Rob and Michele Reiner Tribute

Floor Speech

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Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, it is hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor than those pursued by Rob and Michele Reiner.

Rob was creative, funny, and beloved. Michele, successful in her own right, was an indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and loving wife.

Personally, Rob and Michele were, first and foremost, very loving parents. Rob cared deeply about people and demonstrated it in the community beyond family by supporting the First 5 Initiative.

First 5 Initiative took money from the tobacco tax and applied it to the first 5 years of a child's birth. Children born in California, including my own grandchild, have a packet that they take home and teaches them how to care for an infant child.

Rob also fought against the discriminatory Proposition 8.

Civically, he was a champion for the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists. Professionally, he was an iconic figure in film and made us laugh, cry, and think--and think--with the movies he created.

Paul and I and our entire family mourn the loss of our dear friends and pray for their loved ones.

His children, Jake and Romy, put out a statement thanking everyone for their good wishes but asking for privacy. We respect that.

Mr. Speaker, I will provide a fuller statement for the record of the great life achievements and beautiful, beautiful love of community of Rob and Michele Reiner.

I just want to say three things.

Do you recognize this? It is the things that have been said in his movies:

``I'll have what she's having.''

``You can't handle the truth.''

``As you wish.''

``Go to 11.''

Do you know what that is?

Mr. Speaker, I rise to sadly pay tribute to Rob and Michele Reiner

Rob and Michele Reiner embodied creativity, generosity and moral courage in every chapter of their lives. The deadly assault on them in their home earlier this week was devastating and heartbreaking beyond words.

Rob was truly one of a kind--a gifted storyteller whose humor, humanity and brilliance enriched our culture and brought people together. From his memorable roles on television to his extraordinary achievements as a director, filmmaker and actor--whether When Harry Met Sally . . . , The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, Stand By Me, This is Spinal Tap or `Meathead' in All in the Family, and so many others-- Rob's work gave us stories that made us laugh, cry and think, and reflected our shared humanity in profound ways. Who can ever forget: `You can't handle the truth,' `I'll have what she's having,' `As you wish,' or `Up to eleven.'

Michele was Rob's indispensable partner and a success in her own right--a formidable intellect, trusted counselor, and loving wife whose insight and strength shaped their work and their impact on the world.

Personally, Rob and Michele, first and foremost were devoted parents. They cared deeply about people and they demonstrated that every day in their community. They championed Proposition 10 for tobacco tax revenues to fund early childhood development through the transformational First 5 initiative which has benefited millions of California children. And they stood up for equality and dignity by fighting against the discriminatory Proposition 8. Indeed, they lent their voices and resources to countless causes rooted in fairness and opportunity for all.

Civically, Rob and Michele were fierce champions of the First Amendment and the creative rights of artists, never wavering in their belief that freedom of expression is essential to a vibrant and just society. They understood that democracy depends on compassion, engagement and the courage to speak out.

Professionally, Rob was an iconic figure in film and television whose work will endure for generations. And Michele's own leadership--behind the camera and in support of artistic expression--were integral to the couple's success. Their partnership was a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of shared purpose--and their legacy lives on in the countless lives they touched through art and advocacy.

Paul and I, and our entire family, mourn the loss of our very dear friends Rob and Michele with profound sorrow. (And moved by the loving statement by Jake and Romy, we hold their loved ones close in our hearts and are praying for them, and all who are grieving during this unimaginable time of pain. May Rob and Michele's memory be a blessing, and may their lives continue to inspire kindness, courage and hope.)

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