17130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 12 June 25, 2007 No one certainly has been a closer And the Good Friday Agreement footsteps by maintaining and building ally to the United States than Prime would not have been possible in April on our transatlantic alliance so we can Minister Tony Blair. No one personifies of 1998 without Tony Blair, but also the stand strong and together face the un- the close links between the United Good Friday Agreement went on for al- certainties of a troubled world. States and Great Britain than Tony most 9 years afterwards until it was fi- I would like to thank you, Mr. Blair; certainly follows in the tradition nally brought to its ultimate fruition Speaker, and thank Ranking Member of Winston Churchill, who did more earlier this month. And it was done be- KING for bringing forth this resolution. than anyone until his time to cement cause Tony Blair never yielded. There And also Ambassador WATSON, I thank that relationship, and Tony Blair has were so many times between April of you very much. Tony Blair is a true even advanced it more. Whether it was 1998 and May or June of this year that statesman, a man of principle. President Clinton or President Bush, that agreement could have fallen Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Tony Blair always stood as our strong- apart, that it could have splintered, my friend and colleague Mr. PETER KING for est ally in Bosnia, in Kosovo, in Iraq, that it could have shattered if Tony introducing this important resolution, which I Afghanistan, and the international war Blair was not willing to take that was proud to cosponsor. I can think of no one against terrorism, and standing up for extra step, and he did that. more deserving of being honored by this body democratic principles and values. And during this entire time that he than Prime Minister Blair. For over a decade, And certainly as a New Yorker, I will was bringing peace to Northern Ireland he has proven to be a tremendous friend and always remember the fact that he was and standing with us as our strongest ally of the United States, and we simply can- the first foreign leader to come to New ally, also Britain itself was under at- not say anything today that would adequately York, to come to Ground Zero to meet tack. And as Mr. BILIRAKIS and Ambas- honor the contribution he has made to his with the firefighters and meet with the sador WATSON mentioned, on July 7, country, to our country and to the cause of police officers and express the soli- 2005, when the London underground freedom throughout the globe. darity of the British people toward the was attacked by terrorists causing And we know he has not made this great people of New York, and of course, to large scale carnage and loss of life, and contribution without significant sacrifice. We the people of the United States, and to Tony Blair again stood strong and have watched him at times endure an enor- all peoples who were opposed to inter- stood firm. mous amount of criticism and personal attack national terrorism. And then, as Am- So, this is a moment where it’s sel- for the principled positions he has taken. But bassador WATSON mentioned, the fact dom that we see giants in history, and Tony Blair has steadfastly demonstrated what that he was here in the House Chamber it’s important, I think, that we not true leadership is. It does not always entail on September 20, 2001 when President wait 50 years or 100 years or several easy or popular choices. It does not always Bush addressed the American people centuries to acknowledge them, but to elicit cheers of support. Leadership in the 21st also showed his absolute commitment acknowledge them in their own time as century, as we have come to realize, will often to the United States and to the war being prophets with honor. mean taking a very difficult stand against the against terrorism. So I, again, say I’ve had the privilege enemies of freedom. I believe that history will regard this prin- As an Irish American, I have been in- a number of times of being with Tony cipled leadership very highly. And as Mr. volved for many years in the quest for Blair. I was with him with President KING’s resolution highlights, this leadership a peaceful solution to the struggle in Clinton in Washington and in Belfast has been exemplified throughout Tony Blair’s Northern Ireland. And depending on and Armagh City in Northern Ireland, entire tenure as Prime Minister. By brokering which historian you’re talking to or and just last month, again, at the Brit- the Good Friday Agreement, he has ushered which analyst you’re talking to, this is ish Embassy. He certainly is a man of in a new, peaceful era in Northern Ireland, a struggle that went back 800 years, 300 stature, he’s a man of achievement and bringing together all parties and giving them a years, 80 years, 35 years. It really he’s a man of courage. critical role in their own government. He has doesn’t matter what timeline we’re I am proud to support this resolution, been our close ally in every major conflict that using, the reality is it was a seemingly and I urge its adoption. unending struggle which was going to Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield we have faced together—Bosnia, Kosovo, Af- go on and on and on. And then the back the balance of my time. ghanistan and Iraq. He was the first foreign leader to visit stars were properly aligned and Tony Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, in clos- Ground Zero after September 11, 2001, and Blair became the Prime Minister of the ing, there was nothing hesitant about attended President Bush’s address to the joint United Kingdom, Bertie Ahern became Prime Minister Blair’s resolve to fight session of Congress 9 days after those tragic the Prime Minister of Ireland, and back and send a message to terrorists attacks. And no other ally has contributed President Clinton committed himself that the United Kingdom, like the more forces to the global war on terror. The to using the good offices of the United United States, would not succumb to United States owes a great debt of gratitude States as an honest broker to try to ideology that espouses violence and to Prime Minister Blair and to the great people bring about a peaceful resolution in the death. north of Ireland. And through incred- Like Prime Minister Margaret of his nation. We honor their sacrifices and ible hard work and perseverance and their deep friendship. Thatcher before him, who stood shoul- Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield dedication, it worked. And not only did der to shoulder with President Ronald back the balance of my time. Tony Blair deal with Prime Minister Reagan to bring down the greatest The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ahern and President Clinton, what he dark force of the 20th century, com- question is on the motion offered by did even took more courage, and that munist, Mr. Blair stood with President the gentlewoman from California (Ms. was to reach out to historic enemies, if Bush even when few others would ac- WATSON) that the House suspend the you will, of the British Government. cept the challenge to eliminate the rules and agree to the resolution, H. He reached out to people such as Gerry dark force of this new century. Res. 416. Adams and Martin McGuiness and Sinn Mr. Speaker, as all the previous The question was taken; and (two- Fein, and he brought them to the nego- speakers have suggested, this is most thirds being in the affirmative) the tiating table and sat down with them worthy resolution for a most worthy rules were suspended and the resolu- and worked with them. And he had leader. I urge all of my colleagues to tion was agreed to. them to 10 Downing Street and he join me in congratulating Prime Min- A motion to reconsider was laid on broke down centuries of division and ister Tony Blair for his remarkable the table. hatred. And at the same time, he tenure as Prime Minister of the U.K., f worked with those on the other side, and for his steadfast support of the strongly on the other side, not just United States, and our invaluable alli- HONORING JACK VALENTI David Trimble of the Ulster Unionist ance with Great Britain. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to Party, but also Ian Paisley of the We look forward to his successor, Mr. suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Democratic Unionist Party. Gordon Brown, following in Mr. Blair’s lution (H. Res. 361) recognizing and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:23 Jun 08, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H25JN7.000 H25JN7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD June 25, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 12 17131 honoring Jack Valenti and expressing GENERAL LEAVE age. Unable to afford college, he the condolences of the House of Rep- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask worked for a short time in a movie the- resentatives to his family on his death, unanimous consent that all Members ater, then at an oil company, until he as amended. have 5 legislative days in which to re- could afford night classes at the Uni- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- vise and extend their remarks. versity of . His leadership tion. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there skills, solidified at college, and he was elected student body president. From The text of the resolution is as fol- objection to the request of the gentle- there, he went on to earn his MBA lows: woman from the District of Columbia? There was no objection. from . H. RES. 361 Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, as a His interest in politics began during Whereas Jack Valenti was born in Hous- member of the House Committee on a chance meeting with President John- ton, , on September 5, 1921, and resided Oversight and Government Reform, I son, who was looking to reach out to in Washington, DC and Beverly Hills, Cali- am pleased to join my colleagues in the fellow Texans while serving in the Sen- fornia; discussion of H. Res. 361, recognizing ate. At the meeting, Jack Valenti was Whereas Jack Valenti graduated from the fascinated by Johnson and chose to with a Bachelor of and honoring Jack Valenti and express- Arts degree and from Harvard University ing the condolences to the House of work on his next campaign in Texas. with a Master of Business Administration Representatives to his family on his They kept in touch, and he was soon degree; death. employed by Johnson when he became Whereas Jack Valenti served as special as- H. Res. 361, which has 95 cosponsors, Vice President. sistant to President Lyndon B. Johnson; was introduced by Representative Jack Valenti was inspired by the Whereas Jack Valenti was the distin- DIANE WATSON on May 1, 2007. H. Res. Vice President and viewed him as a guished president of the Motion Picture As- 361 was reported from the Oversight mentor. Valenti was in the presidential sociation of America for 38 years; motorcade as it traveled through down- Whereas Jack Valenti was a trusted presi- Committee on June 12, 2007 by voice vote. town , Texas on that fateful dential advisor, a war hero, an author, and a tragic day of November 22, 1963, when pioneer in the American film industry; Jack Valenti was born September 5, Whereas Jack Valenti was a great humani- 1921 in Houston, Texas. An honor stu- President Kennedy was assassinated. tarian who served as a powerful spokes- dent and debate champion at Sam He said later that that day changed his person for the global fight against AIDS, tu- Houston High School, he graduated at life forever. Indeed, he became Presi- berculosis, and malaria; age 15. Lacking the funds to attend col- dent Johnson’s special assistant, and Whereas Jack Valenti was a loving hus- lege, he worked for $11 a week as an even lived in the during band to his wife, Mary Margaret, and an ex- usher at a movie theater. the early months of the new Presi- ceptional father to his three children, Alex- dent’s term. andra, John, and Courtenay; At age 20, Mr. Valenti served in the U.S. Army, which in 1941 was called the He left the White House when he was Whereas Jack Valenti’s spirit touched ev- approached by two Hollywood studio eryone he encountered, whether in his polit- Army Air Forces. He flew 51 missions executives to take over their fledgling ical career or in his time spent with the Mo- and was awarded the Distinguished trade group. With a pay raise almost tion Picture Association of America; Flying Cross. He received his MBA de- impossible to turn down, he accepted Whereas Jack Valenti revolutionized the gree from Harvard University in 1948 the position and became the chief lob- movie industry through the creation of a and 4 years later started an advertising voluntary movie rating system that has en- byist for the Motion Picture Associa- business. dured to this day; tion of America in 1966. Whereas Jack Valenti’s vision for the Mr. Valenti served as a Special As- He revitalized the film rating system, movie industry has withstood the test of sistant to President Lyndon B. John- bringing it into line with current cul- time, and has provided guidance for families son. In 1966, he left the White House to ture. It is a system which has remained in their movie viewing experiences as well as become president of the Motion Pic- intact, other than modifications Va- safeguards for our filmmakers; ture Association of America for 38 Whereas the vision and character Jack Va- lenti also helped put in place for dec- years. He died on April 26, 2007. ades. lenti brought to the movie industry will be Mr. Speaker, I commend my col- greatly missed; and Through the years, movies and tech- league, Representative DIANE WATSON Whereas on April 26, 2007, Jack Valenti nologies changed and progressed, as did passed away, prompting his friend and con- of California, for introducing this legis- his work. He helped the industry thrive fidant, , to say, ‘‘Jack was a lation and urge the swift passage of even as television and home videos showman, a gentleman, an orator, and a pas- this bill. chipped away its dominance. He fought sionate champion of this country, its movies, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of digital piracy and other threats to the and the enduring freedoms that made both so my time. film industry. important to this world. He also embodied Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Valenti left MPAA in 2004, but he re- the theatricality of our industry with his gentlelady from DC and look forward mained active in the public stage. He conviction, quick wit and boundless energy. to the time that she will be a full Mem- In a very real sense, he was the ultimate concentrated on the world health leading man.’’: Now, therefore, be it ber of this Chamber, with all the rights issues such as AIDS, tuberculosis and and privileges. Resolved, That the House of Representa- malaria. He helped devise the tech- tives— Much as been said about the life of nology by which parents control what (1) recognizes Jack Valenti as one of the Jack Valenti, and rightfully so. It is programs their children watch. greatest contributors to the motion picture impossible to sum up his great life and He continued this work almost until industry; achievements in the short time we the day in April when he died. He (2) honors Jack Valenti for his service to have today. leaves behind his wife of 45 years, 3 his country, for his tremendous accomplish- He held powerful influence on both children and 2 grandchildren. He also ments, and for his contributions to the coasts in the United States, in Wash- leaves behind a legacy of service of movie industry and to the Nation; and ington, DC, where he served as a polit- (3) extends its deepest condolences to the principled advocacy and of human family of Jack Valenti. ical adviser to President Johnson, and warmth appreciated by all who had the in Hollywood, where he served as chief privilege of knowing him. His char- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- lobbyist of the Motion Picture Associa- acter, his warm personality and his ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from tion of America. Valenti negotiated deep southern accent all will be missed the District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) both power centers with dignity, deter- as much his has legacy in the worlds of and the gentleman from Connecticut mination and deference. film and public policy. (Mr. SHAYS) each will control 20 min- He was born to Houston, Texas, as Mr. Speaker, with that, I reserve the utes. was pointed out, the grandson of Sicil- balance of my time. The Chair recognizes the gentle- ian immigrants. He excelled in school Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I want to woman from the District of Columbia. and finished high school at an early thank my colleague, Mr. SHAYS, for his

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:23 Jun 08, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H25JN7.000 H25JN7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 17132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 12 June 25, 2007 remarks concerning my membership in Jack Valenti. As it has been said, by marked by humanity, humor, and excellence. this House. It is typical of his gen- age 15, he was the youngest high school As head of the Motion Picture Association of erosity, and I appreciate it. I also ap- graduate in Houston. He began work as America, Jack’s leadership helped promote preciate his voting for the bill for the an office boy with the Humble Oil Com- and spread the best of American art and cre- residents of the District of Columbia to pany, which is now Exxon Mobil, which ativity on the silver screen all around the have a vote in this House. is near my congressional district. world. It was his sense of responsibility for the Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 As a young pilot in the Army Air well-being of our children that inspired his ef- minutes to the sponsor of this bill, the Corps in World War II, Lieutenant Va- forts to establish a rating system to help par- gentlelady from California (Ms. WAT- lenti flew 51 combat missions as the ents monitor what their children watched. SON). pilot commander of a B–25 attack As a passionate advocate for our children, Jack fought to protect our next generation, b 1500 bomber with the 12th Air Force in Italy. He graduated with a B.A. from lending his powerful voice for those who could Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I am the University of Houston and an not be heard. His concern for the health and proud to be the author, with my good M.B.A. from Harvard. In 1952, he co- well-being of our children spurred his efforts friend, DARRELL ISSA, of this resolution founded the advertising and political as founder and president of the Friends of the to honor the life of a great American consulting agency, Weekly & Valenti, Global Fight Against AIDS, TB, and Malaria, and dear friend, Jack Valenti. Both which was in charge of press during fighting diseases across the globe that for too Washington and Hollywood lost an icon President Kennedy’s and Vice Presi- long have extinguished the flame of hope that in April with the passing of Jack Va- dent Johnson’s tragic visit to Texas. should burn brightly in the eyes of every child. lenti. For nearly four decades, Jack He was in the motorcade, six cars be- Jack Valenti will be greatly missed, and his served as the public face of Hollywood hind the President, in Dallas on No- accomplishments will be long remembered in as the head of the Motion Picture Asso- vember 22, 1963. Within an hour of the the lives of all those he touched. My husband ciation of America where he was most assassination of John F. Kennedy, Mr. Paul and I express our deepest sympathy to famous for creating the film rating sys- Valenti was aboard fly- his family, whom he adored, and hope that it tem we use today. ing back to Washington with the new is a comfort to his wife Mary Margaret, his Jack’s career as a public servant President as the first newly hired spe- children Courtenay, John, and Alexandra, and began during World War II when he cial assistant to President Johnson. his two grandchildren that so many people flew B–25 bombers for the United Later in his position as President and share their loss and continue to pray for them. States Army Air Force. After the war, Chief Executive Officer of the MPAA, Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sup- Jack served as one of President Lyndon Mr. Valenti presided over tremendous port of H. Res. 361, recognizing and honoring Johnson’s closest advisers. Jack left worldwide change in the industry. New the life of Jack Valenti and expressing the the White House after several years to technologies, the arrival of the impor- condolences of the House of Representatives become a pioneer in the entertainment tance of international markets and the to his family. Jack Valenti was an American icon who industry. Joining MPAA in 1966, Jack tyranny of piracy radically changed holds a special place in the history of the created the movie rating system that the landscape of the American film and United States. He was a principled leader, a we use today. Jack served as one of television industry. It was Mr. fiery advocate, but always a gentleman. For Washington’s most effective lobbyists, Valenti’s leadership and personal ef- moving easily between Hollywood and over 40 years Jack dedicated himself to one forts that led the confrontation with of our country’s most enduring and influential Washington as the president of the these global dangers, problems and op- MPAA for 38 years. cultural exports, the motion picture. While portunities. most of the world knows Jack for his work at After his tenure at the Motion Pic- Mr. Speaker, our communities and the Motion Picture Association of America ture Association, Jack joined the fight our country have always relied on the against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria (MPAA), many of us would be surprised to contributions of those individuals who know that Jack was buried in Arlington Na- as a final mission in his extraordinary have the ability to rise above and be- life and committed himself to working tional Cemetery, not Hollywood. yond the call of duty to make a dif- Prior to his life promoting and defending the tirelessly to increase the quality of life ference in the lives of others, both per- motion picture industry, Jack piloted a B–25 of those suffering from the devastating sonally and professionally. Jack Va- bomber for the Army Air Forces during WWII, effects of disease and poverty across lenti was one of those rare individuals founded his own advertising company and the globe. He served as a relentless that demonstrated unfailing and tire- worked for an oil firm in Texas. It was Jack’s spokesman for disease-devastated com- less commitment to the betterment of Texas roots that helped propel him into na- munities across the globe while navi- the U.S. movie industry and the entire tional politics following the assassination of gating the Halls of Congress with Nation. President Kennedy. As a loyal political advisor statesmanlike agility to ensure that Mr. Speaker, though our community to President Lyndon Johnson, Jack cemented the United States increased its funding is diminished by his loss, I ask that my his roots in Washington, DC. This city and this to the Global Fund to fight AIDS and colleagues join me and his friends and country have lost someone that practiced the to fight tuberculosis and malaria and his family in celebrating the remark- art of advocacy and consensus that is rarely other programs that save lives. able life of this man who truly symbol- achieved and sorely missed. Not only has the global health com- ized America at its best, Jack Valenti, My father, California Senator Fred Farr munity lost a great advocate, but so a true and loyal Texan. knew and worked with Jack when they both has the entertainment industry and Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to served in the Johnson Administration and I Washington lost a truly great friend. pay tribute to a true patriot and dedicated pub- can say from personal knowledge that Jack So I urge all my colleagues to sup- lic servant, Jack Valenti, whose passing we was indeed a gentleman who would always port this resolution. continue to mourn. From his days as a brave offer a kind word, even to his greatest antago- Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I join with fighter pilot in World War II to his sound ad- nists. The difficulty of Jack’s job for the MPAA my colleague in urging passage of this vice and counsel to President Lyndon John- should not go overlooked, for uniting and as- resolution. son, Jack always served his country with dis- suaging the heads of major Hollywood studios Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance tinction and honor. A Democrat committed to would probably drive even the most savvy of my time. the ideals of justice and equality, he ap- party leader batty. That ability to form con- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I am proached each issue in the spirit of bipartisan- sensus was only overshadowed by the elo- pleased to yield 3 minutes to the ship, earning respect on both sides of the quence in his usage of the English language. gentlelady from Texas (Ms. EDDIE BER- aisle for his intellect and his passion. Jack is survived by his wife of over 45 years NICE JOHNSON). As a fellow Italian-American, I take special Mary Margaret Valenti and their 3 children, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of pride in the life, leadership, and many accom- John, Alexander and Courtenay; his sister, Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor plishments of Jack Valenti. His brilliant career, Lorraine Valenti Dinerstein; and 2 grand- today for me to pay tribute to Mr. in both the public and private sector, was children.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:23 Jun 08, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR07\H25JN7.000 H25JN7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD June 25, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 12 17133 As Jack’s love of classical literature is well death. I also want to thank my colleague from his tenure in politics, unto his career in the film known, I find it fitting to quote Shakespeare in California, DIANE WATSON, for introducing this industry and thereafter. honor of a man that lived several lives in one resolution. Jack Valenti was born in Houston, Texas on lifetime: Mr. Speaker, Jack Valenti was a giant of a September 5, 1921. During the era of World All the world’s a stage, man in many respects. While he was well War II, Mr. Valenti served as a lieutenant in And all the men and women merely players. known for his service to Presidents and his the United States Army Air Corps, flying 51 They have their exits and their entrances, work at the Motion Picture Association of combat missions as the pilot-commander of a And one man in his time plays many parts, America, I came to know Jack best from his B–25 attack bomber. It was also at this time His acts being seven ages. tireless and selfless work on behalf of people that he received 4 decorations—the Distin- I was pleased to call Jack Valenti a friend. living with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. guished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 4 Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, even as a Jack came to this final mission in his life clusters, the Distinguished Unit Citation with 1 young child, Jack Valenti showed signs of with the same dedication, creativity and vigor cluster, as well as the European Theater Rib- great leadership and oratory skills. He was a that he had so long displayed in serving the bon with four battle stars. debate champion at his high school. Making MPAA and our nation. His educational attainments are marked with good use of his natural ability to persuade and He was a champion for communities dev- his graduation from high school at the age of his interest in entertainment, Jack worked as astated by disease throughout the world, and 15, the youngest high school graduate in his a movie theater usher before enrolling in the brought both Republicans and Democrats to- city. He took several years hiatus to work in University of Houston. After receiving his B.A., gether with his impassioned testimony about the field of oil and gas, as well as to serve his he enlisted in the Army Air Force where he the terrible toll that AIDS, tuberculosis and Nation as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. He participated in 51 flying missions and was malaria had taken on Africa and the devel- later went on to earn a Bachelors of Arts de- honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross. oping world. gree from the University of Houston, where he Following his time in the armed forces, Jack I had met with Jack a number of times over worked full-time during the day and attended graduated from Harvard University in 1948 the last few years to talk specifically about his undergraduate courses at night. He continued with a master’s degree in business administra- work on behalf of the Global Fund to Fight to advance his education by obtaining a Mas- tion. AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Each time we ters in Business Administration from Harvard Jack Valenti entered the political arena met I always came away inspired by his en- University. In 1952, Valenti assisted in the co- when he was invited to a reception at a Hous- ergy and his advocacy on behalf of the most founding of an advertising/political consulting ton Hotel to meet his future mentor and friend, vulnerable among us. agency. It was this agency that led the press Lyndon B. Johnson. He was immediately in- We had talked about traveling to Africa to- during President John F. Kennedy and Vice- spired by Johnson, who at the time was the gether so that he could bear witness to both President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Dallas, Texas U.S. Senate Majority Leader. When Johnson the tragic impact of AIDS, TB and malaria, visit in 1963. was selected as Kennedy’s running mate in and to the hope and dedication of the peo- Valenti’s legacy is prevalent through his in- 1960, Jack worked on their media campaign. ple—who through it all still maintained their vention of the movie/film rating, which is still He remained close to Johnson after he be- dignity and their optimism for a better tomor- used today. Such a vision and innovation not came the Vice President. row. Although we never managed to take that only transformed the movie industry, but also Following the tragic Kennedy assassination trip together, Jack finally made it to Africa for provided guidance for families, protection for in Dallas, TX, Jack was asked by then-Presi- the first time in his life in July of 2006, and I children moviegoers and their parents, as well dent Johnson to accompany him to Wash- know that he was deeply affected by what he as safeguard for our filmmakers. ington where he became a special assistant saw. Mr. Speaker, among many things, it will be and close confidant to the new President. We had been in the process of organizing the vision and character of Mr. Jack Valenti After defending Johnson through criticism of another meeting together in March to that will greatly be missed. Rarely are we the Vietnam War and conspiracy connecting strategize about AIDS policy and funding for given the opportunities to recognize and honor Johnson to the Kennedy assassination, Valenti the coming year when he had a stroke. Unfor- the lifetime accomplishments of our American was offered a lucrative job by MCA Inc. head tunately I regret that I never had the chance heroes, as well have today. For this reason, I and United Artists’ Arthur to talk to him again before he passed away. ask my colleagues to rise and join me in hon- Krim as head of the Motion Picture Associa- But I will always remember Jack Valenti for his oring the life and lifetime accomplishments of tion of America. determined spirit, his compassion, and his the late Jack Valenti. We who knew and loved In this position, Valenti created the MPAA friendship. As we continue the global fight him will always remember him as a gen- rating system which initially labeled movies against these 3 diseases, his legacy and his tleman, a man with boundless energy, a lead- into 4 distinct ratings: G, M, R and X. This advocacy will continue to serve as a true in- er in our Nation, a wartime hero, a proud fa- was Valenti’s crowning achievement in the en- spiration for all of us. ther and a loving husband, a political consult- tertainment industry; the MPAA system is still Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, ant, and a movie industry powerhouse. He used today to provide guidance for movie- I rise today in proud support of H. Res. 361, was one in a million and will greatly be viewing families. During his 38 year tenure as as offered by my distinguished colleague from missed. president of the MPAA, he was extremely well California and chair of the Congressional En- Today, I ask that we join in recognizing Va- known in Washington as an advocate for the tertainment Caucus, Congresswoman DIANE lenti as one of the greatest contributors to the entertainment industry’s major issues. He lob- WATSON. This resolution recognizes and hon- motion picture industry and honoring him for bied for the protection of movie copyrights and ors the life and lifetime accomplishments of his service, accomplishments, and contribu- the prevention of digital piracy. His voluminous Jack Valenti, while also expressing condo- tions to our Nation. I also ask that we extend and eloquent style of speaking, coupled with lences of the House of Representatives to his our deepest condolences to his family—wife, his unique silver hair and cowboy boots, made family on his death. Having served as a long- Margaret, and children, Alexandra, John and him one of the most recognizable figures on time president of the Motion Picture Associa- Courtenay. the Hill. tion of America, Jack Valenti deserves no bet- Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, we have lost a His sage observations and folksy wisdom ter tribute than that of being honored by mem- dear friend and national treasure with the made Jack Valenti one of the most effective bers of the . passing of the legendary Jack Valenti, but, his players in Washington. He was an advisor to Mr. Speaker, Jack Valenti began his political legacy lives on. I know this is a tremendous Members of Congress on both sides of the career during the era of the ‘‘Great Society.’’ loss for his family, friends, and many admirers, aisle; and all of us fortunate enough to receive He briefly served as the first special assistant and I join with my colleagues in the House of his council benefited greatly from our associa- to President Lyndon B. Johnson during his Representatives in extending our deepest con- tion and friendship with him. We all miss him tenure in the White House. However, he re- dolences to all those who loved him. We greatly. signed from the White House commission In should all be grateful for the many wonderful Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of 1966, when he respectfully earned the position memories we share of Jack, memories that H. Res. 361, recognizing and honoring Jack as President of the Motion Picture Association cannot ease the pain of our loss but remind us Valenti and expressing the condolences of the of America. Nevertheless, public admiration of of the amazing accomplishments of this re- House of Representatives to his family on his this prominent young man followed him from markable man. I join with others in the House

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:23 Jun 08, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR07\H25JN7.000 H25JN7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 17134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 12 June 25, 2007 in expressing our sympathy to Jack’s beloved advisor, a war hero, an author and a pioneer to college, Jack worked to put himself through wife of 45 years Mary Margaret Valenti, his in the American industry. school and eventually get his MBA at Harvard. three children John, Alexandra, and Courtenay As President of the Motion Picture Associa- During that time, he also joined the Army, flew Valenti, and his 2 grandchildren. tion of America, Jack was one of the most 51 missions and earned the Distinguished Fly- Born in 1921 as the grandson of Sicilian im- hardworking and dedicated advocates you ing Cross. migrants, Jack Valenti became part of the would find anywhere on Capitol Hill. When he He got his first taste of politics in Houston, ‘‘Greatest Generation’’ of Americans who spoke, people listened—and by inventing the TX, when he met Senator Lyndon Baines served our country in World War II; and he movie industry’s rating system, he dem- Johnson, and he was hooked. He campaigned continued to serve our country long after the onstrated just how vital America’s business heavily for the Kennedy-Johnson ticket in War. Jack fought tyranny and served the community can be in providing for the com- 1960 and maintained the relationship with Lyn- United States by piloting a B-25 attack bomber mon good. don Johnson through November 1963 when in the European theater, flying 51 missions, Jack was a consummate professional, a the Vice President asked for his help with a and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for good friend, and someone that I will never for- Presidential visit to Dallas. On that fateful day his heroism and extraordinary achievement. get. My deepest sympathies go out to his fam- of November 22, Jack was just a few cars Following the War, Jack made his home in ily and friends as we mark his passing and away from President Kennedy when the shots Texas where he established a successful busi- commemorate a life that meant so much to were fired. ness in Dallas and became a close friend and people all across this great land. Through that tumultuous time, Jack returned ally of President Lyndon Johnson. The terrible Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, the House to DC with now President Johnson, and grew events in Dallas on November 22, 1963 pulled of Representatives passed H. Res. 361, hon- to be his close confidant and advisor. That Jack Valenti back into the service of our coun- oring the life of Jack Valenti. I rise today to ex- solemn trip on Air Force One would be the trip try when soon to be President Johnson asked press support for that resolution and to join in to Washington from which Jack never really him to return from Dallas to Washington DC to honoring Jack’s life and accomplishments. returned. As presidential advisor, and then join his Administration where he served his Mr. Speaker, Jack Valenti was the poster President of the Motion Picture Association of close friend as confidant and key aide to the child for what it means to be a great Amer- America, Jack Valenti become one of those President. From the Johnson Administration, ican. Jack was a true patriot and served our rare Washington denizens that shapes and Jack Valenti was lured into the film industry as country valiantly as a pilot in the armed forces defines a city that usually does the shaping the head of the Motion Picture Association of during World War II, where he flew over 50 and defining. America where he achieved great success as combat missions. He later served as special Through nearly 4 decades at MPAA, he the preeminent trade representative in Wash- assistant to President Lyndon Johnson during shepherded the most powerful names in Holly- ington, DC. Among other achievements, Jack the tumultuous period in American history fol- wood around countless industry and political was the architect of the revolutionary movie lowing the assassination of President Ken- landmines. As the world grew flatter, tech- rating system, which is essentially still intact nedy. nology grew smarter and politics remained as today, providing generations of parents and Following his public service, he became volatile as ever, Jack Valenti’s vision helped filmgoers with guidelines on the content of president of the Motion Picture Association of the American movie business not only weather films that carried the MPAA rating designation. America, where he instituted the first movie these challenges, but emerge bigger than Jack spoke often about the importance of rating system, which gave parents more infor- ever. open and free markets for Hollywood films, mation about the content of movies. It is dur- He was an undeniable force felt on both and was a passionate and staunch advocate ing his tenure at the MPAA that I came to coasts. And now his absence is also felt unde- for the protection of intellectual property rights know and become friends with Jack. niably. in the digital age. One thing that always impressed me about Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield But, this is only a brief snapshot of what he Jack was his commitment to serving others. I back the balance of my time. did, it does not identify who he was. For Jack remember a recent story I heard about Jack The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Valenti was much larger than any of his nu- where he gave a lesson to a waiter at one of question is on the motion offered by merous accomplishments. his favorite local restaurants. He told the wait- the gentlewoman from the District of Jack was a dear friend to many, and a truly er how important it was to remember the par- Columbia (Ms. NORTON) that the House gifted and remarkable individual. Jack earned ticulars of his clients, including their names suspend the rules and agree to the reso- the respect of Presidents and porters; his and what they like to order. It is with this at- lution, H. Res. 361, as amended. common touch and old world style enticed tention to detail that he succeeded in his mis- The question was taken; and (two- people to gravitate to him. These attributes, sion of educating Members of Congress about thirds being in the affirmative) the teamed with his keen mind and ability to con- the importance of copyright laws and the de- rules were suspended and the resolu- sider a different point of view, allowed Jack tails of the motion picture industry. tion, as amended, was agreed to. Valenti to gain the admiration and respect of Jack’s policy was to return every call from A motion to reconsider was laid on people on both sides of the aisle and even on every person who contacted him. He also em- the table. phasized the importance of telling the truth in opposite sides of many Issues. f But for me, the most important thing to re- all circumstances. These attributes explain call is the humanity and warmth he conveyed why both those who agreed with and dis- ESTABLISHING A WELCOME HOME to everyone whose lives he touched. I was agreed with his policy positions respected VIETNAM VETERANS DAY proud and privileged to call Jack my friend. He Jack and his work. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to counseled me on issues we cared about, en- I am indebted to Jack for befriending this suspend the rules and agree to the reso- couraged me to accept the challenges of this green, freshman lawmaker back in 1993, and lution (H. Res. 189) expressing the sense great institution, and comforted me during treating me with the same respect and kind- of the House of Representatives that a times of personal tragedy. I will be forever ness that he would give a President. ‘‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans grateful for his friendship, guidance, and coun- I join with all Members of this House to Day’’ should be established. sel. send my deepest condolences to Jack’s family The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Jack Valenti is truly the embodiment of the and also to honor and celebrate the life and tion. phrase, ‘‘his like shall not soon be seen accomplishments of Jack Valenti. The text of the resolution is as fol- again.’’ He was an original, he became a leg- Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, it took a larger- lows: end, and, he was ours. than-life man like Jack Valenti to bridge 2 larg- H. RES. 189 He will be missed. er-than-life worlds like Hollywood and Wash- Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ington. It is fitting that this legendary char- Whereas the Vietnam War was fought in Vietnam from 1961 to 1975, and involved honor my friend, Jack Valenti—a man whose acter, whose own life was often like an epic North Vietnam and the Viet Cong in conflict prowess as a lobbyist for the movie industry film, would end up in the movie business. with United States Armed Forces and South was outshined only by the passion he brought From a very early age, the passion and Vietnam; to his work and the steadfast love he had for drive that would motivate him for his 85 years Whereas the United States became in- our country. Jack was a trusted Presidential were clearly evident. Lacking the money to go volved in Vietnam because policy-makers in

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