Barbara Lee is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party. She has served as the U.S. Representative for California's 13th congressional district since 1998. Lee is known for her progressive stance on various issues, including healthcare, education, and civil rights. Born on July 16, 1946, in El Paso, Texas, Lee has a background in social work and public policy. She gained national attention in 2001 when she was the only member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force following the September 11 attacks.