[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 17, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H6009-H6010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     ROB AND MICHELE REINER TRIBUTE

  (Ms. PELOSI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, it is hard to think of anyone more 
remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor than those pursued 
by Rob and Michele Reiner.
  Rob was creative, funny, and beloved. Michele, successful in her own 
right, was an indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and loving 
wife.
  Personally, Rob and Michele were, first and foremost, very loving 
parents. Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated it in the 
community beyond family by supporting the First 5 Initiative.
  First 5 Initiative took money from the tobacco tax and applied it to 
the first 5 years of a child's birth. Children born in California, 
including my own grandchild, have a packet that they take home and 
teaches them how to care for an infant child.
  Rob also fought against the discriminatory Proposition 8.
  Civically, he was a champion for the First Amendment and the creative 
rights of artists. Professionally, he was an iconic figure in film and 
made us laugh, cry, and think--and think--with the movies he created.
  Paul and I and our entire family mourn the loss of our dear friends 
and pray for their loved ones.
  His children, Jake and Romy, put out a statement thanking everyone 
for their good wishes but asking for privacy. We respect that.
  Mr. Speaker, I will provide a fuller statement for the record of the 
great life achievements and beautiful, beautiful love of community of 
Rob and Michele Reiner.
  I just want to say three things.
  Do you recognize this? It is the things that have been said in his 
movies:
  ``I'll have what she's having.''
  ``You can't handle the truth.''
  ``As you wish.''
  ``Go to 11.''
  Do you know what that is?
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to sadly pay tribute to Rob and Michele Reiner
  Rob and Michele Reiner embodied creativity, generosity and moral 
courage in every chapter of their lives. The deadly assault on them in 
their home earlier this week was devastating and heartbreaking beyond 
words.
  Rob was truly one of a kind--a gifted storyteller whose humor, 
humanity and brilliance enriched our culture and brought people 
together. From his memorable roles on television to his extraordinary 
achievements as a director, filmmaker and actor--whether When Harry Met 
Sally . . . , The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, Stand By Me, This is 
Spinal Tap or `Meathead' in All in the Family, and so many others--
Rob's work gave us stories that made us laugh, cry and think, and 
reflected our shared humanity in profound ways. Who can ever forget: 
`You can't handle the truth,' `I'll have what she's having,' `As you 
wish,' or `Up to eleven.'
  Michele was Rob's indispensable partner and a success in her own 
right--a formidable intellect, trusted counselor, and loving wife whose 
insight and strength shaped their work and their impact on the world.
  Personally, Rob and Michele, first and foremost were devoted parents. 
They cared deeply about people and they demonstrated that every day in 
their community. They championed Proposition 10 for tobacco tax 
revenues to fund early childhood development through the 
transformational First 5 initiative which has benefited millions of 
California children. And they stood up for equality and dignity by 
fighting against the discriminatory

[[Page H6010]]

Proposition 8. Indeed, they lent their voices and resources to 
countless causes rooted in fairness and opportunity for all.
  Civically, Rob and Michele were fierce champions of the First 
Amendment and the creative rights of artists, never wavering in their 
belief that freedom of expression is essential to a vibrant and just 
society. They understood that democracy depends on compassion, 
engagement and the courage to speak out.
  Professionally, Rob was an iconic figure in film and television whose 
work will endure for generations. And Michele's own leadership--behind 
the camera and in support of artistic expression--were integral to the 
couple's success. Their partnership was a testament to the power of 
collaboration and the beauty of shared purpose--and their legacy lives 
on in the countless lives they touched through art and advocacy.
  Paul and I, and our entire family, mourn the loss of our very dear 
friends Rob and Michele with profound sorrow. (And moved by the loving 
statement by Jake and Romy, we hold their loved ones close in our 
hearts and are praying for them, and all who are grieving during this 
unimaginable time of pain. May Rob and Michele's memory be a blessing, 
and may their lives continue to inspire kindness, courage and hope.)

                          ____________________