Rep. Lee: “I know what it takes to make life better for everyone in California”

SAN FRANCISCO — In the second debate between the top candidates running to be California’s next U.S. Senator, Congresswoman Barbara Lee asserted her position as the most consistent, effective, and progressive leader in the race. Emphasizing a history of championing issues her opponents have been slow to support, like comprehensive solutions to homelessness and diplomacy-driven foreign policy, Lee conveyed her strong progressive record on issues that resonate with everyday Californians.

On an all-sides approach to homelessness solutions:

• “In the Senate, I will fight to pass my DEPOSIT Act. One of the issues around homelessness is that people in California don’t have the resources for first and last month’s rent and for a security deposit. So why can’t HUD invest in a revolving fund to help people with their security deposits?”
• “I have been [on the House Appropriations Committee] for many years and have appropriated money for affordable housing, for shelters, for low income housing, for more vouchers for Section 8 housing, and investing in the Housing Trust Fund, which has been my legislation.”

On the affordability crisis and fighting for a living wage in California:

• “In the Bay Area…$127,000 for a family of four is just barely enough to get by. Do the math. Just do the math. Of course, we have national minimum wages that we need to raise to a living wage. You’re talking about $20, 25 — fine. But I have got to be focused on what California needs and what the affordability factor is when we calculate this wage.”

On pathways to global peace and security:

• “Israel deserves to live in security and peace. However, we need an immediate ceasefire. I know that only through a diplomatic and political settlement, discussions, and resolve will Israel be safe. Currently, killing 25,000 to 30,000 civilians is counterproductive to Israel’s security.”
• “The longer this war takes place, the broader it’s spreading. As I said after 9/11, when I voted against that authorization that was overly broad, that this could spiral out of control — now, in fact, the United States is embroiled in what could be a regional war and that is a real threat.”
• “If we are going to lead in efforts to achieve global peace and security, we have got to deescalate, we have got to open pathways to non-violence.”

On Donald Trump’s threat to democracy:

• “Donald Trump is a threat to our national security. He’s a threat to our democracy now, he attempted to dismantle our democracy.”
• “I was sitting on the floor of the house on January 6th. I am the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit indicating and saying very clearly that Donald Trump is not above the law. He is not immune from the crimes that he has committed.”

On increasing gun regulation to reduce crime:

• “We’ve got to get these AK-47s, ghost guns and assault weapons off the streets of California, and off the streets of Oakland. We need national gun control. We have to institute the Assault Weapons Ban.”

On bringing her lived and public service experience to the Senate:

• “I know what it takes to make life better for everyone in California. I’ve faced many obstacles in my life — some we’ve talked about tonight. Being unsheltered, [being] on public assistance with two small kids, as a single mom…I hope California voters know that electing me, they will have somebody who fights for them.”

On the last book she read:

• “Beloved [by Toni Morrison]”