url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,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://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-supports-bipartisan-senate-agreement-says-washingtons,"Congressman Carson Supports Bipartisan Senate Agreement, Says Washington's Political Games are Crippling the Middle Class",2011-12-20,2011,2011-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 20, 2011 Congressman André Carson Supports Bipartisan Senate Agreement, Says Washington's Political Games are Crippling the Middle Class WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today voiced his support for the Bipartisan Senate Amendment to H.R. 3630 – The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011. The agreement passed the Senate with overwhelming support from both parties, yet Republicans refused to offer similar support in the House. Instead, House Republicans voted to delay the bill by sending it to conference for further, unnecessary negotiations with the Senate. If passed, the Senate amendment would have extended through February 29th the current payroll tax cut, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program and Medicare physician reimbursement rates. The two month extension would give the House and Senate a chance to come to a long-term bipartisan agreement that does not include partisan provisions that hurt the American people. Congressman Carson today expressed his disappointment in the ongoing gridlock in Washington, saying, ""The American people are not asking for Democrats or Republicans to save the day, they are asking Congress as a whole to do our job. They are asking those who claim to represent the people's needs to stop taking jabs at one another and start solving problems."" Congressman Carson went on to say, ""It is disappointing that while our colleagues in the Senate were able to come to an agreement that moves us forward, Republicans in the House are yet again using delay tactics and political games to push their ideological agenda. We need a yearlong deal, but it should not come at the expense of critical programs that millions of American families and seniors rely on."" Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell joined with 39 of his Republican colleagues in support of the bipartisan bill over the weekend, but Speaker of the House John Boehner refused to compromise, putting 160 million Americans at risk for an end of year tax increase. ""Even in this holiday season, it seems that many of my colleagues in Washington have forgotten the people back home. They are concerned with races in 2012, Presidential primaries, and political pride rather than the economic reality facing struggling families all over the country,"" Carson said. ""These political games in Washington are crippling the middle class, and we must put a stop to it."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:13:05Z 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 to fund over $2 billion a week on a war without end in Afghanistan. As we successfully pull out of Iraq, we must allow the political process in Afghanistan to take over and immediately begin to pull our brave men and women in uniform out of harms' way. Let's bring our troops home and spend $2 billion a week on nation building here in our own country. We must protect the social safety net and I hope that Congress will wisely extend unemployment compensation for Americans that are currently looking for work, especially for the long-term unemployed. Congress must also extend the payroll tax cut for the 160 million hardworking Americans who can't afford to see taxes go up by $1,000 at the beginning of next year. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Links to House Floor speech in opposition to H.R. 2055: http://bit.ly/vQdgJZ and http://bit.ly/vuxXFr Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-praises-end-war-iraq-celebrates-return-us-troops-december,"Congressman Carson Praises the End of the War in Iraq, Celebrates the Return of U.S. Troops by December 31",2011-12-15,2011,2011-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 15, 2011 Congressman André Carson Praises the End of the War in Iraq, Celebrates the Return of U.S. Troops by December 31 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement regarding the end of the war in Iraq and the return of U.S. troops by the end of the year: ""Under President Obama's leadership, and thanks to the tireless work of our armed services, we can now stand together in reverent celebration of the end of the Iraq War,"" Congressman Carson said. Over the past nine years, more than a million U.S. servicemen and women have fought in the Iraq War. During that time, nearly 4,500 – including 97 Hoosiers – lost their lives, and more than 23,000 – including 692 Hoosiers – were wounded. Congressman Carson added, ""We are eternally grateful for the sacrifices made by these brave men and women, as well as those made by their families. The end of this war offers a unique opportunity to now invest in the American people – creating jobs, empowering the middle class, and pursuing an American future that honors our veterans' sacrifice."" In the 111th Congress, Congressman André Carson and his fellow Democrats worked closely with President Obama to bring the Iraq War to an end. Since January 2009, nearly 150,000 U.S. troops have been removed from Iraq and hundreds of bases have been shut down. In the next two weeks, the final American military bases will be closed, and for the first time in nearly nine years, no U.S. troops will be preparing to deploy to Iraq. ""This powerful moment marks a new day,"" Carson said. ""It is a new day not only for the Iraqi people, but for the brave men and women of our military who return home to their loved ones and the lives they selflessly left behind in service to our nation."" Carson concluded, ""On this monumental occasion, I join all Americans in honoring the brave men and women of our military, and I congratulate them on bringing this conflict to an end.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:13:05Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/lucas-oil-stadium-agrees-fly-pow-mia-flag,Lucas Oil Stadium Agrees to Fly the POW-MIA Flag,2011-12-15,2011,2011-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On November 15, Congressman André Carson joined members of the Indiana Congressional Delegation to request that the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag be flown at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Click Here to Read the Letter from Congressman Carson to Lucas Oil Stadium Regarding the POW/MIA Flag On December 9, Congressman Carson received notice that the flag first flew the week of November 28th, just in time for the Big Ten Championship Football game. The flag will also be on display during the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:13:05Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-names-new-press-secretary,Congressman Carson Names New Press Secretary,2011-12-13,2011,2011-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 13, 2011 Congressman André Carson Names New Press Secretary INDIANAPOLIS (December 13, 2011) – Congressman André Carson announced today that he has selected Blake Johnson to serve as his press secretary. Johnson will assume his duties immediately and work from the Indianapolis District Office. Johnson joins Congressman Carson's staff after working most recently as communications director for the Marion County Democratic Party. Prior to that role, Johnson completed a two-year commitment with Teach for America, a national service corps that places high-performing, recent college graduates in urban and rural school districts around the country. During his time with the organization, Johnson taught English Language Arts at the Indianapolis Public Schools' Coleman Alternative Education Center. ""Blake's time as a classroom teacher in the Indianapolis Public Schools and his work with the Marion County Democratic Party have given him a unique combination of experience and perspective,"" Congressman Carson said. ""His drive to serve the public and his commitment to our city will serve him well in this new position. I am pleased to welcome him to the team."" Johnson holds a degree in Political Science and Communication from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, as well as a Master's Degree from Marian University in Indianapolis. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:13:05Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-votes-protect-indianapolis-job-seekers-and-seniors,Congressman Carson Votes to Protect Indianapolis Job Seekers and Seniors,2011-12-13,2011,2011-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today voted against H.R. 3630, a measure that drastically cuts unemployment insurance benefits from 99 weeks down to 59 weeks and adds unnecessary obstacles to benefit eligibility. The bill also raises the cost of healthcare for millions of seniors and risks valuable tax cuts for 160 million Americans. ""Hardworking families in Indianapolis do not have time for political games,"" Congressman Carson said. ""We cannot afford to make sweeping cuts to unemployment insurance benefits when so many Hoosiers are out of work, and we cannot stand for measures that hike up healthcare costs for millions of seniors."" Carson went on to say, ""We need a plan that addresses the true concerns of our constituents, not divisive partisanship that will do nothing to help average Americans."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:13:05Z 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 are desperately trying to stay one step ahead of disaster, living from paycheck to paycheck and waiting for the other shoe to drop. The American people have run out of time and run out of patience. Let's pass the RESTORE the American Dream Act to re-invest in the future of this country and build up our roads and bridges and repair the sewer lines and build 21st century schools for all of our students. Let's put America back on track with American jobs, American manufacturing, American ingenuity and American leadership toward a brighter tomorrow for all Americans. We must build these ladders of opportunity and take strong action to implement targeted programs and policies that ensure that we are a nation that truly does provide equal opportunity and equal access to the American Dream. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-lowes-advertising-withdraw,Carson Statement on Lowe's Advertising Withdraw,2011-12-12,2011,2011-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson issued today the following statement in response to Lowe's decision to withdraw its advertising support for the TLC reality show ""All-American Muslim"": ""Lowe's decision is regrettable. It runs contrary to our American ideal of combating expressions of hate and division while defending those oppressed by intolerance,"" Carson said. ""Lowe's has not only tolerated bigotry, it has given in to the demands of a group who seeks only to ostracize an entire community of faith."" ""This show highlights the typical Muslim experience to many Americans who do not have exposure to the Muslim community. It highlights our shared experiences and shows that Muslim lives are the same as anyone else's. The families in the show work hard, support their children in school, celebrate with their families, engage in social activities, work in their community, and labor under the same pressures."" ""Lowe's should be celebrating and promoting this show, because it pushes against the misunderstanding that often surrounds the Muslim-American experience. Instead, they succumbed to the demands of a fringe group intent on tearing our communities apart.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:13:05Z 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 Defense to review federal and state laws, policies, regulations, and judicial proceedings that involve criminal cases against people living with HIV/AIDS, and to provide support for education and reform initiatives. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee 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 Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference - scheduled for July 2012 in Washington DC -to be held in the U.S. after 20 years. Next Article",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://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-retirement-chief-justice-randall-shepherd,Carson Statement on the Retirement of Chief Justice Randall Shepherd,2011-12-07,2011,2011-12,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Indianapolis -- Congressman Andre Carson issued the following statement today on Indiana Chief Justice Randall Shepard's retirement announcement: __________________________________________________________________ ""Chief Justice Shepard is a nationally renowned jurist, but his impact has been much broader for our state. He made the Supreme Court more accessible to the public by opening its hearings to cameras, he championed diversity in the legal profession by establishing the Conference for Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO), and he helped give independent life to the provisions of the IndianaConstitution, thereby expanding many Hoosier rights."" Carson added, ""Hoosiers should applaud Chief Justice Randall Shepard for his leadership and for the distinguished service he has rendered to our state since 1985."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:13:05Z 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 Dear Mr. President, We write to express our strong support for your recent decision to bring our troops home from Iraq by year's end. We were relieved to learn that our service men and women will be home from Iraq for the holidays. The ongoing war in Afghanistan, by contrast, threatens to stretch our commitment into another decade. In August you announced the gradual removal of the surge troops, and yet over 70,000 troops will remain in Afghanistan at this time next year. This is unsustainable and counterproductive. There is unanimous agreement that the future of Afghanistan depends on Afghans and their regional allies implementing a political solution. There is simply no military solution to the current challenges in Afghanistan and maintaining an American military presence only delays the inevitable political process while putting our brave men and women in uniform in harms' way. Furthermore, it is crucial that Congress plays its proper Constitutional role in any decision to leave U.S. troops in a potential combat zone. While the United States is currently scheduled to hand over full control over security and remove all combat troops by the end of 2014, a new agreement could result in an indefinite military commitment and significant financial costs, all without further Congressional approval. Dating back to 2009, eleven acts authorizing and funding troop presence in Afghanistan have included a provision specifically prohibiting the establishment of permanent bases in Afghanistan. Any agreement that obliges the U.S. to a security commitment in Afghanistan must be bound by the Constitution, and be specifically authorized by an Act of Congress, or with the advice and consent of the Senate. While reports indicate that President Karzai plans on requiring any future strategic partnership agreement with the U.S. to be approved by the Afghan Parliament, a traditional tribal gathering, or both, there is no plan to have similar Congressional input. It is unconscionable that America could make new, lasting military commitments of tens of thousands of soldiers and hundreds of billions of dollars without express approval from Congress. Rebuilding America must remain our top priority, and this should be reflected in our budgetary priorities. We need to end the wars and invest the savings in job creation for our future. Sincerely, Representative Barbara Lee Representative Walter Jones Baldwin Blumenauer Capuano Clarke (Yvette) Conyers Davis (Danny) DeFazio DeGette Edwards Ellison Farr Filner Grijalva Hahn Hastings (Alcee) Holt Honda Jackson Jr. Johnson (Tim) Lewis (John) Lofgren Maloney McDermott McGovern Michaud Miller (George) Moore Nadler Norton Olver Payne Pingree Richardson Serrano Speier Stark Towns Tsongas Welch Woolsey Next Article",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 equal opportunity and equal access to the American Dream. 100 million people 1 in 3 Americans live in poverty or the zone just above poverty. We must do more to immediately create millions of new jobs, not just the few thousand that are being slowly generated by the private sector alone. This is nothing short of a national emergency. ### 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-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.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and $1.05 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The United States has made tremendous progress in our global and domestic response to AIDS, but we still have a long way to go, said Congresswoman Lee. Now is the time to act boldly and to invest in a future for America and the world that is more prosperous, more equal, and free of HIV and AIDS. AIDS is still the greatest humanitarian crisis of our lifetime. Thirty-four million people are living with HIV globally, including 1.2 million in the United States. Of the 15 million people medically recommended for anti-retroviral medication, only half have access to the drug treatment. Even in our own country, more than 5,000 people wait to gain access. African Americans especially women of color and young gay/bisexual menstill face the most severe burden of HIV in the United States. Thirty years after the first discovery of AIDS cases, the United States has made tremendous progress in its response to the global and domestic crisis. HIV infections worldwide are at their lowest levels since 1997. Recent scientific advancements have resulted in revolutionary breakthroughs in the AIDS response, including groundbreaking research that shows that treatment can reduce new HIV infections by up to 96%. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee 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 Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference - scheduled for July 2012 in Washington DC -to be held in the U.S. after 20 years. Next Article",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 thing to do. We need to reignite the American Dream and work to provide ladders of opportunity for all. We need UI extension and we need it now. Not just for the millions about to run out, but for the millions who ran out a long time ago. ### 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/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 epidemic and provide adequate funding to reduce transmission rates, save lives, and remain a global leader in this fight. ### November 21, 2011 Dear Chairmen Leahy and Granger, and Ranking Members Graham and Lowey: As you begin negotiations on a final Fiscal Year 2012 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill, we write to respectfully request that you secure funding for bilateral and multilateral HIV/AIDS programs at the levels proposed in S.1601, Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2012. We urge support for $7.9 billion for global health programs contained in the Senate mark. More specifically, we urge you to support, at the very least, $5.25 billion for the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and $750 million for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, as explicitly allocated in S. 1601. In total, we support $1.05 billion for the Global Fund (of which $300 million is contained in the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill). Moreover, we are strongly opposed to language contained in the House Subcommittee Mark prohibiting funding for syringe exchange programs, which are proven to reduce the incidence of HIV infection. U.S. global health programs including PEPFAR, along with U.S. contributions to 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 directly impact American security interests by stabilizing parts of the world where extremism and a lack of alternatives are a recipe for future conflict. The economic impact of global health activities is also felt in the U.S., providing thousands of jobs to help plan and implement global health programming and to conduct health-related research at colleges and universities. Thanks to the help of the United States, the Global Fund has grown into a proven, country-driven, performance-based mechanism which ensures that countries themselves are responsible for building their own sustainable programs. The Global Fund has a robust history of improving its function and continues to do so through its recent announcement of an improvements agenda to further ensure every dollar is utilized effectively, remains accountable, and is transparent in operation. We also welcome PEPFAR's leadership on advancing combination HIV prevention approaches and urge the conferees to ensure that these interventions are implemented to their fullest and meet the needs of those most at-risk, especially marginalized populations. Moreover, integration of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment programs--and, where appropriate, other critical global health programs funded by this bill, including maternal health, child survival, family planning/reproductive health, and nutrition--is critical for ensuring that the health needs of individuals are met and the impact of funding is maximized. In recent months, US-funded research has made enormous progress in shaping the response to AIDS and malaria worldwide. These remarkable scientific advances call for a renewed emphasis on ensuring that we maintain robust support for PEPFAR and the Global Fund and continue the vital U.S. commitment to the fight against global HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. These 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. Thank you for considering this request. Barbara Lee Member of Congress Gary Ackerman Joe Baca Tammy Baldwin Karen Bass Shelley Berkley Howard Berman Sanford Bishop Earl Blumenauer Madeleine Bordallo Robert Brady Bruce Braley Corrine Brown G.K. Butterfield Lois Capps Michael Capuano Russ Carnahan Andre Carson Donna Christensen Judy Chu David Cicilline Hansen Clarke Yvette Clarke Wm. Lacy Clay Emanuel Cleaver Steve Cohen John Conyers Joseph Crowley Elijah Cummings Danny Davis Diana DeGette Rosa DeLauro Theodore Deutch Donna Edwards Keith Ellison Eliot Engel Sam Farr Chaka Fattah Bob Filner Barney Frank Marcia Fudge John Garamendi Al Green Raul Grijalva Luis Gutirrez Colleen Hanabusa Alcee Hastings Maurice Hinchey Ruben Hinojosa Rush Holt Mike Honda Eddie Bernice Johnson Hank Johnson Dale Kildee Dennis Kucinich Sheila Jackson Lee Sander Levin John Lewis Zoe Lofgren Carolyn Maloney Doris Matsui Jim McDermott James McGovern Gregory Meeks George Miller Gwen Moore James Moran Jerrold Nadler Grace Napolitano Eleanor Holmes Norton John Olver Ed Pastor Donald Payne Ed Perlmutter Jared Polis David Price Mike Quigley Charles Rangel Laura Richardson Cedric Richmond Lucille Roybal-Allard Bobby Rush Tim Ryan John Sarbanes Janice Schakowsky Debbie Wasserman Schultz Bobby Scott David Scott Jose Serrano Terri Sewell Albio Sires Louise Slaughter Jackie Speier Pete Stark Betty Sutton Bennie Thompson Edolphus Towns Chris Van Hollen Maxine Waters Melvin Watt Henry Waxman Frederica Wilson Lynn Woolsey",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 wealthy will create the demand we need to restore growth and reignite the American Dream for millions of Americans, said Congresswoman Lee. A real solution would lift up the nearly 50 million Americans' struggling in poverty by protecting our social safety net, continuing jobless benefits, and investing in education, public infrastructure projects, and job training. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-votes-suspend-excessive-executive-pay-and-bonuses,Carson Votes to Suspend Excessive Executive Pay and Bonuses,2011-11-15,2011,2011-11,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Andre Carson voted as a member of the Financial Services Committee to pass a measure that would suspend bonuses for executives with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the two mortgage companies operating under U.S. government control. ""Today I voted to rein in extravagant pay and bonuses at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,"" Congressman Carson stated. ""Since the start of our financial crisis, taxpayers have paid billions to prop up these struggling mortgage giants. Unfortunately, $100 million intended to prevent collapsing mortgage markets was diverted for executive pay and bonuses."" Carson added, ""Fannie and Freddie need to attract top talent to address our mortgage crisis, and this requires competitive pay. But as companies across the country have cut salaries and bonuses just to make ends meet, Fannie and Freddie should follow suit, especially when using tax dollars.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:12:58Z 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 ladders of opportunity and we are committed to tearing down the barriers that prevent progress. So, while too many Americans are asking the Republican leadership, where are the jobs?' I am happy to be here today with local leaders and businesses and I hope that we can provide a number of those jobs today at the Good Jobs Now! Jobs Fair. ### 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/2011/11/09/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 reduce unintended pregnancy and the transmission ofSTIs,and expand sexeducation programs at colleges and universities. The bill would also prevent federal funds from being spent on ineffective, medically inaccurate sex education 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-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 we give those millions of Americans support and a pathway out of poverty, our economy will grow. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee To see the Half in Tens Campaign's report Restoring Shared Prosperity: Strategies to Cut Poverty and Expand Economic Growth, click here: http://halfinten.org/indicators/publications/2010report Next Article",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 promote and sponsor activities that respond to the state of HIV/AIDS among Hispanics/Latinos in their specific communities. ### Barbara Lee Reconoce el Da Nacional Latino Para La Concientizacin del SIDA Washington, D.C.- Hoy, la Congresista Barbara Lee (Demcrata-CA), Co-Presidenta del Caucus Congresional contra el SIDA/VIH hizo la siguiente declaracin en honor del Da Nacional Latino Para La Concientizacin del SIDA,que tendr lugar maana, el 15 de octubre 2011. Los latinos representan el 16% de la poblacin estadounidense; sin embargo, representan aproximadamente el 18% de las personas que viven con VIH y el 18% de nuevas infecciones. En el 2006, era cuatro veces ms probable que una mujer latina obtuviera un resultado positivo en una prueba de VIH que una mujer blanca, y los hombres latinos que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) representaron el 19% de la poblacin de HSH que dieron positivo. ""Al conmemorar el Da Nacional Latino por la Concientizacin del SIDA, reflexiono sobre los efectos devastadores que el VIH / SIDA ha tenido en las comunidades de color en los Estados Unidos. ""Los latinos tienen la tasa ms alta de progresin de VIH a SIDA de cualquier grupo racial o tnico. Un 42% de los latinos son diagnosticados con SIDA menos de un ao despus de enterarse de su estado positivo de VIH, comparado con 34% de los blancos que reciben un diagnstico tarde. En mi propio Distrito Congresional, los latinos se encuentran entre las personas con diagnstico tarde de VIH, con un porcentaje de 58% que progresan a SIDA menos de 12 meses despus de dar un resultado positivo de VIH. A luz de esta estadstica chocante, el tema de este ao es 'Latinos Unidos y Saludables! Hazte la prueba del VIH!' ""Si tenemos la esperanza de algn da ponerle fin a esta epidemia, debemos dar prioridad a las pruebas, el tratamiento, la prevencin y la educacin para finalmente disminuir la incidencia de casos nuevos de VIH entre las minoras raciales y tnicas. Animo a todos mis constituyentes a que encuentren un centro de pruebas cercana en www.hivtest.orgy que se enteren de su estado."" *** El 15 de octubre se declar en el ao 2003 como el Da Nacional Latino Para La Concientizacin del SIDA como respuesta a los efectos devastadores del SIDA/VIH en la comunidad Latina/Hispana en los Estados Unidos. Se cre para llamar la atencin a la importancia de hacerse la prueba de VIH y a la educacin preventativa en la campaa para detener la propagacin del SIDA entre los hispanos. Es un da durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana durante el cual las organizaciones en todo el pas promueven y patrocinan actividades que reaccionan al estado del SIDA/VIH entre los Hispanos en sus respectivas comunidades. ## Sgame en Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",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 programs with little oversight. Significant savings could be realized by auditing the Pentagon and requiring that it produce financial documents like any private sector business. Defense spending should absolutely be considered in any plan to reduce to the federal deficit and my colleagues from both sides of the aisle agree, said Congresswoman Lee. While we approach military spending differently, we all agree that it is time to take an honest look at efforts to reform the way that the Department of Defense spends its budget. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee ____________________________ October 13, 2011 Dear Members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction: As you begin your work, we respectfully suggest reexamining our defense and security spending priorities as pathways to reducing our deficit and debt. You have been tasked with finding at least $1.5 trillion in deficit reductions over a ten-year period by November 23 of this year. You have a unique opportunity to bring our defense spending in line with our legitimate national defense needs while getting our nation on the path to a balanced budget free of deficit. As former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates noted last year, paraphrasing President Dwight D. Eisenhower, The United States should spend as much as necessary on national defense, but not one penny more. 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. As the 9/11 attacks demonstrated, the kinds of threats we face today are very different than those of previous eras. We live in an age where a few determined individuals with minimal financing, good planning and training, and a willingness to die can inflict billions of dollars in damage and kill thousands in a matter of hours. None of the billions of dollars of Cold War-era weaponry in our arsenal on September 11, 2001 stopped Al-Qaeda. The continued reliance on Cold War weaponry and conventional tactics two decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union makes little strategic or fiscal sense. The June 2010 report of the Sustainable Defense Task Force detailed proposals to reduce our nuclear stockpile substantially, realizing savings of over $100 billion without compromising our national security.[1] The report proposed over $960 billion in defense department savings over the next decade. Significant savings could also be realized by auditing the Pentagon and requiring that it produce financial documents like any private sector business. Waste, fraud and abuse are endemic at the Pentagon, with the recent report from the General Accountability Office detailing hundreds of billions of dollars in duplicative programs with little oversight.[2] The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been characterized by poor planning, no-bid contracts, and lack of oversight leading to massive cost overruns. In August, the Commission on Wartime Contracting released its final report finding that an estimated $30 and $60 billion has been wasted during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This level of mismanagement is simply unacceptable.[3] There are multiple reforms proposed that would save hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade. The Bowles-Simpson commission outlined $750 billion in suggested defense cuts in the next decade. Former Assistant Secretary of Defense Lawrence Korb has proposed $1 trillion in cuts to the Pentagon over the next 10-12 years. These reductions in defense spending would come out of $6.5 trillion in proposed spending between 2011 and 2020. We are not urging reductions that in any way would cut resources and supplies necessary to protect American troops in the field. Similarly, while we are not opposed to an honest look at efforts at reforming the way that the Department of Defense provides health care and other services to personnel, we are opposed to cuts in services and increased fees for our veterans and military retirees. Our economic recovery is vital to our strategic interests. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, has warned that ongoing debt accumulation is undermining our economic strength and threatening our national security. 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 our discretionary budget as you look for savings. As Members on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, we urge you to think openly and act boldly to reduce our deficit and get our nation back on the right track. Bringing our defense spending in line with our legitimate security needs must be considered along with other measures to regain our economic footing. Sincerely, Barbara Lee Earl Blumenauer Bruce Braley John Campbell Lois Capps Yvette D. Clarke Lacy Clay John Conyers, Jr Donna Edwards Keith Ellison Bob Filner Barney Frank John Garamendi Raul Grijalva Rush Holt Mike Honda Jesse Jackson Jr. Tim Johnson Dennis Kucinich John Lewis Carolyn Maloney Edward Markey Jim McDermott James McGovern Gwen Moore Jerry Nadler Eleanor Norton John Olver Ron Paul Donald Payne Chellie Pingree Jared Polis Charles Rangel Bobby Rush Jan Schakowsky Jos Serrano Jackie Speier Pete Stark Edolphus Towns Peter Welch Lynn Woolsey John Yarmuth [1]See Debt, Deficits, and Defense: A Way Forward at http://www.comw.org/pda/fulltext/1006SDTFreport.pdf [2]See full March 1, 2011 GAO report Opportunities to Reduce Potential Duplication in Government Programs, Save Tax Dollars, and Enhance Revenue at: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d11318sp.pdf [3]See full August 2011 Commission report Transforming Wartime Contracting: Controlling Costs, reducing risks at: http://www.wartimecontracting.gov/docs/CWC_FinalReport-lowres.pdf",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 nation's most vulnerable, those facing or living in poverty, said Congresswoman Lee. For the last 25 years, there is a reason that when we have come to deficit reduction agreements, we protect low-income programs. These programs both support and create consumers, which result in increased demand and job creation. In the end, this reduces our deficit by enabling people to participate in our economy. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee October 13, 2011 Dear Members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction: We are writing to request that you protect vital programs that comprise our social safety net, including but not limited to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, as well as the programs that provide economic security and opportunity to millions of Americans. Vital safety net services and programs support those people hit the hardest by the Great Recession. These services help people and families maintain housing or find shelter, keep food on the table, assist in access to health care, and support those looking for employment, including the long-term unemployed. Examples of federal programs that provide such services include programs which assist disabled veterans to find an accessible home, ensure seniors receive food to eat, help people access our health care system, connect people seeking jobs with employment, give shelter to homeless families, and ensure that children get meals in school. 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. 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. According to the recent Census data release on poverty, the poverty numbers would have been worse had it not been for key federal programs like unemployment insurance, food stamps, and Medicaid (Census Bureau slide 25 located at http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/pdf/2010_Report.pdf). For the last 25 years when we have come to deficit reduction agreements, these agreements have protected low-income programs. Beyond that, we have a moral and an economic obligation to care for our nation's most vulnerable, those facing or living in poverty. We respectfully implore that as you work through ways that our nation can reduce the deficit that you sustain our nation's safety net programs that assist people in obtaining or maintaining their access to basic human needs including food, shelter, and health care, and that provide ladders to opportunity for struggling families. These programs both support and create consumers, which result in increased demand and job creation. In the end, this reduces our deficit by enabling people to participate in our economy. Again, we respectfully implore that as you work through ways that our nation can reduce the deficit that you sustain the vital human needs programs found across the federal government and accomplish deficit-reduction in a way that does not exacerbate poverty or inequality. Sincerely, Barbara Lee Joe Baca Robert A. Brady Corrine Brown G.K. Butterfield Andr Carson David N. Cicilline Donna M. Christensen Hansen Clarke Yvette Clarke Steve Cohen John Conyers, Jr. Elijah E. Cummings Danny K. Davis Rosa L. DeLauro Theodore E. Deutch Michael F. Doyle Donna F. Edwards Keith Ellison Bob Filner Marcia L. Fudge Charles A. Gonzalez Al Green Ral M. Grijalva Luis V. Gutierrez Janice Hahn Maurice D. Hinchey Michael M. Honda Jesse L. Jackson Jr. Henry C. Hank Johnson, Jr. Dennis J. Kucinich Sheila Jackson Lee John Lewis Carolyn B. Maloney Doris O. Matsui Edward J. Markey Jim McDermott James P. McGovern Brad Miller Gwen Moore Jerrold Nadler Eleanor Holmes Norton John W. Olver Donald M. Payne Charles B. Rangel Silvestre Reyes Laura Richardson Cedric L. Richmond Steven R. Rothman Lucille Roybal-Allard Bobby L. Rush Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan Loretta Sanchez Jan Schakowsky Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott Jos E. Serrano Terri A. Sewell Fortney Pete Stark John F. Tierney Paul D. Tonko Edolphus Towns",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 money spent by taxpayers on curative care. Any cost savings derived from phasing out or eliminating the Title X program would be outweighed by tragic and costly consequences in the lives of American women. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee October 13, 2011 Dear Members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction: As you proceed in fulfilling your charge to issue a formal recommendation on how to reduce the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion over the next ten years, we write to encourage you to protect the Title X program, a vital part of the public health safety net providing family planning and other preventive health services to millions of poor and low-income Americans. Title X of the Federal Public Health Service Act is the only federally funded, dedicated family planning program for the low-income and uninsured. For the over 5 million patients served at 4,500 health centers across the country, Title X provides critical preventive health services such as cancer screenings and confidential sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing and treatment. In 2009, 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. In addition, the contraceptive services provided at Title X clinics allow women and men to plan for their futures, helping to prevent nearly one million unintended pregnancies each year. These centers, like many in the safety net, are under extreme pressure. Due to the struggling economy, Title X health centers saw an increase of over 130,000 patients in 2009, the largest increase in 10 years. Health centers are seeing a growing number of patients who cannot afford their care, and a growing number of patients report struggling with the cost of prescription birth control. In light of your mission, we highlight the fact that Title X is a cost-effective program. Every dollar invested in Title X saves nearly four dollars in Medicaid-related costs. In just one year, Title X health centers saved the state and federal governments $3.4 billion. This equates to over $30 billion in savings over a ten year period. It is fiscally responsible to support and strengthen this preventive health program. For 40 years, Title X has proven itself one of the nation's public health success stories, but Title X-funded health centers cannot continue to meet the health care needs of our communities without adequate funding. We urge you to support access to care for millions of underserved Americans and recognize the longtime success of Title X by protecting this effective program. Sincerely, Barbara Lee Tammy Baldwin Shelley Berkley Howard Berman Earl Blumenauer Leonard Boswell Robert Brady Bruce Braley Corrine Brown Lois Capps Andre Carson Donna Christensen Judy Chu Yvette Clarke Lacy Clay Emanuel Cleaver Steve Cohen John Conyers Joe Crowley Susan Davis Diana DeGette Rosa DeLauro Lloyd Doggett Donna Edwards Keith Ellison Chaka Fattah Bob Filner Barney Frank Charles Gonzalez Raul Grijalva Luis Gutierrez Janice Hahn Alcee Hastings Brian Higgins Maurice Hinchey Rush Holt Mike Honda Steve Israel Jesse Jackson, Jr. Sheila Jackson-Lee John Lewis Dave Loebsack Nita Lowey Carolyn Maloney Doris Matsui Jim McDermott Jerry McNerney Gwen Moore Jerrold Nadler Eleanor Norton Donald Payne Chellie Pinigree Michael Quigley Charles Rangel Silvestre Reyes Laura Richardson Lucille Roybal-Allard Loretta Sanchez Jan Schakowsky Louise Slaughter Jackie Speier Pete Stark Mike Thompson Paul Tonko Ed Towns Niki Tsongas Peter Welch Frederica Wilson Lynn Woolsey John Yarmuth Next Article",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 modifications and refinancing as many homes as quickly as we can. Too many are on the brink of default and foreclosure and refinancing at today's historically low rates would save hundreds of thousands, if not millions of homes. Finding a way to quickly refinance millions of mortgages would stabilize housing markets and go a long way to kick starting our economy and vital job growth. I hope the Administration hears the cries of the people and takes immediate action. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee October 11, 2011 The President The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Obama: As Members of Congress from California, we are writing to express our continuing concerns about the ongoing housing market decline and the manner in which the financial institutions are handling delinquent mortgages, mortgage modifications, and foreclosures. We believe that these institutions are failing to act in good faith and that there are immediate steps your Administration should be taking to address the devastating problems facing homeowners. On October 4, 2010, we wrote to your Administration requesting help for struggling homeowners who were at the mercy of mortgage servicers. Our letter included dozens of cases from throughout California that highlighted systemic problems in the way financial institutions handle mortgages and the foreclosure process. Since then, we have held meetings with the Secretary of Treasury, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and others outlining the enormous obstacles facing our constituents who are trying to save their homes. Additionally, in March 2011, a group of Members requested a meeting with the Vice President to discuss ways the Administration can be helpful. We continue to hear from our constituents that servicers are uncooperative, misleading and even deliberately obstructive and we have not seen successful efforts from your Administration in response. In September 2011, RealtyTrac released data that showed that one in every 226 housing units in California had a foreclosure filing during the month of August alone more than twice the national average. The data also showed that California had a staggering 55% increase in foreclosure notices in August, the second highest in the nation. Numerous reports indicate that our housing troubles are worsening. Each foreclosure represents a missed opportunity for a family to stay in itshome. We cannot afford to allow this to continue. We therefore respectfully urge you to take the following actions: Urge the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to use its conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to allow all mortgages currently owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that meet basic criteria the opportunity to refinance at historically low market rate. This would allow homeowners to reduce their monthly mortgage payment by hundreds of dollarsreducing the number of defaults and preventing foreclosure. Secure a far greater number of meaningful principal reductions for underwater homeowners. One promising possibility would be a temporary reduction in the interest rates of certain homeowners who file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, so that the entirety of their monthly payments would go to paying down their principal balances for five years. Coordination with the bankruptcy process would make these reductions more likely to succeed than other types of loan modifications, while also limiting the program to those who truly need it and avoiding the administrative failures that have plagued many other initiatives. Such a plan could be implemented for mortgages held by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as we believe that such a plan would be entirely consistent with FHFA's obligation to minimize taxpayer losses in the Enterprises. This plan could also be implemented as part of the nationwide settlement currently being negotiated by a group of state attorneys general. Institute a Homeowner's Bill Of Rights that would apply to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, Home Affordable Mortgage Program, Federal Housing Finance Agency, and private servicer modification programs and include the following: o Make the process homeowner-friendly:Establish a single point of contact; require servicers to review documents within a timely fashion and disclose information about the process; 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; cease dual tracking; and prohibit servicers from reporting 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 modifications have been improperly rejected or handled in violation of program rules. These are actions that can be taken immediately by your Administration to help address the overwhelming problems facing our constituents. We understand that these are not the only actions that must be taken, and we will continue to work in Congress on behalf of struggling homeowners to encourage recovery in the housing market and to prevent similar problems in the future. Our current economic crisis began in the housing market. Until the housing market is stabilized, our economy will not be able to fully recover. We hope you will act in the best interest of the American people who are facing extreme hardships to keep homeowners in their homes and stabilize the economy. Joe Baca Karen Bass Xavier Becerra Howard Berman Lois Capps Dennis Cardoza Judy Chu Jim Costa Susan Davis Anna Eshoo Sam Farr Bob Filner John Garamendi Janice Hahn Mike Honda Barbara Lee Zoe Lofgren Doris Matsui Jerry McNerney George Miller Grace Napolitano Laura Richardson Lucille Roybal-Allard Linda Sanchez Loretta Sanchez Adam Schiff Brad Sherman Jackie Speier Pete Stark Mike Thompson Henry Waxman Lynn Woolsey The California Democratic Congressional Delegation consists of 34 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California. This group outnumbers all other state House delegations - Republicans and Democrats combined.",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 violence has escalated and any opportunity for dialogue has closed. Despite the failure of counter-insurgency to stop the Taliban and rising civilian and troop casualties, the U.S. continues to pursue its military-first strategy. Afghan civil society leaders want a shift in military strategy, said Lisa Schirch, Director of 3P Human Security: Partners for Peacebuilding Policy. Excluding key stakeholders, especially diverse sectors of civil society, will create a recipe for failure. ### 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-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 will advance community policing at the local level and contribute greatly to the quality of life of the citizens in each community. Said Congresswoman Barbara Lee, I am pleased to have worked with Director Melekian and his team in bringing these vital federal public safety funds to my district. The COPS program not only helps local law enforcement agencies hire more officers, but also helps neighborhoods and cities develop community policing using the latest research and best practices. I know that through the direct cooperation of local law enforcement and the Department of Justice, we will continue to develop responsible and robust public safety strategies that are so essential here in Oakland and communities throughout California. The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has awarded over $13 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 120,000 officers and to provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, technical assistance, conferences, and webcasts. ### 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-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 establish a NationalAIDS Strategy, and is a member ofthe Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services & Educationwith jurisdiction over all domesticHIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference - scheduled for July 2012 in Washington DC -to be held in the U.S. after 20 years. 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-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 Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and in 2005 legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also been a leader in the effort to establish a NationalAIDS Strategy, and is a member ofthe Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services & Educationwith jurisdiction over all domesticHIV/AIDS funding. She is the only United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that lead to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. The repeal allowed the International AIDS conference - scheduled for July 2012 in Washington DC -to be held in the U.S. after 20 years. Next Article",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://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-president-obamas-deficit-reduction-proposal,Carson Statement on President Obama's Deficit Reduction Proposal,2011-09-19,2011,2011-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"INDIANAPOLIS – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement on President Obama's deficit reduction proposal. ______________________________________________________ ""The best way to reduce our deficit is to get Americans working again. That is why creating jobs must be our focus in Congress. President Obama's American Jobs Act is an important step toward making that happen and I commend him for coming forward with his plan to reduce our deficit without ending critical investments and destroying our nation's promise to our seniors. ""While some of my Republican colleagues may feel more comfortable protecting millionaires as the vast majority of Americans are struggling to make ends meet, I choose to stand with Hoosier families and the men and women of the 7th District who are paying their fair share."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:12:45Z 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, activistas, profesores, emprendedores y lderes hispanoamericanos han enriquecido nuestra nacin mientras que han seguido trabajando para conseguir el sueo americano. Como miembro del Tri-Caucus, que se comprime del Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), el Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), y el Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), soy una defensora orgullosa y abierta para la comunidad Latina y todas las comunidades de color que pueden sacar provecho de nuestros esfuerzos para expandir las oportunidades y promover la prosperidad para todos. Es con gratitud que honro el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y con emocin que espero los futuros pasos para adelante que darn los hispanoamericanos para nuestra nacin. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee",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, including provisions for more accurate and disaggregated data collection, culturally and linguistically appropriate health care, and measures to address diseases like Hepatitis B that disproportionately impact our community. To achieve this goal, we have brought together one of the broadest coalitions in recent years to build upon the successes of the Affordable Care Act and ensure that we have a plan to improve our communities' health outcomes moving forward. I commend Congresswoman Barbara Lee, CAPAC's Healthcare Taskforce Chair, for leading these efforts in the 112th Congress, and thank all of our partners in the Tri-Caucus for their dedication to this important cause. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Task Force on Health, said: It is a privilege for me to work with such determined and committed Tri-Caucus leaders in Congress, and to be once again joining forces with them to promote the new Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2011 that was introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Lee this past week. It is our hope that this new bill will serve as the vehicle to move us forward in the effort to eliminate all health inequities. ""While we worked very hard to ensure the inclusion of meaningful health equity and health disparity elimination provisions in the Affordable Care Act, we also realize that there is a great deal of work that remains,"" noted Congresswoman Donna Christensen, a physician and Chair of the CBC Health Braintrust. ""The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2011 not only complements the health equity measures in the historic health care reform law, but builds upon and expands ongoing efforts and forthcoming initiatives to eliminate health disparities and ensure health equity for every man, woman and child in the United States."" ### 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-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 of National AIDS Policy. American leadership in the global fight against HIV/AIDS began a decade ago when Republican and Democratic leaders stood together and refused to allow a deadly disease to claim a generation of African teachers, nurses, doctors, parents and children, said Michael Gerson, ONE senior advisor and Washington Post columnist. The HIV/AIDS caucus announced today will remind Congress of a great bipartisan achievement and of a continuing responsibility to save lives. Formation of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus signals a determination to move forward to end the epidemic domestically and globally, commented Ronald Johnson, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at AIDS United. Release and implementation of the U.S. National HIV/AIDS Strategy, progress achieved through PEPFAR and the Global Fund, and recent HIV research advances show that increasingly we have the knowledge, skills, and tools to reduce new infections, increase access to care, and eliminate disparities and inequities. This is a unique moment of opportunity. This is not the time for U.S. leadership to weaken; indeed it must grow and strengthen. ""The US response to global AIDS is an example of how targeted US foreign assistance saves lives and is very cost-effective, even more so as it is leveraging significant donations from private corporations, individual Americans, and other nations, said Kent Hill, World Vision's Senior Vice President for International Programs. Working together, we can make a big difference."" ""In reflecting on the past three decades, I am amazed by how much has changed, especially in light of the remarkable accomplishments in recent years,"" said Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Co-Chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus. ""We declared a state of emergency in Alameda County in my district, set up a trust fund at the World Bank for the AIDS Marshall Plan for Africa, helped build the framework for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, worked to create PEPFAR, and managed to get the travel ban repealed in order to secure the International AIDS Conference on U.S. soil. Today, with remarkable medical advances in AIDS research, we recommit ourselves to achieving universal access and standing up to demand human rights for all."" ""HIV is a monstrous international epidemic and a destructive force on humanity, said Congressman Trent Franks, Co-Chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus. Today, millions of children in the developing world are born to mothers living with HIV, but with the right investments, we can witness the virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission. My two top priorities as co-chair of the HIV/AIDS Caucus are to better enable faith-based organizations to implement life-saving medical services and to make significant strides so no child is born with HIV after 2015, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring attention to this important humanitarian issue."" We cannot fool ourselves into thinking that we have HIV/AIDS under control, because we don't, said Congressman Jim McDermott, Co-Chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus. Despite the enormous progress we have made over 30 years, we still have no vaccine, and treatment remains out of reach for so many. We have to keep our eye on the ball and continue pushing forward: prevention, treatment, and finding a vaccine must remain our focus. The bipartisan Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus was created to examine methods by which the United States can maintain global leadership in the response to the epidemic in the U.S. and around the world. The Caucus will also provide opportunities to galvanize new leadership in preparation for the International AIDS Conference to be held in Washington, D.C. in July 2012. The Caucus currently has 59 Members. ###",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 Next Article",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 Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-tenth-anniversary-september-11th,Carson Statement on Tenth Anniversary of September 11th,2011-09-09,2011,2011-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CARSON STATEMENT ON TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement about the upcoming 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks: ______________________________________________________ ""All Americans know where they were and what they were doing that morning of September 11, 2001. When I was told a second plane collided into the World Trade Center, I turned on my TV to see the heartbreaking destruction. I knew in that instant that the sense of security we had all taken for granted was shattered and our world had changed forever. ""But out of the unspeakable tragedy, we saw astounding acts of bravery and the unstoppable resolve of a unified America. We pledged to never forget that day and our acts since have affirmed that pledge. ""Ten years later, we can say to the families of the 9/11 victims that we did not rest until justice was done, and that we will continue to honor the memories of the lost – our fellow citizens of all ages, religions, and races – by always maintaining our vigilance and defending the highest ideals of America.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:12:45Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-president-obamas-jobs-plan,Carson Statement on President Obama's Jobs Plan,2011-09-08,2011,2011-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement in response to President Obama's American Jobs Act: ______________________________________________________ ""President Obama's American Jobs Act is a solid first step for getting Americans back to work. It closes corporate tax loopholes while using those dollars to invest in infrastructure, which creates thousands of construction jobs. It also provides strategic tax cuts to small business to encourage hiring and address the staggering unemployment rate among our veterans who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan."" ""Our next step should be growing American jobs through a long-term, coordinated strategy to rejuvenate American manufacturing. Over the past decade, 10,000 factories closed, mostly from jobs being sent overseas. To regain our status as the greatest economy in the world, we need American companies hiring American workers to make and sell American products.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:12:45Z 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 time and energy focused on deficit reduction and playing political games, and now is the time to create jobs, target economic inequality, and fight against poverty. OUR NATION'S JOB CRISIS IS A NATIONAL EMERGENCY. Specifically, the Caucus requested that any jobs plan going forward maintain the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, maintain the emergency extension of unemployment insurance benefits, extend unemployment benefits by 14 weeks for the long-term jobless workers, initiate a work-share program to substitute shorter hours for layoffs, and expand programs supporting federal summer jobs, national service, and targeted federal on the job training. We must prove that our country is capable of providing pathways from poverty to prosperity FOR ALL, said Congresswoman Lee. America's strength has been her ability to empower people to provide for themselves and their families, breaking the cycle of poverty and unemployment. As Americans begin to recover from a devastating recession and begin again to create a personal safety net, it is incumbent on our President to reach out to the less fortunate, support those that are struggling, and work together to create pathways out of poverty. ### September 6, 2011 The Honorable Barack Obama President, United States of America The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Obama: As you work to create a jobs plan which will address the needs of workers and those seeking work across this country, it is important to both recognize and remember our moral and economic obligation to help low-income families and those families facing or living in poverty. As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Out of the Poverty Caucus, we are writing you to remind you that many Americans are facing poverty who never expected to be in such a place, brought to their knees by the Great Recession and the high levels of unemployment that swept across the country affecting people of all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. The unemployment rate has left 13.9 million people out of work (6.2 million of whom are long-term unemployed) for every job opening there are currently 4.4 unemployed workers. Worse yet, these numbers do not include those people across this country which have given up on trying to get a job or those who are underemployed. Right now, communities of color and young people have a higher unemployment rate than the national average of 9.1 percent: African Americans have an unemployment rate of 16.7 percent, Hispanics have an unemployment rate of 11.3 percent, and young people ages 16-19 have an unemployment rate of 25.4 percent. This data, combined with the ever-widening wealth gap between whites and African American and whites and Latinos as documented by the Pew Research Center, illuminate the urgency with which you much act to help our nation's most vulnerable populations We encourage you to make your jobs plan big and bold. Our nation's job crisis is a national emergency and requires significant investment in the programs and projects that not only better our country, but put Americans to work. While we believe that the investment could and should take many forms, we urge you to include these key programs and proposals in your upcoming jobs package which will support low-income people and grow our economy: Restore the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Contingency Fund, which immediately assists families in need across this country. Maintain the emergency extension of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, which ensures that those jobless workers are able to afford basic necessities like food and shelter. Extend UI benefits by 14 weeks for those long-term jobless workers who have exhausted their 99 weeks of UI benefits, which would immediately be spent on necessities and spur demand in our economy. Expand targeted federal on the job training programs which can be rapidly scaled-up in those communities hit worst by the Great Recession, most often communities of color. Expanding federal summer job programs, national service programs, and other programs which support, train, and focus on youth. Initiate a work-share program would subsidize wages at firms that manage to substitute shorter hours for layoffs. Our nation's job crisis is a national emergency, and we look to you to present a bold package of direct investment which is aimed at our nation's most vulnerable those facing or living in poverty. As we stat",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 living in poverty in American now than on September 11, 2001. Our economy, jobs and housing markets have collapsed and we have too few resources to address these pressing needs. All levels of government have been forced to shrink, crippling our ability to generate the jobs necessary to move out of this morass and our capacity to help the most vulnerable struggling to get by. To this day, I believe we still have the capacity to make the decisions that will ensure our children are safe and educated, secure and housed, prepared to take their place as the leaders of free and democratic nation committed to the principles of liberty and justice for all. I believe that it remains our destiny to be a beacon of hope to the world. While it is not easy, we must come together as a country and embrace the lessons learned from our haste to act ten years ago and move forward in a new direction, caring for the most vulnerable here and abroad. It is from this place that peace is born. Next Article",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 programs, and other programs which support, train, and focus on youth. -The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Expansion Act (H.R. 589), a bill I introduced to extend unemployment benefits for an additional fourteen weeks, not only providing unemployed workers with assistance for food and shelter, but stimulating the economy immediately. -A robust Highway bill that would rebuild American roads and transit as well as create jobs, at the same time rejecting the House GOP approach that would slash investments and would destroy more than 600,000 jobs. -A bipartisan Infrastructure Bank proposal that can create millions of new jobs by creating a private-public partnership to finance needed projects to rebuild and modernize our roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, airports, railways, ports, broadband, and power grids. -Legislation to create clean energy jobs, including renewing the clean energy manufacturing tax credit that expired in 2010. After more than 230 days in the majority, House Republicans have yet to pass a single piece of legislation to create jobs, have actually voted to pass legislation that would destroy nearly 2 million jobs, and have voted against 10 Democratic initiatives to create jobs. On Labor Day, we renew our commitment to strengthening America's workforce and expanding economic opportunity, said Congresswoman Lee. The number-one issue of America's working families is the creation of jobs and the strengthening of our economy. The need for action by Congress is urgent. There are too many families struggling to get by and too many workers without a regular paycheck. ### Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter @RepBarbaraLee Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-statement-305-mil-choice-neighborhoods-grant-grove-parc-plaza,Rush Statement on the $30.5 Mil Choice Neighborhoods Grant for Grove Parc Plaza in Woodlawn,2011-08-31,2011,2011-08,Democrat,House,IL,Bobby Rush,R000515,rush.house.gov,,,legacy,"CONTACT: Renee Ferguson (773) 224-6500 ofc.; (202) 674-0891 mobile Renee.Ferguson@mail.house.gov - or - Sharon Jenkins (202) 225-4372 ofc.; (202) 431-8191 mobile Sharon.Jenkins@mail.house.gov CHICAGO Today, U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush joined Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan, U. S. Senator Richard Durbin and other state and local elected and appointed officials and community stakeholders in a press briefing and tour of some of the grounds and facilities to be revitalized thanks to Obama Administration resources. Chicago is one of five cities nationwide to receive the first Implementation Grants awarded under HUD's Choice Neighborhoods Initiative a new strategic approach intended to help transform high-poverty, distressed neighborhoods into communities with healthy, affordable housing, safe streets, and access to quality educational opportunities. In remarks at this morning's announcement, Rush delivered the following remarks about an initiative that will help revitalize and historic and important part of his congressional district. Secretary Donovan, Mayor Emanuel, Senator Durbin, dignitaries and friends I want to officially welcome you to the First Congressional District of Illinois and to the historically significant Woodlawn community. Secretary Donovan, I hope before you leave that you will meet some of the 27,000 people who live here. They are hardworking, honest and very determined to hold on to this community that they love. In 2005, some of the residents of the Grove Parc development reached out to me in a crisis. Their building had been poorly managed and was hardly fit for anybody to live in. We helped them to organize, we held an affordable housing summit and we trained the residents to become effective advocates for themselves and their families. Using a highly sophisticated business model they then accepted submissions from developers. They chose the Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) team, out of Boston, to manage and begin the process of rebuilding their community. The Grove Parc tenants were clear that community' meant much more than just housing. They wanted good schools, grocery stores safety, health care and neighbors who shared their values. The tenants pressured me to pressure HUD to forgive a $12 million mortgage so that POAH could begin its renovation. Last year, we knocked down the old and began building a new Woodlawn Park Development. That brings us to today. Here we stand, in the midst of a tough economy and hard times with something to celebrate. Here we stand, with 67 New Units built and more on the way. Here we stand, with a $30 million investment in the future that will pay tremendous dividends for the American taxpayers. Here we stand, a powerful reminder of what an organized and determined community can doif they have just a little bit of help. I am proud that I was able to do my part. I am proud that the Grove Parc tenants thought enough of me to reach out. I am proud of the future that they are creating for themselves. There are those in political circles who want to demonize community organizing. But not here. In this neighborhood the legacies of organizers like Mattie Butler, Rev. Arthur Brazier, Rev. Leon Finney, Saul Alinsky and many others are alive and well and should be studied in high schools and colleges across America now and for generations to come. The Grove Parc Tenants could teach us all about the true meaning of community. The Woodlawn Community grew out of the Columbian Exposition of 1893. It was also home to African Americans who came to Chicago, from the South, during the Great Migration. Famous author Lorraine Hansberry grew up in Woodlawn and wrote A Raisin In The Sun, a powerful play that spoke to the struggles and aspirations of an entire people. That struggle for fairness and equality continues but I think I see some progress here today. I think I see some jobs being created here today. I think I see the results of some organizing here today. I think I will soon see working men and women coming home to a safe, comfortable and rebuilt Woodlawn Community. Thanks to the Choice Neighborhoods Grant I believe that what I see and what the Grove Parc Tenants saw is coming very soon. # # #",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://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-carson-calls-release-gilad-shalit,Rep. Carson Calls for the Release of Gilad Shalit,2011-08-26,2011,2011-08,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"August 26, 2011 Dear Mr. Mashal: We write to you during this holy month of Ramadan as Muslim-American leaders and scholars across the United States. As Muslims around the world reflect upon their faith and strive for an elevated level of devotion during this blessed month, we urge you to act upon our higher calling to charity and compassion by releasing Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit. We believe Hamas' harsh treatment and five-year detention of Shalit is wrong. On many occasions Hamas has stated its opposition to unjust imprisonment. It has said that Israel's detention of thousands of Palestinians, including women and children who have been held for months or years, sometimes in harsh conditions or without access to genuine due process, is unjust. As Muslims we are guided by the tradition of the Prophet (peace be upon him). He teaches us to follow a higher ethical and moral code, and to set an example of justice and mercy, even against enemies and prisoners of war. In Surat Fussilat, Ayah 34, we are told that ""the good deed and the evil deed are not alike,"" and we are instructed to ""repel the evil deed with one that is better."" The struggle for Palestinian human rights and self-determination must be based on this ethical and moral code. Hamas' inhumane detention of Shalit undermines the Palestinian people's legitimate aspirations for human rights and a state of their own, existing in peace and security beside Israel. On the occasion of Ramadan, we urge you to recall that the Holy Qur'an teaches us that ""Whoever pardons and makes reconciliation will receive his reward from Allah."" We urge you to act upon these words by releasing Shalit immediately. Thank you for considering this request. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:12:39Z 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 jobless workers, Lee continued. Now more than ever, we must fight every effort to shred the safety net. We are in the middle of a jobs crisis and we must do all we can to address this national emergency. ### 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-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 recommending to Dr. Francis Collins. These recommended steps will address the clear racial and ethnic inequities in the granting of awards and the award process highlighted in the study. The TriCaucus will also suggest ways to utilize NIMHD to strengthen NIH's commitment to health disparities research and to targeted recruiting, mentoring, and training of racial and ethnic minority researchers in all NIH fields. We sincerely applaud NIH Director Collins for his leadership in requesting the study and his commitment to fixing this problem,"" added Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Chair of the Hispanic Caucus Task on Health. We now have an important benchmark on which to judge NIH's progress in addressing the disparities reflected in this report. The research that comes out of NIH is among the best in the world and we look forward to working with Dr. Collins to ensure that diversity also becomes a cornerstone of NIH's work. ### Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-meet-seniors-discuss-medicare,Carson to Meet with Seniors to Discuss Medicare,2011-08-15,2011,2011-08,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"INDIANAPOLIS – Congressman André Carson on Tuesday will host his third panel discussion on Medicare and the impact recent proposals in Congress may have on the program. The panel will consist of experts in the area of senior healthcare who will help attendees answer questions about Medicare. Please contact Jason Tomcsi if you are interested in speaking with the Congressman prior to the start of the event. WHO: Congressman André Carson WHAT: Medicare Panel Discussion WHEN: Tuesday, August 16 10 a.m. WHERE: Beech Grove Senior Center 602 Main Street Beech Grove, IN ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:12:39Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-meet-jobseekers-friday,Congressman to Meet with Jobseekers on Friday,2011-08-11,2011,2011-08,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CONGRESSMAN TO MEET WITH JOBSEEKERS FRIDAY INDIANAPOLIS – More than 70 employers—representing over 1,200 available jobs—will be in attendance at Congressman André Carson's Central Indiana Job Fair on Friday. The job fair, hosted by Carson in cooperation with Ivy Tech Community College and IUPUI, will be held on August 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the IUPUI Campus Center in downtown Indianapolis. Congressman Carson will be available to speak with the media throughout the morning beginning at 11 a.m. on the 4th floor of IUPUI's Campus Center.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:12:39Z 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://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/more-employers-added-carson-job-fair-lineup,More Employers Added to Carson Job Fair Lineup,2011-08-10,2011,2011-08,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"August 9, 2011 More EMPLOYERS Added to CARSON JOB FAIR Event will take place Aug. 12th INDIANAPOLIS – Nearly 70 employers with approximately 1,200 available jobs will participate in Congressman André Carson's Central Indiana Job Fair on Friday. The job fair, hosted by Carson in cooperation with Ivy Tech Community College and IUPUI, will be held on Friday, August 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the IUPUI Campus Center in downtown Indianapolis. WHAT: Central Indiana Job Fair WHEN: Fri., August 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: IUPUI's Campus Center, 4th Floor 420 University Blvd (Corner of Michigan St. and University Blvd.) Participating Employers 1040 Tax Biz AAR Accountemps Allison Transmission Ascension Health (Ministry Service Center) Atterbury Job Corps Center BC Forward Butler McDonald Caregivers, Inc. Central Indiana Men in Business Central Indiana Regional Blood Center Charles Schwab Children's Museum Comcast Community Health Network Companion Care Company Cornerstone Associates LLC Deem & Central Securities Communications Defender Home Security Dick's Sporting Goods Domtar Paper Co Drug Enforcement Administration ELS Language Center Express Employment Professionals Express Scripts Fastenal FedEx Ground Garcia Construction Goldberg & Segal Associates H & R Block Harlan Laboratories, Inc. HH Gregg Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral Indianapolis Fire Department Indianapolis Housing Agency Indianapolis Public Transportation Corp/IndyGo Indianapolis Yellow Cab IU Health Ivy Tech Community College - Central Indiana Kelly Services Marion County Sheriff's Department Medshield Mike's Carwash, Inc. Monarch Beverage People Link Staffing PNC Pridgeon & Clay, Inc. Primerica Financial Services Repucare Repustaff Ricker Oil Company Right At Home Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. Sherwin-Williams Simon Property Group Slingshot SEI Spartan Staffing Speedway LLC St. Francis Health Sunglass Hut The Mitchel Group Trotter Construction Company IN, LLC U.S. Department of Labor U.S. Postal Service Verizon Wireless Wal-Mart Wishard Health Services YMCA",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:12:39Z 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://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/employers-lining-carson-job-fair,Employers Lining Up for Carson Job Fair,2011-08-05,2011,2011-08,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Eventwill take place Aug. 12th INDIANAPOLIS – More than 60 employers with approximately 1,000 available jobs will participate in Congressman André Carson's Central Indiana Job Fair next week. The job fair, hosted by Carson in cooperation with Ivy Tech Community College and IUPUI, will be held on Friday, August 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the IUPUI Campus Center in downtown Indianapolis. ""Creating new jobs and protecting existing American jobs from being sent overseas has been my number one priority in Congress,"" said Congressman Carson. ""In addition, I am doing everything I can to connect those who seek work with companies who are currently hiring. Employers are being added daily, which will give attendees an array of options for potential employment."" WHAT: Central Indiana Job Fair WHEN: Fri., August 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: IUPUI's Campus Center, 4th Floor 420 University Blvd (Corner of Michigan St. and University Blvd.)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:12:39Z 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 United States representative on United Nations Development Programme's Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was the original sponsor of legislation that created PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and led to the repeal of the Immigration and Travel ban that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals to the U.S. Next Article",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://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-beginning-ramadan-0,Carson Statement on the Beginning of Ramadan,2011-08-01,2011,2011-08,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement on the start of Ramadan: ______________________________________________________ ""The month of August is Ramadan, a special time for Muslims to reflect upon God's many blessings and work to improve the lives of those around us. During Ramadan, we renew our commitment to God, strengthen our faith, and fulfill our responsibilities to our family, friends, and neighbors. Ramadan Kareem.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:12:39Z https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-votes-no-unbalanced-debt-ceiling-deal,Carson Votes No on Unbalanced Debt Ceiling Deal,2011-08-01,2011,2011-08,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"August 1, 2011 CARSON VOTES NO ON unbalanced debt ceiling plan WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson released the following statement today after the vote in the House to raise the debt ceiling. The legislation would increase the debt ceiling by $900 billion later this year. Another $1.5 trillion in budget cuts would be identified by a bipartisan special committee of lawmakers appointed by leaders of the House and Senate. ______________________________________________________ ""I am certain the President believed this was the deal he had to make to avoid disaster, given he was negotiating with Republicans who seemed willing to allow the country to default in order to protect their wealthy friends. To this end, I do not fault the President, who I respect greatly. ""But I am here to represent my constituents in the 7th District, most of whom say we need a balanced approach. They understand the need to sacrifice, provided that sacrifice is shared and it results in job creation. But under this approach, oil companies earning billions and companies exporting American jobs sacrifice nothing. Millionaires, whose low tax rates have not led to job creation, sacrifice nothing. ""More troubling is that this bill has a trigger gimmick that means automatic cuts if Congress cannot reach agreement. In other words, Republicans just need to refuse to compromise again to inflict devastating cuts on working people and undermine the solvency of Medicare."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:12:39Z 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 extreme tactics with this bad deal. I continue to support the President using the 14th amendment if necessary to raise the debt ceiling. ### 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-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