Barbara Lee

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. This Science and Technology Agreement, or STA, with the PRC was extended for 6 months in March and it does not commit us to a permanent agreement. The extension will allow the administration time to amend and strengthen the terms of the STA. Without the STA, the United States would lose valuable insight into China's technical advances. Additionally, many scientific STA outcomes have been deeply beneficial to the United States and the rest of the world. This includes determining the importance of folic acid supplementation in preventing birth defects and decreasing China's air pollution, which blows across the Pacific contributing to our West Coast's air pollution. Opponents of this agreement cite concerns that the PRC would exploit civilian research partnerships for military purposes. However, all legitimate concerns about information sharing can be addressed through modifications to the STA rather than eliminating it entirely. This is being actively negotiated now, and we need to give negotiators a chance to come to a stronger agreement. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, this is the only amendment that I will reluctantly oppose. This amendment seeks to increase funding to the Peace Corps to the fiscal year 2024 level. I do agree with the premise that the Peace Corps should receive additional funding in this bill. The reality is that there is not enough funding for the offset where the gentleman is identifying this money, and that is the State Department diplomatic programs. It is already $1 billion below the fiscal year 2024 level. This amendment highlights that the allocation for this bill is just simply too low. We cannot expect to address the variety of global challenges to foster peace and support our diplomatic efforts with the 12 percent decrease in the top line of this bill. I support the mission of the Peace Corps fully. They are our best diplomats. I commend all of the volunteers who serve our country. I was recently in Africa on a bipartisan delegation, and we met with many Peace Corps members. They are serving this country, and they are helping in so many ways in the most vulnerable places on the planet. I thank them for that. This amendment, though, is just robbing Peter to pay Paul. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, again, reluctantly. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, let me just say once again that taking $1 billion from our State Department diplomatic programs is wrong. That is why I oppose this amendment. I think we need to increase funding for the Peace Corps, but, also, we need the State Department diplomatic programs to support the infrastructure and to support our diplomats. Why in the world would we take $1 billion from our diplomats? I, again, believe that we should increase funding for both. Here we are faced with a 12 percent cut, so no way. Again, I reluctantly oppose this. If we could find a new offset that is not going to take money away from our diplomatic programs, a billion dollars, then we could talk. At this point, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time and ask for a ``no'' vote.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would zero out funding for the United Nations' Office of High Commissioner for Refugees, which is a global organization established after World War II to help people who lost their homes. They work in 136 countries to provide lifesaving assistance, including shelter, food, water, and medical care for people forced to flee conflict and persecution, many of whom have nobody left to turn to. Just last week, the United States recognized World Refugee Day, reaffirming our tradition as a beacon of hope for refugees and persecuted people around the globe. In the United States, refugees contributed almost $124 billion to the growth of the United States' economy from 2005 to 2019. According to UNHCR, the overall forced displacement rose to 120 million in May 2024 and reflects the 12th year of a consecutive increase. At this level, the global displaced population is the equivalent of the 12th largest country in the world, which is about the size of Japan. Responsibility sharing is essential to meet humanitarian needs so that all people can live with hope and dignity. No single country can respond alone, and no country is untouched by the impacts of forced displacement. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, UNHCR advocates for the rights of refugees. They do not advocate on any country's immigration policies. UNHCR also does not support economic migrants, only those that have applied for asylum. Mr. Chairman, as I close, I must say some of these amendments tonight are just downright mean-spirited. I ask for a ``no'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I ask for a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. The Migration and Refugee Assistance account supports protection and assistance to ease the suffering of those that had to leave everything behind to become a refugee. Again, it is hard to describe the meanness in these amendments. The funding also contributes to broader USG and international efforts to resolve conflicts that cause displacement and provide solutions for people and families that cannot return home. This humanitarian aid saves lives and upholds the dignity of tens of millions of forcibly displaced and crisis-affected people, including refugees, victims of conflict, stateless persons, and vulnerable migrants. One in every 69 people, or 1.5 percent of the entire world's population, is now forcibly displaced. This is nearly double the 1 in 125 people who were displaced a decade ago. What does it mean for the United States to turn its back on these people? Almost 11 million Sudanese remain uprooted. I visited Sudan this spring, and these people have been uprooted by violence over and over and over and over. Almost 14 million people have fled a brutal regime in Syria and exist only tenuously in neighboring countries like Lebanon, Turkiye, Jordan, and Egypt. By cutting this assistance, nations hosting these refugees will not accept growing refugee populations in their countries, potentially destabilizing regions and threatening global stability and security. Should we be spending more in other areas of this bill? Absolutely, which is why the 12 percent proposed cut is irresponsible and does not come anywhere near meeting the needs of the United States. The Migration and Refugee account is already facing a $725 million cut. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I ask for a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib).

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment. This amendment prohibits the State Department from using the statistics obtained from the Gaza Health Ministry, which is often the only information available about what is happening on the ground in Gaza. As much as we wish there were other sources, this ministry is the only official source for Gaza casualties and is the de facto authority there. Israel has sealed Gaza's borders, barring foreign journalists and others who could offer this reporting. The journalists and medical professionals who are there are unable to account for all of the bodies trapped under rubble and discovered in mass graves. The United Nations and other international institutions and experts as well as the Palestinian authorities in the West Bank say this ministry has made a good faith effort to account for the dead under the most difficult conditions. Their figures have been found to be credible in the past, holding up to United Nations scrutiny, independent investigations, and even Israel's tallies. When new information comes to light, as with the Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance a few weeks ago, they are made. In order for the State Department to do its job effectively, it needs to work with real-time information. This amendment would severely inhibit the United States Government's ability to assess the situation. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, as the designee of the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), I move to strike the last word.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Oregon for his gracious comments and for his friendship, his support, and his tremendous leadership. I look forward to working with the gentleman also in the next chapter of our lives to make sure that all of our efforts around cannabis are passed and signed into law. I thank Mr. Mast, Mr. Joyce, and all who have allowed us to work, again, in a bipartisan way to make it easier for veterans to access medical cannabis in States where it is legal. Mr. Chair, this amendment would authorize VA physicians to provide recommendations and opinions regarding the use of medical cannabis to veterans who live in States with existing medical programs. Millions of American veterans suffer from, for example, mental health conditions stemming from their service. Moreover, of the nearly 1 million veterans who receive opioids to treat painful conditions, more than one-half continue to consume beyond 90 days, contributing massively to the disproportionate overdose and suicide rates impacting veterans. As we continue experiencing the throes of the opioid crisis ravaging communities across the country, from urban centers to rural areas, the hands of VA physicians should not be tied when it comes to advising around medical treatments that are scientifically proven to be less harmful and less addictive, like State-legal medical marijuana. I am the daughter of a veteran of two wars. He would have been helped tremendously with many of his health issues had he been able to explore medical cannabis options with his VA physicians. I saw him go through wanting to explore all of these options, but he could not. In his memory, Garvin A. Tutt, who was part of the 92nd Battalion in Italy supporting the Normandy invasion, I am proud to co-lead this amendment. I thank all the co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. I thank Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman Schultz and, of course, Mr. Joyce for their leadership and partnership on this. Mr. Chair, I urge our colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment that would benefit our armed services members.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of Supervisor Keith Carson, who has represented the 5th District on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors since 1992. Supervisor Carson has been a fearless leader in Alameda County, fighting for access to health care, improving business retention, addressing the scarcity of jobs in our communities, and ending poverty and homelessness. He approaches his role as Supervisor with the goal of creating a more inclusive and accessible government for the people of Alameda County. Supervisor Carson is a Bay Area native from Berkeley, California. He has a B.A. in Political Science and Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master of Public Administration from Cal State University, East Bay, and a Juris Doctor from the John F. Kennedy School of Law. Keith Carson has a long history of supporting our community through involvement in local politics. His interest in politics began in the Youth in Government program, where he was able to join a student assembly in Sacramento and learn about the government and legislative processes. He then served as an intern for Berkeley's first Black mayor, Warren Widener, as a student, and later went on to work for former Congressman Ron Dellums after his graduation from UC Berkeley. After working for Congressman Dellums for fifteen years in both his district and D.C. offices, Carson ran for the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in 1992. As Supervisor, Carson chairs many Alameda County committees, including the East Bay Economic Development Alliance, the Alameda County Budget Work Group Committee, the Alameda County Personnel, Administration, and Legislation Committee, and the Alameda County Health Committee. As chair of the Budget Committee, Carson championed a more inclusive and transparent budgeting process for the county. In addition to chairing committees, Supervisor Carson represents the Board of Supervisors on the Board of Directors for many local organizations, including the Executive Committee of the California State Association of Counties, the National Association of Counties, and the National Organization of Black County Officials. He is also a member of the Alameda County Transportation Commission, the Alameda County Employees Retirement Association, and the Bay Area Council Economic Institute. Carson's many accomplishments as Supervisor over the years include creating AC Impact, a program that aims to reduce homelessness in Alameda County by providing permanent and supportive housing to chronically homeless adults. He has also been a leader in bringing the county to a more sustainable future, adopting a Green Building Ordinance that requires county municipal projects to be built to a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Silver standard. Additionally, he has supported the funding of a Community Capacity Fund, which helps community organizations deliver re-entry services for formerly incarcerated individuals. Carson's 30+ years of service have undoubtably made Alameda County a better, more inclusive place. Supervisor Keith Carson is a beloved leader in our community, and I honor and thank him for his dedication to supporting Alameda County over the years.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Cecil Murray, who passed away at the age of 94 on April 5, 2024. Reverend Murray was born on September 26, 1929, in Lakeland, Florida. He graduated from Florida A&M University and served in the U.S. Air Force for ten years after graduating before moving to Los Angeles to earn a Ph.D. in religion from Claremont College's School of Religion. He then became a pastor at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he served for 27 years. He built the church up from a small congregation of 250 members to over 18,000 members by the time he retired. He used his time at the church to inspire and give back to his community. During his tenure at the church, he established a non-profit investment arm that brought $400 million in investments to Los Angeles's minority and low-income neighborhoods. Reverend Murray was also known for being an influential voice of reason during the 1992 Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, when he called for calm during a time of chaos and helped to rebuild the city following the riots. Upon Reverend Murray's retirement from the church at age 75, he joined the University of Southern California's faculty, and started the Passing the Mantle Program, which later became known as the Cecil Murray Center at USC's Center for Religion and Civic Culture. He became a beloved and respected mentor at the university for future pastors who wanted to create projects to serve their communities. Murray was preceded in death by his wife Bernadine, and is survived by his son Drew, niece Tammie, nephews Anthony and Kevin, grandniece April, and grandnephews Isaiah and Corey. Pastor Murray touched many lives throughout his time as a pastor and university mentor, including my family's. He was my mother's pastor and was always very supportive of my family and me. He was a giant, but he was also a kind and gentle man who demonstrated what a purposeful life meant by living his faith each and every day. His compassionate mentorship and guidance helped make this a better world. He will be deeply missed. May he Rest in Peace and Power.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Tuan Le, an Oakland police officer who was fatally injured in the line of duty on December 29, 2023. Tuan Quoc Le was born on June 1, 1987, in Saigon, Vietnam as the only son of mother Hanh Thi Hong Le and father Toan Le. He moved to Oakland in 1995 and spent much of his life in the Bay Area, graduating from Oakland High School in 2006 and San Francisco State University in 2013. It was at Oakland High School that Tuan met the love of his life, Sarah Fung. They were engaged in December 2016, and married on their 12th dating anniversary on August 18, 2018. They had two ``fur babies'' together, Lola and Bixby. Tuan Le entered the Oakland Police Academy in 2019, achieving his dream of following in his grandfather's footsteps. He was sworn in as an Oakland police officer in February of 2020. Tuan was known as a hero, who loved protecting his community above all else. Tuan was also known among his family and friends as an adventurer. He loved camping, biking, fishing, and traveling. He also loved cars and motorcycles. Tuan Le will be remembered as a hero to the Oakland community, and a kind and welcoming presence to his family and friends. Tuan Le was preceded in death by his father and grandfather, and is survived by his wife Sarah, mother Hanh, and fur babies Lola and Bixby.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend and incomparable moral and spiritual leader of the Bay Area, Reverend Cecil Williams, who passed away at the age of 94 on April 22, 2024. Albert Cecil Williams was born September 22, 1929 in San Angelo, Texas. After graduating from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 1955, he moved to the Bay Area and became the pastor of Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco. Reverend Williams took over Glide Memorial Church when the congregation numbered only 35 people and transformed it into a world- renowned congregation and nonprofit. He challenged the status quo and sought to create a church that was inclusive of all, forming the Council on Religion and the Homosexual in 1964, bringing religious leaders and LGBTQ activists together. Reverend Williams began performing marriage ceremonies for gay couples decades before gay marriage was legal in California. He also hosted civil rights rallies and welcomed several activists to speak at Glide Memorial Church. Reverend Williams used his position at the church to serve his community in many ways. Glide opened its own free health clinic, legal clinic, HIV prevention center, and women's health center. He created the Free Meals Program in 1980 and fed three hot meals a day to 2,000 community members in San Francisco. Reverend Williams continued his work in the community his whole life. After retiring from his role as church pastor in 2000, he remained the Minister of Liberation and CEO of the GLIDE Foundation until just last year. Cecil Williams is preceded in death by his wife Janice Mirikitani, who shared the title of founder and president of the GLIDE Foundation with Reverend Williams. He is survived by his son, Albert Williams Jr. and daughter, Kimberly Williams. Reverend Williams has been a friend and mentor since I was in college. His decades-long leadership of Glide made an enormous impact on our community. I remember taking Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm to Glide and the excitement and love Reverend Williams displayed to her. His presence in our community will be deeply missed. May he rest in eternal peace and power, reunited with his beloved wife, Janice.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mary Yvonne Myers, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, and cherished Oakland community member. She was born on October 29, 1937, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi as the eldest child to parents James Calvin and Nancy Stewart Slaughter. Mary, later known as `Yvonne' moved from Mississippi to San Diego, California in 1953 with her family. Her family flourished in their business ventures and elite social circles in California. In San Diego, Yvonne was mentored by her Aunt Mae, who was part of a group of African American entrepreneurs and community leaders in the area. After completing her high school education at San Diego High School, Yvonne and her family moved to Northern California in 1959. Yvonne began a fellowship with the Faith Chapel Church of God in Christ, where she met Minister Levi Young. They were married in August of 1961, and had three wonderful children together, along with Levi's son from a previous union. Through this marriage, Yvonne developed a love for ministry as she walked in the office of First Lady of the Revelation Church of God In Christ. Under the leadership of her husband and pastor she was licensed as a Missionary in the Church of God in Christ, and as the First Lady, Yvonne mentored many young women as they began their Christian journey. As the Executive Administrator of Charles Harrison Mason Bible College, Yvonne ensured that students were successful in their quest to get a deeper understanding of the Word of God. In the late 70s, Yvonne and Levi amicably took separate directions in life, dissolving their union. Yvonne remained very involved in Christian churches and continued to mentor young women in the church. In the late 1980s, Yvonne met the love of her life Reverend Clayton Myers, Jr. In July of 1989 the two were united in holy matrimony, a match truly made in heaven. Together, they led the auxiliary ministry of Evergreen's senior living facility, The JL Richards Terrace. Later, Yvonne returned to the Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, and served in a variety of ministry positions: Usher, Missionary, Hospitality, Greeter, Sunday School Department, and more. She used her positions to help children in the community, leading the `Kids Closet', which aimed to ensure that all children had adequate clothing and basic supplies. Her passion and support for children continued outside of the church, as she used the office of PTA President to bring about many changes for students and families at Washington Elementary School. She continued her involvement in the Oakland community, serving as Commissioner of the Parks and Recreation Commission, championing many efforts to preserve the historic Children's Fairyland. She also worked on the Oakland Parental Education Program (P.E.P.), where Yvonne and her team trained parents through extensive workshops and training courses. She later returned to schools as the on-site Parent Coordinator for Peralta Elementary School, where she created Black History programs and led holiday donation drives. Yvonne considered the programs she implemented for kids and parents over her life to be her greatest accomplishments. Mary Yvonne Myers was thankful for her opportunity to hold leadership within her community. She was thankful for her family, and for the many roles God entrusted her with, including wife, mother, friend, and cousin. Yvonne Myers was the Matriarch of her family, and was proud of the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, who she considered ``future world changers''. As the Matriarch, she was often fondly referred to as the ``Queen.'' She became popular on social media in her later years and ending her videos with ``Peace Out'' was her signature. With family by her side, The Queen gave her final ``Peace Out'' on December 11, 2023, at 5:05 p.m. Her presence will be missed but her spirit and influence will live on for generations to come. She is survived by sons Donald Scotty Young, Kenny (Kelly) Young, daughter Regina (Kelvin) Alexander, grandchildren Charles (Shane) Young, Andre Young, Brittney Young, Kelvin (Rochelle) Alexander, Keena Young, Rochad Young, Korey Alexander, Shaun Young, Demarcus (Shannon) Young, Dominik Young, one godson Antoine (Charisse) Jones. Fourteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, first cousins Rev. Dr. Clyde Oden, Jr., Dr. Robert Stanley Oden, Douglas Oden, Esq, Barbara Ann Slaughter, Fredrika Slaughter-Newton and a host of other cousins and friends.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of long-time community activist, Alfreda Helen Abbott, who passed away at the age of 92 on March 2, 2024, in Oakland. Alfreda was born on March 8, 1931, and raised in Oakland, graduating from Oakland High School in 1949 and with her Bachelor of Arts from UC Berkeley some years later. After completing her degree, she married Robert P. Abbott on June 6, 1954. They were married for 56 years before Robert passed away in 2010. Alfreda was an avid traveler, who had visited six continents. Along with traveling, she enjoyed caring for her plants, spending time with family, fine dining, and public service. Her love for public service manifested in her professional life, where she served as a Deputy Public Officer for Alameda County and a Group Counselor for the Social Service Bureau. She was also an original member of the Oakland Black Caucus in the 1960s. Alfreda was one of the founding members of the Black Women Organized for Political Action and continued to serve on the state board for several years. Alfreda had a long career in the government, serving as an Advisor and Field Representative for California State Senator Nicholas Petris for over 30 years. Upon her retirement from Senator Petris' office, she returned to local government to serve as Chief of Staff for Oakland City Council member Dezie Woods-Jones. Alfreda always stayed active in her community, serving on the Oakland Unified School Board, the Oakland Planning Commission, the Bay Area Urban League, the NAACP, the Black Educators Association, the California Democratic Party, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, and the Board of Directors of the Museum Association. I honor Alfreda Abbott's long- standing commitment to community activism in Oakland and beyond. Alfreda Helen Abbott is survived by her two sons, Ross Abbott and Brian Abbott, one ``daughter-in-love'', Carolyn Abbott, two Goddaughters, Michelle Randle and Carla Kennedy, and a grandson, Kamal Kennedy, along with a host of cousins.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lois A. Parish Murell, who passed away at the age of 103 on April 8, 2024. Lois was born on November 20, 1920, in El Paso, Texas to parents William C. Parish and Willie C. Parish. She attended Douglass High School and graduated from Austin Tillitson College with a Bachelor's degree in Home Economics. She met her husband, John Melvyn Murell while teaching, and moved with him from Texas to Oakland, California. They later settled in their dream home that they built in Windsor, California. Lois and Melvyn were prominent businesspeople in the Bay Area. Lois opened a high-end gift shop called ``Hi Lite Decor'' on Lakeshore Boulevard in Oakland and became the first Black businessowner in the Lakeshore shopping area. Together, Lois and Melvyn founded Oakland Federal Savings and Loan, the first Black-owned savings and loan company in Oakland. They also owned apartment buildings throughout the East Bay and a nightclub in Richmond, California. ``Auntie Lois'' was known for being a stylish dresser, great dancer, and the best cook. She loved to travel and spent many days taking trips with her friends in her senior travel group. She was known for being thrifty and instilled that quality in her nieces, encouraging us to save and invest our money to be independent women. She delighted in meeting her cousins, the Parrishes, later in life after she turned 100. Her family stories were engaging, and her memory was keen and sharp. Lois is preceded in death by her parents William C. Parish and Willie C. Parish and her sisters Juanita A. Franklin and Mildred P. Massey. She is survived by her loving nieces Mildred Whitfield, Beverly Hardy, and me, along with several great and great-great nephews and nieces, and a host of extended family and friends. Auntie Lois was a phenomenal woman and a loving Auntie who, despite having no children, was like a second mother to all of us. She will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing her, especially those who were part of her family. May she rest in peace.