Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is both an honor and a privilege to congratulate Armtec Defense Products Company on their 40th anniversary. For the past four decades, this organization has worked diligently with the U.S. military to create products to protect and defend our county.

Armtec Defense Company began with a simple technical innovation, combining nitrocellulose into inert paper products, a superior invention that remains the industry standard even today. In 1968, founder and innovator Pete DeLuca opened the Armtec facility in Coachella, California, and began production of combustible 152mm cartridge cases. This product was used by the U.S. Army for nearly 30 years on Armored Reconnaissance Vehicles, and I commend Armtec for supplying our armed forces with the vital support our troops deserve.

For the past 40 years, Armtec has developed numerous combustible ordnance products for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. These products are utilized by a vast majority of U.S. tank, artillery and mortar rounds in our military, and have been supplied to our forces in past military engagements such as Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Armtec Defense Products Company has been and continues to be a wonderful asset to the Coachella Valley. Over the decades, they have provided thousands of jobs to the local residents of the 45th Congressional District, which is crucial during these economic times. Additionally, Armtec supports numerous worthy causes throughout our community, like the U.S. Marine Scholarship Fund, Navy League, and the United Way.

Armtec Defense Products Company's dedication to our nation's military is invaluable. On behalf of the constituents of the 45th District and the greater United States, we thank you for your contributions to our country's past and future.

Again, congratulations on your 40th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I would like to express my opposition to the Calling Card Consumer Protection Act, H.R. 3402.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3402, the Calling Card Consumer Protection Act. This bill--while well-intentioned--would only add to an increase in regulatory confusion because it sets up a system where lateral government organizations will not only be enforcing laws but also issuing their own interpretations of those laws. This is inefficient and it will breed confusion and conflict.

How can we reasonably expect multiple governmental organizations, in this instance the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission, to agree on the meaning of a particular statute when members of those individual commissions can't seem to agree among themselves? The truth is we can't and that is why the FCC and FTC dual authority provision should be corrected.

Finally, I recognize that State attorneys general can play a role in enforcing a Federal statute. However, empowering multiple entities with this authority will only force American businesses to spend valuable resources fighting litigation rather than investing in infrastructure, jobs, and consumer services.

Madam Speaker for these reasons I ask that my colleagues oppose H.R. 3402.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009:

(1) Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack.

Bill Number: H.R. 2638.

Account: Title III, Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) Account.

Entity Requesting: Surmet Precision Optics, 41618 Eastman Drive, Murrieta, CA 92562.

Description of Earmark: $4 million is provided for ALON and Spinel Optical Ceramics for transparent armor and for Infrared windows and domes. The availability of these components will impact such major defense acquisition programs as the Joint Common Missile (JCM), the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and the advanced side-winder AIM-9X missile. Government testing has shown ALON to be a premier transparent armor material.

Spending Plan: Project Expenditures--

Total Project Cost--$4,200,000 for FY 2009.

Surmet's matching share--$200,000 for FY 2009.

In addition to the above, Surmet has already invested or committed $943,171 of Company cost share funds toward the completed and ongoing efforts funded via FY 2006, 2007, and 2008 Defense Appropriations measures. Over the last five years, Surmet has invested $20 million of Company funds toward ALON and Spinel optical ceramics technology development.

(2) Requesting Member: Mary Bono Mack.

Bill Number: H.R. 2638.

Account: Air Force; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E).

Entity Requesting: Exotic Electro-Optics, Inc., 36570 Briggs Road, Murrieta, CA 92563.

Description of Earmark: $2,720,000 is provided for the purpose of initiating technology development to produce electromagnetic interference (EMI) grids for the Electro Optical Targeting System (EOTS) sensor window and to provide domestic sources for critical defense materials required for the production of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Funding utilized can help to develop innovative manufacturing technologies that will result in high-throughput and cost-effective processing techniques for these important materials.

Spending Plan: Project Expenditures--

$414,800 for basic EMI grid deposition process optimization.

$272,000 for development of advanced EMI grid deposition processes.

$442,000 for development of advanced EMI grid materials and architectures.

$612,000 for development of grid metrology tools.

$775,200 for development of EMI grid design methods and tools.

$204,000 for EMI grid over-coating process optimization.

Madam Speaker, I would first like to take this opportunity to thank Chairman Waxman and Ranking Member Davis for their support of H.R. 6085, which will designate a postal facility in Rancho Mirage, CA, as the `Gerald R. Ford Post Office Building.' It is because of their efforts, along with those of Subcommittee Chairman Davis and Ranking Member Marchant, that this legislation was able to move so quickly through the Committee and comes before us today.

Madam Speaker, I recently introduced H.R. 6085 to honor President Gerald R. Ford and pay tribute to his remarkable life and career as our 38th President. I am grateful to the more than 100 of my Colleagues who have joined me in this effort to commemorate President Ford's life by naming a post office located in Rancho Mirage, CA, in my District, as the Gerald R. Ford Post Office.

This is an especially meaningful piece of legislation to me and many of the residents of our District. As many of my Colleagues may know, President Ford and his family resided in Rancho Mirage for many years before his passing. Naming Ford's local post office in his honor is a tribute to this great man and his many accomplishments.

President Ford and former First Lady, Betty Ford, were active members of our local community, generously contributing to the betterment of our residents with their involvement in charities and support for the successful Betty Ford Center for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. President Ford regularly connected with residents and participated with local leaders. Many locals remember him as a friend and pillar of our community.

President Ford's many lifetime achievements included serving our country during WWII, rising to the rank of Naval Lieutenant Commander, and serving in Congress for 25 years, eight of which he was the Minority Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. As President, he led our citizens during a time of war, economic uncertainty, and low moral. With his steady direction, he worked to unify our nation during a tumultuous time in our nation's history.

He was one of our most respected leaders, and worked on many fronts to bring together our citizens and strengthen our trust in America's future. Years after his service as Commander-in-Chief, President Ford continued serving as a source of wise counsel to leaders throughout our nation and the world. President Ford was always willing to offer me insight and guidance when I came to Congress, and I will forever treasure his shared wisdom.

As a cherished resident of our District, were many locals called him a friend, President Ford is most deserving of the honor that this Gerald R. Ford Post Office will bring him and his family.

I ask that my colleagues, who wish to commemorate the legacy of President Ford, join me in naming the post office near his residence after this exemplary American.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I ask for the support of Members from both sides of the aisle for H.R. 6085, legislation I am proud to have authored.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor President Gerald R. Ford and I want to thank my 37 colleagues who have agreed to join me in naming a post office located in Rancho Mirage, CA, in my district, as the Gerald R. Ford Post Office.

Many of my colleagues may know that President Ford and his family resided in Rancho Mirage for many years before his passing.

President Ford and former First Lady Betty Ford were active members of our local community, generously contributing to the betterment of our residents with their involvement in charities and support for the successful Betty Ford Center for drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Naming this post office near the Ford residence will not only celebrate President Ford's involvement in our community but will pay tribute to his incredible life and career surrounding his leadership as our 38th President.

Among President Ford's many lifetime achievements was serving our country during WWII, rising to the ranks of naval lieutenant commander and serving in Congress for 25 years, 8 of which he was the minority leader. As President, he led our citizens during a time of war, economic uncertainty, and low morale. With his steady direction, he worked to unify our Nation during a tumultuous time in our Nation's history.

He was one of our most respected leaders, and worked on many fronts to unify our citizens and strengthen our trust in America's future. Even many years after his Presidency, President Ford continued serving as a source of wise counsel to leaders throughout our Nation and the world.

As a cherished resident in my district, where many locals called him a friend, President Ford is most deserving of the honor that this Gerald R. Ford Post Office will bring him and his family.

I ask that my colleagues, who wish to commemorate the legacy of President Ford, join me in naming this post office near the Ford residence after this incredible American.

I thank my dear colleague in the neighboring district from California for yielding me time.

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4841, the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Settlement Act. This legislation is the product of decades of litigation and negotiations relating to the water rights of the Soboba Tribe. The courts ruled on the legitimacy of their rights and were able to determine that serious damages were suffered by the Tribe from the diversion of their water resources. In the years following that decision, the Tribe, local water districts, cities and other stakeholders spent years at the table working out a solution that was in the best interests of the entire region.

Bobby Salgado, the Chairman of the Tribe, tells the story well of how his tribal members saw their lives changed when their water resources drastically decreased. Chairman Salgado testified to the House Natural Resources Committee about how he and others would take gym class first thing in the morning during school just so that they could take showers that day.

All of the partners to this agreement recognize Southern California's water needs are serious and are best addressed through approaches that are mindful of supply needs and new water use practices. This legislation embodies the linchpin for a comprehensive basin-wide water management plan in the Jacinto River Valley.

Finally, I would like to thank Chairman Rahall, Ranking Member Young, Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers, along with their staffs, for helping quickly bring this legislation to the floor. I would like to also thank Chris Foster from my staff for his hard work on this bill.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4841.

I thank the ranking member for his generosity in yielding me this time.

I rise today as a co-Chair of the NLCS Caucus and supporter of H.R. 2016. This system, which is managed by the executive branch, deserves the oversight of Congress that comes with the passage of this legislation. One unit of the NLCS, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, is within my congressional District. This monument is instructive to today's debate. The unit was created by Congress in 2000 and was the direct result of the desire to have the public get involved in the creation of a large Federal land designation. The result is an impressive example of Federal lands that are to this day managed in their own unique manner. The intention of this bill is to continue the management and specific uses that are allowed on Federal lands across the country, the same approach taken at this monument ever since the creation of the NLCS in 2000.

With bipartisan backing and the endorsement of the administration, again, the endorsement of the administration, it is my hope that we can agree to move this bill forward.

Again, I thank my ranking member very much for his generosity and his time.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend millions of Americans will view the Grammy Awards Gala and I rise today to recognize a most important milestone for the organization responsible for this program.

I would first like to take this opportunity to thank the Majority Leader and his staff for working together with my office on this concurrent resolution. Additionally, I would like to thank him for his steadfast commitment to the Recording Arts and Sciences Caucus of which we both serve as co-chairs.

Today I am joined by over 60 of my colleagues--on both sides of the aisle--as I put forth this concurrent resolution which recognizes the contributions the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has made to our country over the last half century.

It is indeed an honor to celebrate this anniversary as we acknowledge that is has been 50 years since the Recording Academy was formed. Throughout that time the Recording Academy has expanded its mission beyond a peer music award to include professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education, and human services programs.

These programs are helping develop and nurture the music industry and most importantly the musicians who make up that industry. The impact this has had on music and the arts in the United States cannot be overstated.

At its core, the Recording Academy's support for the individual recording professional has been and is essential to the creative life of our Nation. The Recording Academy's constant push for the advancement of the rights of musicians, songwriters, singers, producers, and other recording professionals is essential to the future health and sustainability of the music community. Thankfully, the Recording Academy is there everyday, championing these worthy causes and educating all of us about their importance.

As such, I am proud to have authored House Concurrent Resolution 273 which recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I ask for the support of Members from both sides of the aisle for H. Con. Res. 273, legislation I'm proud to have authored.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the approval of a new treatment that will provide renewed health and hope for people living with HIV/AIDS. On Friday, January 18, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration approved INTELENCE TM, for the treatment of HIV infection. Tibotec Therapeutics innovative efforts in developing new, effective treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS should be commended.

We are all aware of the success HIV therapies have had on prolonging and enhancing the quality of life for those infected with HIV/AIDS. As the infected population lives longer and becomes increasingly resistant to current treatment regimens, there is a growing need to focus on access to newer therapies for treatment experienced. HIV drug manufacturers are being challenged to meet the treatment needs of this changing population.

INTELENCE TM, also known as TMC125, is the first new drug in the NNRTI class to be approved in a decade. It brings new hope to HIV patients, whose HIV virus has become resistant to other HIV therapies, including drugs in the same NNRTI class.

Tibotec Therapeutics has worked with the HIV patient and physician communities in the 45th Congressional district among many others during the development and approval of INTELENCE TM. The results of these efforts and clinical trials have been positive; patients are achieving and maintaining suppressed viral loads with minimal side effects. Notably, the FDA approved INTELENCE TM through an accelerated approval procedure--a process that is reserved for the early approval of drugs that show a meaningful therapeutic advantage over existing treatments for serious or life-threatening diseases.

I applaud the fact that Americans living with HIV/AIDS will now have access to a new and important treatment option, affording them the possibility of living healthier and productive lives.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of the Managing Arson Through Criminal History, or MATCH Act, H.R. 1759.

As a Member from California, I was heartened by the support that our delegation received from this House during the tragic fires that recently swept through our State. As many of you know, some of those fires are being investigated as arson. But it was not these very recent events that inspired the legislation that we are considering today.

Just a little over a year ago, my community was devastated by what was known as the Esperanza fire. This fire not only wreaked havoc on the surrounding land and homes, but ultimately cost the lives of five very brave

United States Forest Service firefighters. The fire that cost those men their lives was a result of a despicable act of arson.

Subsequent conversations with firefighters and chiefs in my district led to the creation of this bill. They told me how a central database would provide them with invaluable information in tracking arsonists and, more especially, serial arsonists. Clearly, more help is needed in the tracking of this dangerous crime. Although arson fires account for the majority of the fires in the United States, the arrest and conviction rate is less than 20 percent.

I can share statistic after statistic about the damage caused by arson, the millions of dollars lost and grand totals of people, but what those numbers fail to convey are the stories of individuals; the hundreds of families in Southern California who will have nowhere to celebrate the holidays this year or the veteran who lost his war medals and mementos before he could share them with his grandchildren, the baby pictures, the refrigerator art, the family rocking chair, the things that no insurance policy could possibly replace and that no one else will ever truly understand.

It is our duty as Members of Congress to provide what tools and infrastructure we can to aid in both the prevention of this crime and speedy apprehension of those who choose to commit it.

The MATCH Act combines the efforts of the Federal, State, and local governments to combat the crime of arson by creating a national arson registry. The registry requires criminal arsonists to report where they live, work and go to school. In addition to that information, the database will include finger and palm prints of the arsonist and an up- to-date photograph. This legislation will provide an important tool to law enforcement officers by enabling them to effectively track arsonists regardless of where they live and to share that information across jurisdictions.

I, like all of my colleagues in this House, am anxious to provide what tools and support we can to combat the despicable crime of arson. It is my sincere belief that the MATCH Act will make a meaningful difference in the way we approach and deal with arson offenders.

I would like to especially thank Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Forbes of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. They worked with me and my colleague Adam Schiff to ensure that the legislation was expeditiously moved through the legislative process and that concerns were addressed. I would also like to thank Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Smith, along with their terrific staff and Taryn Nader on my staff for their efforts and hard work in bringing this bill before us today. Finally, I would like to thank my good friend and colleague Adam Schiff for his partnership on this important issue.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to a dear friend and constituent, Mr. Harold Matzner. On November 17 of this year, Mr. Matzner will be honored as the 2007 Good Samaritan of the Year by the Desert Samaritans of the Coachella Valley in our great State of California, and I am pleased to extend my sincere congratulations to Harold for this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. Matzner has been a resident of Palm Springs for over 25 years, and during this time he has established himself as one of the outstanding philanthropic and civic leaders in our community. Harold's generosity is legendary. His energy, passion, and tireless advocacy for numerous worthwhile causes benefit all those who live in and visit Palm Springs.

A close friend and neighbor, Harold was also an invaluable supporter of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The festival was founded by my late husband, the Honorable Sonny Bono, when he served as mayor of the city of Palm Springs.

Harold is widely credited with revitalizing the festival and ensuring its continued success as a member of the festival board, board chairman, vice-chairman and, most recently, as chairman emeritus. Without his devotion to the festival and impressive business acumen, the festival would simply not have attained its current status as one of the premier celebrations of the art of cinema in the United States.

In addition to his efforts on behalf of the Film Festival, Harold serves as chairman of the McCallum Theater, is an executive committee member of the Palm Springs Art Museum, and chairman of the Palm Springs Tennis Club Members Association. But his contributions to the community are not limited to these leadership roles. Harold is also a driving force in support of the Stroke Recovery Center, Temple Isaiah, Desert Aids Project, and Animal Samaritans, along with many other charitable causes.

Harold has established a long and successful business career as CEO of a major branding, advertising, and marketing company, and as the owner of a local Palm Springs landmark restaurant, Spencer's at the Mountain. He brings the same commitment to success to both his business ventures and his philanthropic activities, and our community has been greatly enhanced by his generosity of spirit and hard work.

Countless community and civic leaders have benefitted from Harold's insightful guidance and counsel. He is truly one of our community's treasures, and I am greatly honored to pay tribute to him today for his achievements and contributions to the citizens of the desert.

I want to join with the rest of our community in extending my appreciation and congratulations to Harold for this most fitting honor. And I encourage my colleagues to join me in celebrating this remarkable man, my dear friend, Harold Matzner.

Mr. Chairman, today I rise in support of the Patent Reform Act of 2007. I would like to commend Congressman Berman, Congressman Smith and the many Members of the House, on both sides of the aisle, who have worked diligently to bring this legislation before us. As one who cares deeply about the importance of strong legal protections for copyright and other intellectual property rights, I look forward to supporting this bill today.

My experience with the importance of intellectual property rights has been in the field of entertainment, specifically music. The greatest protection that the innovators of these songs and performances have is their ability to copyright. To continue encouraging involvement and growth in the area of entertainment and the myriad of jobs that are tied to the industry, it is critical that patents are protected, in order to support the many creative individuals who bring music to the masses.

Many of the issues that we address in Congress from telecommunications to energy to health care advancements all have their basis in a few core concepts--the ability for small and large inventors to pursue a unique idea through the patent process. With that pursuit brings the need for related capital that is often required from outside investors to further the research and development that brings the patent holder's idea to consumers across the world. California is home to some of the most impressive and entrepreneurial high-tech, bio-tech and entertainment industries that rely heavily on patent protection and copyright laws. Each of these industries, and their hundreds of thousands of employees, will be greatly impacted by these changes.

This basic concept of innovation is as critical in the high-tech field as it is in the health sciences and biotech realm. However, as many of my colleagues have pointed out today, the interaction between competitors and the role of patent protections differs greatly between fields. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. As this legislation moves forward and is considered in conference, it is my hope that the conferees will be aware of the concerns that have been expressed by the biotech industry and take these concerns into consideration.

Again, I would like to reiterate my support of this long awaited legislation. There has been remarkable bipartisan work on this legislation over the past several years and I am proud to cast my vote in support of it.

Madam Chairman, I share the concerns of the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas). But I also would like to speak today on a specific provision within H.R. 2419 that I'm happy to say will soon bring to resolution the implementation of what Congress has wanted for 6 years, country-of-origin labeling, the act of simply letting U.S. consumers know where the product they're picking up in the grocery store is from. Sounds simple, logical and straightforward; yet for too long Congress has been putting off the implementation of mandatory

Mr. Speaker, I would first like to take this opportunity to thank Chairman Rahall and Ranking Member Young for their support of H.R. 1725, the Rancho California Water District, or RCWD, Recycled Water Reclamation Facility Act of 2007.

Thanks to the speed with which they were able to move this bill through regular order, with the help of Subcommittee Chairman Napolitano and Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers, we are now able to consider this legislation in the full House.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1725, which I introduced in March of this year, authorizes funding to begin implementation of the RCWD regional Integrated Resources Plan. The legislation directly affects water usage for an area of the Nation that continues to experience rapid population growth. Riverside County, where RCWD operates, is California's fourth largest county and experienced a population increase of 76 percent from 1980 to 1990. By the year 2000, this county's population was at over 1.5 million residents.

In particular, RCWD serves the City of Temecula, parts of the City of Murrieta and the surrounding area, which is represented by both myself and Congressman Darrell Issa. Southwest Riverside County continues to grow quickly, with numerous military families and those who commute to both Los Angeles and San Diego. Coupled with this residential growth, the area is also home to a strong agricultural industry. Citrus, avocados and wine grape fields dot the area and bring with them jobs, crop revenues and, not to mention, some extremely good wine.

H.R. 1725 also enjoys the support from the surrounding water districts, including Eastern and Western Municipal Water Districts and Metropolitan

Water District, which provides drinking water to nearly 18 million people throughout southern California.

The funding authorized in my legislation will take significant steps toward enacting the Integrated Resource Plan that has a total cost of around $103 million. The results of this plan are primarily three things: an expansion of local recycled water resources; a dependable conversion of water used in the agriculture sector to a recycled and raw water system; and a facility to desalinate recycled water for agricultural use.

Put in more simple terms, the benefits to the area are clear: As this part of Riverside County continues to see more residential growth, the IRP project will free up enough treated water to supply up to 70,000 households. The capability to reuse over 16,000 acre-feet of recycled water will be in place, keeping the local agricultural sector vibrant and maximizing local water storage.

It is also important to note that, in May, the local water districts completed a year-long feasibility study which, in part, indicated a gross savings of $789 million in purchased water costs over the 30 years after the project is completed. The savings to the area and modernization of local water infrastructure is something crucial for this part of my district.

As you know, the value of thoughtful water usage in this area of southern California is extremely high. The strong support this legislation received within the Natural Resources Committee shows a bipartisan understanding other Members have of improving water delivery to both residential and agricultural users.

Once again, I would like to thank the chairman, the ranking member, their staff, and my own Chris Foster, for all of their help.

I ask for the support of Members from both sides of the aisle on H.R. 1725, the legislation I'm proud to have authored.

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 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, D.C. 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.