Doris O. Matsui
Representative for California · Democratic · United States
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E704] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING PAUL LAU'S RETIREMENT FROM SMUD FOLLOWING A 44-YEAR LONG CARE…”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E704] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING PAUL LAU'S RETIREMENT FROM SMUD FOLLOWING A 44-YEAR LONG CARE…”
“Paul also led SMUD to become the first publicly owned utility in California to join the Western Energy Imbalance Market, an initiative saving customers more than $350 million.”
“Paul also led SMUD to become the first publicly owned utility in California to join the Western Energy Imbalance Market, an initiative saving customers more than $350 million.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E711] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL ______ HON. DORIS O.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E711] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL ______ HON. DORIS O.”
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“Its celebrated arts programs, competitive athletics, and wide variety of student-led clubs and initiatives reflect a campus culture rich in leadership and fellowship. This milestone is a testament to the thousands of lives affected by Lasallian education, the wisdom and insight of its educators, and the core principles instilled across generations. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Christian Brothers High School's 150 years of education and service to the Sacramento community. ____________________”
“For a century and a half, Christian Brothers has remained committed to providing a rigorous academic foundation while fostering integrity, leadership, and compassion in its students. From its original home downtown to its current campus in Oak Park, the school has continually adapted to the needs of its neighbors while preserving its core mission: ``Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.'' Over the course of its 150-year history, Christian Brothers has expanded its academic programs, strengthened its commitment to inclusive education, and earned numerous national honors. The school's faculty has consistently upheld the values of St. John Baptist De La Salle, encouraging students to pursue curiosity, service, and personal growth.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E711] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL ______ HON. DORIS O. MATSUI of california in the house of representatives Monday, July 20, 2026 Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christian Brothers High School as it celebrates 150 years of distinguished service and education in the Sacramento region. Since its founding in 1876, Christian Brothers High School has served as one of Sacramento's most respected institutions, dedicated to the Lasallian tradition of faith, community, and service.”
“He also shaped the national energy conversation through his service with the Smart Electric Power Alliance, the American Public Power Association, and the Large Public Power Council. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Paul Lau for his 44 years of dedicated service to SMUD, his visionary leadership in advancing clean energy and economic opportunity across the Sacramento region, and his lifelong commitment to the 1.5 million people SMUD proudly serves. ____________________”
“Paul also led SMUD to become the first publicly owned utility in California to join the Western Energy Imbalance Market, an initiative saving customers more than $350 million. Long before many utilities were seriously confronting the challenges of decarbonization, grid resilience, and electrification, Paul demonstrated how those goals could be achieved without losing sight of reliability or affordability. Through initiatives like the Neighborhood Electrification Program, he also worked to ensure that underserved communities could share fully in the benefits of our clean energy future. Paul's service extended far beyond SMUD. He helped strengthen the Sacramento region through his work with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Valley Vision, and the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce.”
“After graduating in 1984, he returned as an assistant electrical engineer and steadily rose through the organization. He joined SMUD's executive leadership team in 2008, served as chief grid strategy and operations officer, and was appointed CEO and General Manager in October 2020. Paul never saw SMUD as simply a utility. He saw the way it could improve people's lives. He approached every challenge with curiosity, humility, and a profound commitment to the community. Under Paul's leadership, SMUD became a national model for innovation, reliability, affordability, and community partnership. Its rates remain among the lowest in California, saving customers more than $1.9 billion each year.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E704] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING PAUL LAU'S RETIREMENT FROM SMUD FOLLOWING A 44-YEAR LONG CAREER OF SERVICE ______ HON. DORIS O. MATSUI of california in the house of representatives Monday, July 20, 2026 Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Lau on his retirement as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), capping an extraordinary 44 years of service to our region. Paul's remarkable journey at SMUD began in 1982 as an electrical engineering student at California State University, Sacramento.”
“Its celebrated arts programs, competitive athletics, and wide variety of student-led clubs and initiatives reflect a campus culture rich in leadership and fellowship. This milestone is a testament to the thousands of lives affected by Lasallian education, the wisdom and insight of its educators, and the core principles instilled across generations. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Christian Brothers High School's 150 years of education and service to the Sacramento community. ____________________”
“For a century and a half, Christian Brothers has remained committed to providing a rigorous academic foundation while fostering integrity, leadership, and compassion in its students. From its original home downtown to its current campus in Oak Park, the school has continually adapted to the needs of its neighbors while preserving its core mission: ``Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.'' Over the course of its 150-year history, Christian Brothers has expanded its academic programs, strengthened its commitment to inclusive education, and earned numerous national honors. The school's faculty has consistently upheld the values of St. John Baptist De La Salle, encouraging students to pursue curiosity, service, and personal growth.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E711] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL ______ HON. DORIS O. MATSUI of california in the house of representatives Monday, July 20, 2026 Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christian Brothers High School as it celebrates 150 years of distinguished service and education in the Sacramento region. Since its founding in 1876, Christian Brothers High School has served as one of Sacramento's most respected institutions, dedicated to the Lasallian tradition of faith, community, and service.”
“He also shaped the national energy conversation through his service with the Smart Electric Power Alliance, the American Public Power Association, and the Large Public Power Council. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Paul Lau for his 44 years of dedicated service to SMUD, his visionary leadership in advancing clean energy and economic opportunity across the Sacramento region, and his lifelong commitment to the 1.5 million people SMUD proudly serves. ____________________”
“Paul also led SMUD to become the first publicly owned utility in California to join the Western Energy Imbalance Market, an initiative saving customers more than $350 million. Long before many utilities were seriously confronting the challenges of decarbonization, grid resilience, and electrification, Paul demonstrated how those goals could be achieved without losing sight of reliability or affordability. Through initiatives like the Neighborhood Electrification Program, he also worked to ensure that underserved communities could share fully in the benefits of our clean energy future. Paul's service extended far beyond SMUD. He helped strengthen the Sacramento region through his work with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Valley Vision, and the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce.”
“After graduating in 1984, he returned as an assistant electrical engineer and steadily rose through the organization. He joined SMUD's executive leadership team in 2008, served as chief grid strategy and operations officer, and was appointed CEO and General Manager in October 2020. Paul never saw SMUD as simply a utility. He saw the way it could improve people's lives. He approached every challenge with curiosity, humility, and a profound commitment to the community. Under Paul's leadership, SMUD became a national model for innovation, reliability, affordability, and community partnership. Its rates remain among the lowest in California, saving customers more than $1.9 billion each year.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E704] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING PAUL LAU'S RETIREMENT FROM SMUD FOLLOWING A 44-YEAR LONG CAREER OF SERVICE ______ HON. DORIS O. MATSUI of california in the house of representatives Monday, July 20, 2026 Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Lau on his retirement as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), capping an extraordinary 44 years of service to our region. Paul's remarkable journey at SMUD began in 1982 as an electrical engineering student at California State University, Sacramento.”
“None of this would have been possible without California's leadership and California's authority under the Clean Air Act to set our own air pollution standards. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for clean air and vote ``no'' on H.J. Res. 89.”
“For 50 years, we have worked hard to protect our communities through strong, forward-thinking air pollution regulations. After establishing the first tailpipe emission standards in 1966, California established the first NO X standards in 1971, followed by the first particulate matter standards in 1982. California was also the first State to outfit vehicles with catalytic converters, a decision that transformed efforts to reduce harmful smog-forming emissions from vehicles. The country has benefited greatly from California's leadership, not because California forced the rest of the country to follow suit but rather because the country saw the health benefits that California has enjoyed.”
“We have come a long way since then, [[Page H1758]] thanks to our State's strong pollution regulations. California cities still take 5 of the top 10 spots for the worst smog pollution. Smog increases the incidence of asthma and other respiratory conditions, especially among children and the elderly. It is linked to a host of other metabolic, cardiovascular, and developmental impacts. These impacts add up. Reducing smog-forming NO X is expected to have health benefits for California, saving approximately $36.8 billion in avoided health costs. That is not just dollars and cents. That is thousands of lives that will be saved if this regulation goes into effect. California has long been a global leader in the fight against air pollution, recognizing early on the serious health risks posed by dirty air.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to H.J. Res. 89, which would nullify California's Low NO X rule. My Republican colleagues will talk about the supposed EV mandate and how California is forcing the rest of the country to drive EVs. This is obviously ridiculous. California's regulations are for California. We aren't forcing anyone else to do anything. It is especially ridiculous to call California's Low NO X rule an EV mandate. The Low NO X rule for heavy-duty trucks does not mandate zero-emission vehicles. It is specifically and narrowly targeted to reduce NO X production which is a primary ingredient in forming smog. Anyone who grew up in California knows the health impacts of smog. Thick clouds used to hang over our city, burning our eyes and lungs.”
“Speaker, I ask again: Why are Republicans willing to put the health and safety of our communities at risk? I think the real answer is that California's leadership helps to support automotive innovation. The catalytic converter and electric car are thanks to California's visionary leadership and re-imagining a future without air pollution. Mr. Speaker, the oil industry is afraid of electric vehicles. Once again, Republicans are doing the bidding of oil lobbyists. Once again, the majority is on the wrong side of history, fighting to hold back the future for as long as they can. It is shameful and indefensible. Mr. Speaker, for this reason, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.J. Res. 88.”
“In light of California's unique air pollution challenges and our State's early leadership in tackling air pollution, the Clean Air Act grants California the authority to set its own stronger vehicle emission standards. Over the last 50 years, California has used this authority more than 100 times to update and strengthen our pollution standards, and these actions have actually saved countless lives across California. Yet, this resolution would strip California's rights to manage deadly air pollutants within our own State, stripping away our right to protect ourselves. Why? Why are Republicans trying to degrade California's air quality? It is my constituents, my neighbors, and my fellow Sacramentans who will suffer if Republicans succeed in killing California's emission standards. Mr.”
“California's unique geography, with its valleys, coastal basins, and surrounding mountain ranges, creates natural barriers that trap pollutants and contribute to unique air pollution challenges. As a State, we have long recognized the dangers of air pollution, and we have been a pioneer in addressing the root causes. In fact, California's efforts to control air pollution predate Federal efforts in 1967. In 1967, California was the first State to establish a State air pollution control agency. The country soon followed with the Clean Air Act of 1970, which created the EPA and established the First national air pollution standards.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to H.J. Res. 88. It shouldn't be controversial to say that air pollution is dangerous. Every year, particulate-matter pollution kills more than 50,000 Americans. Study after study has linked air pollution to higher rates of cancer, heart disease, [[Page H1752]] diabetes, cognitive decline, and, of course, respiratory conditions. The evidence is overwhelming that clean air saves lives. If my colleagues are like me and grew up in California, then Members know the impacts of air pollution. I remember what it felt like to breathe smog and particulate pollution before we had the strong pollution standards that we have today. In California, we have been dealing with the impacts of air pollution for a long time.”
“This is even more absurd because the Government Accountability Office, GAO, has already ruled that the EPA waiver for California's emissions standards is not eligible for repeal under the Congressional Review Act. In other words, the legislation we are debating here today is a pointless political exercise, a waste of time because perhaps my colleagues have nothing better to offer today. The President is playing with tariffs, sending the cost of groceries soaring, and kneecapping American manufacturers. My Republican colleagues will maybe stop debating this meaningless resolution and reassert congressional authority over tariffs. They can end the tariffs this week and bring down costs for families. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.J. Res. 87.”
“In Sacramento, we have faced deadly flooding from more intense winter storms as well as longer and more extreme droughts, and the foothills above Sacramento are still scarred from the many wildfires we have seen in recent years. California's emission standards are a matter of life and death for my constituents. To protect my constituents, I spent much of my career in Congress fighting for stronger emissions standards. I am once again stunned by the hypocrisy of my Republican colleagues, who claim to defend States' rights while they do everything in their power to stop California from setting its own statewide emissions standards.”
“According to the American Lung Association's 2025 State of the Air report, [[Page H1745]] 5 of the top 10 most polluted cities in America are in California, and that includes my district. I-5 and I-80, which crisscross my district, are both major heavy-duty trucking corridors. The diesel emissions along these corridors create serious air quality issues that directly affect the health and well-being of my constituents. Not only that, these emissions are also a significant contributor to severe weather events. California receives the brunt of climate change's most severe impacts, from wildfires to atmospheric rivers to droughts.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to H.J. Res. 87. Heavy diesel trucks are some of the most polluting vehicles on the road. Even though they make up just 10 percent of all vehicles, heavy- duty vehicles produce more than half of all pollution and smog-forming NO X . The soot and smog pollution from these vehicles kill thousands of Americans every year. For over 50 years, California has had the authority to set its own stronger vehicle emissions rules because California has, to quote the Clean Air Act, ``compelling and extraordinary circumstances'' that justify stronger emissions standards than the Nation as a whole. This was true in 1970, and it is still true today.”
“The FUTURE Networks Act ensures our brightest minds in industry, government, and academia are collaborating on the strategically vital development of 6G. The race to 6G is not just about faster phones; it is about national security, the economy, and America's standing on the world stage. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of suspending the rules and passing this important legislation.”
“To stay the global leader, America must invest in innovation and convene our best and brightest to map the road ahead. This is increasingly true as artificial intelligence redefines our society and drives rapid change, including in our communications infrastructure. {time} 1645 Mr. Speaker, 6G networks will leverage AI to meet the connectivity demand of American consumers and businesses. Mr. Speaker, 6G also can support smart cities and supercharge augmented reality applications for education, healthcare, and manufacturing. [[Page H1665]] Given such transformative potential, we must be proactive and make sure America sets the gold standard for this next-generation technology. That is why I am so glad to see this bipartisan bill moving forward today.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Dingell for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the FUTURE Networks Act, and I thank Representatives Allen and Walberg for our joint effort in making this a very bipartisan bill. I introduced this bill to ensure America continues our leadership and standard setting in the global technology race. Mr. Speaker, 6G is going to be a global evolution in the way we communicate. If we lead the race for next-generation wireless, then this global technology will be based on our values, democracy, open markets, and transparency. If we fall behind, our foreign adversaries will have a new way to expand their reach. That means less openness, less security, and more top-down control. This risk is real. Already, China is leading in the 6G patent race, filing about 35 percent of patents globally.”
“This includes giving our States the flexibility to move ahead with their plans to expand affordable internet to the tens of millions of Americans who still lack access. While I am glad and very happy to co-lead this bipartisan bill to modernize NTIA's mission in areas like Federal spectrum management and international negotiations, I know there is a lot of work ahead. Today, we must pass this legislation to empower NTIA to keep the United States as the leader of global tech. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation.”
“We need strong leadership and expertise to help us meet this demand. NTIA advises on the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence and manages the efficient uses of our airways. NTIA is also charged with carrying out the bipartisan infrastructure law's historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed internet access to communities across America, communities like the Sacramento region where, just 20 minutes outside the city, rural areas still suffer major gaps in broadband coverage. Progress to close the digital divide, however, is currently at a standstill. This critical broadband funding must not be delayed. We cannot risk changes that waste taxpayer dollars and strand Americans with less affordable and more expensive internet. We need NTIA to get back to helping our communities access Federal funding.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Dingell for yielding me time, and I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta), my friend, for his bipartisan partnership on this important issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the NTIA Reauthorization Act. We introduced this bill to ensure America continues to stand as a global leader in communications and technology. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, or NTIA, plays a vital role in ensuring the United States' strong technological leadership. This Federal agency is integral for getting people connected, ensuring we can communicate in emergencies, and bolstering our cybersecurity infrastructure. Yet, Congress has not reauthorized NTIA in over 30 years. The pace of innovation and demand for connectivity has increased dramatically over the last few years.”