[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          IN HONOR OF JAY LENO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Jay Leno, 
whose comedic talent charmed audiences across the nation, as he steps 
down as host of the Tonight Show after seventeen seasons. As Americans 
tuned in every night, Jay's hilarious insights and observations whisked 
away our worries, if only for a brief time.
  Jay began his career in night clubs across the country, perfecting 
his stand-up routine. As his career took off, he earned small roles in 
TV and film, but hit the comedic goldmine in the early eighties when he 
was invited to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and 
Late Night with David Letterman. For many years, Jay served as Johnny 
Carson's permanent guest host. Following Carson's retirement, Jay 
debuted as the new host of the Tonight Show on May 25, 1992. His work 
has been honored numerous times with several awards and nominations, 
including his Emmy win in 1995.
  Beyond his professional success and achievements,, Jay Leno's 
character has not changed. A humble man with a compassionate heart and 
strong sense of responsibility toward others, both Jay and his wife, 
Mavis Nicholson Leno, have consistently avoided the fanfare and 
flashing lights of celebrity, working behind the scenes to further the 
causes of many charities and humanitarian efforts. Mavis is the Chair 
of the Feminist Majority's Foundation's Campaign to Help Afghan Women 
and Girls, and has been an outspoken advocate and activist on behalf of 
women's rights in America and around the world. Jay has consistently 
invested his time, talents and resources on behalf of several 
charities. He has a record of supporting our men and women in the 
military, and has made countless free appearances to audiences made up 
of families and individuals in need, including most recently, laid-off 
auto workers in Detroit, Michigan.
  Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Mr. Jay Leno as he steps down as host of the Tonight Show with Jay 
Leno. From his commitment to social service and various causes behind 
the scenes, to making us laugh day after day, Jay Leno's contributions 
continue to lift the heart and soul of our entire nation, one joke and 
one kind gesture at a time.

                          ____________________