Mike Levin: “I look forward to that but I must say I loved sitting next to Bob Matsui. When I came here Monday morning, having heard…”

“I look forward to that but I must say I loved sitting next to Bob Matsui. When I came here Monday morning, having heard the news a few hours before, here is what I said to myself: This place is truly a different place without Bob Matsui. There is for us a large hole in our ranks and in our hearts. He added so much to this institution that he loved. He added his exceptional vitality to the notion we often say, this is the people's House. Bob underlined, this was the House of all the people. He identified with the underdog, with those trying to climb up the ladder of life more than those who were already at the top. Opportunity meant everything to Bob. Tax policy, his interest in EITC, to help those working lift themselves up, his interest in child care and health care for those who were leaving welfare for work. He fought also, we know, for the seniors of this Nation. And how hard he was fighting as illness overtook them, trying to make sure that there was opportunity for elder citizens and not deprivation. In trade policy, as has been mentioned, my brother the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) is here, I think I would describe it this way about Bob. He saw opportunities in expansion of trade, but more and more he came to believe that as globalization expanded it was critical that expanded trade leveled up and not leveled down.”