[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO JACK VALENTI

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2004

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a 
privilege for me to pay tribute today to one of Texas' favorite native 
sons, Jack Valenti, the head of the Motion Picture Association of 
America (MPAA) for 38 years, who announced that he plans to retire in a 
few months.
  Born in Houston, Texas, Mr. Valenti was the youngest graduate from 
high school at age 15 in the city. He began work as an office boy with 
the Humble Oil Company now Exxon located near my Congressional 
district.
  As a young pilot in the Army Air Corps in World War II, Lieutenant 
Valenti flew 51 combat missions as the pilot-commander of a B-25 attack 
bomber with the 12th Air Force in Italy. He was decorated with the 
Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with four clusters, the 
Distinguished Unit Citation with one cluster, the European Theater 
Ribbon with four battle stars.
  He graduated with a B.A. from the University of Houston and from 
Harvard University with an M.B.A. In 1952, he co-founded the 
advertising and political consulting agency of Weekley & Valenti, which 
was in charge of press during President Kennedy and Vice President 
Johnson's eventful visit to Texas.
  Mr. Valenti was in the motorcade (six cars back of the president) in 
Dallas on November 22, 1963. Within an hour of the assassination of 
John F. Kennedy, Mr. Valenti was aboard Air Force One flying back to 
Washington with the new president as the first newly hired special 
assistant to President Johnson.
  Mr. Speaker, it was almost 38 years and 22 days ago today that Mr. 
Valenti retired from his post as special assistant to Lyndon Johnson 
and became the President of MPAA.
  In his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the MPAA, 
Mr. Valenti has presided over tremendous worldwide changes in the 
industry. New technologies, the rise in importance of international 
markets, and the tyranny of piracy have radically changed the landscape 
of the American film and television industry. It is Mr. Valenti's 
leadership and personal efforts that led the confrontation with these 
global dangers, problems and opportunities.
  Mr. Speaker, our communities and our country have always relied on 
the contributions of those individuals who have the ability to rise 
above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of 
others, both personally and professionally. Jack Valenti has 
demonstrated an unfailing and tireless commitment to the betterment of 
the U.S. movie industry and the entire Nation.
  Indeed, we need more people with his vision and energy to tackle the 
vast challenges we all face. It is reported in the print media that Mr. 
Valenti will continue his distinguished service to the people of this 
Nation as the president of a new Washington, DC-based not-for-profit 
group aimed at supporting the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis 
and Malaria.
  When someone leaves a post of importance, it is often said that his 
or her shoes will be hard to fill. But I can say without hesitation 
that, in Jack Valenti's case, this is an understatement. In addition to 
his excellent work on behalf of the movie industry, his influence has 
been felt far and wide--from the leaders of nations abroad, to young 
generation here at home.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like this opportunity to thank one of Texas' 
favorite native sons, Jack Valenti for his years of contributions and 
dedicated service to the industry and the Nation. I wish him well on 
his future endeavors.

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