outraged by Continued Job Loss | 2003-08-01 | 2003 | 2003-08 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 08.01.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Outraged by Continued Job Loss New Data Shows 3.2 Million Jobs Lost in US since January 2001 Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today said that she was extremely disappointed by this morning's national unemployment figures, which show that the number of jobs lost under the Bush Administration continues to climb. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, a staggering 3.2 million private sector jobs have been lost since President Bush took office in January, 2001, with the economy shedding another 34,000 private-sector jobs in July. More than halfway through his term, Bush has lost more than 84,000 jobs per month. In California, 265,100 jobs have been lost since Bush took office. Nationwide, the overall unemployment rate is currently 6.2%, with the unemployment rate for Hispanics at 8.2 percent and the rate for African Americans still over 11 percent in July significantly higher than the 8.2 percent rate back in January 2001. The most recent report from California shows that the overall state unemployment rate in California is 6.7% in June, up from 4.7% in January 2001 when President Bush was inaugurated. This 6.2 % national figure does not account for the fact that 470,000 discouraged people abandoned job searches because they believed that no jobs were available. In July, the number of those unemployed for more than 26 weeks remained at 2.0 million, more than triple the number of Americans unemployed for more than 26 weeks in January 2001. "Since President Bush took office, more than 3.2 million private-sector jobs have been lost, the worst record of job creation of any President since Herbert Hoover. As we have seen month after month, the Bush economic policies have not created jobs, but jobseekers, said Lee. The poor economy under the Bush Administration has had a particularly devastating impact on the nation's manufacturing sector. In July, the economy lost an additional 71,000 manufacturing jobs. Overall, 2.5 million of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-to-receive-national-association-of-social-workers-public-elected-official-of-the-year-award | Congresswoman Barbara Lee To Receive National Association of Social Workers Public Elected Official of the Year Award | 2003-08-01 | 2003 | 2003-08 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 08.01.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee To Receive National Association of Social Workers' Public Elected Official of the Year Award Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) will be honored with the National Association of Social Workers' (NASW) Public Elected Official of the Year Award tomorrow night in Washington.In a statement on Lee, the NASW hailed the legislator for her vital role in reconnecting the social work profession to its activist roots. Lee's outstanding service and political career has deeply influenced global peace, civil and human rights, health and human services, and social work practice. Her long history of political activism makes her a unique role model for social workers throughout the nation. Throughout Lee's political career, she has sought to use her training as a social worker to help solve the problems and challenges that confront the people of the 9th district and those of the nation, according to the NASW. She has worked to build bipartisan coalitions to provide for the basic and interrelated needs of all Americans: health care, affordable housing, education, jobs, and the quest to create livable communities in a peaceful world. I am honored to receive this award from the National Association of Social Workers because my background as a social worker shapes my work in Congress every day, said Lee. The central principles that I learned in classes and in practice are absolutely relevant to my legislative mission, said Lee. The NASW lays out core principles that represent the foundation of our profession: service, social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. These principles help me, as a social worker and legislator, recognize the real costs exacted by violence, poverty, and injustice. Due to prior commitments in Oakland, including a town hall meeting on immigration, Lee will not be present for the dinner, but the award will be accepted by a representative from her Washington staff. ### … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-celebrates-38th-anniversary-of-medicare | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates 38th Anniversary of Medicare | 2003-07-30 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.30.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates 38th Anniversary of Medicare Vows to Keep Fighting to Pass a Prescription Drug Benefit Under Medicare Oakland, CA -- Today, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) celebrated the 38th anniversary of Medicare and vowed to keep the Democrats'promise to strengthen the program by continuing to fight for a prescription drug benefit under Medicare. Today marks 38 years since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill that created the Medicare program.Today we celebrate the birthday of Medicare, said Lee. 38 years ago today, the bill was signed that created the Medicare program, enabling those of us in government to fulfill our responsibility to help our seniors. Medicare beneficiaries have waited a long time for help with prescription drugs, but unfortunately, the Republican legislation, recently passed by Congress, falls far short of what seniors and disabled Americans have been waiting for, Lee said. We must pass a prescription drug benefit under Medicare that is understandable and beneficial to all seniors. We must ensure that Medicare will live on to serve future generations. Lee said Democrats are fighting for a prescription drug benefit that is affordable, guaranteed, available to all, and provided as part of the Medicare program. Republicans are trying to pass a complicated plan that would privatize Medicare and force seniors to leave the care of trusted doctors and hospitals, without lowering drug prices or guaranteeing coverage for all Americans. In fact, provisions in the House GOP Medicare bill will cause a drastic increase in premiums for seniors in the traditional Medicare program, according to the Joint Economic Committee. The Republican plan also turns Medicare over to HMOs, which would be extremely disadvantageous for millions of seniors in rural areas. More than 80% of rural beneficiaries live in counties with no HMO programs, and if HMOs don't materialize in these areas, the House bill has no fallback coverage. ### … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/la-congresita-barbara-lee-hoy-hizo-las-declaraciones-sobre-el-trabajo-de-los-republicanos-para-la-comunidad-latina-durante-los-primeros-seis-meses-del-congreso-numero-108 | La Congresita Barbara Lee hoy hizo las declaraciones sobre el trabajo de los Republicanos para la comunidad latina durante los primeros seis meses del Congreso numero 108 | 2003-07-30 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.30.03 La Congresita Barbara Lee hoy hizo las declaraciones sobre el trabajo de los Republicanos para la comunidad latina durante los primeros seis meses del Congreso numero 108 Washington, DC La Congresita Barbara Lee hoy hizo las siguientes declaraciones sobre el trabajo de los Republicanos para la comunidad latina durante los primeros seis meses del Congreso numero 108:Es imposible creer las palabras de los republicanos cuando indican que tienen los intereses de la comunidad latina, mientras que recortan el presupuesto para o eliminan todos los programas federales importantes pare el futuro de la comunidad latina. Los Republicanos simplemente no entienden a la comunidad latina. Ellos no entienden que sus esfuerzos de enlac hacia los latinos tiene que ser mucho mas que simplemente aprender como hablar unas palabras en espaol para sus discursos de campaaes luchar con la comunidad en las reas de Educacin, Medicare, Inmigracin y tomar pasos para crecer la economa y para crear y mantener trabajos buenos. Nosotros los demcratas hemos trabajados por todo lo anteriormente mencionado." Enlaces a la comunidad latina son incompatible con las prioridades y valores de los Republicanos. Es por eso que ellos escogieron un recorte de impuestos que deja a ms de 1.4 millones de nios latinos sin ayuda. Eso por eso que ellos escogen no darle el presupuesto necesario a los programas de educacin, a privatizar medicare, y a negarle los beneficios federales a los inmigrantes legales. Es inmoral que los republicanos ignoren a una poblacin que ha visto el desempleo mas alto desde 1996 (8.4 %), una poblacin en la cual uno de cada tres estudiantes no terminan la secundaria, y solamente el 11% terminan los estudios de universidad, y casi una tercera parte de la comunidad no tienen seguro medico. Los Demcratas continan en solidaridad con la comunidad latina en los asuntos importantes para asegurar al futuro de la comunidad latina. Histricamente, hemos luchado para asegurar que nuestras leyes de inmigracin sean justas, que l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-calls-for-comprehensive-approach-to-liberian-crisis | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls For Comprehensive Approach to Liberian Crisis | 2003-07-25 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.25.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls For Comprehensive Approach to Liberian Crisis Calls on Secretary of State Powell to Join Peace Talks in Ghana; Supports U.S. Participation in Multinational Peacekeeping Efforts after Ceasefire Is Reached Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today called for a comprehensive approach to the crisis in Liberia and for sustained U.S. engagement in the region. She welcomed the announcement that President Bush has ordered U.S. peacekeeping troops to be deployed offshore to participate in a multilateral effort to sustain a ceasefire under the auspices of the United Nations an in cooperation with ECOWAS forces.Lee said, We have an emergency in Liberia, and we should be willing to do whatever possible to help end the carnage and deaths. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), for which Lee is Whip, has offered to travel to Africa to support peace and a ceasefire. American involvement in this multinational peacekeeping effort is critical, said Lee. The failure of the United States to act before now has cost lives. She continued, We have both a historical and humanitarian obligation to help forge and sustain a ceasefire, as well as address the far-reaching problems of the region. I believe that Secretary of State Colin Powell and other high-level U.S. officials should travel to Africa to participate and assist in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Congresswoman Lee stated, The U.S. mission to support peace-keeping efforts to resolve the current crisis as part of the UN operation must be part of a larger strategy: Liberia needs more than a temporary ceasefire, and our obligations run far deeper. In addition to the short term need for a ceasefire, Lee said a larger strategy should incorporate programs designed to promote democracy; preserve human rights; expand healthcare access, including HIV-AIDS treatment and prevention; and address the social, economic, and political byproducts of years of civil war and misrule. This strategy must address the r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-declares-victory-on-reimportation-of-drugs-bill | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Declares Victory on Reimportation of Drugs Bill | 2003-07-25 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.25.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Declares Victory on Reimportation of Drugs Bill Bill Passes House Early this Morning Washington, DC At a press conference this afternoon at the Capitol, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and the Prescription Drug Importation House Coalition celebrated last night's passage of the Pharmaceutical Market Access of 2003, which permits the importation of drugs from other countries, where prices are often significantly lower than the high prices of American prescription drugs.Lee said, I'm delighted to be here to spread the news that with the passage of Rx Drug Market Access Bill last night, or should I say early this morning, relief from the crushing, deadly costs of prescription drug medicines could be on the way. This is a great victory for all Americans, and I congratulate all of my colleagues here today on their hard work to bring affordable medicines to all Americans. Where is the justice in Americans paying the highest prices in the world for medicines? Where is the justice in American taxpayers pouring billions of dollars into research that the drug companies turn into profit? And where is the justice in African Americans being twice as likely to go without medicines, as a Wall Street Journal article yesterday reported, while the drug companies are getting fat on profits? I'll tell you where the justice should be. It should be in relief for seniors who find themselves having to choose between buying food and buying prescription drugs. And it should be for African Americans who are suffering disproportionately and mightily under the current laws crafted to protect the drug companies and their inflated prices. The Wall Street Journal reports that fully 16% of black recipients of Medicare couldn't afford to fill at least one prescription in 2001, compared with 7% of whites. This bipartisan bill will save Americans millions on the inflated and outrageous cost of medicines in the United States. I am pleased that we can celebrate this victory today. ### … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-outraged-by-vote-to-dismantle-head-start | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Outraged by Vote to Dismantle Head Start | 2003-07-25 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.25.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Outraged by Vote to Dismantle Head Start In 1-vote Loss, Democrats United in Efforts to Save Head Start Washington, DC Early this morning, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and House Democrats voted against a Republican Head Start reauthorization bill, the so-called Readiness for School Act, that will radically alter what is perhaps the most successful early education program in the history of this country. The Republican bill would shift the administration of Head Start to the states through an eight-state pilot program and would reduce the comprehensive medical and nutritional resources that have been at the center of Head Start throughout the program's 38-year existence. Last week, Republicans were forced to delay a scheduled vote on the School Readiness Act because a massive nationwide grassroots campaign by Head Start proponents successfully pressured some Republicans to buck their leadership. Yesterday, after much lobbying, the House Republican leadership barely could claim victory, 217-216. 12 Republicans voted against the bill. Not one single Democrat voted for the bill. Although the Senate has yet to act on the measure, the bill's relaxing of the comprehensive services provided under Head Start currently will be devastating for the children of the East Bay and throughout the country. In the East Bay, 83% of Head Start students have received basic primary health care, and 75% have a continuous, accessible source for dental care. This is a horrible day, said Lee. This bill will not prepare students for school. In fact, this bill begins to dismantle Head Start, ensuring that these students -- our students -- will be left behind. This bill is not a school readiness plan, but the beginning of the end for Head Start as we know it. This fight is not over, said Lee. We will work to influence our colleagues in the Senate to oppose this terrible bill. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/president-bush-refuses-to-support-additional-americorps-funding | President Bush Refuses to Support Additional AmeriCorps Funding | 2003-07-23 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.23.03 President Bush Refuses to Support Additional AmeriCorps Funding Lee Pushes for Restoration of AmeriCorps Funding Cuts Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today signed a letter asking for $100 million for AmeriCorps to be included in an emergency supplemental appropriations measure after President Bush refused to support the program with enough money for 50,000 volunteers, a self-imposed goal that he called for to be met by 2003. Earlier this month, the Senate approved the $100 million in funding, but House Republicans on Monday night refused to include any money for AmeriCorps.President Bush has refused to push for the additional funding. If no money is passed, AmeriCorps will lose, essentially, 20,000 volunteers. In California, the program will lose 65% of its servicemembers. The differences between the two chambers will now be dealt with in a conference committee, and Lee's letter today represents a preemptive strike to push conferees to provide the additional funding. We need to secure this funding for AmeriCorps, said Lee. I'm very disappointed that the President is not willing to put his money where his mouth is in terms of supporting AmeriCorps and meeting the number of volunteers that he himself has called for. Lee cited the benefits of AmeriCorps in the California's 9th Congressional District, which has 22 affiliated programs. Among other projects, NetDay has provided 20 members to serve as technology coaches and mentors for 10,000 students at various Oakland Unified School District schools, including Castlemont High School, McClymonds High School, Life Academy, Westlake Middle School, Calvin Simmons Middle School, Elmhurst Middle School, Cox Elementary School and Stonehurst Elementary School. We need AmeriCorps, said Lee. A better AmeriCorps definitely makes for a better America. ## Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-asks-house-members-to-reject-singapore-and-chile-free-trade-agreements | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Asks House Members to Reject Singapore and Chile Free Trade Agreements | 2003-07-22 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.22.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Asks House Members to Reject Singapore and Chile Free Trade Agreements Trade Agreements Would Undermine Protections for Workers Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today appeared at a press conference in the Capitol with Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa and Members of Congress who oppose the unfair trade agreements with Chile and Singapore. The agreements, which will be voted on later this week, threaten to undermine worker protections abroad and drive jobs out of the United States.In her remarks, Lee said, We are here today to champion a fundamental principle: that workers not just in the United States, but all over the world, deserve protections. These trade agreements challenge and undermine that principle. They do nothing to ensure that workers of Chile and Singapore will be protected. These agreements merely give lip service to meeting the International Labor Organization's core labor standards. That shouldn't be a surprise because this Administration puts corporations first and workers last. This Administration doesn't care that jobs are streaming out of this country. This year alone, 400,000 service jobs this year will be newly located overseas. And that number will only climb over the next few years by 2015, that number is expected to be 3.3 million jobs. We feel these effects directly, Mr. President. In my congressional district, the unemployment rate is at 11%, but you want to cause more pain for the people of the East Bay of California! At a time when you've lost 3 million jobs since coming into office, why do you want to lose more! Finally, these agreements provide no protections for the environment, even though both of these countries have export trade centered on the destruction of natural resources. In fact, 1/3 of the remaining primary temperate forests in the world are in Chile. We cannot afford to lose the important resources, and we cannot afford to give up protections for workers. We must defeat these agreements be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-supports-hinchey-amendment-to-preserve-diversity-of-the-airwaves | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Hinchey Amendment to Preserve Diversity of the Airwaves | 2003-07-22 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.22.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Hinchey Amendment to Preserve Diversity of the Airwaves Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) spoke this afternoon on the House floor in support of the Hinchey Amendment, part of the debate on the FY 04 Commerce, Justice, and State Appropriations bill. The Hinchey Amendment calls for overturning the Federal Communications Commission's recent decision on deregulating media ownership rules; the Amendment would provide greater restrictions on media ownership within local markets, eliminating the development of monopolies and ensuring alternative voices and opinions.Lee said, The recent FCC decision to adopt new broadcast ownership rules raising the national television ownership rules undermines fundamental principles of diversity, fair play, and the competition and exchange of ideas. The overwhelming public reaction against this FCC move dramatically illustrates the very diversity in America that this ruling circumvents. Groups as wide-ranging as Common Cause, the National Rifle Association, and the National Organization for Women all oppose this step toward greater monopolization of the nation's airwaves. If we fail to take action, it is possible that a single company could own your local newspaper, your local television station, and your local radio station. Do you want all local news controlled by one company? That is possible under the new FCC rules. Another likely result of this rule change will be the further silencing of minority voices. According to recent surveys, minorities own less than 2 percent of the country's licensed TV stations and only 4 percent of the commercial AM and FM radio stations. These minority owners and other independent operators are in grave danger of being trampled by the accelerated expansion of media monopolies. Millions of Americans have contacted the FCC to express their disapproval of raising the limits on media ownership. I urge you to support the Hinchey amendment to prevent implementation of this unwise and uns… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-that-port-of-oakland-projects-receive-almost-25-million-in-house-version-of-fy-04-energy-and-water-appropriations-bill | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces that Port of Oakland Projects Receive Almost $25 Million in House Version of FY 04 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill | 2003-07-18 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.18.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces that Port of Oakland Projects Receive Almost $25 Million in House Version of FY 04 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced today that the FY 04 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, passed this afternoon by the House of Representatives, includes $21.785 million in funding for Port of Oakland projects, money that will ensure that the Port will continue to serve as one of the most important economic engines for revenues and jobs in the East Bay. The Port received $15 million to continue construction of its 50' dredging project and $6.785 for Operations and Maintenance. The bill also included $3 million to prepare Hamilton Army Airfield to take material from multiple dredging projects in the Bay Area. President Bush's budget included only $7 million for the dredging project and $2 million for Operations and Maintenance, but Lee made it a top priority to gain funding for the Port. I'm pleased with this effort in Congress to do everything possible to bring jobs and economic growth to the 9th Congressional District of California, said Lee. The vote on the bill came on the same day that the U.S. Department of Labor released state-by-state unemployment figures for June, showing that Bush's tax cuts and so-called economic plan have reversed what was one of the most thriving economic periods in American history. Today's report showed that California's unemployment rate for June was 6.7%, which is 2 full percentage points above California's unemployment rate in January 2001, when Bush took office. In that time, California has lost 370,600 jobs. Nationwide, the unemployment rate stands at 6.4 percent the highest rate in almost a decade. Since January 2001, more than 3 million private sector jobs have been lost, and under Bush's leadership, the nation has sunk $3 trillion further in debt. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-calls-interior-appropriations-bill-badly-underfunded | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls Interior Appropriations Bill Badly Underfunded | 2003-07-18 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.18.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls Interior Appropriations Bill Badly Underfunded Democratic Amendments for Preservation of Public Lands are Defeated Washington, DC With the House of Representatives working late into the night, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) early this morning voted against the Interior Appropriations Act, calling it badly underfunded. The bill represents President Bush's broken promise to eliminate the maintenance backlog at the National Parks and fails to provide even a modest programmatic increase for the National Endowment for the Arts, which is funded under this appropriations package.Lee supported Democratic amendments to the bill that would have safeguarded dwindling wilderness areas, including an amendment that would replace snowmobiles with snowcoaches in an increasingly-polluted Yellowstone Park and an amendment that would have prohibited the Bush Administration from undermining the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which would protect more than 58 million acres of our national forests. A $569 million Democratic amendment for conversation-related funding, paid for by reducing the Bush tax cuts for the almost 200,000 American millionaires by $3000, was not admitted by the Republicans. Land and water conservation is a matter of preserving our national heritage, said Lee. What we lose today will be gone forever. We are witnessing an unprecedented assault on our environment by Administration rollbacks that are decimating crucial and long-standing air, water, and land protections. This bill fails to protect our natural resources, which are already under attack. It cuts hundreds of millions from vital conservation programs. In another generation, our national parks, our wilderness, and our natural heritage will be gone if we continue down this road. The decisions we make today will lay the course for the future. I vehemently oppose these efforts to further weaken our public lands system. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-applauds-house-democrats-success-in-delaying-vote-on-devastating-head-start-bill | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds House Democrats Success in Delaying Vote on Devastating Head Start Bill | 2003-07-17 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.17.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds House Democrats' Success in Delaying Vote on Devastating Head Start Bill Republican Leadership Unable to Muster VotesWashington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee applauded House Democrats' success in at least temporarily fighting off a vote scheduled for today on a bill that would radically alter and decimate one of this country's most successful early childhood education programs. Under the pressure of a massive, grassroots educational and publicity campaign by Head Start proponents, House Republicans were not able to gain the votes necessary to pass the bill initiated by the Bush Administration.The bill aims to gut the core elements of Head Start, which, since its inception in 1965, has provided early childhood education for 20 million students. The Republican bill would force the program's holistic approach into an education-only focus, relying on test scores as the sole means of evaluating students. Instead of directly funding the Head Start, the bill would also send money to the states, which, under the pressure of enormous budget crises, could possibly use the money for purposes other than funding Head Start. In the California 9th Congressional District, 2,349 children are enrolled in 35 Head Start programs, which target needy families. 84% of these children live in families that receive public assistance or have incomes below the federal poverty line. In order to succeed in school, children need comprehensive medical and social services the heart of Head Start's mission. In the East Bay, 83% of Head Start students have received basic primary health care, and 75% have a continuous, accessible source of dental care. This Republican bill would reduce all of these services. While Lee praised the efforts of House Democrats, particularly the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), in publicizing this issue through hearings and Special Order speeches on the House floor, she especially applauded the grassroots efforts of residents of the 9th Congressional Distric… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/los-republicanos-han-fallado-a-la-comunidad-latina-en-el-programa-de-head-start | Los Republicanos han fallado a la Comunidad Latina en el programa de Head Start | 2003-07-17 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.17.03 Los Republicanos han fallado a la Comunidad Latina en el programa de Head Start Washington, DCLa Cong. Lee hizo la siguiente declaracin coincidiendo con el voto programado esta semana para re-autorizar el programa de Head Start. La propuesta republicana le hace dao al programa de Head Start y pone en riesgo el futuro de los nios latinos:Otra vez, los Republicanos en el Congreso estn enviando una seal fuerte de indeferencia a la comunidad Latina y al futuro de nuestro pas. Los Republicanos no solamente estn atacando a los nio latinos con su debilitamiento del programa de Head Start, sino tambin estn atacando a todos nuestros nios. Es importante que todos nosotros entenderemos que mientras que el pas envejece, mirara mas y mas hacia el pueblo latino, que es mas joven por una dcada, para tomar puestos importantes en varios sectores de nuestra economa, como el sector publico, la educacin, en reas de fabricar y en otras sectores que bien pueden determinar el futuro de nuestro pas. Por ms de 35 aos, el programa de Head Start ha mantenido un nivel de gran xito en poder proveer y ayudar a los nios de bajos ingresos a recibir lo necesario para su desarrollo. Los programas de Head Start hacen la diferencia en la vida de estos jvenes por medio de crear un programa holstico con mucha participacin de los padres. La propuesta de los Republicanos para el programa de Head Start causara dao profundo para las familias de bajos ingresos en nuestro pas e ignora a las necesidades de la comunidad latina al no proveer fondos para los programas de Head Start para trabajadores migratorios y temporales. Tambin no da fondos para ayudar a entrenar maestros que pueden ensearle a los nios bilinges. Por ms de 35 aos, el programa de Head Start ha gozado de gran xito en poder proveer para las necesidades de los nios de bajos recursos. El programa de Head Start ha preparado a estos nios para la escuela gracias a un programa de enseanza holstica con mucha participacin por los padres. La gama e intensidad de este programa es a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-fights-social-conservatives-effort-to-defeat-united-nations-population-fund-provision-in-foreign-relations-authorization-act | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Fights Social Conservatives Effort to Defeat United Nations Population Fund Provision in Foreign Relations Authorization Act | 2003-07-15 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.15.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Fights Social Conservatives' Effort to Defeat United Nations Population Fund Provision in Foreign Relations Authorization Act Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today challenged Rep. Chris Smith's (R-NJ) amendment to the FY 04 and FY 05 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, which essentially extended the Bush Administration's refusal to provide any funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).In May, Lee and Joseph Crowley (D-NY) successfully amended the bill in the House International Relations Committee (HIRC) to restore the UNFPA funding that Bush eliminated last year. After vigorous debate today, Smith's amendment barely passed in the Republican-controlled House, 216-211. On the floor, Lee said, Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Smith Amendment to deny basic, urgently needed health services to poor women living in over 140 countries across the globe. Mr. Speaker, this dangerous amendment would strip the amendment that Rep. Crowley and I successfully offered during committee to restore UNFPA funding. Our amendment prevailed then with a bipartisan majority because UNFPA saves the lives of women and their children, it prevents abortions, and it provides basic HIV/AIDS prevention services. Mr. Speaker, an overwhelming majority of this House voted for and the President recently signed into law the major AIDS initiative. UNFPA funding is yet another important source of funding in the fight against the deadly pandemic and should likewise be supported. Every day UNFPA is fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS and is saving the lives of hard-to-reach woman in hard-to-reach places all over the world. We should likewise support UNFPA funding. Finally, for those who will try to turn this into a debate about abortion: let me clarify once more: not one single penny of UNFPA funds goes towards abortion. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-honors-9th-congressional-district-students-at-georgetowns-junior-statesmen-summer-school | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors 9th Congressional District Students at Georgetowns Junior Statesmen Summer School | 2003-07-15 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.15.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors 9th Congressional District Students at Georgetown's Junior Statesmen Summer School Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today met with two students from the East Bay, Alexandra Krasov and Sarah Stoller, who are in town attending the Junior Statesmen Summer School at Georgetown University. Krasov attends Castro Valley High School, and Stoller attends Oakland's College Preparatory School.Lee joined the two students at a Congressional Reception where the two hundred eighty students attending the Junior Statesmen Summer School were honored, along with C-Span's Brian Lamb and Steve Scully. It's important that students from California and from all over the United States come to Washington to see how our laws are made, said Lee. The Junior Statesmen Summer School is a great program, and I am proud to have several 9th Congressional District students here as participants. During their three weeks in Washington, DC, these high school scholars have engaged in an intensive study of politics and government. The Summer School is sponsored by The Junior Statesmen Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational organization that was founded almost seventy years ago to educate young people about public affairs and the responsibilities of leadership in a democratic society. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/cong-lee-la-propuesta-de-medicare-republicana-les-hace-dano-a-los-ancianos-ninos-y-mujeres-embarazadas-latinas | CONG. LEE: LA PROPUESTA DE MEDICARE REPUBLICANA LES HACE DANO A LOS ANCIANOS, NINOS Y MUJERES EMBARAZADAS LATINAS | 2003-07-11 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.11.03 CONG. LEE: LA PROPUESTA DE MEDICARE REPUBLICANA LES HACE DANO A LOS ANCIANOS, NINOS Y MUJERES EMBARAZADAS LATINAS De nuevo, los Republicanos, bajo el liderato del presidente Bush, optan por ayudar a los donantes de altos ingresos y los intereses corporativos en vez del bienestar de las familias latinas. WASHINGTON, DC La Cong.Lee hoy da hizo las declaraciones siguientes en respuesta al constante ataque de los republicanos contra los miembros ms vulnerables de la comunidad latina: los ancianos, las mujeres embarazadas, y los nios.Los Republicanos de la Cmara de Representantes han propuesto un enmienda para el programa de Medicare al cual le falta la compasin prometida por el Presidente a los ancianos latinos, y no hace nada para ayudar a los 3.4 millones de ancianos latinos que son forzados a diario a escoger entre las necesidades de la vida y los medicamentos que necesitan para vivir. Los Republicanos obviamente otra vez han escogido a los intereses corporativos, en vez de los intereses humanos. Los hroes de los estados unidos, nuestros ancianos, merecen ser respetados. Ellos han trabajado y se han sacrificado demasiado para no tener otro recurso que escoger entre comer y comprar sus medicamentos. Es un atropello que detrs de los escenarios el Presidente Bush, quien continua pidiendo el voto de los latinos, seria capaz de oponerse a la restauracin de beneficios para inmigrantes en la versin del senado de la ley de Medicare. Con su oposicin a estos programas federales, como Medicad y el programa estatal de seguro medico para los nios, el Presidente le est enviando un mensaje muy fuerte de su indeferencia y falta de respeto para la comunidad latina. No veo compasin en sus acciones, conservador si, pero compasin, no. La comunidad le recordara al presidente Bush de sus acciones el da de las elecciones, y mientras tanto, nosotros los Demcratas continuaremos la lucha para restaurar estos beneficios. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-sends-letter-to-president-bush-demanding-1-billion-supplemental-appropriation-for-aids-bill | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Sends Letter to President Bush Demanding $1 Billion Supplemental Appropriation for AIDS Bill | 2003-07-11 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.11.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Sends Letter to President Bush Demanding $1 Billion Supplemental Appropriation for AIDS Bill Congresswoman Barbara Lee Sends Letter to President Bush Demanding $1 Billion Supplemental Appropriation for AIDS Bill Lee Asks Bush to Live Up to Earlier Promise of Full Funding of $3 Billion to Fight Global Pandemic Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), with the bi-partisan support of 115 co-sponsors, sent a letter to President George W. Bush demanding that the President provide an emergency supplemental appropriation of $1 billion to meet the funding authorized in the historic HIV/AIDS bill he signed in May. Lee was a co-sponsor of the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003, which called for $3 billion per year over five years. President Bush's FY 04 budget, however, provides only $2 billion in funding for the initiative. Throughout his five-day, five-nation tour and even earlier, Bush has repeatedly touted his record. While the President has been traveling around Africa touting his recent record in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the reality is that he is failing to put his full weight in Washington behind securing funding for the bill at the levels he promised, said Lee. I sincerely hope the President will use the same political capital he used in passing the tax cuts in order to secure the funding that millions of people so desperately need. Lives are depending on it. The letter to President Bush follows: Dear Mr. President: We are writing to thank you for your leadership regarding the global AIDS pandemic and we also strongly urge you to submit an emergency supplemental appropriations request of $1 billion for global HIV/AIDS programs, so that Congress can fully fund H.R. 1298, The United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003, which you signed into law on May 27, 2003. Without an emergency supplemental ap… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-to-receive-national-organization-of-womens-woman-of-courage-award | Congresswoman Barbara Lee To Receive National Organization of Womens Woman of Courage Award | 2003-07-11 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.11.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee To Receive National Organization of Women's Woman of Courage Award Will Receives Award Saturday at 2003 National NOW ConferenceWashington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) will receive the National Organization for Women's Woman of Courage Award tomorrow at the 2003 National NOW Conference. Barbara Lee has been a courageous legislator, said NOW President Kim Gandy. NOW is grateful for Barbara Lee's fearless support of women's rights, civil liberties and peace. Her bravery in standing up for her beliefs and her commitment to equality and justice are an inspiration to women's rights supporters across the country. I am honored to receive this award from NOW, and I accept it in the name of the many women of courage who have inspired me, said Lee. NOW has been so important in the campaign to protect and preserve women's rights and to mobilize women to participate in politics. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-votes-against-labor-hhs-education-appropriations-bill | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Votes Against Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill | 2003-07-10 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.10.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Votes Against Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill Bill significantly reduces education funding, shortchanges health and human services programs Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today voted against the FY 04 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill, which significantly underfunds educational programs by billions of dollars, fails to increase Pell Grants in spite of dramatically climbing college tuition costs, and slashes health care programs.The bill underfunds the No Child Left Behind Act by $8 billion, even though President Bush earlier promised full funding. The bill reduces low-income energy funding to $1.8 billion. The bill also fails to provide any significant increase for domestic AIDS programs even though 43,000 people per year develop AIDS in this country, and funding has not kept pace with the destruction of this horrible disease. A Democrat alternative, which the Republicans refused to allow to be voted on, would have added $8.5 billion for, among other things, education, Head Start, and meals-on-wheels programs for the elderly. The Democratic proposal would have been paid for by reducing millionaires' disproportionate share of the $350 billion Republican tax cut. At present, the average tax cut for millionaires will be $93,000, but the Democratic proposal would have cut the tax break in half, so that the average tax break for millionaires would be reduced to $44,000. This appropriations bill is an outrage, said Lee. Millions of Americans are not receiving the fundamental necessities of food and education because the Republicans believe that we should fatten the wallets of the wealthiest Americans. California will be devastated by the provisions of the bill. California school systems will receive $872 million less in Title I money for education than was promised. After school-programs in the state will lose $102 million. All in all, California education systems will be underfunded by $1.3 billion because Republicans pushed for the r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-supports-bringing-peace-back-to-liberia | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Bringing Peace Back to Liberia | 2003-07-07 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.07.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Bringing Peace Back to Liberia Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) a member of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Africa called on President Bush to address not only the humanitarian crisis in Liberia, but also the serious need for humanitarian and sustainable development across the continent. Over the weekend, the Bush Administration indicated that they are considering providing humanitarian assistance and peacekeepers for Liberia. Lee stated, The Administration's rhetoric must turn into reality. Liberia needs a significant peacekeeping force, and the United States needs to play a role in helping create the conditions for peace and prosperity. Lee said, The departure of Charles Taylor from Liberia is just one part of a complex problem. Peace in the Western region of Africa, actually peace throughout the continent, has less to do with military intervention and more to do with substantial sustainable development. Democratic members of the Africa Subcommittee and members of the U.S. Liberian community together drafted legislation, to be introduced today, that focuses on the ceasefire agreement and the desperate condition of Liberians in the country. Members of the Subcommittee and the Congressional Black Caucus, over recent weeks and months, have also made repeated efforts to work with the Administration to improve the current conditions of Africans. Upon Bush's return from Africa, hopefully he will translate his experiences there into policy advances here. He will see first hand how talk about ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic and famine is nothing without the concrete dollars to back it up. Lee went on to say, It's all very well and good that he is going to Africa; hopefully, he will see first hand how trade and aid won't work without peace and stability. Hopefully he will exert his influence to ensure full funding for vital programs he has stated he supports. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-calls-unemployment-report-embarrassing | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls Unemployment Report Embarrassing | 2003-07-03 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.03.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls Unemployment Report Embarrassing Unemployment at Highest Level in 9 Years Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) said that today's Department of Labor report showing American unemployment at the highest rate in 9 years signals yet again that the Bush Administration has reversed a once-booming economy. Today's report showed that 30,000 jobs were lost in June, bringing the total number of jobs lost since the beginning of the Bush Administration to almost 3 million. No President in modern history has failed to create a net jobs gain for the American economy. Unemployment in June overall climbed to 6.4%. Minorities were especially hardhit, suffering at rates well above the national average. The unemployment rate for Latinos was at 8.4%, and the unemployment rate African Americans climbed to 11.8 percent. These numbers show once again that the Bush Administration has driven us into a jobs depression, said Lee. More and more people are out of work, and they are draining their hard-earned savings as they struggle to survive. Even worse, while more and more people are losing their jobs, the President gets Republicans to pass tax cuts that will benefit the wealthiest people in this country. This sham of an economy is shameful. Surely we deserve better. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-august-codel-to-ethiopia-uganda-and-zambia | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces August CODEL to Ethiopia, Uganda, and Zambia | 2003-07-02 | 2003 | 2003-07 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 07.02.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces August CODEL to Ethiopia, Uganda, and Zambia Press Invited on Trip Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today announced that she will be leading a bi-partisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Ethiopia, Uganda, and Zambia August 21-29 to explore the devastation created by famine and the AIDS pandemic. These countries have been in the news lately, as the U.S. has been considering possible financial, humanitarian, and medical aid to this region.It is important that we learn first-hand about events occurring in these countries, said Lee. Over the next few years, the United States Congress will be more and more engaged with Africa, as we should have been all along. Now is the time to export knowledge and technical aid, in addition to humanitarian assistance. Journalists from American and African media outlets are invited to join the trip. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lees-amendment-calling-for-gao-to-conduct-study-on-us-intelligence-receives-185-votes | Congresswoman Barbara Lees Amendment Calling for GAO to Conduct Study on U.S. Intelligence Receives 185 Votes | 2003-06-26 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.26.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee's Amendment Calling for GAO to Conduct Study on U.S. Intelligence Receives 185 Votes Would Have Investigated to What Extent Department of Defense and Other Intelligence Agencies Shared Information with UN Inspectors in Iraq Washington, DC In what was the first significant Congressional demonstration of support for an investigation into U.S. intelligence used to justify the war against Iraq, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA)'s Intelligence Authorization Act amendment, calling for a study to determine whether the U.S. intelligence community withheld or distorted information from United Nations weapons inspectors in Iraq, received 185 votes. That vote was just 33 votes short of the number needed to launch an investigation.Recent newspaper accounts have detailed the Bush Administration's possible manipulation of intelligence in the weeks and months preceding the invasion of Iraq. After the vote, Lee said, I am pleased to see that there is such growing support for our effort to receive straight answers from the Administration. The American people have a right to know the facts. During the debate on the House floor last night, Lee said, Our President told the American people, the Congress, and the world that inspections had failed, that Iraq unquestionably possessed weapons of mass destruction, and that these weapons posed such a dire threat to the United States that we had no choice but to go to war. All other options, he said, had been exhausted. But, the question we must continue to ask is, were those options truly exhausted? Were they, in fact, fully pursued? Did the United States intelligence community share information with the UN inspectors about suspected weapons sites? Did it happen in a timely and sufficient manner? This nation launched a preemptive war based on what it claimed was indisputable evidence. If that evidence was not so solid and especially if it was distorted, then we severely undercut our ability to convince the world about future dangers from we… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-supports-amendment-to-increase-port-security | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Amendment to Increase Port Security | 2003-06-25 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.25.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Amendment to Increase Port Security Measure would have been paid for by reducing millionaires' average tax breaks by $5000 Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today supported an amendment to the Homeland Security Appropriations bill that would have added almost $400 million for port security grants. The amendment, which was sponsored by Congressman David Obey (D-WI), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, called for paying for the grants by cutting the average tax break for millionaires under the Bush tax cut plan from $88,326 to $83,326. The Republican Homeland Security bill includes only $100 million for port security grants, even though the U.S. Coast Guard estimates that it needs approximately $4 billion more for port security improvements than has been appropriated since September 11, 2001. Only $463 million has been appropriated for port security grants since September 11th, even though Republicans have appropriated billions of dollars for military equipment and other homeland security measures. The Republicans continue to tell us that we should make our homeland safer, yet their rhetoric is empty, said Lee. The reality is that our ports are vulnerable to terrorist attacks. In my district, the Port of Oakland is one of our greatest economic engines, and one of the most vulnerable ports in the country. Under the Republican plan, the safety of the people working there and the economic security of our region are being compromised so that millionaires can enjoy a few extra thousand dollars. Clearly, Republicans are more interested in protecting the pocketbooks of millionaires than in protecting the welfare of hardworking Americans. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/supreme-court-upholds-diversity-as-a-compelling-state-interest | Supreme Court Upholds Diversity as a Compelling State Interest | 2003-06-23 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.23.03 Supreme Court Upholds Diversity as a Compelling State Interest Race Can Be a Factor in Admissions Decisions Washington, DC The U.S. Supreme Court today issued rulings in the landmark University of Michigan cases on the use of affirmative action in admissions policies, finding that diversity is a compelling state interest for educational programs. The Court also said that race can be a factor in achieving that diversity. The ruling affirmed the 1978 Bakke decision on the constitutionality of affirmative action and turned back the Bush Administration's claim that race should never be considered a factor in admissions policies.This is a great day. This is one of the most important civil rights cases in the last quarter century, said Lee during the keynote address at the Rainbow Push Coalition and the Citizen Education Fund in Chicago, given just hours after the Supreme Court rulings. Today the Supreme Court upheld the principle of affirmative action and upheld the idea that diversity is a strength, not a weakness. Lee said that she hoped that today's ruling will effect a change in admission policies in California higher education institutions. In my home state, we have borne witness to the impact of the attack on affirmative action. With today's Supreme Court decision, perhaps we can now revisit Prop 209 and right a tremendous wrong, said Lee. At many of the top schools in the state, minority enrollment has been cut in half since Prop 209 passed. Earlier this year, Lee joined 110 Members of Congress in filing a friend-of-the-court brief in favor of maintaining the affirmative action programs. That brief asked the Court to recognize the educational and political benefits of diversity; to uphold the use of race as one factor among others that can be considered in government decision-making; and to reaffirm that the role of race in this decision making process is not limited to remedying specific instances of identified discrimination. That brief was one of 78 filed in favor of the University… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/oakland-resident-gideon-anders-of-national-housing-law-project-testifies-before-house-of-representatives-subcommittee-on-housing | Oakland Resident Gideon Anders of National Housing Law Project Testifies Before House of Representatives Subcommittee on Housing | 2003-06-20 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.20.03 Oakland Resident Gideon Anders of National Housing Law Project Testifies Before House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Housing Introduced by Lee at hearing Washington, DC At a House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held late yesterday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9) introduced Mr. Gideon Anders, Executive Director of the National Housing Law Project in Oakland. Anders was in Washington testifying before the Subcommittee about needed changes in the Rural Housing Service Program, which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Lee told the Housing Subcommittee, on which she herself is a member, that Anders was a fellow soldier in the fight for housing. Lee said that Anders and the National Housing Law Project worked to make housing a central part of our domestic agenda and that they had championed her belief that adequate housing should be considered a basic human right. Lee also told the Subcommittee that the affordable housing crisis reaches all walks of life, from the urban centers of Oakland, California to the heart of rural America, and she proposed that fellow members support the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which Lee has co-sponsored. Anders and the National Housing Law Project, she said, had worked with her and other housing advocates on issues ranging from the need for the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund to defending the rights of tenants under the current HUD one-strike policy. Anders is an Oakland resident. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-introduces-bill-to-name-berkeley-post-office-after-civil-rights-champion-maudelle-shirek | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Bill to Name Berkeley Post Office After Civil Rights Champion Maudelle Shirek | 2003-06-19 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.19.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Bill to Name Berkeley Post Office After Civil Rights Champion Maudelle Shirek Congresswoman Gives Floor Statement on Shirek's Birthday Washington, DC Following is the floor statement given by Congresswoman Lee yesterday after introducing legislation that would name the main Berkeley post office the Maudelle Shirek Post Office:"Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to introduce this resolution to honor the Vice Mayor of the City of Berkeley, a great leader for human and civil rights and for peace and disarmament, Councilmember Vice Mayor Maudelle Shirek. Today is Councilmember Maudelle Shirek's 92nd birthday and in honor of her tremendous legacy, I am extremely proud to introduce the Maudelle Shirek Post Office Resolution. While fighting for social justice is no rarity in Berkeley, Maudelle's name always stands above the rest because of her uncompromising fidelity to her ideals and compassion for people. As one of my political heroes, Maudelle continues to fight for equality and social justice for all. She is truly a role model for women, especially for young African American women. She not only inspired me to get involved in politics but also my predecessor, the Honorable Ronald V. Dellums. Her commitment to investing in people has won the solid support for many years of voters in her district. She is recognized throughout the world as a distinguished leader. One of my most memorable Maudelle stories was when she was arrested with about 109 others in an anti-apartheid protest at the University of California at Berkeley. Many of the protesters were many years younger, including myself. She knew very well the awesome power of standing for what is right, regardless of the consequences. A granddaughter of slaves, Maudelle left rural Arkansas which, of course, was her home; and she came to California in the middle of World War II. Before long she was campaigning for fair housing and for many, many civil rights for African Americans and others who had been left o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/latino-news | Latino News | 2003-06-19 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.19.03 Latino News Washington, DC La Cong. Lee reaccion a una encuesta hecha por el New Democrat Network (NDN) que demuestra que el presidente Bush est perdiendo apoyo en la comunidad hispana. Esto es evidencia que la luna de miel entre el Presidente Bush y los hispanos ha terminado. Los republicanos hablan mucho de la importancia de los hispanos, pero en los asuntos importantes para la comunidad: Educacin, trabajos, Latinoamrica y inmigracinno hacen nada por ayudar a los latinos, La Cong. Lee aadi En la Educacin, los Republicanos recortan fondos para los programas importantes para los hispanos, los Republicanos presiden el desempleo mas alto para hispanos en ms de diez anos, han ignorado a Latino Amrica y no han hecho nada en inmigracin, La Cong. Lee aadi. La encuesta NDN demosntro que el respaldo que le dan los Hispanos al Presidente Bush a bajado 10 puntos cuando se compareado a otra encuesta que se hizo hace un ano. Lo hispanos le dan el 48% del voto al candidato Demcrata comparado al 34% que le dan el voto al Presidente Bush. Esta Semana el grupo New Democrat Network (NDN) anuncio su encuesta nacional de Hispanos titulada, Demcratas Unidos, que fue echa por Benidxen and Associates de Coral Gables, Florida. La encuesta fue diseada para representar a los votantes Hispanos y fue conducida en espaol e ingles. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/transportation-services-administration-provides-grants-for-port-of-oakland-security-measures | Transportation Services Administration Provides Grants for Port of Oakland Security Measures | 2003-06-17 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.17.03 Transportation Services Administration Provides Grants for Port of Oakland Security Measures Washington, DC -- Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today announced that the Port of Oakland has received $1.6 million from the Transportation Services Administration (TSA) for seaport security. The money will be used for a mobile vehicular traffic barrier system, and it follows on the heels of the first round of TSA grants in 2002. At that time, the Port of Oakland received $4.8 million in grants for an emergency communications system, a seaport video camera surveillance system, and an access control system.In addition to the Port's TSA grant, four of the Port's tenants received funding for security projects, including Total Terminals Berth 55-56, Seaside Transportation Services, SSA Pacific Services, and Eagle Marine Services. All together, TSA granted $2.5 million for security at the Port. Including the first round of grants, TSA has now provided almost $9 million in funding for securing what is the fourth largest container port in the nation. I am pleased that the Port of Oakland has received these TSA grants, said Lee. The Port of Oakland is one of the most important economic engines in the Bay Area and California, and it serves as an entry point for a substantial number of goods that come into the country and are used throughout the nation. I am concerned, though, that the grants for our nation's port security systems have been small. Our ports are extremely vulnerable, and this administration has not devoted the necessary resources to ensure that our points are secure. As a member of the Congressional Port Security Caucus, I will continue to push this Administration and this Congress to direct more funding towards port security both at the Port of Oakland and at ports throughout the nation. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-joint-congressional-black-caucus-senate-democrats-african-american-leadership-summit | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Joint Congressional Black Caucus-Senate Democrats African American Leadership Summit | 2003-06-13 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.13.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Joint Congressional Black Caucus-Senate Democrats African American Leadership Summit Several Oakland residents scheduled to participate in forum WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today announced plans for an African American Leadership Summit with Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members, Senate Democrats and over 250 African American leaders from around the country. The summit will take place on Thursday, June 26 and will include a daylong discussion on issues important to African American families, including jobs and the economy, education, health care, civil rights and homeland security.The Summit is an unprecedented joint effort by the CBC and the Senate Democrats to bring African American leaders to the Capitol to discuss contemporary policy issues. It represents a continuation of work started in previous meetings between the two legislative partners. The Summit will open with roundtable discussions with Senate and House Democrats and African American leaders, followed by a panel discussion on jobs and the economy moderated by former Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman. The Summit will conclude later that afternoon with a town hall meeting with young African American leaders. The discussion will focus on policy priorities raised by these emerging civic leaders, and it will emphasize greater participation of younger African Americans in the electoral process. Two East Bay residents will participate: Dr. Ruth B. Love, Professor of Education Administration at San Francisco State University and President of RVL Enterprises and Carol H. Williams, President, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Carol H.Williams Advertising. The 2003 African American Leadership Summit represents an effort to reach out to form ties with our Senate colleagues, said Lee. Meeting with the Senate Democrats will offer us an opportunity to again tell them just what we have been fighting for and just what we stand for. I am excited that people from the 9th District will b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/progressive-caucus-to-host-forum-on-the-pitfalls-of-nafta | Progressive Caucus To Host Forum On The Pitfalls Of NAFTA | 2003-06-10 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.10.03 Progressive Caucus To Host Forum On The Pitfalls Of NAFTA Forum To Be Held Thursday, June 12 at 9 a.m. in 2168 RayburnThe Congressional Progressive Caucus will host a forum on the impact of free trade agreements on American's working poor Thursday, June 12 at 9:00am in 2168 Rayburn House Office Building. Free trade has eliminated 3 million U.S. jobs, has threatened U.S. industrial workers from unionizing, and has led to the near-extinction of U.S. family farms. America's working poor -- migrant farm workers, displaced industrial sector and garment workers, and family farmers -- will testify to free trade's damaging effects on their lives and communities. More than a dozen members of Congress will preside over the briefing, led by Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Kucinich and Lee, as well as Reps. John Conyers (D-MI), Bob Filner (D-CA), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Major Owens (D-NY), Ed Pastor (D-AZ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Donald Payne (D-NJ) and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA). Testifying at Thursday's forum will be representatives from United Farm Workers of America, Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Farm Labor Organizing Committee, Tennessee Industrial Renewal Network, Association of Border Workers, Charleston 5 International Longshoremen's Association, Fuerza Unida, Chinese Progressive Association, AFL-CIO, National Family Farm Coalition, Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association, American Corn Growers Association, Pacific Coast Federation of Fisherman's Association, and Public Citizen. US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick has been invited to attend, but has yet to confirm. For additional information please contact Doug Gordon (Kucinich) (202) 225-5871 or Stuart Chapman (Lee) (202) 225-2661. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-results-from-2003-earned-income-tax-credit-campaign | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Results from 2003 Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign | 2003-06-09 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.09.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Results from 2003 Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign Low-income families in the East Bay receive more than $1.8 million in EITC refunds Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today proudly announced the results of the 2003 Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign (EITC), sponsored by the Alameda County Asset Development Community Partnership, of which Congresswoman Lee is a founding member. Thanks to an effective effort to identify people who had previously not taken advantage of this federal tax break for low-income families, $1,821,321 in EITC refunds were captured. The median EITC refund was $1203.Over the entire tax season, 428 Partnership volunteers helped individuals and families file 2250 free tax returns in 14 different Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites around the East Bay. Another 6,021 requests for EITC information came in through the campaign's toll-free 800 number. Including the EITC refunds, total tax refunds for the 2250 returns filed totaled $3,069,762. This has been an extremely successful campaign, said Lee. Many hard-working families have been able to receive the tax refunds to which they are entitled. Particularly with our economy in a jobs depression, these individuals and families need this money. The announcement of the EITC figures follows on the heels of last week's revelation that Congressional Republicans eliminated the $1000 child tax credit for many low-income families. Republicans claimed to need the savings in order to guarantee substantial dividend and income tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. Lee is a co-sponsor on a Democratic bill that would restore the child tax credits for all Americans. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-introduces-peace-stamp | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Peace Stamp | 2003-06-05 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.05.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Peace Stamp Revenue from stamp would benefit the Peace Corps Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today introduced The Peace Stamp Act, which calls for the creation of a stamp, the revenues from which would send money to the Peace Corps. Similar to the successful breast cancer stamp, the proposed peace stamp would sell at a slightly higher rate than the normal 37 cents in order to generate revenue above the Postal Service's operating costs.Lee introduced the stamp to provide funding for the increased Peace Corps force that President Bush has called for. After Bush called for a doubling of volunteers for the Peace Corps by 2007, Lee began to consider this innovative effort for funding to help the Peace Corps to meet this goal. The creation of a postal peace stamp provides an excellent opportunity to generate additional funding for a truly remarkable organization, said Lee. This bill would greatly benefit the growing number of volunteers committed to promoting world peace and friendship. The Peace Stamp Act currently has 32 co-sponsors. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-speaks-out-against-fcc-ruling-on-media-deregulation | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks Out Against FCC Ruling On Media Deregulation | 2003-06-05 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.05.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks Out Against FCC Ruling On Media Deregulation Washington, DC At a press conference today on Monday's Federal Communications Commission's decision on media deregulation, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement:This week's FCC decision to allow for monopolies in media markets represents a grave day for free speech. It represents a grave day for any American who believes that we benefit from the presentation of a variety of viewpoints on issues, not the few that will be ushered in by the huge media conglomerates. The Bush Administration has, effectively, gone on record saying that they are not interested in preserving multiple media voices and opinions in the electronic and print media industries and that they are not interested in promoting minority participation in our cultural dialogue. The results will be staggering. We will soon no longer have small, independent television stations and newspapers because they simply don't have the resources to compete with Viacom and Newscorp. By lifting these rules, we will lose the independent media watchdog the American people have come to rely on. By lifting these rules, we will endanger the few minority voices now heard on the nation's airways. Now, we must redouble our efforts to pass legislation that will repeal this ruling against free speech and broad expression. We must mobilize grassroots organizations, who have already been galvanizing critical support, to help us in this fight. The suppression of the majority of voices in our society is simply not acceptable. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-co-sponsors-resolution-of-inquiry-to-demand-release-of-us-intelligence-on-iraqi-weapons-of-mass-destruction-programs | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Co-Sponsors Resolution of Inquiry to Demand Release of U.S. Intelligence on Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction Programs | 2003-06-04 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.04.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Co-Sponsors Resolution of Inquiry to Demand Release of U.S. Intelligence on Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction Programs Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today signed on as a co-sponsor of a resolution of inquiry demanding the release of U.S. intelligence that provided supposed justification for the invasion of Iraq. The rarely-used procedure requires the House committee to which the resolution is assigned to respond within 14 days. Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) will introduce the resolution tomorrow.Lee said, The American people deserve to know the truth. The Bush Administration told the public, the United Nations, and the world that Iraq had tens of thousands of biological and chemical weapons and that Saddam Hussein was well on his way to acquiring nuclear weapons. They claimed that justified a war and the sacrifice of far too many lives. Weeks later, we have searched hundreds of sites without finding these weapons. In a recent interview, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz is quoted as stating, For bureaucratic reasons we settled on one issue, weapons of mass destruction, because it was the one reason everyone could agree on.' This nation shouldn't be going to war because it was the one reason everyone in the Administration could agree on. That is a travesty of justice. Truth was definitely the first casualty in this war. This resolution of inquiry asks the Administration to provide Congress with the proof behind its long list of statements. We should have had this proof before we were ever asked to vote on whether or not to send our troops to war. Both Congress and the American public deserve to know the truth. This resolution of inquiry seeks to find it. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-co-sponsors-bill-to-give-tax-relief-to-working-families-left-out-of-bush-tax-cut-bill | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Co-sponsors Bill to Give Tax Relief to Working Families Left Out of Bush Tax Cut Bill | 2003-06-03 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.03.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Co-sponsors Bill to Give Tax Relief to Working Families Left Out of Bush Tax Cut Bill Republicans cut out working families at last minute to make room for tax cuts for millionaires Washington, DC -- Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today became a co-sponsor of H.R. 2286, which would expand the child tax credit and provide marriage penalty relief to working families left out of the recently signed White House-supported tax law. The bill would include an expansion of the refundable child credit, expand the refundable child credit for the families of military serving in Iraq and other combat zones, and accelerate the marriage penalty relief in the Earned Income Tax Credit provided in the 2001 tax bill.Independent analyses have confirmed that 6.5 million families, including nearly 12 million children, will not receive the additional $400 child tax credit in the new tax law because they were excluded from the bill just before it was passed by the House and Senate late last month. Families who will not benefit earn between $10,500 to $26,625 per year, pay federal income taxes, and have at least one child younger than 17 years old. This is an outrage, said Lee. The President said that all Americans were going to receive tax relief, and then he not only goes back on his promise, but he hurts those who are most vulnerable. He likes to say that we should leave no child behind,' but then he happily signs a bill that denies promised child tax credit relief to millions of low-income families and their children. Under H.R. 2286, an estimated 19 million children would receive assistance by lowering to $7500 the amount of wages a family must earn before the child credit begins. Another provision in the legislation would speed up marriage penalty relief for working couples who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. A couple with two children, where each parent earns $10,000, will face an approximately $1000 marriage penalty next year, yet the Republican law did not include accele… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-speaks-out-against-proposed-flag-desecration-amendment | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks Out Against Proposed Flag Desecration Amendment | 2003-06-03 | 2003 | 2003-06 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 06.03.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks Out Against Proposed Flag Desecration Amendment Measure would limit free speech Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on today's House of Representatives vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit desecration of the flag:I will not vote for any constitutional amendment that undermines the First Amendment, which, as the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed, protects even unpopular forms of dissent. Our founding fathers well knew the importance of free speech and expression, and carrying on that tradition, we should do everything possible to ensure that this fundamental cornerstone of our democracy remains intact. -- Congresswoman Barbara Lee Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-and-congressman-bernie-sanders-join-forces-in-bay-area-to-call-for-passage-of-the-freedom-to-read-act | Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Bernie Sanders Join Forces in Bay Area To Call for Passage of the Freedom to Read Act | 2003-05-29 | 2003 | 2003-05 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 05.29.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Bernie Sanders Join Forces in Bay Area To Call for Passage of the Freedom to Read Act Lee and Sanders to participate in KPFA call-in show from 7-9 p.m. tonight on next week's expected Federal Communications Commission ruling permitting media monopolies Oakland, CA Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Bernie Sanders (I-VT) held two Bay Area events highlighting the need for greater civil liberties under a Bush Administration that continues to tear away at the fundamental rights of Americans. At the San Francisco Public Library, Lee and Sanders held a discussion with library, bookseller, and Frist Amendment advocates that included calls for Sanders' Freedom to Read Act, which would amend the Patriot Act to restore legal standards for investigations of libraries and bookstores to levels in place before the passage of the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act now allows the FBI to search library and bookstore records without a traditional search warrant.The event was emceed by Susan Hildreth, City Librarian for the San Francisco Public Library. Other participants in the event included Zoia Horn, retired librarian; Ann Brick, ACLUNorthern California; Mark Zimmerman, First Amendment Project; Karen Dyer, California Association of Library Trustees; Angela Yang, Fremont Library; and Anne Turner, Santa Cruz Library. Lee told the forum that the Patriot Act fundamentally altered basic rules about search and seizure, detention, wiretaps, and electronic surveillance. We must not allow our Constitution to become collateral damage in the war on terrorism. This evening, from 7-9 p.m., Lee and Sanders will participate in a KPFA call-in show about the FCC's upcoming ruling on media ownership. Next week, the FCC will vote on proposals that would allow broadcast networks to buy more television stations and would remove the ban preventing newspapers from buying television stations in the same media market. About the need for ensuring diversity within media m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/president-bush-signs-global-aids-bill | President Bush Signs Global AIDS Bill | 2003-05-27 | 2003 | 2003-05 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 05.27.03 President Bush Signs Global AIDS Bill Co-sponsor Lee disappointed in social conservatives' provision for specified abstinence funding Washington, DC - In a ceremony today at the State Department, President George W. Bush signed the Global HIV/AIDS bill, the $15 billion U.S. Leadership against Global Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003, co-sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA). For the most part, H.R. 1298 provides a comprehensive and balanced approach to fighting the AIDS pandemic by supporting a variety of prevention methods, emphasizing care and treatment of infected individuals, funding vaccine research and development, and supporting the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. The bill is also sponsored by Congressman Henry Hyde (R-IL), Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), Congressman Jim Leach (R-IA), and Congressman Dave Weldon (R-FL). "I am pleased that the President has signed this truly historic piece of legislation," said Lee, who has worked on both international and domestic HIV/AIDS funding. "We have worked for years to provide help for the millions of people who are in dire need. This is another step in the right direction. In spite of the victory, Lee expressed frustration that social conservatives added an amendment to earmark 33% of all HIV/AIDS prevention spending for abstinence-only programs. "This targeted funding is extremely disappointing," said Lee. "As the Ugandan model has shown, we need to be flexible in creating a response to AIDS in every country, and we should leave those decisions to experts in the field." In the House International Relations Committee drafting of the bill, Lee successfully ensured that each aspect of the ABC prevention model (abstinence, be faithful, use condoms) would be equally weighted in terms of United States policy, defeating Republican attempts to prioritize abstinence-only programs. Lee also warned that even with the signing of the bill, pressure should continue to be put on President Bush to provide appropriat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-praises-final-passage-of-aids-bill | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Praises Final Passage of AIDS Bill | 2003-05-21 | 2003 | 2003-05 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 05.21.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Praises Final Passage of AIDS Bill Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today applauded the passage of H.R. 1298, the $15 billion U.S. Leadership against Global Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003, by the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 1298, which Lee sponsored, is largely structured to provide a comprehensive and balanced approach to fighting the AIDS pandemic by supporting a variety of prevention methods, emphasizing care and treatment of infected individuals, funding vaccine research and development, and supporting the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Unfortunately this balance was upset in the House floor debate, as social conservatives added an amendment to earmark 33% of all HIV/AIDS prevention spending for abstinence-only programs. The bill is also sponsored by Congressman Henry Hyde (R-IL), Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), Congressman Jim Leach (R-IA), and Congressman Dave Weldon (R-FL).The House had to approve the bill again after the Senate added an amendment that encouraged the Secretary of the Treasury to expand the Enhanced Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative to provide increased debt relief for countries ravaged by AIDS. "I am pleased that the House has passed this truly historic legislation," said Lee, who has worked many years on both international and domestic HIV/AIDS funding. But Lee also warned that even with the passage of the bill, pressure should be put on President Bush to provide appropriate funding. We shouldn't be too quick to pat ourselves on the back, she said. We must urge the President and our colleagues on the appropriations committee to fully fund the $3 billion authorization, beginning this year. AIDS will not wait, and neither can we. Lee also insisted that the funding for the domestic AIDS crisis be increased. Just under a million people are estimated to be infected here in the United States, and a quarter of those don't even know that they are infected. 40,000 people ar… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-releases-congressional-record-statement-on-opposing-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2004 | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Congressional Record Statement on Opposing National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 | 2003-05-21 | 2003 | 2003-05 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 05.21.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Congressional Record Statement on Opposing National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1588.This bill spends in excess of $400 billion, much of it for Cold War-era programs, redundant weapons systems, and a missile defense system that will once again siphon off $9 billion in resources that won't go to education, healthcare, economic growth, or homeland security. Everyone in this room cares about national security. We are all concerned that once again this nation is at code orange, a term we didn't even know a few years ago. But this defense bill will not make us safe. It will not take us back to code green. It will send us deeper into the red, in terms of our budget. It will mean that our schools will continue to deteriorate, the homeless will continue to be left out in the cold, and seniors will continue to struggle to pay for prescriptions. Because this defense budget carries costs that go well beyond its $400 billion price tag, costs in lost opportunities here at home. This bill also threatens our environment. It places endangered species at even greater risk by exempting the Department of Defense and other federal agencies from abiding by our basic laws. It will also result in more whales and other marine mammals being injured and killed by sonar operations. We can achieve national security without sacrificing our national heritage. Finally, this bill once again deprives women in the service of their country of basic reproductive freedoms and choices. I urge you to oppose this bill. Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-condemns-so-called-healthy-forest-restoration-act | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Condemns So-Called Healthy Forest Restoration Act | 2003-05-20 | 2003 | 2003-05 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 05.20.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Condemns So-Called Healthy Forest Restoration Act Bill instructs courts to give preference to bureaucrats Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today blasted the passage of the Republican so-called Healthy Forest Restoration Act, H.R. 1904, which will jeopardize not only national forests but also tilt court decisions in favor of government agencies. The far-reaching implications of H.R. 1904 have sparked opposition from a diverse coalition, including national environmental, civil rights, disability, and women's organizations.H.R. 1904 will promote logging of older trees actually the ones more resistant to fire. The bill will also force federal district and appellate courts to give lawsuits on forest issues priority over all others, and it attempts to pressure federal courts to issue final decisions on forestry challenges and appeals within days. The ruling also requires courts to give disproportionate weight to agencies in determining whether an injunction would be in the public interest. All in all, the Bush Administration, according to a recent Boston Globe editorial, wants to use the threat of wildfires as an excuse to invite timber companies to cut down valuable old-growth trees in remote areas. Rather than protecting national forests and communities, the Healthy Forest Restoration Act threatens our ecosystem and judicial system with far-reaching consequences, said Lee. The results are obvious. It would tip the scales of justice in favor of proponents of logging and set a dangerous precedent for favoring agencies when courts consider public interest issues that could affect disability, civil rights, and labor law, among other areas. There are better solutions to preventing wildfires than increasing rampant logging and interfering with the judicial process, said Lee. In fact, a Democratic substitute, supported by major environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and the World Wildlife Fund, would have protected communities within half a mile of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-supports-public-safety-ex-offender-self-sufficiency-act | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Public Safety Ex-Offender Self-Sufficiency Act | 2003-05-20 | 2003 | 2003-05 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 05.20.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports Public Safety Ex-Offender Self-Sufficiency Act Washington, DC In support of the Public Safety Ex-Offender Self-Sufficiency Act of 2003 today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement:We recognize that crime is a serious problem. However, approximately 630,000 offenders were released back into our communities last year from the nation's prisons and jails. Far too many will struggle to find housing, jobs, or the means to move forward with their lives. This bill would provide incentives for state and local governments, developers, and nonprofit organizations to develop transitional housing and support services for ex-offenders. A stable living situation is a proven brake on recidivism. This bill addresses an unmet need: newly released offenders need stable housing and support services. Society needs them to succeed. This bill then also represents an effective crime-reduction strategy. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-objects-to-unauthorized-use-of-name-in-advertisement-in-new-york-times | Congresswoman Barbara Lee objects to unauthorized use of name in advertisement in New York Times | 2003-05-16 | 2003 | 2003-05 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 05.16.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee objects to unauthorized use of name in advertisement in New York Times Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today expressed her dismay that her name had appeared in an advertisement in the May 14, 2003 edition of the New York Times, paid for by the organizers of a June Teach-in to Congress on Middle East issues. Congresswoman Lee stated that she was disappointed by the use of her name by Tikkun without consultation. The ad promoted the event and the legislative agenda of the group. Contrary to the implication of the ad, she was never scheduled to speak at the Teach-In, although she was scheduled to join participants at a dinner. She also noted that the disclaimer that Not all speakers agree with all the points made in this ad or [the enclosed political] Resolution, which appeared in very small print, did not excuse the unauthorized use of names of Members of Congress.Congresswoman Lee has personally expressed her disappointment to the organizers. She remains firmly committed to working toward peace in the Middle East. ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-introduces-house-resolution-calling-on-the-president-to-urge-g-8-countries-to-contribute-to-fight-against-aids-tuberculosis-and-malaria-calls-for-more-money-for-global-fund | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces House Resolution Calling on the President to Urge G-8 Countries To Contribute to Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Calls for more money for Global Fund | 2003-05-15 | 2003 | 2003-05 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 05.15.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces House Resolution Calling on the President to Urge G-8 Countries To Contribute to Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Calls for more money for Global Fund Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today introduced a resolution calling on President Bush to encourage members of the G-8 and representatives of the European Union to pledge a substantial amount of money to fight against global AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria to complement the recent commitment of the United States to spend $15 billion in the next five years.Back in 1998 when I was first elected to Congress, we already knew that AIDS in combination with tuberculosis was creating a humanitarian disaster in many parts of Africa, said Lee. Together with my good friend and colleague, former Congressman Ron Dellums, and with strong support and help from Congressman Jim Leach, we helped create the first truly global response to this pandemic through passage of the Global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000 - which established the framework for what would become the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. At the same time, the G-8 had also reached a watershed moment in its response to AIDS and other infectious diseases at the Okinawa summit meeting in 2000. Recognizing the link between HIV/AIDS and poverty, the G-8 produced an ambitious plan to combat AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. And yet, overall global funding for these diseases was slow in rising. The UN Secretary General's formal call for the establishment of the Global Fund in the summer of 2001 did produce a total of $1.3 billion in pledges of support from members of the G-8. Although this was a noteworthy development, it represented only about a tenth of the total estimated need. Coming from the world's richest nations, this was a paltry commitment of resources. At the same time, here in the House of Representatives we were working on legislation that would authorize about $1.4 billion for global AIDS programs… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-speaks-out-against-federal-communication-commissions-reported-deregulation-of-media-ownership-rules | Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks Out Against Federal Communication Commissions Reported Deregulation of Media Ownership Rules | 2003-05-14 | 2003 | 2003-05 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 05.14.03 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks Out Against Federal Communication Commission's Reported Deregulation of Media Ownership Rules Under new rules, a company could monopolize media outlets in a single market Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today joined colleagues in blasting the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) reported decision to deregulate media ownership rules so that a single company could own all media organizations print, television, and radio in any market. Current FCC rules protect against companies owning multiple organizations within a single market. Earlier this year, Lee and 30 colleagues sent a letter to FCC Chairman Michael Powell demanding that the FCC not change media ownership rules. In May, Lee also sponsored a House resolution against media consolidation. Americans have a right to diverse sources of information, Lee said. Consolidation of the nation's media into the hands of a few giant corporations threatens our fundamental right of free speech. If we have massive consolidation of media ownerships, then the public loses on three fronts. We are likely to wind up with less local coverage, less diversity, and fewer viewpoints on our nation's airwaves and in our papers. This is fundamentally anti-democratic. With greater consolidation, artists, small businesses, and minority interests will pay the price, and the American public will suffer. The FCC should not rush to judgment in secrecy in altering media ownership rules that will have a lasting impact on the American public." ### Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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