[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JACK VALENTI

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2007

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the House of Representatives 
passed H. Res. 361, honoring the life of Jack Valenti. I rise today to 
express support for that resolution and to join in honoring Jack's life 
and accomplishments.
  Mr. Speaker, Jack Valenti was the poster child for what it means to 
be a great American. Jack was a true patriot and served our country 
valiantly as a pilot in the armed forces during World War II, where he 
flew over 50 combat missions. He later served as special assistant to 
President Lyndon Johnson during the tumultuous period in American 
history following the assassination of President Kennedy.
  Following his public service, he became president of the Motion 
Picture Association of America, where he instituted the first movie 
rating system, which gave parents more information about the content of 
movies. It is during his tenure at the MPAA that I came to know and 
become friends with Jack.
  One thing that always impressed me about Jack was his commitment to 
serving others. I remember a recent story I heard about Jack where he 
gave a lesson to a waiter at one of his favorite local restaurants. He 
told the waiter how important it was to remember the particulars of his 
clients, including their names and what they like to order. It is with 
this attention to detail that he succeeded in his mission of educating 
Members of Congress about the importance of copyright laws and the 
details of the motion picture industry.
  Jack's policy was to return every call from every person who 
contacted him. He also emphasized the importance of telling the truth 
in all circumstances. These attributes explain why both those who 
agreed with and disagreed with his policy positions respected Jack and 
his work.
  I am indebted to Jack for befriending this green, freshman lawmaker 
back in 1993, and treating me with the same respect and kindness that 
he would give a President.
  I join with all Members of this House to send my deepest condolences 
to Jack's family and also to honor and celebrate the life and 
accomplishments of Jack Valenti.

                          ____________________