Rep. Barbara Lee to Chair the Congressional Black Caucus

In a return to some common sense and real leadership the CBC voted unanimously to elevate Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee from Vice-Chair to Chair of the CBC starting with the new term in January 2009. Goodbye Mama Kilpatrick and all the still-stewing drama from your son, the former self-professed hip-hop Mayor of Detroit. Well, not exactly. She still has her seat but if you recall she almost lost her bid for re-election thanks to supporting the crimes of her son and ignoring the voters of Michigan. 

Barbara Lee has been a tireless advocate for the disenfranchised. She is the epitome of a low-drama politician who gets work done. She was one of a handful of politicians who opposed the authorization for war with Iraq. She also opposed the so-called economic bail-out and wants an increase of HIV funding and research. Congrats!!!  

For a comprehensive list of bills Lee has sponsored go here to review but here are a few for good measure:

H.R. 3000
The Josephine Butler U.S. Universal Health Service Act would establish a United States Health Service (USHS) which would put people before profit. Specifically, the bill would increase the availability and continuity of health care through integrated systems; while financing the training and education of health care workers and professionals-establishing a set standards for performance. H.R. 3000 would allocate health services to all communities in proportion to their population, with additional funds and support for communities experiencing inequalities in health status and access to services, and for special needs such as epidemics

HR 1050
This bill is a comprehensive effort to ensure a living wage and jobs for all Americans. Known as the "Living Wage, Jobs for All" Act.

HR 174
H.R. 174 reauthorizes and funds Public Housing Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP) grants, for the purchase of: • Hiring security guards for public housing and coordinating programs with local law enforcement and emergency responders. • Providing after-school programs for at-risk teens and youth including Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Big Brother Big Sister, and intramural sports; • Offering residents alcohol and substance abuse counseling; • Providing courses for job training and workforce preparedness; and • Installing security cameras to protect families, the elderly, and the disabled who reside in public housing. 

Update 11/21:  Thanks for the shout-out from What About Our Daughters.