Expressing Sorrow of the House at the Death of the Honorable Robert T. Matsui, Member of Congress from the State of California

EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE ROBERT T. MATSUI, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA -- (House of Representatives - January 04, 2005)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in paying tribute to one of our colleagues whom we lost so unexpectedly on New Year's Day.

BOB MATSUI was one of the most respected Members of this House. During his 26 years of service in Congress, he was an advocate for our Nation's seniors, our children, and for social and economic justice.

From his family's experience in the Japanese internment camps during World War II, BOB learned the importance of protecting the liberties and civil rights that are the foundation of this great country. As an Asian-American he understood the obstacles that minorities face in building opportunities for themselves and their families.

BOB MATSUI rose quickly to become a leader in this House because of his political savvy and his detailed knowledge of the issues.

He was dedicated to this House and its institutions. He was also dedicated to the ideals of the Democratic party. We all know how tirelessly he worked as the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Many will remember BOB for his leadership in our party and on the critical national issues of trade and Social Security.

It is true that he understood the values of free trade and the economic prosperity it can provide to communities. He was not afraid to stand up against even his own party on issues in which he passionately believed. As the ranking member of the Social Security Subcommittee, BOB was also a national expert on the subject of retirement and pension.

His knowledge of the intricacies of the social security system and his wisdom will be sorely missed during this year's upcoming debate on Social Security reform.

I, however, will remember BOB for something else. I will remember him as a friend and champion of migrant children and their families. BOB helped us in the fight for funding for Migrant Education Programs. For years he also hosted a college assistance migrant intern in his office.

Many of his former interns are now leaders in their professions and communities because of the start BOB gave them.

I want to express my deepest condolences to his family: his wife Doris, his son Brian, his daughter-in-law Amy and his granddaughter Anna. I know how proud BOB was of all of them. The people of California and of this Nation have truly lost a great advocate.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

http://thomas.loc.gov