[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JACK VALENTI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, the loss of Jack Valenti is a blow not 
only to his family and friends; it is also a tragedy for the motion 
picture industry and for the entire country. Jack embodied the American 
values we hold most dear: he was thoughtful, he was loyal, he was 
forthright, and he was exceptionally committed to his family.
  Jack was also a brave and decorated soldier, and his service during 
the Second World War instilled in him an unshakeable devotion to our 
country and to the principles for which it stands. Returning from the 
European theater, he continued to defend and promote these values as a 
public servant, and helped to guide our Nation through one of its 
darkest hours. While serving as a special assistant to President Lyndon 
Johnson directly after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jack's 
steadying influence played a central role in helping the country 
grieve, understand, and heal.
  However, perhaps his greatest contributions came later in life, once 
he became the motion picture industry's consummate Washington, DC 
representative. Jack's name will forever be associated with the movies, 
not only because his personality reflected the way that films can 
inspire and cheer us, but because so much of what we enjoy in today's 
movie theaters we can attribute to his years of tireless and effective 
advocacy.
  As a Californian, I am particularly aware of the debt of gratitude 
that we owe to Jack. The enduring importance of Hollywood in our 
culture, the rating system which protects our children from 
inappropriate content, the very majesty of film itself, all of these 
are parts of Jack's legacy. His life is a prime example of the good 
that can come from combining the idealism and fantasy of film with the 
determination and focus of the American work ethic.
  I extend my deepest condolences to Mary Margaret and to the rest of 
the Valenti family. Though there is little solace that can be offered 
during a time of mourning such as this, I hope it comforts them to know 
that Jack's contributions will forever be a part of the fabric of 
American culture. While his presence will be sorely missed, Jack's 
legacy will always be relevant and vibrant so long as movies continue 
to entertain, motivate, and inspire.

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