Bob Matsui facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Matsui
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| Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee | |
| In office January 3, 2003 – January 1, 2005 |
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| Leader | Nancy Pelosi |
| Preceded by | Nita Lowey |
| Succeeded by | Rahm Emanuel |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California |
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| In office January 3, 1979 – January 1, 2005 |
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| Preceded by | John E. Moss |
| Succeeded by | Doris Matsui |
| Constituency | 3rd district (1979–1993) 5th district (1993–2005) |
| Treasurer of the Democratic National Committee | |
| In office September 8, 1991 – May 17, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Farmer |
| Succeeded by | Robert Scott Pastrick |
| Member of the Sacramento City Council from the 8th District | |
| In office November 1971 – November 8, 1978 |
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| Succeeded by | Patrick Donovan |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Robert Takeo Matsui
September 17, 1941 Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 1, 2005 (aged 63) Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. |
| Resting place | East Lawn Memorial Park East Sacramento, California |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 1 son |
| Education | University of California, Berkeley (BA) University of California, Hastings (JD) |
Robert Takeo Matsui (September 17, 1941 – January 1, 2005) was an American politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Matsui served in the U.S. House of Representatives for California. He represented the California's 5th congressional district from 1979 until his death in 2005.
The Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse in Sacramento is named in his honor.
Early Life and Education
Robert Matsui was a third-generation Japanese American. He was born in Sacramento, California. When he was only six months old, his family was sent to the Tule Lake War Relocation Center. This happened to many Japanese American families during World War II.
Matsui graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1963. He earned a degree in political science. Later, he studied law at the Hastings College of Law, graduating in 1966. In 1967, he started his own law practice in Sacramento.
Political Career
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In 1971, Matsui began his political career. He was elected to the Sacramento City Council. A city council helps run the local government. He was re-elected in 1975. In 1977, he became the vice mayor of Sacramento.
In 1978, Matsui decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. He won the election for California's 3rd District. He was very popular and was re-elected 13 times. His district was later renumbered as the 5th District in 1993.
A major achievement for Matsui was helping pass the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. This law offered an official apology from the U.S. government. It apologized for the internment program during World War II. It also offered a small payment to those who were affected. He also helped make Manzanar a national historic site. This site was one of the internment camps. He also helped create a memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor Japanese-American patriotism during World War II.
In Congress, Matsui held important roles. He was a chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. This committee helps other Democratic candidates get elected. He was also a senior member of the United States House Committee on Ways and Means. This committee deals with important issues like taxes and government spending. Matsui was known for strongly opposing the idea of privatizing Social Security. Social Security is a government program that helps retired people. He believed it should remain managed by the government.
In his last election in 2004, he easily won his 14th term. He received 71.4% of the votes.
Personal Life
Robert Matsui was married to Doris Okada. She also had a career in politics. She worked for President Bill Clinton. After her husband's death, Doris Matsui was elected to fill his seat in Congress. Robert and Doris Matsui had one son named Brian.
Death
On December 24, 2004, Matsui was admitted to the hospital. He had pneumonia. This was a complication from a rare blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome. This condition affects the body's ability to make healthy blood cells. He passed away from pneumonia on January 1, 2005.
After his death, a special election was held. His widow, Doris Matsui, won the election. She was sworn into office on March 10, 2005.
See also
- List of Asian Americans and Pacific Islands Americans in the United States Congress
- List of United States Congress members who died in office
