Tom Lantos: “I rise in profound sadness to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the Honorable Robert Matsui. I…”

“I rise in profound sadness to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the Honorable Robert Matsui. I was shocked to learn of the untimely death of our colleague and friend Bob, with whom I was so fortunate to serve for 24 years. Bob was truly a great man who triumphed over adversity to help lead our Nation. During World War II the United States wrongfully interned 120,000 American citizens and permanent resident aliens of Japanese ancestry. From his earliest days, Bob faced this brutal devastation as he and his family were rounded up, torn from their home and sent to the desolation of a detention camp in Tule Lake, CA. Tempered by tragedy, Bob walked from the darkness of that detention to lead the fight for passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. That historic legislation acknowledged the fundamental injustice of the internment, apologized on behalf of the people of the United States and made restitution to those interned. He called upon us to serve a high purpose and reminded us that while we addressed the injustice done, we were also protecting fundamental American values enshrined in our Constitution.”