Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Secretary Norman Mineta

San Francisco — Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of Secretary Norman Mineta:

"Today, California and the Country mourn the passing of a pioneering leader and a great American: Norm Mineta. Throughout his long and distinguished public service, Norm was an absolute force in moving our nation closer to a more perfect union: blazing new trails for Asian American leaders and fighting to correct injustices of our past.

"Norm's public service was an act of profound courage, grace and patriotism. All Americans are in awe of how, despite enduring the tragedy of internment at just ten years old, he still chose to devote his life to serving the nation that had turned its back on him. For three years, he served in the United States Army as an intelligence officer. He went on to become the first Asian American Mayor of a major U.S. city as the Mayor of San Jose, California. Over his ten terms in the Congress, Chairman Mineta rose to the helm of the venerated House Transportation Committee, and he co-founded the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, which remains a powerful voice for AAPI communities in the House to this day. Thanks to his unyielding leadership in enacting the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, our nation took a long overdue step toward justice in finally formally apologizing for the shameful internment of Japanese Americans and working to make amends for this shameful stain on our nation's history.

"When Norm became the first Asian American to hold a post in a Presidential cabinet — first as Secretary of Commerce under President Clinton, then Secretary of Transportation under President Bush — he brought great pride to our nation. In the aftermath, he worked tirelessly to help build the TSA to bolster the security of our airlines, railroads and seaways. Today, America is safer and stronger because of his devoted service, for which he earned the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.

"All who had the privilege of knowing and serving with Norm have been blessed by his extraordinary personal kindness. May it be a comfort to his loving wife, Deni, his sons David and Stuart, stepsons Robert and Mark, and his many grandchildren that a grateful nation prays for them and mourns with them during this sad time."