[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING IWAO MATSUDA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2010

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my longtime 
friend and respected colleague, Iwao Matsuda. Matsuda-san is arriving 
in Washington today for a meeting of the United States-Japan 
Legislative Exchange Program, a project he founded to encourage 
meaningful dialogue between our two countries. He has a long and 
honorable history of service to Japan as an elected official, first in 
the House of Representatives and later in the House of Councilors in 
the Diet. Matsuda-san has always been interested in resolving tensions 
and improving the relationship between the United States and Japan, and 
it was this drive that led to the creation and continuing success of 
the Legislative Exchange Program.
  Members of the Diet and the Congress have grown to understand the 
importance of the United States-Japan Legislative Exchange Program. The 
two delegations have had the privilege of getting to know each other, 
and if there is ever a problem, we know who to call to find out more 
about it. These personal connections are vital to creating 
understanding between our legislatures and our nations. But I would 
like to point out another facet of Matsuda-san's contribution. Not only 
has he helped us to know each other and to create personal 
relationships, but his work has transcended his own personal 
relationships and left us all with an enduring legacy.
  I honor my friend Matsuda-san's life and work, and I wish him a 
peaceful retirement. My colleagues and I will never forget his kind 
hospitality, both in official and personal settings, and I look forward 
to continuing our friendship in the years to come.

                          ____________________