press: releases: 193 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "CA" and year = 2011 sorted by date descending

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193 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "CA" and year = 2011 sorted by date descending

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url	title	date ▲	year	month	party	chamber	state	member_name	bioguide_id	domain	date_source	text	has_text	collected_at	updated_at
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-comments-on-the-passing-of-sanjiv-handa	Lee Comments on the Passing of Sanjiv Handa	2011-12-28	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.28.11 Lee Comments on the Passing of Sanjiv Handa Contact: Ricci Graham 510-763-0370 Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) released the following statement upon learning of the passing of Oakland activist Sanjiv Handa: I am saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Handa, who spent many years of his life attending every meeting at Oakland City Hall in the spirit of challenging the status quo and the city's leadership to do what they could to best serve the residents of Oakland. Mr. Handa was a fixture in the community, known throughout the city of Oakland as a man who was determined to do all he could to improve the quality of life of the people of Oakland. Most importantly, Mr. Handa will be remembered for his unrelenting effort to holding public officials accountable for their actions and decisions. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Handa's family, his many friends and those with whom he worked closely over the years. Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-statement-on-the-agreement-to-extend-payroll-tax-cut-and-unemployment-benefits	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on the Agreement to Extend Payroll Tax Cut and Unemployment Benefits	2011-12-23	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.23.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on the Agreement to Extend Payroll Tax Cut and Unemployment Benefits Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement after Congressional approval of a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits: Today's agreement allows 160 million American workers to keep their payroll tax cut, prevents 48 million seniors from losing access to their doctors, and provides unemployment benefits to millions of American workers who are currently out of a job. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that these critical extensions continue through 2012. Long-term unemployment continues to be a national emergency and I will work to address the needs of those who have lost their job through no fault of their own, cannot find a job in this job market, and have exhausted all their unemployment benefits. While I am pleased that the House Republican plan to end unemployment benefits for millions was flatly rejected by the Senate, it is critical that we protect this critical safety net that prevents millions of families and children from falling into poverty. We must work to create jobs, pass the American Jobs Act, and reignite the American Dream for all. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-calls-out-republican-roadblocks-and-distractions-to-payroll-tax-cut-and-extension-of-unemployment-benefits	Lee Calls Out Republican Roadblocks and Distractions to Payroll Tax Cut and Extension of Unemployment Benefits	2011-12-20	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.20.11 Lee Calls Out Republican Roadblocks and Distractions to Payroll Tax Cut and Extension of Unemployment Benefits Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement after a series of Republican procedural votes to block passage of H.R. 3630, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011: I strongly support a plan to extend the payroll tax cut, which would prevent a tax increase directed at 160 million American workers. I strongly support an extension of unemployment benefits for the 13.3 million jobless workers, which would prevent Americans from falling into poverty. Unless Speaker Boehner can control the extreme Tea Party members of his Republican caucus, working families will see a tax increase next year. Unless Speaker Boehner can stop stalling, the unemployed will lose their lifeline, consumer spending will drop, and poverty will rise. House Republicans have put themselves in a horrendous political situation and have taken sole responsibility for a tax increase on working Americans after spending the past months defining themselves as defenders of tax breaks for millionaires. House Republican leaders are creating another crisis and this one is right before the holidays brought to the American people by the Republican Do Nothing Congress." ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Watch Congresswoman Lee's floor speech here. Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-applauds-doe-decision-that-california-receive-race-to-the-top-early-learning-challenge-funds	Lee Applauds DoE Decision that California Receive Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Funds	2011-12-16	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.16.11 Lee Applauds DoE Decision that California Receive Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Funds Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement following today's announcement that the State of California will be one of nine states to receive Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge funds from the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services: I am very pleased to see this important funding for education be awarded to California. Making sure that all of our children especially those from low-income and underserved families are prepared for school by bolstering early childhood education is an important step towards ensuring just and equal access to education in this state and around the country. It is wonderful that the hard work of the applicants and my colleagues in the California delegation will be translated into concrete and positive improvements in the education of our next generation. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-votes-against-2012-funding-bill	Lee Votes Against 2012 Funding Bill	2011-12-16	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.16.11 Lee Votes Against 2012 Funding Bill Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Partisan policy riders a gift to extreme Republican base Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement after voting against the Conference Report on H.R. 2055, the Consolidated Appropriations Act: While the $1 trillion spending bill for 2012 is necessary to make our government function, the insertion of dangerous and short-sighted special interest riders meant to appease Republican Tea Party extremists will hurt millions of poor and struggling individuals and families in this country. I voted no because I cannot support a bill that distracts from the real work of protecting the American people from hardship and from the real work of investing in a more prosperous future for all Americans. This bill reinstates the 1987 federal ban on funding for needle exchange programs which will undermine our efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C. This bill includes funding for abstinence only sex education which fails to encourage optimal sexual health outcomes for America's youth. The bill also cuts critical funding for HIV prevention efforts in schools at a time when HIV rates among young men of color are increasing at an alarming rate. This bill is rigged with anti-environment policy riders which will increase pollution in our communities. Stunningly, this bill singles out women in Washington, D.C. by cutting off access to the same health and reproductive services available to women all across the country, which directly affects young women of color. Not one of these policy riders will raise the falling median incomes of American workers, nor will they create the millions of jobs necessary to grow the middle class. At a time when half of all Americans are either in poverty, near poor or low income, Congress should be focused on lifting these families up and reigniting the American Dream for all. I could not support a funding bill that continues t…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-joins-in-introduction-of-the-restore-the-american-dream-for-the-99percent-act	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joins in Introduction of the Restore the American Dream for the 99% Act	2011-12-13	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.13.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joins in Introduction of the Restore the American Dream for the 99% Act Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined fellow members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus at a press conference marking the introduction of the Restore the American Dream for the 99% Act. (Summary of bill) The Progressive Caucus has again put forward a bill to create an America that we can believe in again. If enacted, the RESTORE the American Dream Act would balance our budget and invest in our nation's future by creating over 5 million jobs and save 2 trillion dollars. We would end the war in Afghanistan, cut bloated and unnecessary Pentagon spending and prohibit permanent bases in Iraq. We cannot abandon millions of jobseekers during the middle of a faltering recovery especially communities of color which have been disproportionately impacted by the economy. Incredibly, Republicans would do exactly that. They would abruptly end unemployment benefits during the holiday season and would strip 2 million customers out of the economy by March and over 6 million customers out of the economy by the end of the year. They would reduce unemployment benefits to 59 weeks just when people need more assistance not less! It is outrageous. Not only must we immediately extend the emergency unemployment benefits, as this bill would do, we need to add an additional 14 weeks of unemployment insurance for the millions of Americans who have already completely exhausted their benefits. And I'm pleased that this bill would do so by incorporating legislation, HR. 589 and Congressman Bobby Scott and I have authored. There is a growing crisis with the long term unemployed and it is shameful that the Republicans continue to watch as hundreds of thousands more fall out of the middle class and into poverty. Nearly 50 million Americans are already living in poverty. Struggling to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads. They a…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-attends-final-meeting-of-global-commission-on-hiv-and-the-law	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Attends Final Meeting of Global Commission on HIV and the Law	2011-12-12	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.12.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Attends Final Meeting of Global Commission on HIV and the Law Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C.- Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) participated in the final meeting of Global Commission on HIV and the Law in Geneva, Switzerland, with the world's policy, human rights, and HIV leaders to discuss the health and human rights of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. The effectiveness of the global HIV response will depend not just on the scale up of HIV prevention, treatment and care, but on whether the legal and social environment support or hinder programs for those who are most vulnerable," said Congresswoman Lee. This global drive is a significant step in removing the laws that fuel stigma and breed fear, discrimination, and distrust, and I look forward to carry forward the Commission's recommendations for the Unites States and the world. Congresswoman Lee is the only U.S. representative to the Global Commission on HIV and the Law. From February 2011 to September 2011, the Global Commission held seven regional dialogues - in Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America, Arab States, Africa, and High Income Countries (in Oakland, California). Through these regional dialogues, the Commission gathered and generated compelling evidence illustrating how repressive laws, policies and practices, that do not respect human rights, hamper effective HIV responses and how enabling legal environments that promote and protect the human rights can achieve tremendous progress. The Global Commission is expected to release a final report, to the United Nations General Assembly in the first quarter of 2012. Additionally, the Global Commission is expected to participate at the International AIDS conference in DC, July 2012. As part of her work on the Commission, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced H.R. 3053 to require the Attorney General, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/oakland-unified-school-district-to-receive-hhs-grant-to-expand-school-based-health-centers	Oakland Unified School District to Receive HHS Grant to Expand School-Based Health Centers	2011-12-09	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.09.11 Oakland Unified School District to Receive HHS Grant to Expand School-Based Health Centers For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham 510-763-0370 Washington D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) announced today that the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) has been selected to receive a $423,098 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help fund the district's school-based health centers. OUSD is planning to expand services provided by its school-based health centers, with the goal of increasing the district's ability to service students by 50 percent, and this funding will assist in that endeavor. School-based health centers enable students with acute or chronic illnesses to attend school and improve the overall health and wellness of children through special screenings, health promotion and disease prevention. The grant is the second in a series of awards that are being made available to school-based health centers under the Affordable Care Act nationwide. A total of 45 school-based centers are being awarded $14 million in grants, allowing the number of children served by the centers to be increased by nearly 50 percent. I am pleased that the Oakland Unified School District has been selected to receive this important funding, said Congresswoman Lee. Oakland youth suffer disproportionately from a number of health conditions, and this funding will allow OUSD to expand services and provide additional access to important medical, mental health and health education services for students and their families. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/2011/12/07/congresswoman-barbara-lee-urges-president-obama-to-expedite-troop-withdrawal-from-afghanistan	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Urges President Obama to Expedite Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan	2011-12-07	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.07.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Urges President Obama to Expedite Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan For Immediate Release Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Bi-partisan letter to Obama: No military solution in Afghanistan, bring troops home Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) were joined by 40 Members of the House of Representatives in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to speed up the return of all U.S. troops from Afghanistan. We are calling on President Obama to recognize that there is no military solution in Afghanistan, and the longer we keep our troops there the longer we delay the progress of an Afghan-produced political solution, said Congresswoman Lee, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Peace and Security Task Force. The latest poll indicates that 59 percent of likely voters want U.S. troops to withdraw within a year. Last week, the Senate adopted an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act offered by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) to require President Obama to submit a report detailing how U.S. troops will be quickly withdrawn from Afghanistan. Now that the President has accomplished every goal that was originally set in Afghanistan, it is time to bring home our brave men and women in uniform, Lee continued. After ten years and $460 billion invested in an unstable country with untrustworthy leadership, it is past time to end this war. The decade long war has already cost $444 billion of taxpayer dollars and taken the lives of 1,848 members of the armed services. Our troops have done everything we have asked of them, but they cannot be tasked with building up a modern nation state. It is time to bring our troops and tax dollars home. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee _______________________________________ December 6, 2011 President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20500 …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/oakland-police-department-welcomes-new-recruits	Oakland Police Department Welcomes New Recruits	2011-12-06	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.06.11 Oakland Police Department Welcomes New Recruits Class recruited for OPD secured through federal funding For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham 510-763-0370 Washington D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) issued the following statement today in recognition of the 10 police recruits who were welcomed into the Oakland Police Department (OPD) by Oakland Mayor Jean and OPD Chief Howard Jordan. The city of Oakland and OPD were able to hire the recruits as a result of a $10 million grant Congresswoman Lee worked to secure through the Department of Justice, Office of Community Policing Hiring Program. With this funding, OPD was also able to rehire 15 officers who were laid off in 2010. I welcome the new recruits and thank them in advance for their service in our community, Congresswoman Lee said. I also welcome back the 15 returning officers who were laid off last year and who showed their commitment to the city by returning to the department. Crime is of great concern among residents of the City of Oakland, and it's imperative that we continue our efforts to secure federal dollars that will enhance staffing levels in the department and assist in the continued development of responsible and robust public safety strategies here in the city of Oakland. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/uc-berkeley-awarded-15-million-epa-grant-to-study-factors-in-childhood-leukemia	UC Berkeley Awarded $1.5 Million EPA Grant to Study Factors in Childhood Leukemia	2011-12-06	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.06.11 UC Berkeley Awarded $1.5 Million EPA Grant to Study Factors in Childhood Leukemia For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham 510-763-0370 Washington D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) is pleased to announce that the University of California, Berkeley has been selected to receive a $1,511,876 grant from the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to support the work of the University's Integrative Research-Childhood Leukemia and Environment Center. The funding will be used by the Integrative Research-Childhood Leukemia and Environment Center to examine the effects of chemical exposure and genetic factors in the development of childhood leukemia. Research funded by this award will build on previous studies that cite exposure to potentially carcinogenic chemicals, including tobacco and pesticides, in the childhood leukemia. I congratulate the University of California at Berkeley for being selected to receive this funding, Congresswoman Lee said. In the spirit of environmental justice, this funding will help bring light to the factors that lead to this difficult and complex disease. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-on-november-jobs-report	Lee Statement on November Jobs Report	2011-12-02	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.02.11 Lee Statement on November Jobs Report For Immediate Release Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the Department of Labor showing a slight decline in unemployment rates: The U.S. gained 120,000 new jobs in November and the national unemployment rate fell to 8.6 percent from 9.0 percent. While I am pleased that jobs are slowly returning, immediate action must be taken to create the millions of new jobs that are so desperately needed to boost demand in the economy and to keep Americans from falling into poverty. There is plenty of discouraging news hidden in the November unemployment figures. The long term unemployment picture is not improving, with the average length of unemployment rising from 39.4 weeks to 40.9 weeks. We must immediately extend the expiring emergency unemployment benefits and we must pass H.R. 589 which would immediately add 14 weeks of unemployment benefits for the millions of Americans who have completely exhausted their benefits while struggling to find work. In addition, there was a startling rise of unemployment among African Americans, from 15.1 percent to 15.5 percent in the same time period. There can be no clearer reminder of the ongoing racial and ethnic disparities that continue to plague our nation and keep minority communities suffering disproportionately higher rates of unemployment, poverty, and tragic health disparities like unconscionably higher rates of HIV infection. The Bureau of Labor Statistics categorized the 0.4 percent reduction in unemployment as a notable decline,' yet the same 0.4 percent increase in African American unemployment is categorized as little or no change.' African Americans faced a marked increase in their unemployment and it should not be downplayed or ignored. We should be taking strong action to implement targeted programs and policies that ensure that we are a nation that truly does provide…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-participates-in-panel-discussion-with-obama-clinton-bush-for-world-aids-day	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Participates in Panel Discussion with Obama, Clinton, Bush for World AIDS Day	2011-12-01	2011	2011-12	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	12.01.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Participates in Panel Discussion with Obama, Clinton, Bush for World AIDS Day Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Lee Commends Administration for New Commitments; Says Congress Must Act to Fully Fund AIDS Programs Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), a founding co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, observed World AIDS Day by participating in a panel discussion with President Barack Obama, who announced new commitments for fighting domestic and global AIDS. The Congresswoman joined leading AIDS advocates including former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, along with Tanzania's President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Bono, and Alicia Keys. The event was sponsored by ONE and (RED), organizations that combat global poverty and AIDS. We have worked very hard to target resources to the communities that have been hardest hit by this disease and I am pleased that the President found a way to address the immediate needs of thousands of Americans currently on the waiting list for life-saving drugs, said Lee. At this momentous time in the fight to end the AIDS epidemic, President Obama's leadership is invaluable in our renewed efforts. The commitment from the Administration to scale-up treatment to 6 million people has the potential to transform the international response to this devastating epidemic and making the end of AIDS the legacy of our generation. While the President announced an increase of $50 million for domestic treatment, efforts are underway on Capitol Hill to preserve essential global AIDS programs. Congresswoman Barbara Lee was joined by 102 Members of the House of Representatives in sending a letter to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations requesting robust funding for vital global health programs in Fiscal Year 2012. Specifically, the Members requested that appropriators support the Senate's proposed funding level for bilateral and multilateral global health programs, including $5.25 billion for the U.…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-demands-relief-for-long-term-unemployed	Lee Demands Relief for Long-Term Unemployed	2011-11-30	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.30.11 Lee Demands Relief for Long-Term Unemployed Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement at a press conference with unemployed workers, labor activists, Labor Secretary Solis, and members of the House and Senate to call for a renewal of federal unemployment insurance programs, scheduled to expire at the end of the year: Thank you to Ranking Member Levin, Congressman Doggett, Whip Hoyer, Assistant Leader Clyburn, Senator Harkin, Senator Reed, Senator Whitehouse, and all the other leaders that are working so hard for the millions of Americans struggling to find a job during this holiday season. I would also like to thank Secretary Solis for her leadership and commitment to getting America's work force back to work. As this jobless recovery continues, more and more Americans are long-term unemployed and now the jobs crisis has left so many people out of work for so long that most of America's unemployed are no longer receiving unemployment benefits. "2 million Americans have exhausted a full 99 weeks of unemployment and still cannot find a job. It is critical that we extend the expiring emergency unemployment insurance benefits before the end of the year, but that extension will not help the millions of Americans who have run out of time, the so-called 99ers. H.R. 589 is my bill to extend unemployment compensation for an additional fourteen weeks for the 99ers and this bill must be included in an unemployment extension package going forward. The AP reports that Early last year, 75 percent (of the unemployed) were receiving checks. The figure is now 48 percent a shift that points to a growing crisis of long-term unemployment. Nearly one-third of America's 14 million unemployed have had no job for a year or more. Providing support for America's long-term unemployed will not only boost our stalled economy, but it will keep millions of families out of poverty which is the morally right t…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/oakland-unified-school-district-one-of-23-districts-named-as-2011-grant-recipients-by-us-department-of-education	Oakland Unified School District One of 23 Districts Named as 2011 Grant Recipients by U.S. Department of Education	2011-11-23	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.23.11 Oakland Unified School District One of 23 Districts Named as 2011 Grant Recipients by U.S. Department of Education Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) is pleased to announce that U.S. Department of Education has named Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) one of the 23 highest-rated Investing in Innovation grant applicants in the nation, setting the district up to receive vital federal funding to improve student performance. OUSD was among 600 applicants for the 2011 Investing in Innovations funding. As a highest-rated applicant, OUSD stands to receive $3 million in funding, provided that the district is able to secure the equivalent of 15 percent of the award in matching funds by December 9, 2011. Under the grant's guidelines, the U.S. Department of Education will award funding to districts that work to improve the participation and success of underserved students in advanced academic programs, develop new interim assessment strategies for students, and use the results of assessments to implement innovative educational programs. It is a tribute to the leadership of OUSD that the district is among 23 finalists in the nation selected for this important grant program, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. As we all know, investing in innovative educational programs helps to dramatically improve student achievement and increases their chances of securing a college education. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-joined-by-100-members-in-calling-on-appropriators-to-preserve-essential-global-aids-programs	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joined by 100+ Members in Calling on Appropriators to Preserve Essential Global AIDS Programs	2011-11-22	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.22.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joined by 100+ Members in Calling on Appropriators to Preserve Essential Global AIDS Programs Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) was joined by 102 Members of the House of Representatives in sending a letter to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations requesting robust funding for vital global health programs in Fiscal Year 2012. Specifically, the Members requested that appropriators support the Senate's proposed funding level for bilateral and multilateral global health programs, including $5.25 billion for the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and $1.05 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. U.S.-funded research resulted in enormous progress in shaping the response to AIDS and malaria worldwide, said Congresswoman Lee, co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus. PEPFAR and the Global Fund are reducing disease burden in low and middle-income countries, and these programs have important national security and diplomatic elements for the United States. Global health programs amount to a fraction of one percent of the federal budget, but they affect the lives of tens of millions, guard against future conflicts, open up developing markets, and will have lasting impact on the global AIDS epidemic in the long term. As a recent UNAIDS report shows, 34 million people are living with HIV globally. Only 50% of all people eligible for HIV treatment in the world now have access, while 7.6 million people await treatment, including more than 5,000 people in the United States. Additionally, in 2010 alone, 1.8 million people died of AIDS-related illness, underscoring that AIDS remains the greatest humanitarian crisis of our lifetime. The science of AIDS prevention has been transformed over the last 18 months, and America cannot abandon these efforts now, Lee continued. Now more than ever, we must leverage our scientific tools with our will to defeat this …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-on-joint-select-committee-on-deficit-reduction	Lee Statement on Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction	2011-11-21	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.21.11 Lee Statement on Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement after the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (Super Committee) announced that an agreement was not reached: If there was ever any doubt that Republicans were in the pocket of the Tea Party, that doubt is gone with the failure of the Super Committee. Congress has missed yet another opportunity to create jobs because the number one priority for Republicans is protecting the rich at all costs. Democrats consistently support a big, bold, and balanced plan to reduce the deficit and grow the economy. The best way to eliminate the deficit is to get America working again. Americans want leaders who work for all of us, not just the top one percent. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-congressional-progressive-caucus-hold-hearing-on-job-creation	Lee, Congressional Progressive Caucus Hold Hearing on Job Creation	2011-11-16	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.16.11 Lee, Congressional Progressive Caucus Hold Hearing on Job Creation Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Congresswoman Lee urges extension of unemployment benefits for jobless workers Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) joined members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus at an ad hoc hearing to discuss America's top priority: job creation. The hearing is in response to the secret meetings of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (Supercommittee) over the last few months. The Supercommittee has been tasked with finding at least $1.2 trillion in deficit reductions over a ten-year period by November 23 of this year. I want to thank the witnesses for their insight, said Congresswoman Lee. It is critical that we publicly air the voices of Americans that support a plan that is balanced and helps creates jobs and grows the economy. For more than 300 days in the House majority, the GOP has refused to put forward a clear jobs plan. Congresswoman Lee raised the important issue of maintaining the current extension of unemployment benefits which are set to expire at the end of the year. She also urged the passage of her bill, H.R. 589, which would extend unemployment compensation for an additional fourteen weeks for the millions of Americans who have completely exhausted their benefits. Not only do unemployed workers need assistance for food and shelter month to month, but unemployed workers immediately spend the assistance received which stimulates the economy and contributes to job growth. Members received testimony from Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, economist Dr. John Irons with the Economic Policy Institute, Robert Borosage, co-director of the Campaign for America's Future, and Dr. Rob Johnson of the Roosevelt Institute and Patriotic Millionaires. The experts discussed policy measures that will create jobs and invest in the future of working Americans and their families. I do not believe that another round of tax cuts for the wealth…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-hosts-jobs-event-in-oakland	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Hosts Jobs Event in Oakland	2011-11-10	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.10.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Hosts Jobs Event in Oakland Contact Ricci Graham (510) 305-2954 Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee hosted the Good Jobs Now! Jobs Fair at the Oakland Coliseum on Thursday, November 10, 2011. More than 100 employers seeking to fill current job openings participated in the event, which also featured workshops on using the Internet to enhance job-seeking techniques and on-site resume review and critique. Job seekers had the opportunity to meet directly with employers to discuss the more than 500 positions attempted to be filled at the jobs fair, the second Congresswoman Lee has hosted this year. The Good Jobs Now! Jobs Fair represents a collaboration between Congresswoman Lee, Assemblyman Sandre' Swanson, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Oakland City Council President Larry Reid, the Oakland Private Industry Council, the Oakland Workforce Investment Board, the City of Oakland Enterprise Zone, the Alameda County Labor Council, and the Alameda County Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO. Congresswoman Lee offered the following statement to kick-off the event: I would like to thank the community groups and local employers who have made this event possible today. The jobs crisis is nothing short of a national emergency and that is why it is critical that Congress pass President Obama's American Jobs Act which would invest in worker training programs, provide tax incentives to employers, and put workers back on the job while rebuilding and modernizing America. The jobs crisis has left so many people out of work for so long that most of America's unemployed are no longer receiving unemployment benefits. Supporting unemployed Americans is critical and Congress must pass H.R. 589 my bill to provide an additional fourteen weeks of relief to Americans whose have exhausted all their benefits and are now in desperate need. There are those of us in Congress who still believe that we can indeed reignite the American Dream. We are fighting to build ladder…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/2011/11/09/barbara-lee-honors-troops-veterans-on-veterans-day	Barbara Lee Honors Troops, Veterans on Veterans Day	2011-11-09	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.09.11 Barbara Lee Honors Troops, Veterans on Veterans Day Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Oakland Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) offered the following statement in support of America's troops and veterans in honor of the 92nd Veterans Day: "In light of President Obama's recent decision to follow through on his commitment to execute a complete withdrawal of troops in Iraq, it is essential that we continue to work to provide quality housing, health care, and education for our veterans as they return home. Let us further dedicate ourselves to providing all of our veterans, military troops, and their families around the world who continue to proudly serve our country the necessary support and resources that they have earned and deserve. As the daughter of a veteran, I believe we have a moral responsibility to keep our promise to the people who have served our nation. Veterans, service members, and their families deserve our full support and I will continue to fight to keep the promises made to our veterans who have served selflessly and answered our nation's call to duty in times of peace and war. Congresswoman Lee has joined many of her colleagues in supporting the American Jobs Act. This legislation takes another step in keeping our promises to our troops and veterans with the inclusion of the Returning Heroes Tax Credit which gives employers tax credits for hiring unemployed veterans. Additionally, Congresswoman Lee supports H.R. 287, the Homes for Heroes Act of 2011, which would expand the supply of supportive housing for very low-income veteran families and provide 20,000 additional rental vouchers for homeless veterans. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-on-occupy-oakland	Lee Statement on Occupy Oakland	2011-11-04	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.04.11 Lee Statement on Occupy Oakland Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on Occupy Oakland and the Day of Action: "I want to applaud the historic showing of the thousands of people who marched peacefully on Wednesday in Oakland for economic justice and for reigniting the American Dream. The destructive actions of a small minority of protestors are unacceptable. I continue to call for non-violence and support the free speech rights of the protestors, as well as the small businesses, local workers, and the 99 percent." Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-on-october-jobs-report	Lee Statement on October Jobs Report	2011-11-04	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.04.11 Lee Statement on October Jobs Report Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the Department of Labor showing a slight decline in unemployment rates: The U.S. gained just 80,000 new jobs in October and the national unemployment rate remains distressingly high at 9.0%. We must target investment and focus our efforts at rapidly reducing unemployment, especially among those hardest hit which continue to be communities of color African Americans (15.1%), Hispanics (11.4%), and youth (24.1%). For 300 days in the majority, House Republicans have failed to enact any jobs measures or put forth any clear jobs agenda. Congress must enact President Obama's American Jobs Act and put people back to work. We must ensure that the work of the Supercommittee (the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction) is focused on economic growth, job creation, and preservation of the social safety net. I reiterate my call to Speaker Boehner to allow an up or down vote on H.R. 589, a bill I introduced that would provide fourteen weeks of benefits for those who have exhausted their unemployment benefits and are now off the books and in desperate need. Americans are waiting; Democrats have been prepared to act; and Republicans must join us in creating jobs and reigniting the American Dream for all. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-stands-behind-women-affected-by-climate-change	Barbara Lee Stands Behind Women Affected by Climate Change	2011-11-03	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.03.11 Barbara Lee Stands Behind Women Affected by Climate Change Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, DC Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today introduced a Congressional resolution to bring attention to the greater economic, agricultural, and health-related hardships faced by women arising from climate change. H.Con.Res. 84 recognizes the disparate impact of climate change on women and the efforts of women globally to address this issue. The direct and indirect effects of climate change continue to have a disproportionate impact on marginalized women, including refugee and displaced persons, sexual minorities, religious and ethnic minorities, adolescent girls, women and girls with disabilities and those who are HIV positive, said Congresswoman Lee. While women are bearing the brunt of climate change's effects, they are often underrepresented in the development of climate change adaptation policy. This is unacceptable. Due to climate change, women farmers, who are estimated to produce 60 to 80 percent of the food in most developing countries, face issues of scarcity and lack of accessibility to primary natural resources and arable land for food production. Also troubling, infectious disease epidemics, such as malaria, are expected to worsen and spread, due to variations in climate, putting women and children who do not have access to preventative and medical services at greater risk. Sadly, it is no secret that women and children are also more likely to die than men during natural disasters. Our goal is to empower women who are particularly vulnerable to climate change and to encourage a more gender-sensitive approach in climate change policy, said Lee. Women must be included in creating and implementing climate change policies and practices if we hope to help communities adapt to climate impacts and embark on a path towards clean and sustainable development. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/2011/11/02/congresswoman-barbara-lee-and-senator-frank-r-lautenberg-introduce-bill-to-expand-comprehensive-sex-education	Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Introduce Bill to Expand Comprehensive Sex Education	2011-11-02	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.02.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Introduce Bill to Expand Comprehensive Sex Education Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 WASHINGTON Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today introduced the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act, legislation that would give America's youth the knowledge they need to make educated decisions about theirhealth. The bill would expand comprehensive sex educationprograms inschools, while ensuring that federal funds arespenton effective, age-appropriate, medically accurate programs. Comprehensive sex education programs are successful at reducing behaviors that put young people at risk,said Congresswoman Lee. Research has shown programs that combine information about abstinence and contraception effectively delay the onset of sexual intercourse, reduce the number of sexual partners, and increase contraceptive use among teens. These programs also reduce unintended pregnancy and the transmission of STIs, including HIV. Unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to threaten the health and well-being of our nation's youth. The United States still has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the industrialized world, and recent reports have shown that teen birth rates are on the rise. In 2009, there wereapproximately 19 million new cases of STIs, almost half of them occurring in young people between 15 to 24 years old. Growing up isn't easy and our kids find themselves in tough situations every day,said Senator Lautenberg.They need all the information to make smart choices and abstinence-only' programsdon't work. It's time to bring sexeducation up-to-date to reflect the real life situations facing young Americans. The Real Education for Healthy Youth Act would help schools implement and expand age-appropriatecomprehensive sex education programs that are medically accurate and evidence-based, train teachers and educators to effectively educate teenagers in order to …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-introduces-legislation-to-cut-poverty-in-half-in-ten-years	Barbara Lee Introduces Legislation to Cut Poverty in Half in Ten Years	2011-11-02	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.02.11 Barbara Lee Introduces Legislation to Cut Poverty in Half in Ten Years Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced the introduction of H.R. 3300, a bill to help create pathways out of poverty and realize the goal of cutting poverty in half in a decade. In 2008, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H. Con. Res. 198, which called on Congress to commit to cutting poverty in half in a decade. The Half in Ten Act of 2011 provides the plan to help accomplish this goal. Americans all across the country are struggling, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. It is clear that our policies and programs addressing poverty have not kept pace with the growing needs of millions of Americans. It is time we make the commitment to confront poverty head-on. This bill will help tear down the barriers of poverty and work to reignite the American Dream by providing ladders of opportunity for all. The U.S. Census Bureau released data showing that 2.6 million Americans fell into poverty over the last year and an estimated 46.2 million Americans faced poverty in 2010. Fifteen percent of Americans lived in poverty last year, including one in five of America's children. Communities of color continue to face disturbingly higher rates of poverty, with 36% of African American children and 31% of Latino children facing poverty. The Half in Ten Act of 2011 will establish the Federal Interagency Working Group on Reducing Poverty. The Working Group will develop and implement a national plan to reduce poverty in half in ten years while working to eliminate extreme poverty, child poverty and the historic disparity in poverty rates in communities of color. Congresswoman Lee, founding Co-Chair of the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus, concluded: We need to create jobs to give Americans economic security and grow our economy. Our economy will not recover quickly from the Great Recession with 46.2 million Americans living in poverty, but if…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/-barbara-lee-stands-in-solidarity-with-occupy-oakland-day-of-action	Barbara Lee Stands in Solidarity with Occupy Oakland Day of Action	2011-11-01	2011	2011-11	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	11.01.11 Barbara Lee Stands in Solidarity with Occupy Oakland Day of Action Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on Occupy Oakland Day of Action: Occupy Oakland's November 2nd day of action is aimed at bringing attention to the great inequalities that exist in the United States. I join in solidarity with Occupy Oakland to confront the greed of Wall Street and the major banks and demand that the 1% pay their fair share. As the movement grows, we are likely to see more actions aimed at underscoring the inequalities faced by the 99% and we should support actions with these aims in mind. I continue to stand with the peaceful protesters in this struggle for economic justice and equality. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-comments-on-occupy-oakland	Barbara Lee Comments on Occupy Oakland	2011-10-27	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.27.11 Barbara Lee Comments on Occupy Oakland Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on Occupy Oakland: I shared my outrage and grave concern about the police brutality in Oakland directly with the Mayor. My thoughts go out to the injured and especially Scott Olsen. I strongly support the occupy movement and continue to stand with the peaceful protesters in this struggle for economic justice and equality. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-joins-faith-leaders-in-taking-the-food-stamp-challenge-2011	Barbara Lee Joins Faith Leaders in Taking the Food Stamp Challenge 2011	2011-10-27	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.27.11 Barbara Lee Joins Faith Leaders in Taking the Food Stamp Challenge 2011 Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 or (202) 225-4783 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) joined national faith leaders from the Fighting Poverty with Faith coalition, senior members of the Obama Administration, and many of her Democratic colleagues at a Washington, D.C. supermarket to announce the start of the Food Stamp Challenge 2011. The Food Stamp Challenge is a nationwide event intended to preserve funding for vital nutrition benefits during a time of record poverty and unacceptably high unemployment. Fighting Poverty with Faith challenges everyone to live for one week on the food budget of someone surviving on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or what is commonly called, food stamps. The average benefit for an entire month is $133.79, which works out to $4.50 a day or $1.50 a meal. Participants are being asked to limit their entire food budget for the week of October 27 to November 3 to $31.50. I am again taking part in this challenge because I believe that it is unconscionable to make cuts to programs that feed America's poor and our nation's children during the height of an economic crisis, said Congresswoman Lee. We must fight against any efforts to balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable Americans. I hope that everyone will consider joining the Food Stamp Challenge and joining the effort to end poverty in America. As co-chair of the Congressional Poverty Caucus, Congresswoman Lee plans to introduce legislation next month to cut poverty by half in ten years. The bill would create an interagency working group tasked with developing and enacting a national plan to better coordinate anti-poverty and job creation programs. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Details on how you can participate can be found at: http://fightingpovertywithfaith.com/ Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/huge-victory-troops-coming-home-from-iraq	Huge Victory! Troops Coming Home from Iraq!	2011-10-21	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.21.11 Huge Victory! Troops Coming Home from Iraq! Contact: Kristal DeKleer 202-225-1882 Barbara Lee Applauds News that Obama Administration Will Bring Troops in Iraq Home by Year's End Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to the President Obama's announcement that the U.S. will honor the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Iraq that called for all U.S. troops to leave Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011: This is a huge victory for those of us who have been pushing for an end to the war in Iraq. I look forward to welcoming our brave men and women back home for the holidays. We will never forget the enormous sacrifices made by so many of our brave men and women and their families. We must honor our commitment to our veterans. This move fulfills the call of a letter to the President that I spearheaded in July, along with 92 members of Congress, urging the Administration to maintain our nation's SOFA agreement with the government of Iraq that commits our nation to bringing all of our troops and military contractors home at the end of this calendar year. It also fulfills the objective of legislation I introduced, H.R. 2757, The Iraq Withdrawal Accountability Act of 2011, which would prohibit funding for any extension of the December 31, 2011 deadline. Again, I am extremely pleased with the decision by President Obama to follow through on his commitment to execute a safe, responsible, and complete withdrawal of the troops in Iraq. This move will save tens of billions of dollars, reduce regional instability, and enhance our standing throughout the world. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-applauds-news-that-obama-administration-will-bring-troops-in-iraq-home-by-years-end	Barbara Lee Applauds News that Obama Administration Will Bring Troops in Iraq Home by Year's End	2011-10-17	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.17.11 Barbara Lee Applauds News that Obama Administration Will Bring Troops in Iraq Home by Year's End Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to the Obama Administration's announcement that it will honor the SOFA agreement with Iraq that called for all U.S. combat troops to leave Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011: I am pleased that the Obama Administration has chosen to fully withdraw the U.S. military force from Iraq. In the face of pressure to extend the counterproductive presence of combat troops, we should follow the lead of the people of both Iraq and the United States, who overwhelmingly agree that it is time for the remaining U.S. armed forces to return home. This move fulfills the call of a letter to the President that I spearheaded in July, along with 92 members of Congress , urging the Administration hold to our nation's Status of Forces Agreement with the government of Iraq that commits our nation to bringing all of our troops and military contractors home at the end of this calendar year. It also fulfills the objective of legislation I introduced, H.R. 2757, The Iraq Withdrawal Accountability Act of 2011, which limited military funds to solely supporting the swift and safe withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq. I applaud President Obama for following through on our commitment to execute a safe, responsible, and complete withdrawal of the 47,000 troops in Iraq. This move will save tens of billions of dollars, reduce regional instability, and enhance our standing throughout the world. As the author of provisions signed into law prohibiting the establishment of permanent bases in Iraq, I will remain vigilant about any U.S. presence in Iraq. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-recognizes-national-latino-aids-awareness-day	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Recognizes National Latino AIDS Awareness Day	2011-10-14	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.14.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Recognizes National Latino AIDS Awareness Day Kristal DeKleer 202-225-1882 Washington, D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Co-Chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, released a statement in honor of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day on October 15th. Latinos represent 16% of the U.S. population but account for an estimated 18% of people living with HIV and 18% of new infections. In 2006, Latina women were almost four times as likely as white women to test positive for HIV and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) comprised 19% of the HIV positive MSM population. "As we mark National Latino AIDS Awareness day, I am reminded of the devastating impact that HIV/AIDS has had on communities of color in the U.S. "Latinos progress to AIDS faster than any other racial or ethnic group with 42% being diagnosed with AIDS within 12 months after learning of their positive HIV status -- compared to 34% late diagnosis among non-Hispanic whites. In my own district, Latinos are among the most late diagnosed people living with HIV with up to 58% progressing to AIDS within 12 months of diagnosis. In light of this daunting statistic, this year's theme is 'Latinos Unite! Let's Stay Healthy! Get Tested for HIV!' "If we ever hope to end this epidemic, we must prioritize testing, treatment, prevention, and education to decrease the number of new HIV cases among communities of color. I encourage all of my constituents to find a testing center near them at www.hivtest.org and know their status." *** October 15th was established in 2003 as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) in response to the devastating impact HIV/AIDS has on Hispanic/Latino communities across the country. It was established to draw attention to the critical role HIV testing and prevention education plays in stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS among Hispanics/Latinos. It is a day during Hispanic heritage month that organizations around the country use to pro…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-bipartisan-leaders-urge-common-sense-defense-spending-reforms	Lee, Bipartisan Leaders Urge Common Sense Defense Spending Reforms	2011-10-14	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.14.11 Lee, Bipartisan Leaders Urge Common Sense Defense Spending Reforms Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 House Members pen letter to Supercommittee asking for restraint on military spending Washington, D.C. Forty-one Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle joined Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) in a request to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (Supercommittee) to seek out savings and work to end wasteful spending by considering cuts to the Department of Defense. Realizing that significant savings can be found without compromising national security, leaders urged for common sense defense spending reforms as Supercommittee Members form a plan to reduce the deficit in the federal budget. One of the main drivers of our deficit is military spending and it must be on the table for the Supercommittee to consider as it seeks to reduce our deficit, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. We now have an opportunity to bring defense spending in line with our legitimate security needs. Taking serious steps to resolve our fiscal imbalance must include the Pentagon's budget, which should be subject to the same scrutiny as the rest of the discretionary budget. The Supercommittee has been tasked with finding at least $1.5 trillion in deficit reductions over a ten-year period by November 23 of this year, allowing for a unique opportunity to bring defense spending in line with legitimate national defense needs while getting the nation on a path to a balanced budget free of deficit. In the ten years since the 9/11 attacks, spending on defense and security has increased 96% and totaled almost $8 trillion. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost $1.36 trillion, and taken the lives of over six thousand men and women while leaving over thirty thousand wounded. In the same time frame, the base budget for the Pentagon has mushroomed to $5.6 trillion. A recent report from the General Accountability Office detailed hundreds of billions of dollars in duplicative pr…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-calls-on-supercommittee-to-protect-social-safety-net	Lee Calls on Supercommittee to Protect Social Safety Net	2011-10-13	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.13.11 Lee Calls on Supercommittee to Protect Social Safety Net Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Sixty-four Members of Congress joined Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) in a request to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (Supercommittee) to protect the vital programs that comprise our social safety net. The Members of Congress penned a letter urging the Supercommittee to protect the programs that provide economic security and opportunity to millions of Americans, including but not limited to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. It is imperative that we protect vital safety net programs and programs that provide economic security and opportunity to millions of Americans, including those facing or living in poverty, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Key federal programs are instrumental in serving as the last line of defense after a job loss, injury, or disability. Programs like unemployment insurance, food stamps, and Medicaid assist people in obtaining or maintaining their access to basic human needs including food, shelter, and health care. They provide the rungs of the ladder for opportunity for struggling families. The Supercommittee has been tasked with finding at least $1.5 trillion in deficit reductions over a ten-year period by November 23 of this year, putting the most vulnerable in our society at risk of losing their safety net. The Census Bureau released data on September 13, 2011, revealing that 15 percent of Americans 46.2 million people across this country lived in poverty in 2010. This is the largest number of Americans living in poverty since the Census started collecting this data 52 years ago. For our nation's children under 18, 22 percent lived in poverty in 2010. That is 16.4 million children who do not know where their next meal is coming from, where they might be sleeping that night, and who are anxious overall about their well being and that of their parents. We have a moral and an economic obligation to care for our nati…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-congressional-leaders-urge-protection-of-womens-health-during-supercommittee-negotiations	Lee, Congressional Leaders Urge Protection of Women's Health During Supercommittee Negotiations	2011-10-13	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.13.11 Lee, Congressional Leaders Urge Protection of Women's Health During Supercommittee Negotiations Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Sixty-nine Members of Congress joined Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) in a request to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (Supercommittee) to protect women's health. The Members of Congress penned a letter to the Supercommittee stating the importance of protecting what many consider one of the important public health programs in our nation: Title X Family Planning. The Supercommittee has been tasked with finding at least $1.5 trillion in deficit reductions over a ten-year period by November 23 of this year, putting the most vulnerable segments of our country under the greatest risk of bearing the brunt of most of these cuts. Sadly, the precedent has already been set, said Congresswoman Lee. Just two weeks ago, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS released its draft FY 2012 funding bill which includes a total elimination of the Title X family planning program and marks the continuation of a slow march towards elimination of all preventative services for women. We are here to fight that march. Title X services are proven-effective programs; they prevent nearly one million unintended pregnancies each year, almost half of which would otherwise end in abortion. For every public dollar invested in family planning, nearly $4 is saved in Medicaid-related costs. Study after study has shown that eliminating funding for the Title X family planning program will result in millions of women across the country losing access to basic primary and preventive health care, including lifesaving cancer screenings, birth control, annual exams, and STD testing and treatment. In 2009 alone, Title X health centers provided 2.2 million Pap tests, over 2.3 million breast exams, 5.9 million STI tests, and nearly 1 million confidential HIV tests, said Lee. These preventative services save lives and at the end of the day, they save…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-california-democratic-congressional-delegation-call-on-president-obama-to-act-on-housing	Barbara Lee, California Democratic Congressional Delegation Call on President Obama to Act on Housing	2011-10-12	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.12.11 Barbara Lee, California Democratic Congressional Delegation Call on President Obama to Act on Housing Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) and Members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation sent a letter to President Obama urging him to act immediately to address our country's troubled housing market. Specifically, the letter calls on President Obama to: Urge the Federal Housing Finance Agency to establish a plan to refinance all mortgages owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Push for a major principal reduction plan for underwater homeowners, such as modifications in coordination with Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings. Institute a Homeowner's Bill Of Rights that would apply to HAMP, FHFA, HUD, VA and private servicer modification programs and include the following: o Make the process homeowner-friendly: Ensure a single point of contact; require servicers to review documents within a timely fashion and disclose information; and ban advanced fees. o Eliminate needless obstacles to effective modifications: Allow for flexibility in the debt to income ratio; end the requirement that homeowners be delinquent in order to be eligible for a loan modification; end dual tracking; and require that servicers not report adverse credit information while trial or permanent modification is underway; o Ensure accountability and establish an appeals process: Create an Office of Consumer Advocate; conduct random audits of modifications; and establish an independent appeals process for homeowners who believe their modification has been improperly rejected or handled in violation of program rules Oakland continues to have one of the highest metro foreclosure rates in the country, said Congresswoman Lee. Oakland homeowners are estimated to have lost $12.3 billion in home values as a direct result of the foreclosure crisis. We must make a real effort at making millions of permanent modifi…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-congratulates-2011-nobel-peace-laureates	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Congratulates 2011 Nobel Peace Laureates	2011-10-10	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.10.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Congratulates 2011 Nobel Peace Laureates Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Today we celebrate three outstanding non-violent leaders from Africa and Middle East. Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee responded to the announcement that three women were together awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. Two Liberians, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first female president, and Leymah Roberta Gbowee, a non-violent peace activist, were recognized for their role in bringing an end to civil warfare by leading an organized peace movement. The third recipient is Tawakkul Karman of Yemen. I extend my wholehearted congratulations to President Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, and Tawakkul Karman for the Nobel Prize Committee's recognition of their outstanding role in bringing about non-violent change in their home countries," said Lee. Liberia, a country with strong historical ties to the United States, has benefited greatly from the leadership of President Sirleaf and Ms. Gbowee. I congratulate them both for playing such a critical role in transforming their country from a land of strife to a model for progress in democracy and development. Congresswoman Lee met with President Sirleaf last year and was glad to see her recognized with humanity's most prestigious award. I have been pleased to see her leadership in land ownership reform, education, poverty reduction, and cracking down on corruption, and look forward to her continued work for peace in her nation and beyond. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-statement-on-passing-of-oakland-raiders-owner-al-davis	Lee Statement on Passing of Oakland Raiders Owner Al Davis	2011-10-08	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.08.11 Lee Statement on Passing of Oakland Raiders Owner Al Davis Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on the loss of Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis: "Today, sports fans in the Bay Area and throughout the nation mourn the loss of an iconic American sports figure, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis. Mr. Davis was a driving and visionary force behind the merger of the National and American Football Leagues. He will be remembered as a fierce competitor and innovator on the field who led his team to three Superbowl championships and numerous playoff appearances. Mr. Davis will also be remembered for his unwavering love of his players and uncompromising commitment to Raider Nation. My thoughts are with the family and fans of Al Davis, along with entire Oakland Raiders organization." ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-end-the-war-now	Congresswoman Barbara Lee: End the War Now	2011-10-07	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.07.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee: End the War Now Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 CPC Peace & Security Task Force holds hearing on 10th anniversary of U.S. invasion of Afghanistan Washington, D.C. On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, Congresswoman Barbara Lee hosted a special hearing entitled Ten Years On: Why the War in Afghanistan Must End Now. Academics, experts, and advocates joined Members of Congress to present opposition to the ongoing war in Afghanistan at a panel event. After ten years and $460 billion invested in an unstable country with untrustworthy leadership, it is past time to end the war in Afghanistan, said Congresswoman Lee. Ten years is ten years too long for this wasteful war; it is time to bring our troops and our tax dollars home. That's why I introduced HR 780 to safely and swiftly redeploy all combat troops and military contractors from Afghanistan. Panelists discussed the cost of ten years of endless warfare since the overly broad Authorization of Use of Military Force was approved in 2001. Thousands of soldiers' lives have been lost, civilian Afghani casualties continue to destabilize efforts for peace, and the United States has committed to borrowing trillions of precious dollars to an open-ended military commitment. Civil liberties have been compromised, there have been illegal wiretaps, unlawful detentions, the use of torture all justified in the name of fighting the war on terrorism. Boston University Professor of Political Science and United States Foreign Policy Neta Crawford provided the following testimony at the hearing: The costs in blood and treasure in Afghanistan for the U.S., its allies, and for Afghans have been underestimated and undercounted. A comprehensive accounting shows that the intensity of the war is increasing, not decreasing. Panelists also discussed peaceful alternatives to military action in Afghanistan. Ria Dellawar, an expert on Afghanistan testified that with the surge, the …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-statement-on-september-jobs-report	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on September Jobs Report	2011-10-07	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.07.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on September Jobs Report Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following response to the figures released by the Department of Labor showing stagnant unemployment rates: For 276 days in the majority, House Republicans have failed to enact any jobs measures or put forth any clear jobs agenda. The economy will only continue to worsen if we do not act quickly to address it. The jobs crisis is a national emergency and Americans cannot afford to wait any longer. The national unemployment rate remains distressingly high at 9.1%. While African American unemployment decreased slightly from 16.7% in August, we must be vigilant in targeting the unemployment of America's African Americans (16%), Hispanics (11.3%), and youth (24.6%) that have been hit hardest by the Great Recession. Jobs are the pathway out of poverty. We must invest in our people. Congress must enact President Obama's American Jobs Act and put people back to work. We must ensure that the work of the Supercommittee (the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction) is focused on economic growth, job creation, preservation of the social safety net, identification of revenue raisers that are fair, and cuts to a bloated Pentagon budget. I reiterate my call to Speaker Boehner to allow an up or down vote on H.R. 589, a bill I introduced that would provide fourteen weeks of benefits for those who have exhausted their unemployment benefits and are now off the books and in desperate need. Americans are waiting; Democrats have been prepared to act; and Republicans must join us to create jobs now. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-statement-on-the-passing-of-steve-jobs	Barbara Lee Statement on the Passing of Steve Jobs	2011-10-06	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.06.11 Barbara Lee Statement on the Passing of Steve Jobs Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on the passing of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs: My thoughts are with the family of Steve Jobs. He changed the way we live, receive information, and connect with one another. Regardless of his success in business, he continued to share his brilliance with others, invest in those around him, and was dedicated to making this world a better place. On behalf of many of my constituents who work at the Pixar studios in my district, Steve Jobs and his visionary and creative leadership will be greatly missed. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-fights-to-protect-the-environment	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Fights to Protect the Environment	2011-10-05	2011	2011-10	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	10.05.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Fights to Protect the Environment Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) delivered an address on the Floor of the House of Representatives to urge Members to put public health and a clean environment ahead of corporate interests. Following is an excerpt: I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2681, and the threat this bills would pose to the Clean Air Act. "Instead of working with Democrats on policies to create jobs, the House Republicans brings H.R. 2681 to the floor as it continues its special-interest assault on Clean Air Act public health standards. If passed, this bill will endanger thousands of lives by blocking the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to protect our communities from toxic air pollution as required under that Act. Not only would this bill undercut the Clean Air Act's ability to crack down on pollution in our communities and endanger public health, they would expose some of our nation's most vulnerable populations, including children and communities of color, to dangerous toxic metals and mercury poisoning. I have long said there is no denying the interconnection between our stewardship of the environment and the state of the economy, public health, and our communities. As things stand today, our most underserved and vulnerable populations are already bearing the greatest brunt of pollution, environmental degradation, and climate change.And, rather than take aim at these disparities, these Republican bills stand to aggravate them, by impeding the EPA from doing its job. View the entire address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdP1gRxhnlE ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-of-justice-cops-office-awards-over-243-million-to-hire-new-officers	US Department of Justice COPS Office Awards Over $243 Million to Hire New Officers	2011-09-28	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.28.11 US Department of Justice COPS Office Awards Over $243 Million to Hire New Officers Contact: Ricci Graham, 510-763-0370 Grants to Oakland and 237 additional agencies aimed at creating and saving law enforcement jobs Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) joined the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and officials from the cities of Oakland, Stockton, Salinas, and Tulare to announce nearly $72 million in grant awards to cities in California through the 2011 COPS Hiring Program. In total, more than $243 million in grants will be awarded nationwide to 238 law enforcement agencies and municipalities to hire new officers and deputies. The COPS Hiring Program is a competitive grant program that provides funding directly to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire police officers dedicated to addressing specific crime and disorder challenges confronting communities. The grants provide 100 percent funding for the entry-level salaries and benefits of newly-hired, or rehired, full-time officer positions over a three-year period. For the 2011 COPS Hiring Program, 2,712 applications were received requesting more than $2 billion and 8,999 positions. Funding decisions were based on an agency's commitment to community policing, crime rates, changes in law enforcement budgets, and other local fiscal data (poverty, unemployment, foreclosure rates, etc.). "Cities across the country are dealing with numerous challenges and we are pleased to be able to assist their public safety efforts," said COPS Director Bernard Melekian. "Creating and maintaining jobs is a key part of this program. This funding helps support local departments in their efforts to increase their ranks, enhance their relationship with the community and directly address their public safety concerns." The 2011 COPS Hiring Program awards will create or help preserve 1,021 sworn law enforcement positions. The jobs created, preserved, or refilled with COPS Hiring Program funds wi…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-statement-on-national-gay-mens-hiv/aids-awareness-day	Barbara Lee Statement on National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day	2011-09-27	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.27.11 Barbara Lee Statement on National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in observance of National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: "September 27th, 2011 marks the 4th Annual National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Over the past 30 years, HIV/AIDS has had astronomical impact on this population, nationally and worldwide. Additionally, in the United States, gay and bisexual men, who represent 2 to 4% of the population, comprise 60% of all new infections and for young men of color this statistic is even more daunting. HIV infection rates are far worse for young African American men who have sex with men (MSM): the number tragically doubled between 2006 and 2009. Globally, HIV prevalence rates among MSM have reached alarming levels around the world, skyrocketing past 20% in countries like Jamaica, Mexico, Thailand and Zambia. "Though we have made tremendous strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, there is still critical work to be done to prevent, treat, and bring awareness while working to reduce stigma and fight homophobia in our communities and around the world. Despite a clear need for services, HIV prevention remains out of reach for the vast majority of MSM worldwide. We must prioritize awareness, treatment, prevention, and education if we want to see a decrease in the rise of new HIV cases among our most vulnerable populations and to, once and for all, stamp this disease from the face of the earth." ### Congresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establ…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-makes-statement-on-nobel-laureate-wangari-maathais-passing	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Makes Statement on Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai's Passing	2011-09-27	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.27.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Makes Statement on Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai's Passing Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) released the following statement upon learning of the death of Professor Wangari Maathai: It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of Professor Maathai's passing. I send my sincere condolences to her family and loved ones. Professor Maathai's inspirational work was built on the simple act of planting a tree, an act repeated over forty million times since Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977. I was pleased to have the opportunity to plant a Golden Rain Tree with her on the Capitol Grounds at an event I organized in 2005 along with the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and the Architect of the Capitol. It was the first tree ever planted on the Capitol grounds in honor of an African woman or a Nobel Laureate. Her Nobel Peace Prize, the first awarded to an African woman, was well deserved for her outstanding contributions to a sustainable, peaceful, and democratic Africa. Beyond the Nobel Prize and many prestigious awards, Professor Maathai's greatest legacy will be the tens of millions of lives she has impacted and will continue to touch long after today due to her critical work empowering women, strengthening democracy, and working on behalf of Africa's most impoverished communities. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-calls-out-gop-for-protecting-polluters	Lee Calls Out GOP for Protecting Polluters	2011-09-26	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.26.11 Lee Calls Out GOP for Protecting Polluters Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on H.R. 2401, a misguided and dangerous Republican-sponsored bill to block and indefinitely delay two of the most important, life-saving Clean Air rules the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule: Today, House Republicans passed the TRAIN Act, a bill to undermine the Clean Air Act's ability to crack down on pollution in our communities and endangers public health. This dangerous proposal threatens the quality of life for our children, our families and our communities. It is shameful that Republicans are pushing their anti-environmental agenda under the guise of job creation. This bill blocks EPA's ability to move forward with two long overdue Clean Air Act rules the Mercury and Air Toxics Standard and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule which will reduce harmful air pollution that threatens public health, especially the health of vulnerable populations, including children and seniors. The Clean Air Act is one of the most successful public health programs in American history with a return of more than $30 in benefits for every dollar invested in pollution reductions over the life of this law. Despite what you have heard from politicians that side with polluters, we can have both clean air and jobs. We must put an end to any agenda that rewards polluters at the expense of our children's health and well-being. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-15-million-dot-grant-award-for-ac-transit	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $15 million DOT Grant Award for AC Transit	2011-09-23	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.23.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $15 million DOT Grant Award for AC Transit Contact: Ricci Graham 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) announced today that the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit Agency (AC Transit) has been awarded a $15 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation through its Federal Transit Administration program. The funds from this grant award will be used to support AC Transit's state-of-the-art Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, including dedicated bus lanes, transit signal priority, real-time bus arrival information and 47 bus stations from the downtown Berkeley BART station to the downtown San Leandro BART Station, and would run through downtown Oakland along the Telegraph Avenue, International Boulevard and East 14thStreet corridor. The BRT will provide high-quality, fast, and frequent express bus service along a 14 mile heavily urbanized corridor. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2012 and will be completed in 2014. I am pleased that AC Transit has been selected to receive this important funding, Congresswoman Lee said. With these funds, AC Transit will be able to provide more efficient service to the communities in my District and beyond. Continued investment in our public transportation infrastructure is paramount to rebuilding our economy, creating jobs, and promoting healthy, sustainable communities. ### Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-announces-2095-million-in-usaid-funding-for-the-oakland-based-public-health-institute	Congresswoman Lee Announces $209.5 million in USAID Funding for the Oakland-based Public Health Institute	2011-09-23	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.23.11 Congresswoman Lee Announces $209.5 million in USAID Funding for the Oakland-based Public Health Institute Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) is excited to announce that the Oakland-based Public Health Institute (PHI) has been selected to receive $209.5 million in cooperative agreement funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The award is nearly twice as large as previous USAID agreements, and will provide PHI the financial resources necessary for it to continue its effort to create a large, sustainable and diverse pool of talented global health professionals for the Global Health Fellows Program. It is with great pride that I announce this funding for the Public Health Institute, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. This award is well-deserved and is reflective of the fine work that is being done by the Public Health Institute to create the next generation of global health professionals. ### Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-introduces-bill-to-fight-discrimination-against-people-living-with-hiv	Lee Introduces Bill to Fight Discrimination Against People Living with HIV	2011-09-23	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.23.11 Lee Introduces Bill to Fight Discrimination Against People Living with HIV For Immediate Release Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Congresswoman Calls for Repeal of Unfair Criminal and Civil Laws Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced legislation to address the serious problem of discrimination in state criminal and civil laws against those who test positive for HIV. The bill creates incentives and support for states to reform existing policies that use legal authority to target people living with HIV for felony charges and severe punishments for behavior that is otherwise legal or that poses no measurable risk of HIV transmission. Laws that place an additional burden on HIV-positive individuals because of their HIV status lag far behind the medical advances and scientific discoveries in the fight against the epidemic, said Congresswoman Lee. Instead of progress against the disease and protection for people living with HIV/AIDS, criminalization laws breed fear, discrimination, distrust, and hatred." "Although our country has made notable advances in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, we have a long way to go, continued Lee. The decriminalization of HIV/AIDS is one way we can reduce stigma in our communities, while fighting the epidemic in a rational, holistic, and truly rights-based fashion." The laws targeted by the legislation are those that are inconsistent with evidence-based initiatives and are at direct odds with U.S. public health goals and HIV prevention strategies and programs. The bill requires federal and state officials to review federal and state laws and policies that involve criminal cases against people living with HIV/AIDS, and to provide support for education and reform initiatives. ### Congresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Ma…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-welcomes-news-that-unjust-imprisonment-of-iran-hostages-is-finally-over	Congresswoman Lee Welcomes News That Unjust Imprisonment of Iran Hostages is Finally Over	2011-09-21	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.21.11 Congresswoman Lee Welcomes News That Unjust Imprisonment of Iran Hostages is Finally Over For Immediate Release Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Shane and Josh Are Free! Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement today in response to the release of Joshua Fattal and Shane Bauer, the two U.C. Berkeley alumni who have been detained in Iran since July 31, 2009: I am greatly relieved by the news that Shane and Josh are finally free after over two years of unjust imprisonment. Since their arrest, I have worked toward their release and called on the Iranian government to free these young American citizens who committed no crime. They never should have been arrested in the first place and it is a shame that they were used as political pawns by the government of Iran. I am glad that Shane and Josh will be returning home to their families who have suffered while working tirelessly for their children's release. Shane will also be returning to his fiance, Sarah Shourd, who herself was unfairly imprisoned until her release one year ago. We look forward to welcoming Shane and Josh back home and wish them a happy reunion with their families and loved ones. ### Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-announces-over-65-million-in-transportation-funds-for-oakland-airport-taxiway-rehabilitation	Barbara Lee Announces Over $6.5 Million in Transportation Funds for Oakland Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation	2011-09-20	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.20.11 Barbara Lee Announces Over $6.5 Million in Transportation Funds for Oakland Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham (510) 763-0370 Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) announced today that the Port of Oakland will receive $ 6,547,045in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funding to rehabilitate taxiways at the Oakland International Airport.The funding will be used for necessary maintenance of the airport's W and U taxiways, which help the airport serve more than 14 million travelers annually. I am pleased that the Port of Oakland has been selected to receive funding that will help enhance services currently provided by the Oakland International Airport, said Congresswoman Lee. This award is a reminder that our economic recovery is dependent on continued investment in our transportation and aviation infrastructure. Port of Oakland Executive Director Omar Benjamin added, We are excited to receive word that Oakland International Airport will receive $6.5 million for our taxiway rehabilitation project. As always, Congresswoman Barbara Lee has worked tirelessly to help secure essential funding that enables us to continue to improve and modernize our airport." ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-statement-on-the-end-of-dont-ask-dont-tell	Barbara Lee Statement on the End of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"	2011-09-20	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.20.11 Barbara Lee Statement on the End of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" For Immediate Release Contact Kristal DeKleer, (202) 225-4783 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement on the official repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", a policy that prevented openly gay and lesbian service members from serving in the military: "Today, we celebrate the end of a discriminatory era against gay and lesbian service members in America with the official repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'. For too long, this failed policy unfairly denied fundamental civil liberties to highly qualified individuals who wished to serve our country. As a Vice-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality caucus, I am pleased that the tireless work of my Congressional colleagues, the Administration, and the LGBT community resulted in the end of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'. Although this is a remarkable step forward, we still have a long way to go to attain full equality for LGBT people. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered people continue to be targets of discrimination in our policies, our laws, and our society. I have always said that discrimination is un-American and we, as a nation, must continue to fight for policies that bring us closer to fulfilling the principles we espouse. I encourage my constituents, my colleagues and our country to stay committed to ensuring that sexual orientation and gender-identity are no longer a cause for inequality." *** Congresswoman Barbara Lee is a Vice-Chair and founding member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. She is proud to stand with a bipartisan caucus that is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBT people in the U.S. and around the world. ### Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-ignoring-the-long-term-unemployed-is-hurting-economy	Barbara Lee: Ignoring the long-term unemployed is hurting economy	2011-09-19	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.19.11 Barbara Lee: Ignoring the long-term unemployed is hurting economy For Immediate Release Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to figures released by the Department of Labor showing that unemployment rates rose in a majority of states across the country in August: We must take immediate action to address the rising rates of unemployment across the country. As Americans struggle to meet the basic needs of themselves and their families, they are losing hope. Of the 13.9 million people out of work, 6.2 million have been unemployed for nearly two years. Currently, 3.6 million Americans rely on emergency and extended unemployment benefits because their traditional benefits have expired. Thirty-nine states and territories reported an increase in unemployment claims over the last month. We must provide jobless workers with temporary assistance to meet their basic needs while they focus on getting a job. Immediate action must be taken to extend unemployment benefits fourteen more weeks for those who have reached the end of their 99 weeks of unemployment benefits. My bill, H.R. 589, provides this lifeline. Not only do jobless workers need assistance for food and shelter month to month, but unemployed workers immediately spend the assistance which stimulates the economy and contributes to job growth. It is far past time we act. I reiterate my call to Speaker Boehner to allow an up or down vote on H.R. 589. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-releases-statement-in-honor-of-hispanic-heritage-month	Lee Releases Statement in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month	2011-09-19	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement today in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15 to October 15: Every year, Americans honor Hispanic Heritage Month to commemorate the remarkable and immeasurable contributions that Latinos have made to our nation. I have the privilege of serving a vibrant and dynamic community of Latinos who live in my 9th Congressional District of California. Their record of achievement in every facet of our richly diverse community is truly remarkable. For generations, Hispanic American intellectuals, writers, artists, workers, activists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and leaders have enriched our nation as they worked to achieve the American dream. As a member of the Tri-Caucus, which is made up of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I am a proud and vocal advocate for the Latino community and all communities of color who will benefit from our efforts to expand opportunity and promote prosperity for all. It is with gratitude that I honor Hispanic Heritage Month, and with excitement I anticipate the future strides Hispanic Americans will make for our nation. Congresista Barbara Lee Hace Declaracin Honrando El Mes De La Herencia Hispana WASHINGTON D.C. La Congresista Barbara Lee (D-CA) hizo la siguiente declaracin en observacin del Mes de la Herencia Hispana, que se observa desde el 15 del septiembre hasta el 15 de octubre: Cada ao, los estadounidenses honran el Mes de la Herencia Hispana durante el cual se conmemoran las contribuciones notables e inconmensurables que han hecho los latinos en esta nacin. Tengo el privilegio de representar una comunidad vibrante y dinmica de latinos que viven en mi Distrito Congresional. Sus logros en cada faceta de nuestra diversa comunidad son realmente extraordinarios. Durante generaciones, los intelectuales, escritores, artistas, trabajadores, activi…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-tri-caucus-members-introduce-the-health-equity-and-accountability-act	Barbara Lee, Tri-Caucus Members Introduce the Health Equity and Accountability Act	2011-09-16	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.16.11 Barbara Lee, Tri-Caucus Members Introduce the Health Equity and Accountability Act Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C.Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2011, a bill that complements the efforts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and focuses on eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities. The bill was formally introduced today by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of CAPAC's Healthcare Taskforce, and included 68 original cosponsors. This legislation will serve a vital purpose in our nation's health care system, bringing health equity to all corners of our nation, said Rep. Barbara Lee, Chair of the Healthcare Task Force of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Building on the historic provisions in the Affordable Care Act, the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2011 includes new and tools to ensure effective, prioritized action is taken to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities, which can help our nation save trillions of dollars in savings. Specifically, this legislation improves and guides federal efforts in the following vital areas: data collection and reporting; culturally and linguistically appropriate health care; health workforce diversity; improvement of health outcomes for women, children and families; mental health; high impact minority diseases (hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer); health information technology; emboldened accountability and evaluation; creation of a new Office of Minority Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs; and, addressing social determinants of health. The Health Equity and Accountability Act is the next step forward in our efforts to eliminate the unique health disparities facing minority communities, said CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu. This bill includes some of the top healthcare priorities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, includ…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-applauds-decision-to-improve-outreach-to-small-and-disadvantaged-businesses-for-ca-high-speed-rail-projects	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Decision to Improve Outreach to Small and Disadvantaged Businesses for CA High Speed Rail Projects	2011-09-16	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.16.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Decision to Improve Outreach to Small and Disadvantaged Businesses for CA High Speed Rail Projects Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Oakland, CA Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in response to the order from the U.S. Department of Transportation requiring that the California High Speed Rail Authority make greater efforts to ensure minority-owned businesses have an opportunity to take part in California's largest infrastructure project in over 50 years: As an advocate for our small and disadvantaged businesses and their full participation in this major project, I was pleased with the Department of Transportation's decision yesterday, recognizing the pressing need for reform in how California builds our high speed rail infrastructure. It's vitally important that all California businesses have an opportunity to take part in this important project. I will continue to work on behalf of our local small and minority owned businesses whose participation is not only important in the interest of fairness, but is also vital to California's economic recovery. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-mcdermott-and-franks-launch-congressional-hiv/aids-caucus	Lee, McDermott and Franks Launch Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus	2011-09-16	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.16.11 Lee, McDermott and Franks Launch Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Administration officials, experts and advocates joined Representatives Barbara Lee, Jim McDermott and Trent Franks, co-chairs of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, to launch the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus. Thirty years after the first discovery of AIDS in the U.S., it remains one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our time. An estimated 33.4 million people worldwide live with HIV/AIDS and more than 25 million people have died since 1981. "The United States' global leadership and the generosity of the American people have made a profound and positive difference in the AIDS epidemic, said Michel Sidib, Executive Director at UNAIDS. This sustainedcommitment, across political administrations for more than a decade, has saved millions of lives. And I am counting on the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus to continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of the AIDS response." The story of PEPFAR has demonstrated the remarkable good will and generosity of the American people in addressing our global HIV/AIDS crisis, said Ambassador Eric Goosby, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. Congress' ongoing bipartisan support for PEPFAR, and President Obama's continuing stewardship of a landmark program launched by President George W. Bush, have shown the world that PEPFAR is a vital, effective element of our foreign policy, saving millions of lives across the globe. With continued support from Congress, the path toward an HIV-free generation is becoming clear. The United States continues to face a very serious domestic HIV epidemic and President Obama has made it a priority by releasing the Nation's first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States. Congressional leadership on domestic and global HIV/AIDS has been critical and we look forward to continuing to work with Congress on this important effort, said Jeffrey S. Crowley, White House Director of the Office…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-congressional-progressive-caucus-present-plan-to-rebuild-american-dream	Barbara Lee, Congressional Progressive Caucus Present Plan to Rebuild American Dream	2011-09-14	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.14.11 Barbara Lee, Congressional Progressive Caucus Present Plan to Rebuild American Dream Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement at the Congressional Progressive Caucus press conference: While I am pleased that the President made a strong case for his bill last week, I certainly think that we need to go bigger and bolder. After touring the country and listening to the American people on this summer's Speak Out for Good Jobs! Tour, the Congressional Progressive Caucus is determined to rebuild the American dream. Today, we present the Rebuild the American Dream Platform, a comprehensive effort to put Americans back to work. The six principles outlined in the platform address three key ideals: In America, every good worker deserves a good American job.America should work again for people who work for a living.Working Americans should use their strength in numbers to counter corporate dollars. We need to invest in workers, provide targeted relief to the most vulnerable struggling to get by, and give the economy the jolt it needs. Too many Americans have exhausted their 99 weeks of unemployment benefits we must provide another 14 weeks of benefits, not only providing an immediate injection into our economy, but increasing demand and creating jobs. Communities of color continue to carry the burden of higher unemployment rates than the national average of 9.1 percent. African Americans have an unemployment rate of 16.7 percent and Latinos have an unemployment rate of 11.3 percent. We need immediate and DIRECT investment for the communities hit hardest by high unemployment. While there is no one way to go about creating jobs and growing our economy, the Congressional Progressive Caucus will continue to lead the way on helping our most vulnerable who have been hit the hardest by the Great Recession. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Nex…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-receives-honor-from-ms-society	Barbara Lee Receives Honor from MS Society	2011-09-14	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.14.11 Barbara Lee Receives Honor from MS Society Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, September 14, 2011, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was honored by the National MS Society for her relentless dedication to end Multiple Sclerosis. Upon accepting the award, Congresswoman Lee said, Thank you to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for this award. Thank you so much for your dedication to this very important, life affirming cause. Your support means so much to so many and we all are deeply grateful for your assistance. I am so pleased to be able to join you and celebrate the work that you do. Tonight, I am accompanied by my sister, Mildred, who was diagnosed with MS when she was 26 yrs old. She has been living a productive and fruitful life. She has learned about the treatments and medications and fortunately she has had access to some of the best health care possible. But she wants everybody to have access to the types of treatment she has had. I will continue to fight hard to invest more funding in finding the causes of MS, to prevent it, to improve existing therapies, to expand access to treatment, and yes, with your support, to keep working until we find a cure! On behalf of my constituents of the 9th Congressional District of California, all of those living with MS, my family and friends and my sister Mildred, thank you for this amazing award tonight. Congresswoman Lee introduced H.R. 138 to urge local governments to support of the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Lee also introduced H.R. 883, an effort to serve youth with neurological conditions through supporting adult day programs. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-comments-on-usda-hunger-report	Barbara Lee Comments on USDA Hunger Report	2011-09-13	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.13.11 Barbara Lee Comments on USDA Hunger Report Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture report, Household Food Security in the United States in 2010: It is tragic that in the wealthiest and most powerful country in the world, millions of Americans continue to struggle with hunger each and every day. Due to the commitment by the President to reduce child hunger and the hard work of thousands of federal, state and local workers, and untold numbers of food banks, community groups and service organizations,we are moving in the right direction and we are reducing hunger even during a difficult recession. The USDA reported that the national rate of food insecurity,' which is a technical term for American families having to go to bed hungry, decreased slightly to 14.5 percent. Nearly 10 percent of children in American households are missing meals at some time during the year. We continue, however, to see an unacceptable gap in the rates of hunger in minority communities. For white households, the rate of food insecurity is 10.8 percent, compared to African American households at 25.1 percent and Hispanic households at 26.2 percent. Rates of "high food insecurity" have a similar pattern of racial disparity, with Whites at 4.2 percent, African Americans at 9.1 percent, and Hispanic households at 8.4 percent. The disparities in the rates of hunger in American families are a direct reflection of thehistoric and ongoing impacts of the pattern and practice of discrimination in employment, education, housing, banking and nearly every other aspect of American life. We must put targeted policies in place that will invest in African Americans, Latinos and communities of color -- that is the only way that we will ever close the persistent disparities in hunger and inequality of all kindswhich continues to divide Americans along the colorline. ### Follow Barbara Lee on…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/lee-proposed-troop-reduction-in-iraq-shows-progress-within-administration	Lee: Proposed Troop Reduction in Iraq Shows Progress Within Administration	2011-09-08	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.08.11 Lee: Proposed Troop Reduction in Iraq Shows Progress Within Administration For Immediate Release Contact: Kristal DeKleer, (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to Department of Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's announcement that the Obama Administration is considering reducing the troop level in Iraq to three or four thousand by the end of 2011: I believe the Administration is headed in the right direction as leaders consider dramatically shrinking the military force in Iraq. As the year-end deadline for complete withdrawal of the United States military nears, I am aware that advisors continue to press for a larger presence there for years to come. In the face of this pressure, we should take this moment to strengthen our efforts to push for a complete withdrawal by the end of the year. I introduced legislation to achieve this goal by prohibiting funding for any extension of the December 31, 2011, deadline to remove all U.S. troops and military contractors from Iraq. H.R. 2757, The Iraq Withdrawal Accountability Act of 2011, represents the will of the vast majority of the American public that supports the current plan to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011. I applaud all efforts by the Administration to fully implement this policy. I will continue to urge President Obama to remove all our troops and military contractors from Iraq. A safe, responsible, and complete withdrawal of the 47,000 troops in Iraq would save tens of billions of dollars annually, create more stability in the region, and protect our nation's strategic security interests here and abroad. Now is the time to lay our weapons down and pick our people up and it is time for the Iraqi government to do the same. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-congressional-out-of-poverty-caucus-call-on-president-invest-in-projects-that-better-country-put-americans-to-work	Barbara Lee, Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus Call on President: Invest in Projects That Better Country, Put Americans to Work	2011-09-07	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. As President Obama prepares to present a national plan for job creation to a Joint Session of Congress, the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus sent a letter to the President urging him to use this opportunity to address the needs of low-income families and those families facing or living in poverty. The letter urged the President to meet our national moral and economic obligation to help the most vulnerable survive this severe economic downturn. Signed by Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Congressman Joe Baca (D-CA), Congressman G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), and Congressman Michael Honda (D-CA), the letter urged the President to present a bold plan of direct investment in the programs and projects that not only better our country, but put Americans to work. Many Americans are experiencing poverty who never expected to be in such a place, directly affected by the Great Recession and the high levels of unemployment that swept across the country affecting all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. The Great Recession has been a Great Depression for communities of color. The national unemployment rate is stagnant at 9.1% after the month of August but increased from 15.9% to 16.7% in African American communities. The national average of children living in poverty in America is 20%, compared to 36% for African American children and 31% for Latino children. The median net worth of a white family in 2009 was 20 times greater than that of the average black family, and 18 times greater than the average Hispanic family. After attending town hall meetings, job fairs, and public forums, I have heard from and directly met with real people and real families as they looked for work, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. There is a level of despair and struggle that I have never seen before. It is critical that these messages are brought directly to the halls of Congress and the White House. Leaders in Washington have spent too much ti…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-comments-on-ten-year-observance-of-9/11	Barbara Lee Comments on Ten Year Observance of 9/11	2011-09-06	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.06.11 Barbara Lee Comments on Ten Year Observance of 9/11 Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement on the ten year observance of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001: Ten years ago, our Nation mourned the deaths of thousands killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We still mourn. We still feel the hurt and the pain that we felt following that dreadful day. Our hearts remain heavy and we still hold the victims and their loved ones close to us. In the aftermath of the attacks, I cautioned our leaders to use restraint during the dark days of mourning. I asked that we pause and reject the ready resort to violence as an answer to the murderous attack we had experienced. I knew that a conventional war was not the answer to this attack: war would not bring back our dead or heal the injured and mourning; war would not bring enduring stability to the region from which the attacks sprang; war would tarnish our reputation and challenge our ideals of due process, rule of law and the constructive use of diplomacy to isolate the non-state actors who had attacked us; war would bring death and injury to our service men and women; and war would drain our treasury and divert precious resources needed to prepare our nation and its citizens for the challenges of the 21st Century. Ten years later, the facts are in:Enduring stability and the realization of our national interests and ideals in the region are far from assured. Our coffers are empty after protracted battles in far-away lands with billions lost to waste, fraud and abuse. More than two million troops have been deployed some more than four times and thousands of them have perished along the way. Our service men and women have performed with incredible courage and have done everything asked of them. In return, we must provide the benefits and services that they have earned and deserve. On the domestic front, there are 2.4 million more children li…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-congratulates-castro-valley-organizations-on-drug-free-communities-grant-awards	Congresswoman Lee Congratulates Castro Valley Organizations on Drug Free Communities Grant Awards	2011-09-02	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.02.11 Congresswoman Lee Congratulates Castro Valley Organizations on Drug Free Communities Grant Awards Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement announcing that the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded grants to three local organizations participating in the Drug Free Communities Support Program: I am pleased ONDCP and SAMHSA recognized the efforts of three East Bay community organizations by selecting them to receive important grant funding. The continuation of $125,000 each in funding to the ACVPC's Horizon Services program and the Castro Valley Community Action Network's Await and Find project speaks to the extraordinary work that these coalitions are doing in their communities. And, I believe that the $75,000 in new funding directed to the ACVPC to provide mentorship services to the Hayward Coalition for Healthy Youth will foster even greater collaboration and development to prevent alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use among youth in the 9th Congressional District. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to these organizations and look forward to their future accomplishments and service to the East Bay community. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/on-labor-day-congresswoman-honors-americas-workers-and-calls-for-gop-cooperation-in-quick-action-on-job-creation-measures-in-september	On Labor Day, Congresswoman Honors America's Workers and Calls for GOP Cooperation in Quick Action on Job Creation Measures in September	2011-09-02	2011	2011-09	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	09.02.11 On Labor Day, Congresswoman Honors America's Workers and Calls for GOP Cooperation in Quick Action on Job Creation Measures in September Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 August Jobs Report Underscores Jobs Crisis As National Emergency Oakland, CA On this Labor Day, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) calls on Republican leaders in the House to address the jobs crisis by enacting key pieces of legislation and encourages Americans to speak out in favor of the fundamental rights of American workers. After decades of protesting and organizing, American workers secured basic rights such as the minimum wage, the 40-hour work week, child labor laws, and the fundamental right to collectively bargain. Now, workers are just struggling to get a job. I am extremely disappointed that this morning's national unemployment figures show that the economy added no net new jobs in August, and while the unemployment rate remained at 9.1 percent nationally, it has risen dramatically from 15.9 percent to 16.7 percent in the African American community, said Congresswoman Lee. Our nation's jobs crisis is a national emergency. Leaders in Washington have spent too much time and energy focused on deficit reduction and playing political games and now it is time to work for job creation, address the realities of economic inequality, and fight against poverty. Democrats are calling on Washington Republicans to quickly enact several measures that would create jobs now, provide support to the long-term unemployed, and strengthen the economy, such as: -The Urban Jobs Act (H.R. 683), which would provide job training, education, and support services and activities for eligible young adults to prepare them for entry into the workforce through local grants and the National Urban League. -Targeted federal on-the-job training programs which can be rapidly scaled up on those communities hit worst by the Great Recession, most often communities of color. -National service programs, federal summer job pr…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-hopeful-that-the-martin-luther-king-jr-national-memorial-inspires-visitors	Barbara Lee Hopeful that the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Inspires Visitors	2011-08-28	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.28.11 Barbara Lee Hopeful that the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Inspires Visitors Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 "It is my hope that we are emboldened by the words of Dr. King to put our weapons down and pick our people up: The bombs in Vietnam explode at home; they destroy the hopes and possibilities for a decent America. Yet, still today, our war machine is fed while our children go hungry. I hope the Memorial reminds us to end today's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and Libya and tomorrow's war, too. I hope the Memorial reminds us to reach out to the less fortunate, support those that are struggling and work together to create pathways out of poverty. Now is the time to come together. Now is the time to break the silence." Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-calls-on-president-to-help-jobless-workers-and-their-families	Barbara Lee Calls on President to Help Jobless Workers and Their Families	2011-08-25	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.25.11 Barbara Lee Calls on President to Help Jobless Workers and Their Families Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to address the needs of jobless workers in his forthcoming jobs plan. The letter urged the President to not only maintain the current extension of unemployment benefits to America's jobless workers, but to also incorporate H.R. 589, The Emergency Unemployment Extension Act. Congresswoman Lee sponsored the bill to extend unemployment benefits by fourteen more weeks for all unemployed workers. Extending unemployment benefits for an additional fourteen weeks would serve as an immediate resuscitation for people who have reached the end of their 99 weeks of unemployment benefits, said Congresswoman Lee. Not only do jobless workers need assistance for food and shelter month to month, but unemployed workers immediately spend the assistance receive,which stimulates the economy and contributes to job growth. "The current Majority in the House has done nothing this year to help the millions of Americans who are chronically unemployed keep their heads above water,and any new jobs program should not leave them behind," said Congressman Scott. "These Americans are desperate for jobs but they need this lifeline now because our economy is simply not growing fast enough. I commend Congresswoman Lee for her tireless efforts supporting these forgotten Americans." For every job opening, there are currently 4.4 unemployed workers. Of the 13.9 million people out of work, 6.2 million have been unemployed for nearly two years. Including H.R. 589 into a comprehensive and bold jobs plan is critical to providing jobless workers with the temporary assistance to meet basic needs while they focus on getting a job. Across the country people want and need jobs, and as we work together to create jobs we must work together to continue to support our nation's job…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-condemns-8-year-sentence-to-us-detainees-in-iran	Barbara Lee Condemns 8-year Sentence to U.S. Detainees in Iran	2011-08-21	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.21.11 Barbara Lee Condemns 8-year Sentence to U.S. Detainees in Iran For Immediate Release Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to the Iranian court decision on Saturday sentencing U.C. Berkeley graduates Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer to eight years in prison under charges of espionage: I am outraged and saddened by the decision yesterday. We must and will continue to do everything we can to support the immediate release of Shane and Josh." ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-applauds-administration-decision-to-suspend-deportations-of-law-abiding-immigrants	Barbara Lee Applauds Administration Decision to Suspend Deportations of Law Abiding Immigrants	2011-08-19	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.19.11 Barbara Lee Applauds Administration Decision to Suspend Deportations of Law Abiding Immigrants For Immediate Release Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to the Obama Administration's announcement on Thursday that it would suspend deportation proceedings against many undocumented immigrants who pose no threat to national security or public safety: Yesterday, the Obama Administration took an important step toward fixing our broken immigration system. "For too long, law abiding immigrants, military families, parents, students and youth have been unfairly targeted for deportation -- barring them from the American Dream. We are a nation of immigrants, and comprehensive immigration reform is crucial for the future of our country. I applaud the Administration's decision and look forward to working with the White House and my colleagues in Congress toward comprehensive immigration reform that will honor the contributions that immigrants make to our country." ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-comments-on-the-tragic-increase-in-child-poverty-in-america	Barbara Lee Comments on the Tragic Increase in Child Poverty in America	2011-08-19	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.19.11 Barbara Lee Comments on the Tragic Increase in Child Poverty in America For Immediate Release Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement in response to the KIDS COUNT Data Book released today by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which offered state-by-state rankings on child well-being in the United States and revealed that the official child poverty rate for the United States increased 18 percent from 2000 to 2009: This report confirms what we all have seen in our communities the irresponsible fiscal policies of the prior administration plunged working families into poverty. There are now almost 15 million children living in poverty in America, an increase of 18 percent since 2000, effectively erasing all of the gains made in cutting child poverty in the late 1990s. It is a moral outrage that in the most prosperous country, so many of our children are suffering and we know that the impact is far worse in communities of color. The morally and economically bankrupt economic policies of the prior administration resulted in a staggering increase in poverty, extreme pressure on the working middle class, and an even wider gap between the rich and poor. The efforts of the Tea Party and House Republicans to dismantle government and shred the safety net will continue to push more working families into poverty. We cannot afford more of the policies that sacrificed the most vulnerable while handing out massive tax breaks the super rich, big corporations, and big oil. We need to work to strengthen the programs which support those who are currently living in poverty and focus on creating jobs as a pathway out of poverty. ### The KIDS COUNT Data Book with state-by-state rankings and supplemental data can be found at http://datacenter.kidscount.org. Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-calls-for-renewed-investment-in-the-national-institute-for-minority-health-and-health-disparities	Congresswoman Lee Calls for Renewed Investment in the National Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities	2011-08-19	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.19.11 Congresswoman Lee Calls for Renewed Investment in the National Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities For Immediate Release Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Congressional TriCaucus Members Call for a Renewed Investment in the National Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities Washington, D.C. Today, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released the results of a study entitled, Race, Ethnicity and NIH Research Awards. The study found that despite its current programs to increase the racial and ethnic diversity among its intramural and extramural biomedical and health services research workforce and grantee pool, there are serious and persistent racial and ethnic disparities in the manner in which NIH funding is awarded. The findings from this study which are extremely alarming raise serious questions about various NIH processes and review panels that should be objective and fair, in both intent and in outcome, noted Congresswoman Donna Christensen, a physician and the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Health Braintrust. They also underscore the immediate need for the leadership at NIH to more demonstratively support, expand the authority of and increase funding allocated to the National Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) to lead, evaluate, and coordinate racial and ethnic minority and health disparity research and training. Today's report underscores the need for NIH to act quickly and with determination to strengthen the National Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities to aggressively address the inequities detailed in this important study, added Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the HealthCare Task Force for the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and member of the House Committee on Appropriations. There are a number of preliminary action items that the Congressional TriCaucus, whose members have long championed health disparity elimination as a national priority, will be…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/the-national-park-service-awards-grant-to-the-oakland-museum-of-california	The National Park Service Awards Grant to the Oakland Museum of California	2011-08-11	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.11.11 The National Park Service Awards Grant to the Oakland Museum of California For Immediate Release Contact Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement today announcing that the National Park Service has awarded a grant totaling $77,842 to the Oakland Museum of California, an institution which brings together collections of art, history and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people: I am pleased that the NPS recognized the excellent work of the Oakland Museum of California by awarding this meaningful and highly competitive grant which will allow our wonderful local resource to inventory and identify any Native American human remains and cultural items in their collections. This work will allow the museum to collaborate with affiliated Native American tribes, Alaska Native villages and corporations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to determine whether or not the Oakland Museum of California can maintain the items in their collection or return the items to the appropriate tribe or organization. ### For more information about the Oakland Museum of California, go to http://museumca.org/. Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-statement-on-loss-of-american-forces-in-afghanistan	Barbara Lee Statement on Loss of American Forces in Afghanistan	2011-08-06	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.06.11 Barbara Lee Statement on Loss of American Forces in Afghanistan For Immediate Release Contact Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) issued the following statement today on the loss of American forces in Afghanistan: "The loss of our American forces today is indeed tragic. My heart and prayers go out to their families and loved ones. Especially as the daughter of a veteran, I believe we must always be mindful and grateful of the tremendous service and sacrifice of our troops and their families. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-responds-to-downgrade-of-us-credit-rating	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Responds to Downgrade of U.S. Credit Rating	2011-08-06	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.06.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Responds to Downgrade of U.S. Credit Rating For Immediate Release Contact Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement today in response to Standard & Poor's downgrade of the U.S. credit rating from AAA to AA+: "The decision to downgrade our debt is not grounded in economic reality. It is, however, an important indicator of how dangerous the political reality has become in Congress where the Tea Party held our economy hostage in the "default crisis" in order to push their extreme agenda. We need a balanced approach to deficit reduction that includes revenues and protects our nation's safety net." ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-responds-to-july-jobs-report	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Responds to July Jobs Report	2011-08-05	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.05.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Responds to July Jobs Report For Immediate Release August 5, 2011 Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement today in response to the Department of Labor's monthly job report stating that the national unemployment rate had a slight decrease to 9.1 percent in the month of July: While I am pleased to see any decrease in the national unemployment rate, there are still 13.9 million people without jobs and 6.2 million of them have been unemployed for longer than 27 weeks. Worse, among communities of color, the numbers continue to be well above the national average with African Americans at 15.9 percent and Latinos at 11.3 percent. The Republicans have completely failed to address the true crisis facing our nation: the jobs crisis. While Congress spent time fighting over raising the debt ceiling, millions of Americans were struggling to find their next meal or keep a roof over their head. The Republican leadership should have brought H.R. 589, the Emergency Unemployment Extension Act of 2011, which would provide emergency aid for those who have exhausted their 99 weeks of unemployment benefits to the Floor for a vote. Beyond supporting some of our most vulnerable Americans, this would immediately stimulate our economy by allowing these individuals to use the funds on food, housing, and other goods they need to survive. We have a moral and economic obligation to create jobs and provide the assistance that jobless workers need in order to survive as we try to fix the broken economy. Now that we have finally put the Republican debt-crisis'behind us, we have got to get to the much-needed work of ending the real crisis in this country the jobs crisis. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-introduces-bill-to-prevent-spread-of-stis-and-hiv-in-prisons	Barbara Lee Introduces Bill to Prevent Spread of STIs and HIV in Prisons	2011-08-04	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.04.11 Barbara Lee Introduces Bill to Prevent Spread of STIs and HIV in Prisons For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. This week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced H.R. 2704, The Justice for the Unprotected against Sexually Transmitted Infections among the Confined and Exposed (JUSTICE) Act to allow prisons to provide condoms to incarcerated peoples. The JUSTICE Act also calls for automatic reinstatement or reenrollment in Medicaid for people who test positive for HIV before reentering communities. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement: As we mark the 30th anniversary of the first discovery of AIDS cases in the U.S., we can no longer afford to ignore the reality that sexually transmitted infections can be spread within our correctional system. I introduced The JUSTICE Act to provide a comprehensive response to the spread of STIs in correctional facilities. Among confirmed AIDS cases in prisons, minorities account for the majority , with African-Americans 3.5 times more likely than Whites, and 2.5 times more likely than Hispanics to die from AIDS-related causes. Without uniform prevention, testing, and treatment programs, incarcerated persons living with HIV or other STIs can unknowingly infect others.. Often left untreated, incarcerated persons with STIs are frequently in the more advanced stages of their disease, and once released can be even more costly for the public health system to treat. ### * * * Congresswoman Lee, Founding Co-Chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, has been a leader in the fight against the global AIDS and was a strong advocate for the effort to establish a National HIV/AIDS Strategy in the U.S. As a member of the powerful House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations and a fierce advocate of public health, Congresswoman Lee has worked to increase funding and awareness for HIV/AIDS programs and research. She is the only Uni…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-on-agreement-to-reopen-the-faa	Congresswoman Barbara Lee on Agreement to Reopen the FAA	2011-08-04	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.04.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee on Agreement to Reopen the FAA For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham 510-763-0370 Washington D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) today issued the following statement on the compromise agreement to temporarily reauthorize the FAA: While I am pleased that the Democratic leadership took the high road to resolve the impasse and send 74,000 transportation and construction workers back to work, I am deeply concerned with the extremist tactics of the Republicans and their willingness to shut down our critical infrastructure projects. It is unconscionable that Congress placed thousands of Americans workers in limbo during one of the worst recessions in ourhistory. It is my hope that Republican House leadership will begin to negotiate in good faith when we reconvene next month to vote on yet another temporary extension and allow FAA employees and construction workers to continue their critical work maintaining and rebuilding our nation's aviation infrastructure. ### Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-urges-members-in-the-house-and-senate-to-end-shutdown-of-the-faa	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Urges Members in the House and Senate to End Shutdown of the FAA	2011-08-03	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.03.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Urges Members in the House and Senate to End Shutdown of the FAA For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham 510-763-0370 Washington D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) today urged members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to take whatever action is necessary to end the partial shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), even if it means calling a special session that would allow the House and Senate to vote on legislation that would permit furloughed FAA employees to return to work. Congresswoman Lee's district has been particularly impacted by the FAA shutdown, as scores of construction workers have been laid off or furloughed. The shutdown has also drawn to a halt the construction of the new traffic control tower at Oakland International Airport that is a key component in the effort to modernize the airport. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement concerning the FAA shutdown that has impacted an estimated 4,000 FAA employees and nearly 80,000 construction workers nationwide: I am extremely concerned about the impact the FAA shutdown is having both locally and nationally, Congresswoman Lee said. It is unconscionable that Congress failed to pass legislation that would have authorized funding for the FAA before going into recess. As a result, thousands of Americans workers have been either laid off or furloughed during one of the worst recessions in ourhistory. It is my hope that Republican House leadership will relent and call a special session that would allow members to vote on legislation that would restore funding to the FAA and allow FAA employees and construction workers to return to work. ### Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-introduces-bill-to-bring-troops-home-from-iraq-on-time	Barbara Lee Introduces Bill to Bring Troops Home from Iraq On Time	2011-08-02	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.02.11 Barbara Lee Introduces Bill to Bring Troops Home from Iraq On Time For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C Yesterday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and 7 Members of Congress introduced H.R. 2757, The Iraq Withdrawal Accountability Act of 2011, to prohibit funding for any extension of the December 31, 2011 deadline to remove all U.S. troops and military contractors from Iraq. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement: We cannot allow or afford any extension of the December 31st deadline established by the agreement between the United States and the government of Iraq. Leaving troops and military contractors in Iraq beyond the end of the year deadline is not in our nation's strategic security interests an ongoing occupation only contributes to the hostility and destabilizing effects that U.S. military action is having in the region. The vast majority of the American public support the current plan to remove all US troops from Iraq by year's end. We need to ensure that our troops come home safely and focus on creating jobs and growing our economy. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-welcomes-department-of-health-and-human-services-guidelines-to-expand-womens-preventive-services	Barbara Lee Welcomes Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines to Expand Women's Preventive Services	2011-08-01	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.01.11 Barbara Lee Welcomes Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines to Expand Women's Preventive Services For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement in response to the Department of Health and Human Services release of guidelines that expand women's preventive health services: I applaud today's announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services to expand prevention services for women, including a full range of FDA-approved contraceptive methods and family-planning services. As part of the many beneficial services included in the Affordable Care Act, these new guidelines will ensure that women-specific preventive-health services are free for Medicare beneficiaries. Additionally, the guidelines would require new health plans issued on or after August 1, 2012 to cover preventive services at no additional cost to patients. Today's decision will have a profound impact on the health and well being of millions of women by giving them greater ability to manage their health care. I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to ensure access to these services are expanded to all women across the country. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-opposes-debt-ceiling-deal	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes Debt Ceiling Deal	2011-08-01	2011	2011-08	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	08.01.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes Debt Ceiling Deal For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement in opposition to the debt ceiling deal released on Sunday night: Of course, I don't want to see our nation default, but after having reviewed this deal in detail, for a number of reasons, I am simply unable to support it. First, it totally fails to address the urgent and most pressing crisis in the country: the lack of jobs and economic growth. At a time when investments are needed to jump start our economy and put people back to work, I believe this deal and its cuts-only approach is the wrong approach. Clearly, allowing the false link between the debt ceiling and the deficit to gain any credibility was a mistake. And it is an outrage that we stand here today. A clean debt ceiling vote and a reasonable and balanced approach to deficit reduction is what has long been required. Second, while I can appreciate that some provisions to limit the impact of the cuts were included, the bill falls short of achieving the balance necessary. The hard reality is that cuts of this size will likely result in massive cuts to vital human needs and safety net programs and will cripple our ability to help our must vulnerable communities, including seniors, the poor, and low income people who are struggling every day to just get by. And it includes no revenues and no guarantee of revenues going forward. With over forty five million people living in poverty and the wealth gap at astronomical levels, we must demand that the super rich, big oil and other big corporations that enjoy tax giveaways and loopholes also contribute to deficit reduction. Finally, it is entirely unacceptable to me that this deal would open the door to cuts in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Enough is enough. We cannot allow the extreme Tea Party Republicans to advance their agenda to dismantle our government by rewarding their …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-votes-in-favor-of-senator-reids-plan	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Votes in Favor of Senator Reid's Plan	2011-07-30	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.30.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Votes in Favor of Senator Reid's Plan For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 2693, Senator Reid's Budget Control Act of 2011: By unnecessarily and wrongfully linking the raising of our debt ceiling with their extreme Tea Party agenda, the Republicans have brought our country to the brink of default. Their willingness to play politics with our economy is astounding and should be deeply troubling to all. While I disagree with much of the Reid bill, I voted yes on H.R. 2693 because I believe we must address this Republican-created crisis. And while it was clear from the outset that the Republicans scheduled this vote merely for political purposes, many Members, myself included, are deeply concerned about the impact large cuts to discretionary spending while protecting the bloated Pentagon budget, and without attention to revenue. The Congress should pass a clean debt ceiling bill and then get to work on reasonably balancing the budget and creating jobs for the American people, which will grow our economy. We cannot and will not be held hostage by the Republican right wing agenda to dismantle the middle class and shred the safety net for the poor and most vulnerable while protecting big banks, big oil and big corporations that send our jobs overseas. Given the increasing concerns that a legitimate bipartisan compromise to raise our debt ceiling can be crafted in 48 hours, today I joined many of my colleagues in expressing our support for the President using the 14th amendment power in this time of national emergency to raise our nation's debt ceiling if necessary. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-votes-no-on-boehner-plan	Barbara Lee Votes No on "Boehner Plan"	2011-07-29	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.29.11 Barbara Lee Votes No on "Boehner Plan" For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Barbara Lee Votes No on Boehner Plan Washington, D.C Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) joined 178 Democrats and 22 Republicans in opposing Speaker John Boehner's plan to raise the debt ceiling while cutting $1.6 trillion in spending and calling for an additional debt ceiling vote in six months. The Boehner Plan passed the House of Representatives by a narrow margin of 218-210. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement: It is shameful that the Republican Party continues its drive to plunge our nation into default and our economy over the brink. And the bill that Speaker Boehner has unveiled today does exactly just that. Trying to balance the budget on the backs of the poor is morally wrong and economically bankrupt. We should not be wasting the American people's time and pushing our economy to the brink of a catastrophic crisis with legislation that we know is going nowhere. The Republicans need to stop holding our economy hostage and stop playing political games - we need a clean debt ceiling vote so that we can do the real work of creating jobs, protecting our most vulnerable, and growing our economy. ### Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-supports-president-invoking-14th-amendment-if-necessary	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports President Invoking 14th Amendment if Necessary	2011-07-28	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.28.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Supports President Invoking 14th Amendment if Necessary For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) spoke out against the House GOP's Boehner Plan and encouraged a vote on clean debt-ceiling legislation. Congresswoman Lee also endorsed the President using his executive power and invoking the 14th Amendment to raise the debt ceiling if necessary. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement: Instead of working to improve the lives of the millions of Americans in poverty, the Republican party continues their drive to plunge our nation into default and our economy over the brink. Speaker Boehner has unveiled yet another Republican plan that fails to do what America needs. His plan fails to end the threat of default. His plan targets the programsthat protect America's most vulnerable our seniors, our children and our low-income families - for more draconian cuts. It is misguided, and it is morally wrong. We have run out oftimefor these Republican politicalgames. The Republicans need to do what's right for our economy and our future and stop holding our economy hostage to protect millionaires and special interests. They need to pass a clean debt ceiling bill. The American economy cannot afford to default. I fully support the President acting to prevent default by invoking the 14th amendment to raise the debt ceiling if it is necessary to prevent an economic disaster. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-92-members-of-congress-call-for-return-of-us-troops-and-military-contractors-from-iraq-by-december-31-2011	Barbara Lee, 92 Members of Congress Call for Return of U.S. Troops and Military Contractors from Iraq by December 31, 2011	2011-07-27	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.27.11 Barbara Lee, 92 Members of Congress Call for Return of U.S. Troops and Military Contractors from Iraq by December 31, 2011 For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement after sending a letter to President Barack Obama, along with 88 Democrats and 4 Republicans calling for compliance with the Status of Forces Agreement with Iraq and a full withdrawal by December 31, 2011: I am pleased that so many of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle joined me in sending a clear message that we must keep our commitment to ending the dangerous and misguided military occupation in Iraq this year. It has been over eight years since President Bush launched the disastrous war in Iraq. NowPresident Obama has the opportunity to finally end the war by adhering to the Status of Forces Agreement with Iraq which requires all 47,000 U.S. troops remaining in Iraq to depart before December 31, 2011. The American people are sick and tired of endless wars, and widely support the current plan to end our involvement in Iraq. It is past time that we bring this war to an end. The text of the letter can be found below. *** July 27, 2011 The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: We are writing to urge you to hold to our nation's Status of Forces Agreement with the government of Iraq that commits our nation to bringing all of our troops and military contractors home at the end of this calendar year. The American people have made it clear that the war in Iraq must end. By wide and overwhelming margins, Americans approve of your plan to remove all the troops from Iraq by the end of this year. We are deeply concerned to learn that your Administration is considering plans to keep potentially th…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-congressional-out-of-poverty-caucus-hold-press-conference-on-impact-of-cuts-to-vital-human-needs-programs	Barbara Lee, Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus Hold Press Conference on Impact of Cuts to Vital Human Needs Programs	2011-07-27	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.27.11 Barbara Lee, Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus Hold Press Conference on Impact of Cuts to Vital Human Needs Programs For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Founding Co-Chair of the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus (COPC), members of the COPC, and representatives from national anti-poverty organizations held a press conference on the impact of debt reduction plans on vital human needs programs for low income and poor communities. Congresswoman Lee highlighted the importance of preserving safety net programs, discussed the latest report on the growing wealth gap between white and minority communities, and encouraged House leadership to extend unemployment benefits for those who have exhausted their 99 weeks by bringing her legislation, H.R. 589, to the floor for a vote. The following are excerpts from Congresswoman Lee's statement: We are gathered here today to talk about the urgent necessity of protecting vital human needs programs from the Speaker's bill which is just another version of the extreme Republican agenda of cut, cap, and balance that is, balancing the budget on the backs of the poor. This measure will decimate the vital safety net programs on which Americans living in poverty depend on for their survival. The Co-Chairs of the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus saw the writing on the wall earlier this summer and sent a letter to the President, the Vice President, and to Congressional leadership calling for them to protect vital human needs programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security that serve our most vulnerable from this Republican attack. This press conference is a reminder that we are not going to stop demanding that these programs be protected as deals are cut behind closed doors and bills are voted on. We are the voice for the voiceless and we are here today to speak out on this issue. Americans are falling by the wayside, and that simply cannot continue we have a moral obl…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/the-national-endowment-for-the-humanities-awards-grants-supporting-educational-projects-in-the-9th-congressional-district	The National Endowment for the Humanities Awards Grants Supporting Educational Projects in the 9th Congressional District	2011-07-27	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.27.11 The National Endowment for the Humanities Awards Grants Supporting Educational Projects in the 9th Congressional District For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham 510-763-0370 Washington D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement today announcing that the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded three grants totaling $273,302 to support projects in the 9thCongressional District that exemplify extraordinary standards in educational research: These grants are extremely competitive and are awarded to groups that are engaged in educational projects that meet NEH's exceptionally high standards. I couldn't be more pleased that these groups have been awarded the grants that will allow them to pursue their important projects. The Oakland-based Friends of Peralta Hacienda Historic Park was awarded a $175,302 grant to support its project, titled: Spanish, Mexican, and American California: Reframing U.S. History at the Peralta Hacienda. The Mangalam Research Center for Buddhist Languages in Berkeley received a $25,000 digital start-up grant for its Buddhist Translators Workbench project, and the Katahdin Foundation, also located in Berkeley, was awarded a $75,000 grant for its Geographies of Kinship: The Korean Adoption Story project. ### Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-responds-to-rise-in-wealth-gap-among-whites-african-americans-and-latinos	Barbara Lee Responds to Rise in Wealth Gap Among Whites, African Americans and Latinos	2011-07-26	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.26.11 Barbara Lee Responds to Rise in Wealth Gap Among Whites, African Americans and Latinos For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement in response to the Pew Research Center Report entitled Wealth Gaps Rise to Record Highs Between Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics: Twenty-to-One' released today: The Pew Research Center's report shows the drastic impact that the economic downturn has had on minority communities, pushing the wealth gap to record high numbers. Unfortunately, the statistics speak for themselves the median wealth of white households is 20 times that of Black households and 18 times that of Hispanic households. This recession' has been nothing short of a depression for communities of color with disproportionate loss of wealth, housing, increased unemployment and poverty rates that are on the rise. It is time that we recognize that race is a factor in these growing economic inequalities and we can no longer afford to sweep this issue under the rug. We must put targeted policies in place that will invest in Black and Latino communities; that is the only way that we will ever close the ever-widening gap. # # # Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Click Here for the Full Report Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-fights-to-preserve-environmental-quality-opposes-fy12-interior-appropriations-bill	Barbara Lee Fights to Preserve Environmental Quality, Opposes FY12 Interior Appropriations Bill	2011-07-25	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.25.11 Barbara Lee Fights to Preserve Environmental Quality, Opposes FY12 Interior Appropriations Bill For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) joined her colleagues in the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition to speak out against the FY 2012 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, H.R. 2485,and stall its consideration on the House Floor. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement: H.R. 2485 destroys critical environmental standards established to protect the public's health and is nothing more than a vehicle for bigger profits to big oil and special-interest polluters. By attaching more than 40 extremely dangerous policy riders, the Republicans take direct aim on the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the environment we live in. As the proud Representative of California's Ninth Congressional District, which has long been at the forefront of the environmental movement working on the critical issue of climate change, fighting for renewable energy, green jobs, and environmental justice I urged defeat of this horribly destructive bill. As a person of faith, I believe that there is a moral and an ethical responsibility to protect the natural resources provided by our creator. I will continue to fight to ensure that our government takes the steps to responsibly deal with the issues that affect our environmental quality. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Click Here for Video Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-responds-to-oslo-bombing-in-norway	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Responds to Oslo Bombing in Norway	2011-07-25	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.25.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Responds to Oslo Bombing in Norway For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement in response to the Oslo bombing in Norway that left dozens of people dead on Friday, July 22, 2011: I join my colleagues and people of our nation in condemning the heinous acts of violence in Norway. My thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Norway, and especially the family and loved ones of the victims in the wake of these horrific attacks. ### Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-responds-to-200-days-of-republican-control-in-the-house-calls-for-job-creation	Barbara Lee Responds to 200 Days of Republican Control in the House, Calls for Job Creation	2011-07-22	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.22.11 Barbara Lee Responds to 200 Days of Republican Control in the House, Calls for Job Creation For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement regarding the ongoing deficit negotiations and the Republicans' record on job creation: Tomorrow marks 200 days of a Republican controlled House without a single jobs bill coming up for a vote. Republicans' willingness to bring our economy to the brink of disaster is a frightening sign of just how dangerous their you are on your own' agenda has become. The current, so-called debt crisis' has been completely manufactured by House Republicans attempting to advance an extremist agenda. This should be a simple vote to allow the US Treasury to fund all of the programs and obligations of the entire federal government that are already in the law. Instead, Republicans are holding the future of our entire nation hostage in order to protect tax cuts for the super rich and tax loopholes for special interests. They are already hurting American families by causing real uncertainty about our nation's ability to pay our bills. Enough is enough. We should immediately pass a clean bill to raise the debt ceilingsothat we can get to work on the real crisis in this country: the jobs crisis. And as the first order of business, I call on the Speaker, once again, to bring my legislation H.R. 589, which wouldextend vital unemployment insurance for the long-term unemployed, to the floor for an up or down vote. We must work together to move our country forward and allow our economy to grow again. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-congressional-out-of-poverty-caucus-speak-out-against-cuts-to-vital-human-needs-programs	Barbara Lee, Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus Speak Out Against Cuts to Vital Human Needs Programs	2011-07-21	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.21.11 Barbara Lee, Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus Speak Out Against Cuts to Vital Human Needs Programs For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Founding Co-Chair of the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus (COPC), Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, and eight Members of the COPC spoke on the impact of debt reduction plans on vital human needs programs for low income communities. Congresswoman Lee highlighted the importance of preserving Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security as well as the need to pass H.R. 589 to extend unemployment benefits for those who have exhausted their eligibility. The following are excerpts of Congresswoman Lee's statement: My colleagues and I are here on the floor to remind every Member that it was not American families, or the working poor, or sick or hungry children that forced Congress to run a deficit. And it was definitely not America's seniors on Social Security or Medicare or people on Medicaid that forced Republicans to turn the first budget surplus in decades into record deficits. The American people are willing to work hard and pay their fair share, but they should not be asked to fill a hole that they did not dig. The Republicans need to do more to help struggling Americans, not cut the vital programs that help them survive day in and day out. As we move our nation forward, addressing its fiscal challenges, we cannot balance the budget on the backs the most vulnerable. We must protect vital safety net programs that help those facing or living in poverty survive and provide them with pathways out of poverty. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Click Here for Video Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-welcomes-secretary-of-labor-hilda-solis-to-the-9th-congressional-district	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Welcomes Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis to the 9th Congressional District	2011-07-21	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.21.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Welcomes Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis to the 9th Congressional District For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) is pleased to announce that U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis will attend two events in the 9th Congressional District on Friday, July 22, 2011. Secretary Solis is scheduled to provide opening remarks during the plenary session for the Pacific American Labor Alliance's Biennial Conference Generations United: Our Jobs, Our Rights and Our Future taking place at the Oakland Marriott at 10 a.m. Solis will then tour the Jamba Juice headquarters in Emeryville to discuss a joint initiative between the company and the Department of Labor to provide job opportunities for youth through its company. I am extremely pleased that Secretary Solis will be visiting sites, delivering remarks, and participating in vital discussions in my district, said Congresswoman Lee. Not only is Secretary Solis a long-time friend and colleague from our time in the California Legislature and Congress, but we both have a shared vision for creating high-quality, sustainable jobs for all and making sure our most vulnerable communities are not left behind. The details of Secretary Solis' stops in the 9th Congressional District are as follows: What: Remarks for the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) Biennial Conference When: Friday, July 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Where: Oakland Marriott City Center located at 1001 Broadway Oakland, CA What: Tour and Roundtable Discussion at Jamba Juice headquarters When: Friday, July 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Where: 6475 Christie Ave. Emeryville, CA ### Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-opposes-republican-cut-cap-and-balance-proposal	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes Republican "Cut, Cap, and Balance" Proposal	2011-07-19	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.19.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes Republican "Cut, Cap, and Balance" Proposal For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) spoke in opposition to the Republican Cut, Cap, and Balance Proposal that would cap spending at Ryan Budget levels, end the Medicare guarantee, extend tax breaks to special interest, and mandate the passage of a balanced budget constitutional amendment. The following is a transcript of her statement: I rise in strong opposition to what has appropriately been labeled the Duck, Dodge and Dismantle Budget Bill'. Republicans duck making the hard choices by requiring us to actually amend our Constitution before we can act to avoid default. The end result: America fails to pay its bills on time. The Republicans dodge facing the real challenge by continuing tax breaks for the super wealthy and big oil, funding two wars, and other republican interests. And the Republicans want to dismantle our nation's economic security for seniors, the disabled, and the poor by cutting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Making heartless cuts on the backs of the most vulnerable will not balance the budget and it is morally wrong. Now, with only 14 days left, Republicans are pushing for legislation that will guarantee a default and will kill hundreds of thousands of jobs. This Duck, Dodge, and Dismantle Bill' would end the social safety net, kill jobs, and set our nation back rather than move it forward. I urge my colleagues to oppose this job-killing bill that would be written in stone in our Constitution and turn the American dream into a nightmare for millions. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Click Here for Video Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-speaks-out-against-anti-immigrant-legislation	Barbara Lee Speaks Out Against Anti-Immigrant Legislation	2011-07-14	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.14.11 Barbara Lee Speaks Out Against Anti-Immigrant Legislation For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) joined Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and other Members of Congress to speak out against Representative Lamar Smith's (R-TX) anti-immigrant legislation, the HALT Act. Rep. Smith, head of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced abill on Tuesday to suspend the executive branch's ability to use discretion in immigration cases that would expire after the President's current term ends. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement: The legislation that Mr. Smith introduced does nothing to reform our immigration system and is designed only to derail the progress made by the President and this country on this critical issue. It is shameful that immigrants, including promising young students who could have afforded college under the DREAM Act, are being threatened by this Republican ploy. I stand on the side of law-abiding immigrants, parents separated from their children, military families, and other immigrants who should not be a priority for deportation. We are a nation of immigrants, and comprehensive immigration reform is crucial for the future of our country. We cannot and will not be distracted by this blatantly partisan move." Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee ### Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-fights-for-cops-funding	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Fights For COPS Funding	2011-07-14	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.14.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Fights For COPS Funding For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Yesterday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined her fellow Democratic colleagues on the House Committee on Appropriations in fighting against the Republican termination of COPS programs and other vital programs in the Fiscal Year 2012Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill. The COPS programs provide funding to hire police officers and support community policing efforts across the country. Several amendments were offered to fund the COPS program including two to get $20-$35 million dollars for the program and one to nearly fully fund all the COPS programs. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement: As state and local law enforcement work to keep communities safe on increasingly shrinking budgets, the Congress must work to provide communities with the assistance they need. The COPS program is active in almost every district across the country- in Democratic and Republican districts alike. The safety of our communities should not be jeopardized in order to protect tax cuts for millionaires and big oil companies. While it is irresponsible to terminate vital programs like COPS which result in even more people joining the ranks of the unemployed, I am committed to work with Chairman Wolf and Ranking Member Fattah to preserve the COPS program and ensure the safety of all our communities. ### Next Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-marks-one-year-anniversary-of-national-hiv/aids-strategy-hosts-briefing-with-national-leaders	Barbara Lee Marks One Year Anniversary of National HIV/AIDS Strategy, Hosts Briefing with National Leaders	2011-07-13	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.13.11 Barbara Lee Marks One Year Anniversary of National HIV/AIDS Strategy, Hosts Briefing with National Leaders For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) hosted a briefing for Members of Congress with Jeff Crowley, Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, and Department of Health and Human Services Officials on the one-year anniversary of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement: Today marks a very important occasion because one year ago President Obama announced the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, answering our call for a domestic PEPFAR strategy' with clear goals and a timeline to, once and for all, end the domestic HIV epidemic. Working closely with the White House and my colleagues in Congress to develop a comprehensive, domestic effort, I am pleased to see the strategy is becoming an effective vehicle to improve the national response to an epidemic that continues to devastate communities across the country. Though we still have a ways to go to ensure we reach all communities affected by the epidemic, I look forward to working with my colleagues toward achieving the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. *** Congresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establish a NationalAIDS Strategy, and is a member ofthe Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services & Educationwith jurisdiction over all domesticHIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commis…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-applauds-us-federal-appeals-court-decision-against-limiting-international-hiv/aids-policy	Barbara Lee Applauds U.S. Federal Appeals Court Decision Against Limiting International HIV/AIDS Policy	2011-07-12	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.12.11 Barbara Lee Applauds U.S. Federal Appeals Court Decision Against Limiting International HIV/AIDS Policy For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement after a federal appeals court ruled last week that the United States government cannot require U.S.-funded foreign assistance organizations that provide HIV/AIDS services globally to deny services to sex workers: As a long time advocate against the anti-prostitution pledge', I welcome the federal appeals court ruling against the Bush Administration's policy that requires organizations receiving U.S. funds to fight HIV/AIDS globally to oppose prostitution. For years now, I have pushed for the repeal of this policy because it impedes the global AIDS response by weakening HIV prevention efforts among sex workers and exacerbating stigma and discrimination against already marginalized groups. For too long, this policy tied the hands of international health service organizations from providing evidence-based services to an at-risk group that cannot afford to be ignored in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. In order for us to put an end to the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, we need every tool in our toolbox to reach all affected populations. I call on the President to stop the enforcement of the anti-prostitution pledge' and look forward to the Administration's continued work to end the global HIV crisis. *** Congresswoman Lee has been a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. She co-authored legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establish a NationalAIDS Strategy, and is a member ofthe Appropriations Subcom…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-honors-southern-sudan-independence-congratulates-worlds-newest-nation	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors Southern Sudan Independence, Congratulates World's Newest Nation	2011-07-11	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.11.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors Southern Sudan Independence, Congratulates World's Newest Nation For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement honoring the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of South Sudan on July 9, 2011: The official declaration of independence for Southern Sudan marks a historical and critical moment for its people who have worked tirelessly and with due diligence to ensure a peaceful transition to independence. The people of Southern Sudan have voted for the right of self determination as called for by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and have brought about the real possibility of democratic transformation in South Sudan. As Nelson Mandela reflected years ago upon the end of apartheid in South Africa, I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.' While we celebrate this momentous occasion we must also recognize that there remains much more work to be done in order to ensure democratic peace and stability between north and south Sudan. The ongoing conflict in South Kordofan, the unresolved region of Abyei, the use of ports for oil exports, and the official agreement on border demarcation are just a few of the significant challenges that require full commitment on both sides in order to normalize relations. Long-term peace and stability between the two neighboring countries must be ensured. With the continued leadership from the Obama Administration and our U.S. special envoy helping lead negotiations, wewill continue to lend our support and guidance to help build economic development, peacekeeping operations, military training, and overall capacity building efforts in South Sudan. ToSouthern Sudan's first President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, we congratulate you on this exciting and important day and are confident in your efforts to lead South Sudan to economic and democrat…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/barbara-lee-votes-against-defense-appropriations-bill-calls-for-cuts-to-bloated-pentagon-budget-and-swift-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-iraq	Barbara Lee Votes Against Defense Appropriations Bill, Calls for Cuts to Bloated Pentagon Budget and Swift Withdrawal from Afghanistan, Iraq	2011-07-08	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.08.11 Barbara Lee Votes Against Defense Appropriations Bill, Calls for Cuts to Bloated Pentagon Budget and Swift Withdrawal from Afghanistan, Iraq For Immediate Release Contact Ricci Graham, (510) 763-0370 Lee Opposes Defense Appropriations Bill That Continues Unchecked Spending During Economic Recovery Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) was one of 87 Members of Congress who voted to oppose the Fiscal Year 2012 Defense Appropriations bill. Congresswoman Lee introduced several amendments to the Defense Appropriations bill to cut and audit the bloated Pentagon budget and bring our troops home swiftly and safely. Through her bipartisan work with Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC), Congresswoman Lee forced a floor vote on the Lee amendment for a fully funded withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. The bipartisan amendment garnered 97 supporters, including 10 Republicans. We are fighting in a war with no military solution and with no end in sight. At the same time, critical programs like child nutrition, food stamps, and Medicare are on the chopping block as we seek to get our nation's finances in order,said Congresswoman Lee. My amendment would save $33 billion and bring all our troops home by the end of next year. We need to redirect the savings towards job creation and supporting our most vulnerable, including those who have been unemployed for over two years and have no more unemployment benefits. Below is a short description of all the amendments that Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced and fought for: Bring our troops home by the end of next year and cut $33 billion from Afghanistan Combat Operations Redirect a $5 billion war slush fund to a deficit reduction account Freeze DoD spending until the Pentagon budget is audit-ready Ensure that no combat troops remain in Iraq after Dec. 31, 2011 See HEREfor video of Congresswoman Barbara Lee speaking on Afghanistan amendment See HEREfor video of Congresswoman Barbara Lee speaking on …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-responds-to-june-jobs-report-calls-for-action-to-support-the-most-vulnerable-communities	Congresswoman Barbara Lee Responds to June Jobs Report, Calls for Action to Support the Most Vulnerable Communities	2011-07-08	2011	2011-07	Democrat	House	CA	Barbara Lee	L000551	lee.house.gov	legacy	07.08.11 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Responds to June Jobs Report, Calls for Action to Support the Most Vulnerable Communities For Immediate Release Contact: Ricci Graham 510-763-0370 Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement in response to the June jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: As the American economy continues sputter, it's clearly time for Congress to step up and pass legislation that would create jobs and stem the tide of rising unemployment. It is unacceptable that with 14.1 million people out of work and 6.3 million people suffering from long-term unemployment, we are not taking action to ensure that our most vulnerable communities are protected. Right now, African Americans have an unemployment rate of 16.2 percent, Hispanics are at 11.6 percent, and teenagers have a shockingly high rate of 24.5 percent well above the national rate of 9.2 percent. Such disparities reflect the detrimental effects our economy continues to have on communities of color and young people. The employment situation in this country is nothing short of a national crisis, and Republican leadership needs to create jobs and protect those who find themselves running out of options for assistance. Instead, Republican leadership refuses to allow members of Congress to vote on the 99ers' bill that I introduced with Congressman Bobby Scott. This much-needed legislation would provide emergency aid for those who have exhausted their 99 weeks of unemployment benefits, which would provide families with a lifeline while attempting to find work. We have a moral and economic obligation to create jobs and provide the assistance that jobless workers need in order to survive as we try to fix the broken economy. As President Obama works with Congress to solve our nation's fiscal challenges, it is essential that we do not balance the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable communities. Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee ### …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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Press releases

193 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "CA" and year = 2011 sorted by date descending

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