A collection of
Barbara Lee Votes and Statements on Palestine/Israel
See a report of our July 2014 protest of Lee's support for military
aid to Israel here.
Our September protest here.
Barbara Lee represents Oakland/Berkeley in the US Congress. She is
highly regarded as probably one of the most progressive currently
serving in Congress. Her predecessor was Ron Dellums (Lee worked
as a congressional aide under Dellums), Dellums helped make history by
finally getting Congress to vote sanctions on apartheid South Africa in
1986. This congressional district remains probably the most progressive
in the country, a constituency that fights for peace and justice both
here and abroad, fighting unjust US policies. Barbara Lee made a name
for herself as the lone NO vote after 9/11, refusing to give George Bush
a "blank check for war" as she called the AUMF (Authorization to Use
Military Force). While attacked viciously by many
conservatives, it made her a hero in her district. She later wrote an
autobiography called "Renegade for Peace and
Justice: Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks for Me" It is
natural to expect then that many in this district would demand justice
for Palestinians, and protest US policies that support Israeli
oppression.
So how does this "renegade" act on the issues of Palestinian freedom?
It's a mixed record. While even the slightest deviation from the norm
(that is, complete support of Israeli policies) on this issue is rare,
Lee has shown herself to be at times cautiously opposing some policies
(such as calling for an end to siege on Gaza), but in important ways,
including support for massive US military aid, quite the conformist.
Funding the Israeli Military: Barbara Lee supports
"robust American military aid to Israel" This is not
something she mentions in any speeches that i have seen, and bills in
Congress that include funding for the Israeli military are almost always
part of a much larger package that include many things, so that voting
No on such bills would leave many other projects unfunded. However,
since she is currently (in both the 2012 and 2014 election cycles, in
rather paltry amounts) receiving donations from J Street, the "liberal"
supporters of military aid to Israel, we know she must have made a
commitment to them to support such aid, as it is part of their
requirements for supporting any candidate.
Barbara Lee opposes the
Boycott
Divestment, Sanctions movement of Palestinian civil society.
While supporting the tools of Israeli oppression and the means
it uses to violently suppresses Palestinian rights, Lee also is on
record with J Street, again, as opposing a nonviolent tool of Palestinian
resistance. Much in the same way President Reagan advocated against any
real sanctions on apartheid South Africa, instead relying on "quiet
diplomacy". That policy was called "constructive engagement". It was
also called a racist policy that put the US on the wrong side of
history.
The motivations for these policy decisions are not entirely known,
except perhaps to Lee herself. But I expect it was not the meager
donations from J Street, but more likely practical politics.
Non-conformity on this issue can make you a pariah in Congress, and
being a pariah means that any success in Congress becomes much more
difficult in overall success in getting any of her bills passed or even
considered. So Lee treads lightly. Every once in a while saying
something inspiring, but more often just reciting platitudes and clichés.
Statements and Votes
September 4th- Barbara Lee again confronted with Protesters
challenging her continued support of military aid for Israel. Details
here.
August 4th- Barbara Lee sends out Letter defending her vote
for more aid to Israel.
Responding to rising criticism, Barbara Lee sends out a letter
defending her decision to support more aid to Israel. See letter and a
response
here.
August 1st- Barbara Lee votes to send another $225 in
Military Aid to Israel
Barbara Lee votes to support more money for the so-called Iron Dome,
as Israel targets UN Schools, medical facilities and Palestinian homes
receive no such protection from US-funded weaponry. Significantly, 8
members of Congress, 4 Democrats and 4 Republicans, oppose the measure.
Roll Call
here.
July 26th- Escalating Crisis in the Middle East
"I remain deeply troubled by the
ongoing and escalating humanitarian
crisis in Gaza and mourn the tragic loss
of innocent lives in Gaza and Israel."
“It is clear there can be no military
solution to this conflict and I call on
all parties to agree to an immediate and
indefinite ceasefire."
“The only way for peace is to ensure
Israel's security free from rocket
attacks and a two state solution with
Israelis and Palestinians living side by
side."
"This military action and the
terrible human suffering that we are
seeing, will not resolve the conflict,
restore the peace, or end the violence."
"I have consistently called for
decisive action to alleviate the ongoing
humanitarian suffering in Gaza
including efforts to end the blockade
and ensure Israeli security."
"Addressing the underlying
humanitarian needs of this crisis and
restoring hope to Palestinians and
security for Israeli civilians is
critical to achieving a lasting peace."
“Once again, I call upon the leaders
of Hamas and Israel to agree upon and
abide by an immediate and indefinite
ceasefire, and upon the Administration
to continue to engage in the intensive,
high-level diplomacy necessary to assist
the parties in developing concrete steps
than can be implemented immediately to
alleviate the humanitarian crisis in
Gaza, guarantee the safety of Israeli
civilians and start on a path to a
sustained peace."
July 17th - Congresspeople Lee, Ellison and others "sent a letter to
President Obama and Secretary Kerry urging the administration to
continue efforts to find a cease-fire agreement between Israel and
Palestine". Urging diplomacy. Letter
here.
Barbara Lee also put out her own statement on Gaza:
July 10th Washington, DC - In response to the violence in Israel
and Gaza, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this
statement:
“I am gravely concerned about the current violence and
loss of life in Israel and Gaza; this horrific violence does
nothing to enhance the security of Israelis or Palestinians.
Only a diplomatic solution can ensure lasting security,”
said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “We need strong diplomatic
intervention by the US and regional partners to help
establish an immediate ceasefire that allows for the
negotiations of a permanent and peaceful settlement.”
July 11- Barbara Lee votes to support Israel's
"right to self-defense" in attacking Gaza, supports
"Operation Protective Edge". This was passed
unanimous consent, in a voice vote. If Lee had any
concerns about how lop-sided this resolution was, she did
not express them. More on this resolution
here. In contrast, see the
statement of dissent put out by former Congressman
Dennis Kucinich.
March 2014- Barbara Lee votes for the
U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act by a 410-1 vote.
This bill reaffirms military aid to Israel as
agreed to under the Bush administration ($30 Billion
over the course of ten years, that is, at least $3 billion
per year), and that "Israel is a major strategic
partner of the United States." More on the
bill and what it means
here.
June 2010- Cong. Lee
and Keith Ellison send letter to President Obama calling
for end to military siege on Gaza. See the letter
here.
This is an important letter, but it resulted in no
action. Lee also, in 2009, wrote the Bush administration a
similar letter of concern. While Israel continues to
receive, with Barbara Lee's support, massive military aid,
Palestinian civilians are left with letters of concern, and
at the same time, the very tangible results of US largess
with modern weaponry. These weapons have proved to be very
effective in destroying schools and hospitals. Letters of
concern have, alas, proven to be useless in keeping such
facilitites safe.