[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 37 (Monday, February 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E149-E150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING YING LEE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2023

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary life of my dear friend and first legislative director, 
Ying Lee, and her incredible contributions to her community and our 
country. I want to extend my deepest condolences to Ying's children, 
Sarah and Max, her grandchildren, Max Jr. Kelley, and Olivia, and 
Ying's entire extended family. They are all in my prayers during this 
difficult time.
  Ms. Lee's story is one of tremendous perseverance, resilience, and 
fortitude in the face of struggle. Born in China, Ms. Lee arrived in 
the United States as a refugee from Shanghai during World War II. Her 
life before immigrating was marked with hardship, as Ms. Lee faced 
firsthand the brutal realities that stem from war and militarization. 
By the young age of 13, Ms. Lee had survived more than most people do 
in a lifetime, witnessing poverty, famine, and sickness, all brought on 
by devasting warfare. Her experiences in childhood were fundamental in 
shaping Ms. Lee's identity as an activist, educator, city 
councilmember, and anti-war movement icon.
  Her family's escape from an invading Japanese army brought Ms. Lee to 
the Bay Area. Settling in Berkeley, Ms. Lee spent most of her fighting 
for progress, peace, and equity, as a councilmember and as my 
legislative director. Her journey in political activism began in the 
halls of UC Berkeley, where Ms. Lee studied political science, earning 
her bachelor's and master's degrees. There, she became involved in the 
civil rights movement, fighting for racial justice; and the anti-war 
movement, calling for an end to the Vietnam war.
  Ms. Lee's commitment to serving the greater good began with her 
career as a teacher at Berkeley High School, where she spent years 
educating young minds. In 1973, Ms. Lee made history as Berkeley's 
first Asian American council member and helped shape the city's ongoing 
legacy as a haven for progressive politics. She continued her journey 
in public service as a Congressional aide for Congressman Ron Dellums 
and, later, for myself, as my first Legislative Director when I came to 
Congress. Here in D.C., Ms. Lee spent years by my side advocating for 
equity, global peace, and legislative change. Together, we worked to 
advance global peace and security on many fronts, including our visit 
to Japan to discuss the consequences of war in the aftermath of the 
September 11 attacks. Ms. Lee's work to advance equity measures 
included her contributions to the Living Wage, Jobs For All Act, which 
sought to codify basic economic rights for all Americans and improve 
the quality of life.
  Ying Lee was a tireless warrior, as her activism never ceased. In 
2020, Ms. Lee joined historic crowds of people to fight for Black 
Lives, marching in the streets of Berkeley with her ``Black Lives 
Matter'' sign. At 83, she protested the closure of Berkeley's post 
office, handing out pamphlets and participating in rallies. Ms. Lee 
exemplified a true public servant, an advocate, and fierce warrior for 
justice.
  I spoke with Ying two weeks before her passing. She sounded strong 
and energetic. As always, she encouraged me to keep fighting the good 
fight. While I will always remember our last conversation with a heavy 
heart, I will meet our challenges head on with Ying's fervor and 
passion, in her honor.
  While we mourn her loss, we celebrate her remarkable life, which will 
be remembered as one of love, passion, compassion, dedication, and 
brilliance. Her legacy will provide us guidance in rising to the 
occasion as we continue her fight for peace and justice. I loved Ying 
and will miss her tremendously. May she Rest in Peace and Power.

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