[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 25, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S429-S430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ROBERT T. MATSUI UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I have joined Senators Boxer and 
Durbin in introducing legislation that would rename the federal 
courthouse in Sacramento, CA, in honor of recently deceased U.S. 
Representative Robert T. Matsui. This represents a fitting tribute to a 
great man and a dedicated public servant.
  On January 1, 2005, the people of the Sacramento area, the State of 
California, and the Nation suffered a great loss when Bob Matsui passed 
away. For 26 years in Congress and 7 years before that as a member of 
the Sacramento City Council, Bob was a reasoned and dependable voice. A 
problem solver, Bob was a thoughtful and constructive leader who 
brought people together to find solutions to public policy issues.
  I had the distinct pleasure of working with Bob on a number of issues 
relating to our home State of California. I will remember him as a 
great human being, as a trusted colleague, as a fine public servant, 
and someone in whom I was proud to place friendship, respect, and 
collegiality.
  Proud of his ideals, Bob never let disagreement lead to rancor. The 
sheer number of tributes paid from both sides of the aisle clearly 
demonstrates the enormous respect he inspired among his colleagues. 
Likewise, the tremendous outpouring of support shown at services held 
in his honor reminds us just how endeared he had become to those he 
represented over the years.
  Bob's path to public service was greatly fueled by experiences in his 
youth, especially his internment along with thousands of other Japanese 
Americans during World War II.
  When he was just six months old, Bob and his family were sent to an 
internment camp in Northern California, leaving behind their home and 
their livelihood. Bob would spend the first four years of his life 
there.
  I think this experience had a very sobering impact on his life. But 
rather than let it lead to resentment and hatred, I think it had an 
impact on his knowing what he wanted to do with his life, and that was 
public service.
  In fact, one of Bob's most significant legacies will be the work he 
did to help the Government make amends with the Japanese Americans who 
were interned like himself.
  As a member of Congress, Bob was successful in passing legislation 
that offered a formal apology from the Government for the internment 
program and provided compensation to victims. This is a great legacy 
and it will be remembered well.
  Bob also excelled in his knowledge and expertise of Social Security 
as well as tax and trade policy. He had an influential place on the 
House Ways and Means Committee, which will miss his leadership.
  The Sacramento area, where Bob was born and which he represented for 
over three decades in public office, shows numerous examples of Bob's 
achievements. From the light-rail train system to comprehensive flood 
protection, Bob's mark is everywhere.

[[Page S430]]

  The renaming of this particular courthouse in Bob's honor is 
especially fitting. During his career in Congress, Bob was instrumental 
in obtaining more than $142 million in federal funding for the 
courthouse.
  Bob did what he did extraordinarily well. Throughout his career he 
showed that he was a skilled politician as well as a great policymaker. 
His constituents considered themselves lucky to have his 
representation, and I consider myself lucky to have known him.
  Through his many accomplishments, Bob Matsui secured his legacy of 
devoted public service. I offer my gratitude for his service and 
support this legislation in his honor.

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