Pelosi Congratulates Mineta on Receiving Presidential Medal of Freedom

Pelosi Congratulates Mineta on Receiving Presidential Medal of Freedom

Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today congratulating former Secretary of Transportation Norm Mineta on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom:

"Secretary Norman Mineta has served his country with honor and distinction and it is fitting that he has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This recognition, the nation's highest civil honor, was presented to Secretary Mineta because of his life-long dedication to public service and record of accomplishment.

"Setting many records during his career, Secretary Mineta was the first Asian Pacific American mayor of a major U.S. city, and after 20 years in Congress, served as a Cabinet secretary under both President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush. He is also the longest-serving Secretary of Transportation, working to expand and improve our nation's security and infrastructure in the aftermath of September 11.

"But his passion for public life grew from his childhood experiences as a Japanese American during World War II. Mineta and his family spent several years in Heart Mountain Internment Camp in Wyoming. As a Member of Congress, Norm Mineta challenged the immoral actions of our government and pushed the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. This landmark legislation acknowledged the injustices that Americans of Japanese ancestry faced during World War II and provided restitution to those affected. His efforts on behalf of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been monumental.

"Secretary Norm Mineta is a treasure to the American people. I thank him for his service and congratulate him on receiving this prestigious award."

http://democraticleader.house.gov/press/releases.cfm?pressReleaseID=1968