Barbara Lee

Barbara Lee was born on July 16, 1946, in El Paso, Texas. She grew up in a military family and later moved to California. Her upbringing had a significant influence on her future political views and activism. Lee studied at Mills College and earned her Master's degree in social work from the University of California, Berkeley.

Barbara Lee won a special election on April 7, 1998, to fill the vacancy left by Congressman Ron Dellums in California's 9th congressional district. This victory marked the beginning of her long tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she has become known for her progressive policies and commitment to social justice.

On September 14, 2001, Barbara Lee cast the sole dissenting vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which gave President George W. Bush the power to use military force against those responsible for the September 11 attacks. Lee's courageous vote was based on her belief that it was a blank check to wage war without diplomatic efforts and she received both criticism and praise for her stance.

On November 6, 2009, Barbara Lee was elected chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. During her tenure, she focused on a range of issues from healthcare to economics and civil rights, using the platform to advocate for marginalized communities and push for legislative reforms to address systemic inequalities.

Barbara Lee served as a co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus beginning January 3, 2013. Through this role, she worked to advance progressive policies, focusing on issues such as income inequality, social justice, and climate change, promoting a more equitable and just society.

On January 3, 2017, Barbara Lee introduced the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH Woman) Act in Congress. The bill aimed to ensure that every woman who receives care or insurance through the federal government has coverage for abortion services, an important step in protecting women's reproductive rights.

On March 7, 2019, Barbara Lee introduced a resolution to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Afghanistan. The resolution was part of her long-standing effort to end forever wars and require Congress to fulfill its constitutional responsibility in matters of war and peace.

Barbara Lee reintroduced the EACH (Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance) Act on May 11, 2022, along with other lawmakers. This act sought to reverse the Hyde Amendment and ensure abortion care is covered by insurance, reflecting her continuous advocacy for reproductive rights.

On February 21, 2023, Barbara Lee announced her candidacy for the United States Senate seat from California, following the announcement that Senator Dianne Feinstein would not seek reelection. Lee's campaign focused on her extensive record of progressive leadership and advocacy for justice, equality, and a better future for all Californians.

On September 23, 2023, Barbara Lee delivered a poignant speech at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, where she emphasized the importance of addressing racial injustice and economic inequality. Her speech highlighted her commitment to fighting for legislative changes that benefit the Black community and other marginalized groups.