Congresman Moran's News Commentary

This week, Congress mourns the loss of two esteemed colleagues who served with distinction for many years in the House of Representatives. Representative Robert T. Matsui of California and former Representative Shirley Chisholm of New York passed away Saturday, leaving behind a Congress forever changed by their pursuit of equality and social justice for all Americans. Congressman Matsui, age 63, succumbed to pneumonia stemming from a rare form of bone marrow cancer. Former Congresswoman Chisholm was 80 years old.

These two leaders both rose from humble beginnings to play a major role in the public policy and political arena. Representative Matsui, one of the thousands of Japanese Americans taken to an internment camp during World War II, became an influential member on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. His passion for social justice shaped the core of his being, reverberating through his promotion of adequate job training and equal access to health care coverage for children. He has been the point man for Democrats on the issue of preserving Social Security for our nation’s seniors and disabled citizens. With major debates looming on this subject, his knowledge and leadership will be sorely missed.

Representative Chisholm too overcame great obstacles to become an influential and respected leader. As the product of the working neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Shirley Chisholm became the first African American woman elected to Congress in 1968. Her advocacy on civil rights issues, particularly women’s rights, was unparalleled as she reached out beyond her local constituency to all Americans. Never willing to allow America to mire in the status quo, Rep. Chisholm broke new ground by offering herself as the first woman to be considered for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972.

Though I never had the honor of serving with Rep. Chisholm, she left an indelible mark on the halls of Congress. The legacy of her endeavors can be seen in my colleagues who are members of the Congressional Black Caucus, which she helped establish in 1969. Her voice is still heard in the Democratic Party’s continued struggle for justice in underserved communities. And her focus and passion still light the eyes of American children who won’t accept discrimination or barriers to opportunity.

Connected by the common bond of their love for humanity, Representatives Matsui and Chisholm treaded down unmarked paths with determination, fortitude, and notable grace. As a generation of civil rights activists move into the twilight of their advocacy, we must honor their work by passing along their vision for what our country can still become; a land of equality and opportunity for all Americans. Though we have lost these dear friends too soon, we continue to be led by their unmistakable footprints.