[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 2 (Thursday, January 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E44]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE ROBERT T. 
        MATSUI, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. MAXINE WATERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 4, 2005

  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to one of 
the giants of the House of Representatives, Congressman Bob Matsui. Mr. 
Speaker, I can not tell you how shocked and saddened I was when I heard 
the news of Congressman's Matsui's passing. The constituents of the 5th 
Congressional District of California, the Democratic Party and our 
nation have suffered an enormous loss.
  I had the honor and privilege of serving with Congressman Matsui 
since I was elected to Congress in 1990. I was always impressed with 
Bob's knowledge, dedication and concern about the issues that he held 
close: healthcare for those who need it--especially for children, tax 
policy, fiscal responsibility and trade; as well as the issues that 
were important to his District: flood control, transportation, housing, 
and environmental preservation. His knowledge and passion on these and 
many other issues will be missed dearly.
  Even on the rare occasion when we differed on an issue, such as 
trade, Congressman Matsui presented his positions fairly and without 
rancor. He approached issues with an open mind and demonstrated a great 
ability to reach across the aisle. He had opponents, but no enemies.
  Congressman Matsui served the people of Sacramento for 26 years. 
While Bob Matsui was a valued member of the Democratic Party, he never 
forgot that his primary responsibility was to all of the people of 
California's 5th Congressional District, regardless of party 
affiliation. Bob always did what he thought was best for his 
constituents and for the country. He worked tirelessly for them in 
Congress and they have lost a valuable advocate.
  Bob Matsui had the respect and confidence of his peers. Time and 
again, Democrats elected him to leadership posts and he used these 
positions to be a capable and articulate spokesman for the Democratic 
Party. There is perhaps no other issue in which Congressman Matsui 
proved to be more valuable--or will be missed more--than Social 
Security. His knowledge was second to none and as Congress debates the 
future of this vital program, we will miss his wise counsel about the 
importance of preserving Social Security as we know it for future 
generations.
  Congressman Matsui's experiences as a Japanese-American who was 
detained in an internment camp during World War II gave him a special 
sensitivity to the importance of preserving civil rights and civil 
liberties. His legislative work securing relief for those who were 
wrongfully held during World War II was a historic achievement and a 
fitting tribute to this great and good man.
  Over the past several days, we have heard dozens of tributes honoring 
Congressman Matsui. The words that were most often used in these 
accolades to describe Bob Matsui were ``integrity,'' ``dignity'' and 
``ability.'' For those that knew him, these words were only part of 
what made Bob Matsui a terrific person, a dear friend and valuable 
Member of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, it is amazing to think that public service was not Bob 
Matsui's first passion; architecture was. We are tremendously fortunate 
that Congressman Matsui happened to read the biography of Clarence 
Darrow, which he always credited for inspiring him to enter law and 
eventually politics. California and, indeed the nation, has benefited 
from Congressman Matsui's service and we thank him and his family for 
sharing him with us.
  Congressman Matsui will be sorely missed. My prayers are with his 
wife Doris, his son, Brian, his daughter-in-law, Amy and granddaughter 
Anna, and his many friends and family. God bless you, Congressman 
Matsui. We will never forget you.

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