Biography

Doris Matsui, born Doris Kazue Okada on September 25, 1944, in the Poston War Relocation Center in Arizona, has been serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 7th Congressional District since 2005. A member of the Democratic Party, she succeeded her late husband, Bob Matsui, who held the position from 1979 until his passing in 2005. Throughout her tenure, Representative Matsui has been a staunch advocate for healthcare reform, environmental protection, and technological innovation. She currently serves as the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology and is a member of the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley.

• Political Experience:

  • Deputy Assistant to President Bill Clinton in the White House Office of Public Liaison .
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election in 2005; has been re-elected in subsequent terms.
  • Serves as the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
  • Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition .

Notable Achievements

• Healthcare: Played a pivotal role in crafting the Affordable Care Act and authored the Excellence in Mental Health Act, leading to the establishment of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics nationwide.

• Technology: Authored the CHIPS for America Act, investing $52 billion to bolster the U.S. semiconductor industry, and advocates for policies ensuring access to affordable, high-speed broadband.

• Environmental Protection: Secured over $4 billion in federal funding for flood protection projects in the Sacramento region and co-chairs the Nature and Oceans Task Force, promoting sustainable infrastructure and emission reductions.

• Community Engagement: Before her congressional tenure, served on boards for KVIE public television, the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Children's Home, and the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra.

Representative Matsui continues to champion initiatives that enhance the well-being and prosperity of her constituents in California's 7th District.