[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. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 4, 2005

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, on January 1, 2005 the United States 
Congress lost one of its finest Members with the passing of Bob Matsui. 
Recently re-elected to his 14th term by an overwhelming margin, Bob was 
an outstanding leader, beloved by his colleagues in Congress and his 
constituents alike.
  As the third ranking Democrat on the powerful House Ways and Means 
Committee, and the Ranking Member on the Social Security Subcommittee, 
Bob served as an outspoken champion for the preservation of our social 
security system. In addition, Bob was a member of the Executive Board 
for the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), one of the 
most active caucuses in Congress. The trust and respect that his 
colleagues had for him was demonstrated last Congress, when he was 
elected as Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
  As we convene to begin the 109th Congress, it is important that we 
all pause to remember the noble work that Congressman Matsui had 
accomplished during his 26 years in these halls. I would ask that all 
of my colleagues also keep his loved ones in their thoughts, including 
his beloved wife Doris; his son, Brian; his daughter-in-law, Amy; and 
his granddaughter Anna. Bob Matsui was a great man, as well as an 
outstanding leader, and his service to our great Nation will never be 
forgotten.

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