Lee, Barbara (1946–)

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Lee, Barbara (1946–)

African-American politician. Born July 16, 1946, in El Paso, TX; Mills College, BA; University of California at Berkeley, MSW; div.; children: 2.

Moved to California (1960); served as chief of staff for Congressman Ron Dellums; as a Democrat, served in California State Assembly (1990–96) and State Senate (1996–98); elected to US House of Representatives (1998); was the only lawmaker in the House or Senate to vote against granting President Bush carte-blanche authority to use military force against terrorism (2001); received enough death threats that she had to travel with bodyguards; became a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS; during 4th term, served on the House International Relations Committee and the Financial Services Committee; was co-chair of the Congressional Progessive Caucus and whip for the Congressional Black Caucus.