[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            RETIRING MEMBERS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my fellow Californians who I 
have had the honor of working with here in the House of 
Representatives.
  Sam Farr has spent more than two decades serving the Central Coast in 
Congress . . . and so many years before that serving locally.
  He has been a longtime advocate for our veterans and military 
families in California. And he always stands up for essential 
environmental protection efforts . . . and ocean conservation.
  Because of Congressman Farr . . . many of our natural treasures in 
California will be preserved. He will be greatly missed, but I know he 
will enjoy spending more time in his beautiful hometown of Carmel.
  My friend Mike Honda will be returning home to California after 
serving more than 35 years as an elected official . . . and 16 years as 
a member of Congress . . . representing the people of Silicon Valley.
  Congressman Honda has worked tirelessly on behalf of those who don't 
have a voice . . . serving as an important advocate for underserved 
communities. He has always understood the importance of closing gaps in 
education for our young people . . . and has put that on the forefront 
of his work in Congress.
  Congressman Honda has dedicated his life to public service . . . and 
we're incredibly grateful for all that he has done for the people of 
California. I know he will continue to be an important voice on the 
issues he cares about.
  Janice Hahn has always been willing to tackle important issues in 
Congress. I'm particularly grateful for her work to ensure we are 
strengthening infrastructure in California . . . and for her advocacy 
on behalf of women.
  I know that as she transitions to her new role as Los Angeles County 
Supervisor . . . she will continue to deliver results for her region.
  Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez has been an important advocate for 
women in the military . . . and a leader on immigration issues. I'm 
grateful for her decades of service here in Congress.
  I will also dearly miss Lois Capps . . . who I have had the pleasure 
of serving with for many years. As a former school nurse . . . 
Congresswoman Capps has provided valuable insight on public health 
issues in Congress.
  I've enjoyed working with her on the Energy & Commerce Health 
Subcommittee on issues that impact everyday Americans . . . from 
ensuring people have affordable healthcare . . . to bolstering medical 
research . . . to strengthening programs like Medicare.
  Congresswoman Capps has also been an important environmental advocate 
during her time in Congress. She understands the connections between 
public health and our changing climate . . . and has continuously 
fought to ensure that future generations in Santa Barbara . . . and 
across the country . . . have clean air to breathe.
  I'm grateful to all of my departing colleagues from the great state 
of California. Each of you has brought a unique and important 
perspective to Congress . . . and I will miss the insights and 
friendship that you have provided me over the years.
  Thank you for your service to our great nation . . . and I wish you 
all the best of luck as you enter into the next chapter of your lives 
back in California.
  Know that you will always be welcome back here in the Nation's 
Capital.

                          ____________________