John Spratt: “I rise with heavy heart to pay tribute to a dear friend, an exemplary Member of this institution, and a great American.…”

“I rise with heavy heart to pay tribute to a dear friend, an exemplary Member of this institution, and a great American. Bob Matsui did more than represent the Fifth District of California. He represented the best in American politics. Indeed, if one asked me to describe an ideal Congressman, Bob Matsui would be Exhibit A. In an institution that is sometimes short on comity and civility, Bob was mellow and civil by nature. He had a first-class temperament as well as a first-class intelligence. But make no mistake about it: he was a fighter for what he believed in. He was a politician of principle and passion and prodigious energy as proved by the way he stumped the country for Democratic candidates, even as he suffered from the blood condition that finally claimed his life. Whether the issue was taxes or trade or Social Security, the earned income credit, he always had an arsenal of facts at his disposal. On whatever the issue, your issue, you were always better off if you ran your arguments by Bob and sought his support here in the well of this House. He became a leader in this House and an influence, not so much because of seniority or position, but because everyone liked him, respected him, and knew his intelligence. When Bob spoke, he knew his stuff. He spoke with authority. He spoke substance and sense.”