May 03, 2022

Duckworth Statement on the Passing of Former DOT Secretary and Asian-American Trailblazer Norm Mineta

 

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement after the passing of one of her mentors, former U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta:

“Norm Mineta was not only a leader in the Asian-American community and mentor to so many—myself included—over the last five decades, he was a giant of American history as well. As a first-generation Japanese American who was forced from his home and held in an internment camp as a boy during World War II, Norm chose to dedicate his life’s work to his country by striving to change our nation for the better.

“He served under Republicans and Democrats, while making such a big difference in our nation—because that’s what he cared about first and foremost. Whether in the dark days after 9/11 or the decades America reckoned with the legacy of internment, Norm Mineta’s leadership and persistence helped our nation emerge from many of our worst moments stronger and more unified. We live in a better nation thanks to Norm’s legacy, and we’ve lost someone really important who will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones today.”

-30-