CALIFORNIA ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS

"Mr. Speaker, I would also like to rise to adjourn in the memory of Congressman Robert Matsui. He was a pioneer for the Asian Pacific Islander American Community. As the highest ranking API member of the House of Representatives, he was an icon and role model for APIs across the nation. As the first Asian Pacific American Member of Congress to hold a leadership position, Congressman Matsui had just completed a term as the first API to serve as Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Congressman Matsui founded the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies and met with almost every Institute intern class and Leadership Academy class of Asian Pacific Islander American elected officials. As a role model and inspiration to API elected officials, Congressman Matsui encouraged entering public service, imparted invaluable advice about what it takes to be an elected official, and shared his perspectives on his experience rising through municipal elected office to becoming one of the most highly respected Members of Congress.

As respected leader and voice of APIs across the nation, Congressman Matsui played a critical role in the historic number of API presidential appointments made during the Clinton Administration. However, he will be most remembered for his dedication to win redress for Japanese Americans who were wrongly interned during World War II. As many of you already know, he and his family were among those interned at Tule Lake during the war. He will always be known as a courageous advocate for civil rights and social justice, and for his accomplishments during 26 years of service in the United States House of Representatives. His passing is a profound loss to the API community and to the nation. Thank you."

Below are the statements of the other Asian Pacific Islander Members of the Legislature.

Assemblymember Wilma Chan (D-Oakland)
"Bob Matsui was a role model, reminding us never to give up and to work together for a just and inclusive California."

Assemblymember Carol Liu (D-La Canada Flintridge)
"I have known the Congressman for over 20 years. He was not only a friend but also, a mentor. He was both an inspiration and a supporter in my own political career. I will always remember him as a warm and welcoming person. The API community has lost a true pioneer and a powerful advocate. Along with the rest of the state and nation, I am shocked and saddened by his untimely passing."

Assemblymember Alan Nakanishi (R-Lodi)
"I have known the Matsui family most of my life. Our families lived near one another here in Sacramento, and were interned together at Tule Lake. His passing is a loss for all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Assemblymember Alberto Torrico (D-Newark)
"Bob Matsui was a passionate, dedicated and effective leader who devoted his life to public service. His tragic and untimely death is a huge loss not just for Asian Americans but for everyone in this country."

Assemblymember Van Tran (R-Costa Mesa)
"Congressman Matsui has been a great public servant and represents the best ideals of this country- freedom and opportunity. I am saddened to learn of his passing; he will be greatly missed."

Speaker pro Tempore Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/Daly City)
"California and the nation lost more than a member of Congress this weekend. Our seniors lost one of their strongest advocates; the Asian American community lost a political pioneer; and the nation lost a great friend and leader. I am personally grateful for the path that Bob Matsui paved for Asian Americans to serve in public office. Congressman Matsui taught us all a lesson on how to reach across the political aisle to be a champion for our children and seniors."

Congressman Matsui passed away on January 1, 2005 from a rare blood disorder and pneumonia. The Matsui family and friends are establishing a charitable fund in memory of the Congressman and ask that all gifts be sent to The Matsui Foundation for Public Service, P.O. Box 1347, Sacramento, CA 95812.