    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [January 2, 2005]
    [Page 2]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Representative Robert T. Matsui
    January 2, 2005

        Laura and I are saddened by the passing of
    Bob Matsui. Bob Matsui was a dedicated public servant and a good and
    decent man who served with distinction and integrity in the U.S. House
    of Representatives for more than 25 years. In the Congress, he was a
    leader of his party admired by colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
    Through long-time service on the House Ways and Means Committee, he
    helped pass important legislation on issues ranging from trade to small
    business to child welfare to mass transit. He was always devoted to
    California and his native Sacramento, where he served on the city
    council and as vice mayor in the 1970s. A third-generation Japanese
    American, Bob was interned along with his family during World War II.
    Four decades later, he played a leading role in Congress in securing
    passage of the landmark Japanese American Redress Act. Laura and I send
    our prayers and condolences to Doris,
    their son Brian, and the entire Matsui family.