[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 60 (Thursday, April 3, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2168-S2169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOONIES

  Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, this year marks the 40th anniversary of 
the release of the beloved classic film, ``The Goonies.'' With enduring 
and relatable themes of adventure, acceptance, and friendship, ``The 
Goonies'' has become one of the alltime great American underdog 
stories. ``The Goonies'' has withstood the test of time and firmly 
established its place in American culture. A large part of what makes 
this film unique and impactful is its iconic setting along the stunning 
Oregon coastline. Indeed, so significant is the film's location that 
thousands of fans from around the globe gather each year in Astoria, 
OR, for a multiday celebration to commemorate the magic that is ``The 
Goonies.''
  One of the reasons for the enduring success of ``The Goonies'' is the 
lessons it has imparted on generations of viewers who come away 
inspired to stand up to bullies, accept people who are different from 
them, and ``never say die'' when it comes to fighting for their 
communities and the things they believe in. As I travel to my townhalls 
all over Oregon and hear the deep concerns that so many Oregonians feel 
about the state of our country and the world, I hope we can all take an 
important lesson or two from ``The Goonies.''
  Fans from around the world will flock to Astoria this summer for 
``The Goonies'' 40th anniversary celebration. All of them will be able 
to participate

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in treasure hunts, costume contests, and many other Goonies-adjacent 
events. In addition to Astoria, the 40th anniversary festivities will 
also include a visit to Ecola State Park, home to some of Oregon's 
foremost coastal views and the site of some legendary Goonies 
adventures. Visitors to Astoria this summer will also be welcomed to 
the Oregon Film Museum, which eagle-eyed fans may recognize as the 
former Clatsop County jail, which played host to the Goonies iconic 
jailbreak scene.
  Just as the original Goonies fans and stars have grown and matured 
since the film's release in 1985, so has Oregon's film industry. With 
its magnificent and diverse natural beauty, Oregon has become a much 
sought after location for film production. As the backdrop for major 
television shows and box office hits alike, film production in Oregon 
brings with it good-paying jobs and tourism that in turn support local 
businesses and economic development across the State. Certainly all 
film producers in Oregon and across the country should aspire to 
achieve the remarkable success of ``The Goonies.''
  Whether we are learning important life lessons from the stalwart 
friendships in ``The Goonies'' or taking note of how Oregon has grown a 
film industry no one could have imagined 40 years ago, what is 
important is that we all recognize the power in our differences--and to 
``never say die!''

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