Doris Matsui

Doris Okada Matsui is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 5th district of California. Her parents Ichiro and Matsuye Miyamoto Okada met at the Poston War Relocation Center, an internment camp, where Doris Matsui was born in 1944.

She was married to Rep. Robert Matsui whom she succeeded in representing the 5th district of California after his death in 2005. In 2020, she married Roger Sant.

Resolution condemning socialism

February 2, 2023 House Republicans moved a Resolution condemning socialism and certain dictators.

The Resolution began:

Whereas socialist ideology necessitates a concentration of power that has time and time again collapsed into Communist regimes, totalitarian rule, and brutal dictatorships;

Whereas socialism has repeatedly led to famine and mass murders, and the killing of over 100,000,000 people worldwide;

Whereas many of the greatest crimes in history were committed by socialist ideologues, including Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Pol Pot, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un, Daniel Ortega, Hugo Chavez, and Nicolás Maduro;

Eighty six Democrats voted no. Fourteen voted "present" and six didn't vote.

Representative Doris Matsui voted "Present".

No to China committee

Sixty-five Democrats in the House of Representatives voted on Tuesday January 10, 2022, against creating a committee to investigate China and find ways to counter the communist country’s growing international influence.

The House overwhelmingly voted to create the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party on a 365 to 65 margin, in one of the first votes since the Republicans took control of the chamber.

However, even though some members did not vote, all 65 lawmakers who voted against the committee’s creation were Democrats, including Doris Matsui.

Humanitarian Needs in Cuba letter

December 16 2021 , House Rules Committee Chair James McGovern (D-MA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Gregory Meeks (D-NY), House Appropriations subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations Chair Barbara Lee (D-CA), and House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Energy Chair Bobby Rush (D-IL) led 114 Members of Congress in a letter to President Biden asking him to prioritize the well-being of the Cuban people as they experience the worst economic and humanitarian crisis in recent history...

In the wake of this year’s protests, the members urged the administration to support the Cuban people by suspending U.S. regulations that prevent food, medicine, remittances, and other humanitarian assistance from reaching the Cuban people...

Signatories included Doris Matsui.

Muslim, Japanese parallels explored at Sac State forum

Congresswoman Doris Matsui was the keynote speaker at the "free public forum, which will examine similarities between today's anti-Muslim rhetoric and a dark period in U.S. history 70-plus years ago."

A panel discussion featured : Tim Fong, professor of ethnic studies; Ahlam Abdul-Rahman, a Sac State graduate student; Basim Elkarra, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Sacramento, and Marielle Tsukamoto, a retired teacher and principal from Elk Grove.

The forum will be Friday, Feb. 19 2016, at the Harper Alumni Center.

“In recent months, we have seen an alarming rise in fear-based rhetoric against the Muslim American community that runs counter to our American values,” Matsui said. “It is more important than ever that we remember the lessons of our past and join together as a community to find common ground. That is why I am so pleased University President Robert S. Nelsen and Sacramento State have created this forum, and I’m looking forward to participating.”

East Wind notice

In 1989 Congressman Robert Matsui, his wife Doris Matsui and Brian Matsui placed a congratulatory notice in the League of Revolutionary Struggle's East Wind on the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.

"Resettlement to Redress"

Don Young was Director of "Resettlement to Redress - Rebirth of the Japanese-American Community".

This documentary examines the resettlement of Japanese Americans after World War II through the signing of HR442 by President Reagan in 1988, wherein it was formally acknowledged that internment was based on racism and merited an apology and reparation. Among those interviewed for the documentary are: Roy Doi of Davis, Georgette Imura and Diane Tomoda of Sacramento, Pat Emino and Kiyo Fujiu of Chicago, Ellen Nakamura and John Fuyume of Seabrook, New Jersey, Iddy Asada of Seabrook, New Jersey, Robert Nakamura, Karen Ishizuka and Victor Shibata of Los Angeles, Japanese American Citizen League Executive Director John Tateishi, Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, Senator Daniel Inouye and Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

Clinton funding scandal

In May 1997 veteran California Rep. Robert Matsui and his wife, Doris Matsui, the top Asian American staffer in the White House, had every reason to believe that their labors on behalf of President Clinton’s reelection provided a perfect match for their political interests as well as their heritage.

But now the Matsuis find themselves under public scrutiny for their possible roles in the Democratic fund-raising imbroglio and, at the same time, under fire from some leaders of the Asian American community for not aggressively denouncing a perception of widespread “Asian bashing” generated by the scandal.

Records and interviews indicate that Robert Matsui (D-Sacramento) helped arrange the Democratic Party’s first Asian American fund-raising event for the 1996 campaign, an exclusive dinner that featured Vice President Al Gore and included three figures who are now the focus of a Justice Department investigation into illegal foreign donations.

Even though he served as a former treasurer and for the last two years as the deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee--roles that had him appearing frequently alongside Gore and Clinton at major Asian American fund-raisers--Matsui insisted that he never solicited a dollar for the party.

“I will tell you I did not do any fund-raising,” he said.

Meanwhile, sources close to the Justice Department probe of 1996 campaign contributions said investigators are looking into whether Doris Matsui coordinated any fund-raising from the White House. They said she is not a target of the investigation.

White House officials declined to make Doris Matsui available for comment, but said she has done nothing improper. “Doris was aware and the White House was aware there should be no fund-raising . . . and she abided by that,” White House spokesman Lanny J. Davis said.

Robert Matsui, in a series of lengthy interviews, acknowledged the pressures he and his wife have faced.

“There is no question that this has been a very difficult period for both of us,” he said.

Indeed, some pressure has come from the Asian American community. A dozen leaders in California and Washington--many of them speaking only on condition of anonymity--criticized the Matsuis for not adequately defending the interests of Asian Americans.

Specifically, the Asian Pacific American community has complained about the congressman’s silence in response to reports of “Asian-bashing,” said Art Torres, a former state senator who heads the California Democratic Party.

Phil Tajitsu Nash, former executive director of the National Asian Pacific America Legal Consortium, said Rep. Matsui should have spoken up “during this difficult time for the Asian American community. I think there definitely was a lack of leadership, although he has provided many services to the community in the past.”

Committee of 100

1996: Committee of 100 Sixth Annual Conference: Washington, DC.

Conference participants included Senators Daniel Akaka, John Kerry, and Sam Nunn, U.S. Ambassador James Sasser, Representatives Doris Matsui, Patsy Mink, and Chinese Ambassador Li Daoyu. Highlight of the Conference revolved around the Committee’s background paper, “Seeking Common Ground While Respecting Differences: A Win-Win Strategy for U.S.-China Relations,” which was distributed to congressional, government, business, and academic leaders.

2006 letter to Condoleezza Rice on Colombia

Alleged Colombian Army killings prompted Fellowship of Reconciliation to work with Representative Sam Farr to forge a response that would impact the 17th Brigade, the unit allegedly responsible for the violence against San José de Apartadó and communities throughout northwestern Colombia.

As a result, Reps. Sam Farr and Jim McGovern, wrote a letter to their colleagues in Congress urging them to join in calling on Secretary Condoleezza Rice to cut funding for the Colombian military.

Letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

(Deadline for Congressional representatives to sign: February 22)

We applaud the decision, noted in your certification letter of August 2005, that the US "will not consider providing assistance to the 17th Brigade until all significant human rights allegations involving the unit have been credibly addressed." Because the Brigade is a component of the Colombian Armed Forces' command structure and has been implicated in the above referenced human rights violations, we implore you to abide by both the letter of the law and the spirit of the law by withholding human rights certification for Colombia until the following conditions are met:

Signatories included Doris Matsui.

Clinton supporter

In January 2008, Hillary Clinton launched her “AAPIs for Hillary” committee by naming Congresswoman Doris Matsui national co-chair of the AAPI outreach efforts. They rolled out an ambitious outreach plan focusing on six states/regions headed up by established political names. In California, co-chairs include state Controller John Chiang; Board of Equalization member Judy Chu; Assembly members Michael Eng, Mary Hayashi and Fiona Ma; and California Democratic Party Vice Chairwoman Alicia Wang.

Northern California co-chairs include Otto Lee, mayor of Sunnyvale; Henry Manayan, former mayor of Milpitas; and Mona Pasquil, former deputy political director for the “Kerry-Edwards 2004” campaign. Southern California co-chairs include Rajen Anand, chair of the National Federation of Indian American Associations; Charmaine Manansala, former senior policy analyst for the White House Initiative on AAPIs; and Elena Ong and Julie Soo, former officers of the California Democratic Party.

The former Clinton administration appointed one of the largest concentrations of high-level White House AAPIs in history. Many of these former community-based appointees are active in this campaign. Irene Bueno, a former appointee and founder of the Washington, D.C.-based Asian American Action Fund, is a key consultant with the campaign.

NAKASEC connection

Health Care for America Now (HCAN) National Mobilization: NAKASEC’s energizing health policy advocate Joyce Yin helped kick-off a national rally attended by nearly 10,000 people in Washington, D.C. to pressure the Senate and House to provide access to quality, affordable health coverage for all Americans on June 25. Representative Xavier Becerra was one of many who spoke to the importance of the public option in any health reform; he also led HCAN’s health equity townhall later that day at the Capitol Visitor’s Center, where Korean Resource Center’s community health advocate Stella Kim spoke on the importance of immigrant inclusion. That same message was conveyed earlier by Sookyung Oh at the Rhode Island town hall. Together, NAKASEC and KRC met with the offices of Representatives Joe Baca (CA-43) and Doris Matsui (CA-5), and shared key information with Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-35), Diane Watson (CA-33) and Loretta Sanchez (CA-47).

Progressive Alliance endorsement

The Democratic Socialists of America led, 5000 strong, Sacramento Progressive Alliance, endorsed Doris Matsui in 2010.

PDA contact

In 2013 Progressive Democrats of America assigned activists to deliver their material to almost every US Congressman and Senator, Keith Kimber, was signed as the contact for Rep. Matsui.

In June 2013 Progressive Democrats of America assigned activists to deliver their material to almost every US Congressman and several Senators. Julio Villanueva, was assigned as contact for Rep. Matsui.

Fred Ross award campaign

In early 2013, mainly Democratic Socialists of America aligned activists, together with many elected officials across the United States came together to urge President Barack Obama to award posthumously the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the legendary organizer, Fred Ross, Sr.. The Saul Alinsky trained radical was the first to organize people through house meetings, a mentor to both Cesar Chavez and DSAer Dolores Huerta, and a pioneer in Latino voter outreach since 1949 when he helped elect Communist Party USA affiliate Ed Roybal as Los Angeles’s first Latino council member, "Ross’ influence on social change movements remains strong two decades after his death in 1992".

Congressional endorsers of the proposal included Doris Matsui.

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

In May 2013, Doris Matsui was listed as a member the Executive Board of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Honorary Board Asian American Action Fund

Circa 2013, Doris Matsui served on the Honorary Board of the Asian American Action Fund;

“When Women Succeed"

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic women rolled out a campaign on July 18th, 2013, called “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds: An Economic Agenda for Women and Families.”

The campaign was announced at a press conference on the steps of the Capitol. Leader Pelosi was joined by several members of the House of Representatives and leaders of many organizations that address issues of working women. Amongst those present were the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the AFL-CIO, UFCW, the Feminist Majority, the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Women’s Law Center, the National Partnership for Women and Families, the American Association of University Women, the National Council of Women’s Organizations and others. In addition to Leader Pelosi, Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro (CT), Donna Edwards (MD), Nydia Velazquez (NY) and Doris Matsui (CA) participated in the press conference along with several women who told their stories.

The campaign agenda focuses on policies that address real economic needs facing women and families: ensuring equal pay for equal work, promoting work and family balance, and providing access to affordable child care.

ARA Medicare birthday

Alliance for Retired Americans Medicare Birthday on Capitol Hill, July 30, 2014.

ARA endorsements

The Alliance for Retired Americans Political Action Fund endorsed Doris Matsui in 2012, 2014.

EMILY's List

Matsui has been supported by EMILY's List during her campaigning.

Condemning Criticism of Islam legislation

On December 17, 2015, Rep. Don Beyer, Jr. introduced legislation condemning "violence, bigotry, and hateful rhetoric towards Muslims in the United States." The legislation is based on unsourced claims that there is a "rise of hateful and anti-Muslim speech, violence, and cultural ignorance," and a "disproportionate targeting" of "Muslim women who wear hijabs, headscarves, or other religious articles of clothing...because of their religious clothing, articles, or observances." The resolution, H.Res.569 - Condemning violence, bigotry, and hateful rhetoric towards Muslims in the United States

The legislation was cosponsored by Rep. Michael Honda, Rep. Keith Ellison, Rep. Joseph Crowley, Rep. Andre Carson, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Betty McCollum, Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Rep. Dan Kildee, Rep. Loretta Sanchez, Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Scott Peters, Rep. Brad Ashford, Rep. Alan Grayson, Rep. Mark Takai, Rep. Brian Higgins, Rep. William Keating, Rep. Raul Grijalva, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, Rep. Gerry Connolly, Rep. Ruben Gallego, Rep. Cheri Bustos, Rep. John Delaney, Rep. Kathy Castor, Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Rep. Michael Quigley, Rep. Elizabeth Esty, Rep. Joseph Kennedy III, Rep. Robin Kelly, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Rep. Greg Meeks, Rep. Grace Meng, Rep. Al Green, Rep. Katherine Clark, Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep. Alcee Hastings, Rep. Sam Farr, Rep. Frank Pallone, Rep. Jim McDermott, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Donna Edwards, Rep. Robert Brady, Rep. Frederica Wilson, Rep. Michael Doyle, Rep. Albio Sires, Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Jared Polis, Rep. David Loebsack, Rep. Bill Pascrell, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Steve Cohen, Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, Rep. John Yarmuth, Rep. Niki Tsongas, Rep. Jim Langevin, Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. John Conyers, Jr., Rep. Mark Takano, Rep. Timothy J. Ryan, Rep. Jose Serrano, Rep. Hank Johnson, Rep. Paul Tonko, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Rep. Lois Capps, Rep. David Price, Rep. Doris Matsui, Rep. Gwen Moore, Rep. Denny Heck, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Rep. John Carney, Rep. Xavier Becerra, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Rep. John B. Larson, Rep. Dina Titus, Rep. Peter Welch, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Rep. Jim Himes, Rep. Matt Cartwright.

Praising CAIR

Doris Matsui wrote a letter of support to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) on the occasion of their 24th anniversary in September 2018.

“For twenty years, the Council has excelled in bringing together community leaders, scholars, and activists to defend civil liberties.” -Rep. Doris O. Matsui (D-Calif.) (September 2014).

“By striving to empower American Muslims to participate both locally and nationally in the political process, CAIR has upheld this fundamental principle on which our nation was founded”

Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) (October 2017).

CAIR visit

In March 2018 Omar Hashemyan, and Hammad Moses Khan of CAIR - Sacramento visited Rep. Doris Matsui on Capitol Hill.

HR 109 endorser

By February 20 2019 endorsers of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's HR 109 (Green New Deal) included Doris Matsui.

External links

• Matsui's website with the House of Representatives