January 3, 2005

Bob Matsui was one of the smartest and most visionary Members ever to serve our country in the United States Congress. He had a vision of how technology and trade would transform our world that was unmatched by any other Member. Bob and I were friends since his first day in Congress 26 years ago, and he impressed everyone with his intelligence, his determination and his unwavering dedication to the needs of the American people. He followed his own moral compass, which always pointed him in the most principled, moral direction. Bob was politically fearless and worked diligently to advance the best interests of our country. My thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s wonderful wife Doris and his loving family. Bob will be deeply missed, and he also will be remembered for his integrity and his lasting legislative achievements.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior Democratic member of the House Homeland Security Committee, called for the Justice Department to fully disclose its role in the detention of an American, Ahmed Abu Ali, in Saudi Arabia. His lawyer has alleged that the Saudi Arabian government detained Mr. Abu Ali at the request of the Justice Department for terrorist ties.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, today released the following statement honoring the 39th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and urging passage of H.R. 4972, the “Gateway to Democracy Act,” a bill he introduced to increase youth voter registration and participation.

Washington DC- Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Christopher Smith (R-NJ), the co-chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease, today introduced the Ronald Reagan Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2004. Identical legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Senator Kit Bond (R-MO).