[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 17130-17134]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JACK VALENTI

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 361) recognizing and

[[Page 17131]]

honoring Jack Valenti and expressing the condolences of the House of 
Representatives to his family on his death, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 361

       Whereas Jack Valenti was born in Houston, Texas, on 
     September 5, 1921, and resided in Washington, DC and Beverly 
     Hills, California;
       Whereas Jack Valenti graduated from the University of 
     Houston with a Bachelor of Arts degree and from Harvard 
     University with a Master of Business Administration degree;
       Whereas Jack Valenti served as special assistant to 
     President Lyndon B. Johnson;
       Whereas Jack Valenti was the distinguished president of the 
     Motion Picture Association of America for 38 years;
       Whereas Jack Valenti was a trusted presidential advisor, a 
     war hero, an author, and a pioneer in the American film 
     industry;
       Whereas Jack Valenti was a great humanitarian who served as 
     a powerful spokesperson for the global fight against AIDS, 
     tuberculosis, and malaria;
       Whereas Jack Valenti was a loving husband to his wife, Mary 
     Margaret, and an exceptional father to his three children, 
     Alexandra, John, and Courtenay;
       Whereas Jack Valenti's spirit touched everyone he 
     encountered, whether in his political career or in his time 
     spent with the Motion Picture Association of America;
       Whereas Jack Valenti revolutionized the movie industry 
     through the creation of a voluntary movie rating system that 
     has endured to this day;
       Whereas Jack Valenti's vision for the movie industry has 
     withstood the test of time, and has provided guidance for 
     families in their movie viewing experiences as well as 
     safeguards for our filmmakers;
       Whereas the vision and character Jack Valenti brought to 
     the movie industry will be greatly missed; and
       Whereas on April 26, 2007, Jack Valenti passed away, 
     prompting his friend and confidant, Dan Glickman, to say, 
     ``Jack was a showman, a gentleman, an orator, and a 
     passionate champion of this country, its movies, and the 
     enduring freedoms that made both so important to this world. 
     He also embodied the theatricality of our industry with his 
     conviction, quick wit and boundless energy. In a very real 
     sense, he was the ultimate leading man.'': Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes Jack Valenti as one of the greatest 
     contributors to the motion picture industry;
       (2) honors Jack Valenti for his service to his country, for 
     his tremendous accomplishments, and for his contributions to 
     the movie industry and to the Nation; and
       (3) extends its deepest condolences to the family of Jack 
     Valenti.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and the gentleman from 
Connecticut (Mr. Shays) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia.


                             General Leave

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on 
Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in 
the discussion of H. Res. 361, recognizing and honoring Jack Valenti 
and expressing the condolences to the House of Representatives to his 
family on his death.
  H. Res. 361, which has 95 cosponsors, was introduced by 
Representative Diane Watson on May 1, 2007. H. Res. 361 was reported 
from the Oversight Committee on June 12, 2007 by voice vote.
  Jack Valenti was born September 5, 1921 in Houston, Texas. An honor 
student and debate champion at Sam Houston High School, he graduated at 
age 15. Lacking the funds to attend college, he worked for $11 a week 
as an usher at a movie theater.
  At age 20, Mr. Valenti served in the U.S. Army, which in 1941 was 
called the Army Air Forces. He flew 51 missions and was awarded the 
Distinguished Flying Cross. He received his MBA degree from Harvard 
University in 1948 and 4 years later started an advertising business.
  Mr. Valenti served as a Special Assistant to President Lyndon B. 
Johnson. In 1966, he left the White House to become president of the 
Motion Picture Association of America for 38 years. He died on April 
26, 2007.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Diane Watson of 
California, for introducing this legislation and urge the swift passage 
of this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady from DC and look 
forward to the time that she will be a full Member of this Chamber, 
with all the rights and privileges.
  Much as been said about the life of Jack Valenti, and rightfully so. 
It is impossible to sum up his great life and achievements in the short 
time we have today.
  He held powerful influence on both coasts in the United States, in 
Washington, DC, where he served as a political adviser to President 
Johnson, and in Hollywood, where he served as chief lobbyist of the 
Motion Picture Association of America. Valenti negotiated both power 
centers with dignity, determination and deference.
  He was born to Houston, Texas, as was pointed out, the grandson of 
Sicilian immigrants. He excelled in school and finished high school at 
an early age. Unable to afford college, he worked for a short time in a 
movie theater, then at an oil company, until he could afford night 
classes at the University of Houston. His leadership skills, solidified 
at college, and he was elected student body president. From there, he 
went on to earn his MBA from Harvard University.
  His interest in politics began during a chance meeting with President 
Johnson, who was looking to reach out to fellow Texans while serving in 
the Senate. At the meeting, Jack Valenti was fascinated by Johnson and 
chose to work on his next campaign in Texas. They kept in touch, and he 
was soon employed by Johnson when he became Vice President.
  Jack Valenti was inspired by the Vice President and viewed him as a 
mentor. Valenti was in the presidential motorcade as it traveled 
through downtown Dallas, Texas on that fateful tragic day of November 
22, 1963, when President Kennedy was assassinated. He said later that 
that day changed his life forever. Indeed, he became President 
Johnson's special assistant, and even lived in the White House during 
the early months of the new President's term.
  He left the White House when he was approached by two Hollywood 
studio executives to take over their fledgling trade group. With a pay 
raise almost impossible to turn down, he accepted the position and 
became the chief lobbyist for the Motion Picture Association of America 
in 1966.
  He revitalized the film rating system, bringing it into line with 
current culture. It is a system which has remained intact, other than 
modifications Valenti also helped put in place for decades.
  Through the years, movies and technologies changed and progressed, as 
did his work. He helped the industry thrive even as television and home 
videos chipped away its dominance. He fought digital piracy and other 
threats to the film industry.
  Valenti left MPAA in 2004, but he remained active in the public 
stage. He concentrated on the world health issues such as AIDS, 
tuberculosis and malaria. He helped devise the technology by which 
parents control what programs their children watch.
  He continued this work almost until the day in April when he died. He 
leaves behind his wife of 45 years, 3 children and 2 grandchildren. He 
also leaves behind a legacy of service of principled advocacy and of 
human warmth appreciated by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 
His character, his warm personality and his deep southern accent all 
will be missed as much his has legacy in the worlds of film and public 
policy.
  Mr. Speaker, with that, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Shays, for 
his

[[Page 17132]]

remarks concerning my membership in this House. It is typical of his 
generosity, and I appreciate it. I also appreciate his voting for the 
bill for the residents of the District of Columbia to have a vote in 
this House.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the sponsor of this 
bill, the gentlelady from California (Ms. Watson).

                              {time}  1500

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be the author, with my good 
friend, Darrell Issa, of this resolution to honor the life of a great 
American and dear friend, Jack Valenti. Both Washington and Hollywood 
lost an icon in April with the passing of Jack Valenti. For nearly four 
decades, Jack served as the public face of Hollywood as the head of the 
Motion Picture Association of America where he was most famous for 
creating the film rating system we use today.
  Jack's career as a public servant began during World War II when he 
flew B-25 bombers for the United States Army Air Force. After the war, 
Jack served as one of President Lyndon Johnson's closest advisers. Jack 
left the White House after several years to become a pioneer in the 
entertainment industry. Joining MPAA in 1966, Jack created the movie 
rating system that we use today. Jack served as one of Washington's 
most effective lobbyists, moving easily between Hollywood and 
Washington as the president of the MPAA for 38 years.
  After his tenure at the Motion Picture Association, Jack joined the 
fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as a final mission in his 
extraordinary life and committed himself to working tirelessly to 
increase the quality of life of those suffering from the devastating 
effects of disease and poverty across the globe. He served as a 
relentless spokesman for disease-devastated communities across the 
globe while navigating the Halls of Congress with statesmanlike agility 
to ensure that the United States increased its funding to the Global 
Fund to fight AIDS and to fight tuberculosis and malaria and other 
programs that save lives.
  Not only has the global health community lost a great advocate, but 
so has the entertainment industry and Washington lost a truly great 
friend.
  So I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleague in urging passage of 
this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentlelady from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor today 
for me to pay tribute to Mr. Jack Valenti. As it has been said, by age 
15, he was the youngest high school graduate in Houston. He began work 
as an office boy with the Humble Oil Company, which is now Exxon Mobil, 
which is near my congressional district.
  As a young pilot in the Army Air Corps in World War II, Lieutenant 
Valenti flew 51 combat missions as the pilot commander of a B-25 attack 
bomber with the 12th Air Force in Italy. He graduated with a B.A. from 
the University of Houston and an M.B.A. from Harvard. In 1952, he 
cofounded the advertising and political consulting agency, Weekly & 
Valenti, which was in charge of press during President Kennedy's and 
Vice President Johnson's tragic visit to Texas. He was in the 
motorcade, six cars behind the President, in Dallas on November 22, 
1963. Within an hour of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Mr. 
Valenti was aboard Air Force One flying back to Washington with the new 
President as the first newly hired special assistant to President 
Johnson.
  Later in his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the 
MPAA, Mr. Valenti presided over tremendous worldwide change in the 
industry. New technologies, the arrival of the importance of 
international markets and the tyranny of piracy radically changed the 
landscape of the American film and television industry. It was Mr. 
Valenti's leadership and personal efforts that led the confrontation 
with these global dangers, problems and opportunities.
  Mr. Speaker, our communities and our country have always relied on 
the contributions of those individuals who have the ability to rise 
above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of 
others, both personally and professionally. Jack Valenti was one of 
those rare individuals that demonstrated unfailing and tireless 
commitment to the betterment of the U.S. movie industry and the entire 
Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, though our community is diminished by his loss, I ask 
that my colleagues join me and his friends and his family in 
celebrating the remarkable life of this man who truly symbolized 
America at its best, Jack Valenti, a true and loyal Texan.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a true 
patriot and dedicated public servant, Jack Valenti, whose passing we 
continue to mourn. From his days as a brave fighter pilot in World War 
II to his sound advice and counsel to President Lyndon Johnson, Jack 
always served his country with distinction and honor. A Democrat 
committed to the ideals of justice and equality, he approached each 
issue in the spirit of bipartisanship, earning respect on both sides of 
the aisle for his intellect and his passion.
  As a fellow Italian-American, I take special pride in the life, 
leadership, and many accomplishments of Jack Valenti. His brilliant 
career, in both the public and private sector, was marked by humanity, 
humor, and excellence. As head of the Motion Picture Association of 
America, Jack's leadership helped promote and spread the best of 
American art and creativity on the silver screen all around the world. 
It was his sense of responsibility for the well-being of our children 
that inspired his efforts to establish a rating system to help parents 
monitor what their children watched.
  As a passionate advocate for our children, Jack fought to protect our 
next generation, lending his powerful voice for those who could not be 
heard. His concern for the health and well-being of our children 
spurred his efforts as founder and president of the Friends of the 
Global Fight Against AIDS, TB, and Malaria, fighting diseases across 
the globe that for too long have extinguished the flame of hope that 
should burn brightly in the eyes of every child.
  Jack Valenti will be greatly missed, and his accomplishments will be 
long remembered in the lives of all those he touched. My husband Paul 
and I express our deepest sympathy to his family, whom he adored, and 
hope that it is a comfort to his wife Mary Margaret, his children 
Courtenay, John, and Alexandra, and his two grandchildren that so many 
people share their loss and continue to pray for them.
  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 361, 
recognizing and honoring the life of Jack Valenti and expressing the 
condolences of the House of Representatives to his family.
  Jack Valenti was an American icon who holds a special place in the 
history of the United States. He was a principled leader, a fiery 
advocate, but always a gentleman. For over 40 years Jack dedicated 
himself to one of our country's most enduring and influential cultural 
exports, the motion picture. While most of the world knows Jack for his 
work at the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), many of us 
would be surprised to know that Jack was buried in Arlington National 
Cemetery, not Hollywood.
  Prior to his life promoting and defending the motion picture 
industry, Jack piloted a B-25 bomber for the Army Air Forces during 
WWII, founded his own advertising company and worked for an oil firm in 
Texas. It was Jack's Texas roots that helped propel him into national 
politics following the assassination of President Kennedy. As a loyal 
political advisor to President Lyndon Johnson, Jack cemented his roots 
in Washington, DC. This city and this country have lost someone that 
practiced the art of advocacy and consensus that is rarely achieved and 
sorely missed.
  My father, California Senator Fred Farr knew and worked with Jack 
when they both served in the Johnson Administration and I can say from 
personal knowledge that Jack was indeed a gentleman who would always 
offer a kind word, even to his greatest antagonists. The difficulty of 
Jack's job for the MPAA should not go overlooked, for uniting and 
assuaging the heads of major Hollywood studios would probably drive 
even the most savvy party leader batty. That ability to form consensus 
was only overshadowed by the eloquence in his usage of the English 
language.
  Jack is survived by his wife of over 45 years Mary Margaret Valenti 
and their 3 children, John, Alexander and Courtenay; his sister, 
Lorraine Valenti Dinerstein; and 2 grandchildren.

[[Page 17133]]

  As Jack's love of classical literature is well known, I find it 
fitting to quote Shakespeare in honor of a man that lived several lives 
in one lifetime:

     All the world's a stage,
     And all the men and women merely players.
     They have their exits and their entrances,
     And one man in his time plays many parts,
     His acts being seven ages.

  I was pleased to call Jack Valenti a friend.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, even as a young child, Jack Valenti showed 
signs of great leadership and oratory skills. He was a debate champion 
at his high school. Making good use of his natural ability to persuade 
and his interest in entertainment, Jack worked as a movie theater usher 
before enrolling in the University of Houston. After receiving his 
B.A., he enlisted in the Army Air Force where he participated in 51 
flying missions and was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross. 
Following his time in the armed forces, Jack graduated from Harvard 
University in 1948 with a master's degree in business administration.
  Jack Valenti entered the political arena when he was invited to a 
reception at a Houston Hotel to meet his future mentor and friend, 
Lyndon B. Johnson. He was immediately inspired by Johnson, who at the 
time was the U.S. Senate Majority Leader. When Johnson was selected as 
Kennedy's running mate in 1960, Jack worked on their media campaign. He 
remained close to Johnson after he became the Vice President.
  Following the tragic Kennedy assassination in Dallas, TX, Jack was 
asked by then-President Johnson to accompany him to Washington where he 
became a special assistant and close confidant to the new President. 
After defending Johnson through criticism of the Vietnam War and 
conspiracy connecting Johnson to the Kennedy assassination, Valenti was 
offered a lucrative job by MCA Inc. head Lew Wasserman and United 
Artists' Arthur Krim as head of the Motion Picture Association of 
America.
  In this position, Valenti created the MPAA rating system which 
initially labeled movies into 4 distinct ratings: G, M, R and X. This 
was Valenti's crowning achievement in the entertainment industry; the 
MPAA system is still used today to provide guidance for movie-viewing 
families. During his 38 year tenure as president of the MPAA, he was 
extremely well known in Washington as an advocate for the entertainment 
industry's major issues. He lobbied for the protection of movie 
copyrights and the prevention of digital piracy. His voluminous and 
eloquent style of speaking, coupled with his unique silver hair and 
cowboy boots, made him one of the most recognizable figures on the 
Hill.
  His sage observations and folksy wisdom made Jack Valenti one of the 
most effective players in Washington. He was an advisor to Members of 
Congress on both sides of the aisle; and all of us fortunate enough to 
receive his council benefited greatly from our association and 
friendship with him. We all miss him greatly.
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 361, recognizing 
and honoring Jack Valenti and expressing the condolences of the House 
of Representatives to his family on his death. I also want to thank my 
colleague from California, Diane Watson, for introducing this 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, Jack Valenti was a giant of a man in many respects. 
While he was well known for his service to Presidents and his work at 
the Motion Picture Association of America, I came to know Jack best 
from his tireless and selfless work on behalf of people living with 
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
  Jack came to this final mission in his life with the same dedication, 
creativity and vigor that he had so long displayed in serving the MPAA 
and our nation.
  He was a champion for communities devastated by disease throughout 
the world, and brought both Republicans and Democrats together with his 
impassioned testimony about the terrible toll that AIDS, tuberculosis 
and malaria had taken on Africa and the developing world.
  I had met with Jack a number of times over the last few years to talk 
specifically about his work on behalf of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, 
Tuberculosis and Malaria. Each time we met I always came away inspired 
by his energy and his advocacy on behalf of the most vulnerable among 
us.
  We had talked about traveling to Africa together so that he could 
bear witness to both the tragic impact of AIDS, TB and malaria, and to 
the hope and dedication of the people--who through it all still 
maintained their dignity and their optimism for a better tomorrow. 
Although we never managed to take that trip together, Jack finally made 
it to Africa for the first time in his life in July of 2006, and I know 
that he was deeply affected by what he saw.
  We had been in the process of organizing another meeting together in 
March to strategize about AIDS policy and funding for the coming year 
when he had a stroke. Unfortunately I regret that I never had the 
chance to talk to him again before he passed away. But I will always 
remember Jack Valenti for his determined spirit, his compassion, and 
his friendship. As we continue the global fight against these 3 
diseases, his legacy and his advocacy will continue to serve as a true 
inspiration for all of us.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud support 
of H. Res. 361, as offered by my distinguished colleague from 
California and chair of the Congressional Entertainment Caucus, 
Congresswoman Diane Watson. This resolution recognizes and honors the 
life and lifetime accomplishments of Jack Valenti, while also 
expressing condolences of the House of Representatives to his family on 
his death. Having served as a long- time president of the Motion 
Picture Association of America, Jack Valenti deserves no better tribute 
than that of being honored by members of the United States Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, Jack Valenti began his political career during the era 
of the ``Great Society.'' He briefly served as the first special 
assistant to President Lyndon B. Johnson during his tenure in the White 
House. However, he resigned from the White House commission In 1966, 
when he respectfully earned the position as President of the Motion 
Picture Association of America. Nevertheless, public admiration of this 
prominent young man followed him from his tenure in politics, unto his 
career in the film industry and thereafter.
  Jack Valenti was born in Houston, Texas on September 5, 1921. During 
the era of World War II, Mr. Valenti served as a lieutenant in the 
United States Army Air Corps, flying 51 combat missions as the pilot-
commander of a B-25 attack bomber. It was also at this time that he 
received 4 decorations--the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal 
with 4 clusters, the Distinguished Unit Citation with 1 cluster, as 
well as the European Theater Ribbon with four battle stars.
  His educational attainments are marked with his graduation from high 
school at the age of 15, the youngest high school graduate in his city. 
He took several years hiatus to work in the field of oil and gas, as 
well as to serve his Nation as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. He later 
went on to earn a Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of 
Houston, where he worked full-time during the day and attended 
undergraduate courses at night. He continued to advance his education 
by obtaining a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard 
University. In 1952, Valenti assisted in the co-founding of an 
advertising/political consulting agency. It was this agency that led 
the press during President John F. Kennedy and Vice-President Lyndon B. 
Johnson's Dallas, Texas visit in 1963.
  Valenti's legacy is prevalent through his invention of the movie/film 
rating, which is still used today. Such a vision and innovation not 
only transformed the movie industry, but also provided guidance for 
families, protection for children moviegoers and their parents, as well 
as safeguard for our filmmakers.
  Mr. Speaker, among many things, it will be the vision and character 
of Mr. Jack Valenti that will greatly be missed. Rarely are we given 
the opportunities to recognize and honor the lifetime accomplishments 
of our American heroes, as well have today. For this reason, I ask my 
colleagues to rise and join me in honoring the life and lifetime 
accomplishments of the late Jack Valenti. We who knew and loved him 
will always remember him as a gentleman, a man with boundless energy, a 
leader in our Nation, a wartime hero, a proud father and a loving 
husband, a political consultant, and a movie industry powerhouse. He 
was one in a million and will greatly be missed.
  Today, I ask that we join in recognizing Valenti as one of the 
greatest contributors to the motion picture industry and honoring him 
for his service, accomplishments, and contributions to our Nation. I 
also ask that we extend our deepest condolences to his family--wife, 
Margaret, and children, Alexandra, John and Courtenay.
  Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, we have lost a dear friend and national 
treasure with the passing of the legendary Jack Valenti, but, his 
legacy lives on. I know this is a tremendous loss for his family, 
friends, and many admirers, and I join with my colleagues in the House 
of Representatives in extending our deepest condolences to all those 
who loved him. We should all be grateful for the many wonderful 
memories we share of Jack, memories that cannot ease the pain of our 
loss but remind us of the amazing accomplishments of this remarkable 
man. I join with others in the House

[[Page 17134]]

in expressing our sympathy to Jack's beloved wife of 45 years Mary 
Margaret Valenti, his three children John, Alexandra, and Courtenay 
Valenti, and his 2 grandchildren.
  Born in 1921 as the grandson of Sicilian immigrants, Jack Valenti 
became part of the ``Greatest Generation'' of Americans who served our 
country in World War II; and he continued to serve our country long 
after the War. Jack fought tyranny and served the United States by 
piloting a B-25 attack bomber in the European theater, flying 51 
missions, and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism 
and extraordinary achievement. Following the War, Jack made his home in 
Texas where he established a successful business in Dallas and became a 
close friend and ally of President Lyndon Johnson. The terrible events 
in Dallas on November 22, 1963 pulled Jack Valenti back into the 
service of our country when soon to be President Johnson asked him to 
return from Dallas to Washington DC to join his Administration where he 
served his close friend as confidant and key aide to the President. 
From the Johnson Administration, Jack Valenti was lured into the film 
industry as the head of the Motion Picture Association of America where 
he achieved great success as the preeminent trade representative in 
Washington, DC. Among other achievements, Jack was the architect of the 
revolutionary movie rating system, which is essentially still intact 
today, providing generations of parents and filmgoers with guidelines 
on the content of films that carried the MPAA rating designation. Jack 
spoke often about the importance of open and free markets for Hollywood 
films, and was a passionate and staunch advocate for the protection of 
intellectual property rights in the digital age.
  But, this is only a brief snapshot of what he did, it does not 
identify who he was. For Jack Valenti was much larger than any of his 
numerous accomplishments.
  Jack was a dear friend to many, and a truly gifted and remarkable 
individual. Jack earned the respect of Presidents and porters; his 
common touch and old world style enticed people to gravitate to him. 
These attributes, teamed with his keen mind and ability to consider a 
different point of view, allowed Jack Valenti to gain the admiration 
and respect of people on both sides of the aisle and even on opposite 
sides of many Issues.
  But for me, the most important thing to recall is the humanity and 
warmth he conveyed to everyone whose lives he touched. I was proud and 
privileged to call Jack my friend. He counseled me on issues we cared 
about, encouraged me to accept the challenges of this great 
institution, and comforted me during times of personal tragedy. I will 
be forever grateful for his friendship, guidance, and counsel.
  Jack Valenti is truly the embodiment of the phrase, ``his like shall 
not soon be seen again.'' He was an original, he became a legend, and, 
he was ours.
  He will be missed.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend, Jack 
Valenti--a man whose prowess as a lobbyist for the movie industry was 
outshined only by the passion he brought to his work and the steadfast 
love he had for our country. Jack was a trusted Presidential advisor, a 
war hero, an author and a pioneer in the American industry.
  As President of the Motion Picture Association of America, Jack was 
one of the most hardworking and dedicated advocates you would find 
anywhere on Capitol Hill. When he spoke, people listened--and by 
inventing the movie industry's rating system, he demonstrated just how 
vital America's business community can be in providing for the common 
good.
  Jack was a consummate professional, a good friend, and someone that I 
will never forget. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and 
friends as we mark his passing and commemorate a life that meant so 
much to people all across this great land.
  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, 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.
  Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, it took a larger-than-life man like Jack 
Valenti to bridge 2 larger-than-life worlds like Hollywood and 
Washington. It is fitting that this legendary character, whose own life 
was often like an epic film, would end up in the movie business.
  From a very early age, the passion and drive that would motivate him 
for his 85 years were clearly evident. Lacking the money to go to 
college, Jack worked to put himself through school and eventually get 
his MBA at Harvard. During that time, he also joined the Army, flew 51 
missions and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.
  He got his first taste of politics in Houston, TX, when he met 
Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson, and he was hooked. He campaigned heavily 
for the Kennedy-Johnson ticket in 1960 and maintained the relationship 
with Lyndon Johnson through November 1963 when the Vice President asked 
for his help with a Presidential visit to Dallas. On that fateful day 
of November 22, Jack was just a few cars away from President Kennedy 
when the shots were fired.
  Through that tumultuous time, Jack returned to DC with now President 
Johnson, and grew to be his close confidant and advisor. That solemn 
trip on Air Force One would be the trip to Washington from which Jack 
never really returned. As presidential advisor, and then President of 
the Motion Picture Association of America, Jack Valenti become one of 
those rare Washington denizens that shapes and defines a city that 
usually does the shaping and defining.
  Through nearly 4 decades at MPAA, he shepherded the most powerful 
names in Hollywood around countless industry and political landmines. 
As the world grew flatter, technology grew smarter and politics 
remained as volatile as ever, Jack Valenti's vision helped the American 
movie business not only weather these challenges, but emerge bigger 
than ever.
  He was an undeniable force felt on both coasts. And now his absence 
is also felt undeniably.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 361, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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