E44 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 6, 2005 EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE someone who made everyone feel special. He was a valued member of the Democratic HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE would solicit your opinions on the issue before Party, he never forgot that his primary respon- HONORABLE ROBERT T. MATSUI, us, even though his depth on the issues like sibility was to all of the people of California’s MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM tax policy, trade, social security and medicare, 5th Congressional District, regardless of party THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA surpassed anything anyone else had. He affiliation. BOB always did what he thought cared for this institution and the process of de- was best for his constituents and for the coun- SPEECH OF mocracy and he exuded boundless optimism try. He worked tirelessly for them in Congress HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS about the future of our great country even and they have lost a valuable advocate. OF NEW JERSEY though his first few months as a citizen of this BOB MATSUI had the respect and confidence IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES country was spent in an internment camp in of his peers. Time and again, Democrats California shortly after the Japanese attacked elected him to leadership posts and he used Tuesday, January 4, 2005 Pearl Harbor. He later led the effort in Con- these positions to be a capable and articulate Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, on January 1, gress to right that gross injustice by having spokesman for the Democratic Party. There is 2005 the United States Congress lost one of our government apologize for that action. perhaps no other issue in which Congressman its finest Members with the passing of BOB In short, BOB MATSUI was someone I re- MATSUI proved to be more valuable—or will be MATSUI. Recently re-elected to his 14th term spected, looked up to and tried to emulate missed more—than Social Security. His knowl- by an overwhelming margin, BOB was an out- here in Congress. You can’t replace a BOB edge was second to none and as Congress standing leader, beloved by his colleagues in MATSUI; he was rare and never fully appre- debates the future of this vital program, we will Congress and his constituents alike. ciated to the extent he deserved. But we all miss his wise counsel about the importance of As the third ranking Democrat on the power- can learn from BOB MATSUI and take his leg- preserving Social Security as we know it for ful House Ways and Means Committee, and acy of compassion, justice and fairness and future generations. the Ranking Member on the Social Security make it our legacy to the next generation. Congressman MATSUI’s experiences as a Subcommittee, BOB served as an outspoken To his wife Doris, son, Brian, daughter-in- Japanese-American who was detained in an champion for the preservation of our social se- law, Amy, and granddaughter, Anna, may you internment camp during World War II gave curity system. In addition, BOB was a member surround yourself with family, friends and him a special sensitivity to the importance of of the Executive Board for the Congressional loved-ones during this difficult time and find preserving civil rights and civil liberties. His Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), one comfort and understanding. Perhaps one day legislative work securing relief for those who of the most active caucuses in Congress. The Anna will be old enough to read these were wrongfully held during World War II was trust and respect that his colleagues had for testimonials to her grandfather and better ap- a historic achievement and a fitting tribute to him was demonstrated last Congress, when preciate how special he truly was. Please this great and good man. he was elected as Chairman of the Demo- know that BOB was loved by many and will be Over the past several days, we have heard cratic Congressional Campaign Committee. missed by all. dozens of tributes honoring Congressman As we convene to begin the 109th Con- May God bless him and keep in his com- MATSUI. The words that were most often used gress, it is important that we all pause to re- pany. in these accolades to describe BOB MATSUI member the noble work that Congressman f were ‘‘integrity,’’ ‘‘dignity’’ and ‘‘ability.’’ For MATSUI had accomplished during his 26 years those that knew him, these words were only in these halls. I would ask that all of my col- EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE part of what made BOB MATSUI a terrific per- leagues also keep his loved ones in their HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE son, a dear friend and valuable Member of thoughts, including his beloved wife Doris; his HONORABLE ROBERT T. MATSUI, Congress. son, Brian; his daughter-in-law, Amy; and his MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM Mr. Speaker, it is amazing to think that pub- THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA granddaughter Anna. BOB MATSUI was a great lic service was not BOB MATSUI’s first passion; man, as well as an outstanding leader, and his architecture was. We are tremendously fortu- SPEECH OF service to our great Nation will never be for- nate that Congressman MATSUI happened to gotten. HON. MAXINE WATERS read the biography of Clarence Darrow, which f OF CALIFORNIA he always credited for inspiring him to enter IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES law and eventually politics. California and, in- EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE Tuesday, January 4, 2005 deed the nation, has benefited from Congress- HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE man MATSUI’s service and we thank him and HONORABLE ROBERT T. MATSUI, Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to his family for sharing him with us. MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM pay my respects to one of the giants of the Congressman MATSUI will be sorely missed. THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA House of Representatives, Congressman BOB My prayers are with his wife Doris, his son, MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I can not tell you how Brian, his daughter-in-law, Amy and grand- SPEECH OF shocked and saddened I was when I heard daughter Anna, and his many friends and fam- HON. RON KIND the news of Congressman’s MATSUI’s passing. ily. God bless you, Congressman MATSUI. We OF WISCONSIN The constituents of the 5th Congressional Dis- will never forget you. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES trict of California, the Democratic Party and f our nation have suffered an enormous loss. Tuesday, January 4, 2005 I had the honor and privilege of serving with EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, every now and then Congressman MATSUI since I was elected to HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE you encounter someone in public service who Congress in 1990. I was always impressed HONORABLE ROBERT T. MATSUI, is a public servant in every sense of the word, with BOB’S knowledge, dedication and concern MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM who transcends petty partisan politics, who about the issues that he held close: healthcare THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA brings a depth of character and a depth of for those who need it—especially for children, knowledge to surpassed by no person, some- tax policy, fiscal responsibility and trade; as SPEECH OF one who loves his country, works hard for the well as the issues that were important to his HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY people he represents but loves his family even District: flood control, transportation, housing, OF NEW YORK more. That person was BOB MATSUI who we and environmental preservation. His knowl- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lost over the weekend. edge and passion on these and many other BOB was someone I grew to know and love. issues will be missed dearly. Tuesday, January 4, 2005 My first contact with BOB was a campaign Even on the rare occasion when we differed Mrs. MALONEY. BOB MATSUI was a dear check he sent to me in my first run for Con- on an issue, such as trade, Congressman friend. His long and distinguished public serv- gress in 1996. I had never met him before MATSUI presented his positions fairly and with- ice on behalf of the people of California and then but he must of saw something in me that out rancor. He approached issues with an all Americans was a tremendous benefit to his motivated him to help me out a little during my open mind and demonstrated a great ability to State and our Nation. first campaign when a lot of other people reach across the aisle. He had opponents, but As a Member of Congress, he was a re- didn’t think I could win. no enemies. spected leader, an effective lawmaker, and a And when I came to Congress, I quickly got Congressman MATSUI served the people of tireless leader of his party. With a major de- to know BOB and appreciate him. He was Sacramento for 26 years. While BOB MATSUI bate on Social Security looming, we will sorely VerDate Aug 04 2004 06:33 Jan 07, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06JA8.058 E06PT1.