Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse

ROBERT T. MATSUI UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE -- (House of Representatives - April 13, 2005)

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Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 787, a bill to designate the new United States courthouse located at 501 I Street in Sacramento, California in honor of our friend, my dear and treasured friend and colleague, Congressman Bob Matsui.

Congressman Matsui's death this past January deprived this House of one of its most astute, most admired statesman. The headline in the "Sacramento Bee" newspaper said it well: "A Good and Decent Man." A lifelong Californian, Bob Matsui served the people of California's 5th District with dedication, commitment and compassion.

I was able to witness Bob Matsui's commitment to his constituents first hand when he and I worked together to address flood control issues for his beloved Sacramento area.

No other major metropolitan area faces as severe a flood risk as Sacramento. Congressman Matsui believed, as do I, that the capital city of the world's fifth largest economy deserved to know that it would not face severe threats from flooding.

Following the high flows of 1986, when the levees almost failed, Congressman Matsui worked tirelessly to improve flood protection. He examined every option. He worked to forge agreement to complete a dam at Auburn, California. It was to be a multipurpose dam, then a dry dam, and then ultimately, no dam, but assurance of adequate water supply for up-country users represented by Congressman John Doolittle. Because of Bob Matsui's persistence, original thinking, flexibility and collegiality, we were able to develop a comprehensive proposal that strengthens levees, makes use of the existing Folsom Dam, and preserves the beautiful American River Canyon.

As this project comes to completion over the next few years, every Spring, when the snows melt and rains come, and the State Capitol in Sacramento stays dry, the people of California and the Nation will owe a debt of gratitude to Bob Matsui for his persistence and wisdom on behalf of flood control.

Flood control is just one example of Bob Matsui's dedication and effectiveness. There are countless other examples.

In his first congressional race in 1978, Congressman Matsui campaigned as an underdog who vowed to bring new statesmanship to public office. His campaign was enriched by literally hundreds of volunteers that helped him achieve victory. Bob Matsui did not disappoint his constituents. He brought not only statesmanship, but also dedication, competence, innovation, and integrity to public service.

Elected to 14 consecutive terms in the House, Bob Matsui rose through the ranks to be a member of the Leadership team. Under his quiet demeanor lay a man of keen intellect who was a trusted friend and a formidable competitor.

As a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means, Congressman Matsui was substantially involved with all the complex policy issues placed before the Committee including international trade, health care, welfare reform, and tax issues.

Congressman Matsui helped create the Research and Development Tax Credit in 1981 to fuel innovation in the American economy. In 1986, he spearheaded efforts that resulted in extensive reform of the tax code. His work on the Earned Income Tax Credit helped extend the tax credit for working poor families.

Most recently, Congressman Matsui was preparing to lead the discussions regarding the future of social security and his desire to preserve social security for future generations. Bob Matsui truly understood the varied complexities of the social security program, and he was determined that any reform of social security would provide for its long-term solvency without compromising its fundamental purposes.

Bob Matsui was intellectually curious and honest. He was fair minded and even handed. His legacy is one of compassion, commitment to do the right thing, hard work, and wisdom.

Congressman Matsui is ably succeeded by his wife Doris Matsui. She has already done an admirable job of representing the people of California's 5th District and I am confident that she will continue to do so.

It is most fitting and proper that the career of this truly outstanding member be honored with the designation of the new courthouse in his hometown of Sacramento, California as the "Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse." I urge the bill's passage.

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