Barbara Lee
(1946-)

African-American Politician
2003 Global Exchange Human Rights Award
1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005

birthdate: July 16
birthplace: El Paso, Texas

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Barbara Jean Lee is an American politician who became the first woman to represent California's 9th congressional district when she was elected in 1998, and has been elected each term since. Although she grew up in a military family, Congresswoman Lee has consistently been a strong advocate for peace through diplomacy. She has the unique distinction of being the only member of Congress to vote against giving the President a blank check to wage war on suspected terrorists after September 11. In 1998 she had been one of only five members of the House to vote against bombing Iraq and in 1999 was the only House member to vote against the US sending troops to Yugoslavia. In her passionate speech before Congress in 2001, she expressed her concern that military action would not prevent future terrorist acts but would in fact spawn more violence. Barbara Lee is the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and has been a leader in advocating policies that promote human rights and international peace and security, as well as an outspoken advocate for legislation to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. In 2002, Barbara Lee was awarded the German Aachen Peace Award and in 2005 she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize as part of the 1000 Women For Peace project.