[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 30, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H4121-H4125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF SAM GIBBONS
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, we are here today to honor
Congressman Sam Gibbons on the occasion of his retirement at the end of
this year. Even before Sam was elected to Congress in 1962, he already
had a long and distinguished career. Serving 17 terms in Congress was a
fine way for Sam to finish off his remarkable career in public life.
Although, I am sure he is not going to disappear. I hear that Sam is
gearing up to teach, among other things--not surprising for a man who
has spent his whole life serving his country in one way or another.
Sam is most treasured as a hero of World War II. He earned the Bronze
Star after parachuting into Normandy on the night before D-day.
Sam served for 10 years in the Florida House of Representatives. One
of his proudest accomplishments was passing legislation that created
the University of South Florida. Today, Sam is proud to be recognized
as the ``Father of the University of South Florida.''
In the Florida Senate, where he served for 4 years, Sam Gibbons
helped establish Florida's regional water management districts. These
districts are important because they have enabled us to repair,
maintain, and preserve our precious water resources, not just for our
current enjoyment, but for Florida's future as well.
So, when Sam Gibbons marched into Congress in 1962, he was quite
accomplished in many areas of policy. And he went on to tackle Congress
in grand style. As a junior Member of Congress in 1965, Sam Gibbons was
chosen by President Johnson to shepherd important legislation such as
Job Corps and Head Start through Congress. Sam secured a seat on the
coveted Ways and Means Committee and became chairman of its Trade
Subcommittee in 1981. One of Sam's finest hours was shepherding NAFTA
and GATT through Ways and Means to final passage.
In early 1994, when he became the acting chairman of the Ways and
Means Committee, Sam Gibbons was instrumental in passing a health care
reform bill through his committee. Later that year, Sam worked
tirelessly to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and welfare from the chopping
block.
Sam is also a family man. Sam and his darling wife Martha celebrate
their 50th wedding anniversary this year. His three sons Clifford, Tim,
and Mark, his three daughters-in-law, and his five grandchildren will
benefit from our loss when Sam returns home to Florida at the end of
this year.
Sam has been our leader, Sam has been our mentor, Sam has been our
friend. Sam, thank you for all that you have done for Florida, and for
our Nation.
In the Bible, there is a passage ``For I am now ready to be offered,
and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I
have finished my course. I have kept the faith.'' Sam Gibbons has been
fighting the good fight, and he has kept the faith. We are so proud of
you, Sam. You have been our leader and you have been our friend.
I have a token that I want to give Sam and his wife. Sam, would you
come down, please?
A tiny token of our appreciation to you and from me personally as
being my mentor when I arrived here.
Mr. GIBBONS. Thank you so much.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. God bless you, Sam, and God bless America.
Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor today that I rise
today to pay tribute to our colleague, Sam Gibbons of Florida. For 33
years, Sam has stood proudly as a Member of the House of
Representatives representing the 11th district of Florida and he will
be missed by all for his integrity and dedication to the people of
Tampa and to this institution, the U.S. House of Representatives.
Mr. Speaker, although every American has a different definition of an
hero, I think that most Members of the House would agree with me that
Sam Gibbons has qualities that would qualify him as a great American
hero to each and every American.
To some, a hero is defined as a military man who distinguishes
himself in battle. As a young captain in 1944, Sam was with 12,000
members of the 101st Airborne who parachuted into German-occupied
France, providing key support for the invasion at Normandy on D-day
which earned him the Bronze Star.
To some, a hero is someone who has established himself as a leader of
men. And if his military service is not enough to prove this, his
career in the House of Representatives
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and Florida Legislature has. As a young member of the then Education
and Labor Committee, Sam Gibbons was chosen to floor manage the Great
Society legislation, including the Head Start Program, for President
Johnson. Almost 30 years later, as chairman of the House Ways and Means
Committee, he was able to muster enough support for a health bill that
no one thought was ever possible.
To others, being a hero means standing up for what you believe in, no
matter what the odds are against you. In my years of Congress, I have
not witnessed Sam compromise his views or do something in which he did
not believe. His powerful voice resonating in support of the elderly,
the children, and veterans will always be heard in the hallways of the
U.S. Capitol.
And to others, being a hero, means being a good husband and father.
For almost 50 years, Sam has been married to Martha Hanley and they
have three sons who have married and have blessed Sam and Martha with
five grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, I close by wishing the best for a great American hero,
Sam Gibbons, as he and his family embark on new endeavors together. Sam
has been a great friend to me during my tenure in the House of
Representatives and I will miss him greatly.
Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sam Gibbons
who is retiring from Congress at the end of this year. Sam Gibbons has
served the people of Florida for over 50 years, including 34 in the
U.S. House of Representatives representing the 11th Congressional
District of Florida.
A patriot and dedicated public servant, Mr. Gibbons was an officer in
the U.S. Army force that liberated France and brought about the end of
World War II. He parachuted behind enemy lines during Operation
Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-day. For his bravery in
the service he was honored with the Bronze Star. The young Sam Gibbons
found in military service not only a pride in serving his country, but
a philosophy to end war through economic pragmatism. Energized against
war from his combat experience, he came to believe that countries which
trade together would not fight each other. It was this interest in the
benefits of an open, global economy that subsequently guided Sam
Gibbons as a champion of free and fair trade during his congressional
career.
Sam Gibbons has constantly worked to meet the needs of his
constituents and improve the lives of Americans during his legislative
career. While serving in the Florida legislature, he championed
historic legislation that created the University of South Florida and
enacted legislation to establish Florida's regional water management
districts. Sam Gibbons was an early advocate of urban-renewal and
drafted Florida's first successful urban-renewal initiative.
In the U.S. Congress, he crafted legislation to allow Americans over
the age of 55 to protect from taxation capital gains earned from the
sale of their primary homes. Sam Gibbons was personally selected by
President Johnson as House floor manager of the Great Society
legislation, and he successfully navigated the anti-poverty
initiatives--which included Head Start--through Congress.
In 1994, Sam Gibbons became chairman of the House Ways and Means
Committee and worked diligently to enact President Clinton's health
care reform plan. In the course of this struggle, Sam demonstrated his
ability to run the committee in a collegial and competent manner.
During the 104th Congress, as the ranking Democrat on the House Ways
and Means Committee, Sam Gibbons was an influential leader of the House
Democrats in defending Medicare and other important programs.
I urge my colleagues to join with me in honoring Sam Gibbons as a
true public servant. This institution will be diminished by his
departure. However, we are enriched by the legacy he will leave. His
career is truly a model of public service to be emulated by Members of
Congress for years to come. We wish him the best in his future
endeavors.
Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues
tonight to pay tribute to a great Congressman and a good friend, Sam
Gibbons. Many of us have heard Sam tell about the night he parachuted
into Normandy with the 101st Airborne. That story typifies Sam and the
quality has colleagues have come to value most in him: his courage. In
the hedgerows of Normandy or on the House floor, Sam is willing to
stand and fight for what he believes.
Throughout his career, on issue after issue, Sam has shown tremendous
fortitude. He has never backed down from the principles and values he
believes in.
As a World War II veteran and a student of its history, Sam came to
understand the critical role of international trade in promoting not
only economic well-being but long-lasting peace. He has worked for that
vision of peace and plenty throughout his career. As chairman of the
Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, he has worked tirelessly--and
successfully--to bring about a fair, open, and free world trade regime.
From the Caribbean Basin Initiative to GATT, from customs modernization
to a whole range of bilateral agreements, Sam has been in the forefront
of every issue. In my own State of Connecticut, where the healthiest
part of our economy is the segment that is involved in international
trade, there are any number of people and companies whose economic
well-being is directly tied to Sam's efforts. And that same story is
being repeated around the country.
But I would like to conclude by offering Sam a word of thanks from
another group--the Democrats who served with him on Ways and Means. He
took over as chairman under difficult circumstances, and became ranking
member under circumstances even more difficult. But he led us when we
were in the majority, and he kept us on track when we were in the
minority. His dedication to our party's principles, his commitment to
fair treatment for all Americans, and his confidence about America's
economic future have inspired us. On behalf of my colleagues in the
committee, I would like to thank Sam Gibbons for all he has done--for
us, for this institution, and for his country.
Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep respect and
admiration that I rise today to pay the highest tribute to my long-time
colleague and friend, Representative Sam Gibbons of the 11th
Congressional District of Florida. On this day to celebrate one of
America's true military and political heroes, it is only proper that we
take time to reflect upon Representative Gibbons' dedicated service to
his district, his State, and his country.
Looking over his record, of 17 terms, you have to be impressed with
not only his successes but also with his battles. A listing of
Representative Gibbons experience and accomplishments is long and
impressive, but I will not try to list them all, we'd be here too long.
It is well known that he parachuted into German-occupied Normandy in
World War II on the night before D-day. He won the Bronze Star for his
service in that major military campaign. Representative Gibbons has
long credited his experiences as a captain in the 501st Parachute
Infantry/101st Airborne Division with shaping his fundamental beliefs
that have guided him in his public service first in the Florida State
Legislature and then in the United States Congress.
Representative Gibbons' service in Congress has not been quite as
hazardous as parachuting into Normandy, even though he would probably
agree that there have been several equally long nights preparing for
and fighting battles here in the House of Representatives.
Those of us who have served with him in the House of Representatives,
and those of us who have had the honor of working with him to craft
legislation and compromise, we know Sam Gibbons as a man of understated
wisdom, dedication, integrity, professionalism, and humility.
Since in the mid-1960's when President Lyndon Johnson tapped
Representative Gibbons to be the floor manager for the President's
Great Society program, Representative Gibbons, a son of the South,
could talk about the needs of the vulnerable in our society for early
education and early child development programs like Head Start. He has
demonstrated that a Member with deep convictions, and from the deep
South, could be for voting rights and still be re-elected, over and
over again.
Representative Gibbons has a reputation as being a defender of free
trade, believing strongly that countries and communities that trade
with each other don't fight each other. Some have even called him one
of the founders of GATT, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade,
and it cannot be disputed that Representative Gibbons provided zealous
leadership in the negotiations for the development of the GATT.
I had the pleasure of working closely with Representative Gibbons
when he chaired the Ways and Means Committee, and we worked together to
craft the Democratic health care reform legislation in the 103d
Congress. Representative Gibbons continues to lead the way toward
responsible social and fiscal policy as ranking minority member of the
House Ways and Means Committee in this 104th Congress.
Representative Gibbons represents a district in Florida that some
believe is bounded by Disney World and the Gulf of Mexico. That is only
partly true. Hailing from southern Hillsborough County, FL,
Representative Gibbons' district is as diverse as America itself.
Representative Gibbons has a well deserved reputation for creating
dialog among parties as diverse as students, shipbuilder, cigar
industry workers, and the phosphate mining companies. Large retirement
communities call on Representative Gibbons to be ever vigilant in his
shepherding of the Medicare and other social programs.
Mr. Speaker, Representative Sam Gibbons is truly a representative of
his constituents,
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often leading where needed. I have been and am proud to serve with him
and am pleased to offer my voice to honor him on this day.
Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, today, we are coming to the floor to honor
one of the true giants of the House of Representatives, Sam Gibbons of
Florida.
Mr. Speaker, our society often laments the shortage of heroes and
positive role models for young people in America.
You don't need to look further than Sam Gibbons to find both.
For more than 44 years, Sam Gibbons has sacrificed for his country
and represented his fellow citizens honestly and faithfully on both the
State and Federal level. He has played an important role in some of the
most significant events of the century, from the D-day invasion to the
creation of Medicare and Head Start.
Mr. Speaker, the accomplishments of Sam Gibbons are the
accomplishments of America. Sam went about doing great things with very
little fanfare, and a large dose of humility. Every American living
today and those not yet born will live longer, healthier, and more
productive lives because of the quiet excellence of Congressman Sam
Gibbons.
Mr. Speaker, Sam Gibbons established himself as a leader early in
life.
More than 50 years ago, Sam Gibbons was a skinny 24-year-old captain
in the 501st Parachute Infantry.
In the dark, pre-dawn hours of June 6, Sam began the long and
treacherous campaign to wrest control of Europe from Hitler's iron
grasp by parachuting through thick machine gun fire and behind German
lines near Normandy, France.
Realizing he was alone and miles from his planned drop point, Sam
nonetheless quickly determined his position, picked up other Americans
along the way and carried out his mission to capture French towns and
prevent reinforcements from reaching German troops battling the allied
invasion at Normandy.
Mr. Speaker, Sam Gibbons helped D-day succeed by carrying out his
mission. For his bravery and valor, he was awarded the Bronze Star.
Sam's career in public service began with his election to the Florida
House of Representatives in 1952. While there, he passed landmark
legislation creating the University of South Florida. In 1958, he was
elected to the Florida Senate and enacted the law to establish
Florida's regional water management districts.
Soon after coming to Congress in 1962, Sam played a pivotal role in
the passage of landmark social legislation. President Lyndon Johnson
appointed the junior Congressman as floor manager for much of his Great
Society program, including Head Start, still recognized as one of the
most successful and cost-effective programs of the Federal Government.
Just like in World War II, Sam Gibbons was in the trenches fighting
for the passage of Medicare and Medicaid, because he understood the
fundamental fairness and need to maintain a minimum level of health
care for every American.
And when the Republican leadership tried to significantly weaken
Medicare by cutting $270 billion, Sam Gibbons didn't just roll over, he
shouted so that all of America could hear. He told the truth about what
deep cuts to the program would do. He woke up Americans with the facts
and they started calling their Representatives. Sam Gibbons made people
understand that the fight over Medicare was not an academic one, it
involved the future of the program 37 million people and their families
depend on and care deeply about. The Republican cuts to Medicare didn't
go through, and Sam Gibbons was a big reason why.
Mr. Speaker, I was deeply saddened when I heard that Sam Gibbons had
decided to retire from Congress. He is my friend, my teacher and a man
with so much more to give to this institution. But I know that life
goes on, and for Sam, there will be many new challenges and adventures
ahead. To Sam and his wonderful wife, Martha, who will celebrate their
50th wedding anniversary this year, I offer my heartfelt wishes for
continued happiness and success.
Sam, the House just won't be the same place without you.
Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an
outstanding public servant and good friend, Congressman Sam Gibbons. I
was saddened to hear of his retirement; however, after such an
illustrious career, his legacy will live on in this Chamber.
He answered his country's call to service both at home and abroad. At
a tender age, he joined the U.S. Army and served with distinction
during World War II. For 5 years, he fought courageously against
tyranny with the 501st Parachute Infantry/101st Airborne Division. As
part of the initial assault landing force on D-day, Sam parachuted onto
Normandy beach. He earned a Bronze Star for his bravery on that
historic day.
Shortly after the war, he entered State politics and was instrumental
in establishing the University of South Florida. On November 6, 1962,
the people of Florida's 11th District elected Sam Gibbons to the U.S.
House of Representatives. Since the 88th Congress, he has been an
advocate of free trade and a friend to children, seniors, and the
disadvantaged.
I served with him from 1965 to 1977, and together we joined in the
great achievements of this era such as the creation of Head Start and
the enactment of Medicare. Although he served a pivotal role in passing
sweeping legislation back then, perhaps his greatest fight was in the
104th Congress. His powerful speeches in defense of programs for the
elderly and children exemplified his ardent commitment to those who are
powerless in our society.
I will never forget Sam's fiery contributions to the debate on my
welfare substitute last March. He fought tirelessly during the heated
discussion. His presence on the floor helped gain control as the issue
generated passionate remarks from both sides of the aisle. Although the
substitute failed, I will always appreciate Sam's support. The record
will show his undying compassion for America's children.
Yes, this Chamber will miss Sam Gibbons, but his retirement is well
deserved. From the beaches of Normandy to the U.S. Congress, he
dedicated a virtual lifetime to making this country a better place. He
has gained my respect and admiration. For his accomplishments and
devotion, he will be remembered as the essence of a public servant. My
best wishes to you and your family, Sam.
Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, the
distinguished gentlelady from Florida, Representative Corrine Brown,
and members of the Florida congressional delegation, for hosting
today's special order. We are privileged to join him in paying tribute
to Sam Gibbons, the dean of their delegation and our good friend and
mentor.
Once in a great while, we in the House of Representatives witness the
loss of an institution within this institution. Today represents such
an occasion. For 34 years, Sam Gibbons has served in the Halls of
Congress. Throughout his tenure, he has been a passionate advocate for
the citizens of our Nation. Indeed, he has represented the Eleventh
Congressional District of Florida with the highest level of integrity
and commitment. As one of the longest-serving Members of Congress, Sam
Gibbons is a shining example of public service at its very best. I am
proud to join my colleagues in reflecting upon his remarkable career.
Mr. Speaker, Sam Gibbons began his political rise with his election
to the Florida House of Representatives in 1952. Four years later, in
1958, he was elected to the Florida Senate. The highlight of his
political career came in 1962 when Florida residents selected Sam
Gibbons to represent their interests in the Halls of Congress. It was
an outstanding choice for the State of Florida and the Nation.
Mr. Speaker, Sam Gibbons brought to the U.S. Congress the drive and
determination to represent citizens who are often voiceless in the
legislative deliberations. In the mid-1960's, while still only a junior
Congressman, President Lyndon Johnson appointed Sam Gibbons as floor
manager for much of his Great Society program. Sam Gibbons successfully
navigated the antipoverty package, which included the Head Start
Program, through the Congress. He has also been a staunch supporter of
pension reform, and he has played a pivotal role throughout his
congressional career in shaping the Nation's tax laws.
Mr. Speaker, Sam Gibbons has served with distinction as a ranking
member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Joint Committee on
Taxation. For 13 years, he served as chairman of the Ways and Means
Subcommittee on Trade. In this position, Sam has advocated his
position on open markets and fair trade. Sam Gibbons also guides the
23-member Florida congressional delegation where his political insight
and legislative skills have earned him the respect and admiration of
his colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, we will miss Sam Gibbons when he departs the Congress at
the end of this legislative session. However, he has created a legacy
of outstanding public service that will stand for many years to come. I
extend my good wishes to Sam, his lovely wife of 49 years, Martha, and
members of the Gibbons family. We congratulate our good friend, Sam
Gibbons, and we wish him many, many years of happiness and good health.
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the
gentleman from Florida, Mr. Sam Gibbons, who has distinguished himself
over the past 34 years in the House of Representatives through
outstanding service to the people of the United States.
Mr. Gibbons is a World War II hero who parachuted into Normandy on D-
day as part of the 101st Airborne. After serving his country in the
war, he began his political career while practicing law.
Mr. Gibbons entered the Florida State House in 1952; 6 years later,
he was elected to the State senate. For the past 34 years, he
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had admirably served in the House of Representatives for the Tampa
area.
Mr. Gibbons' legislative successes include floor-managing President
Lyndon Johnson's antipoverty package, which contained Head Start and
other programs.
Throughout his years in public service, Sam Gibbons has been an
unwavering advocate for the least fortunate in our society. He has
admirably remained true to his values and principles even in the face
of sharp opposition and criticism.
On behalf of the citizens of Wisconsin's ninth district, we thank Mr.
Sam Gibbons for his outstanding service.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, it was with great regret that I learned of
the retirement of Representative Sam Gibbons. One of our most esteemed
Members, and the dean of the Florida delegation, Sam Gibbons has
decided to retire after spending 34 years working on behalf of
America's families.
As a young man, Sam Gibbons won the Bronze Star for parachuting into
Normandy during World War II. After the war, he became a lawyer and
served in both the Florida State House and Senate before being elected
to Congress.
During his tenure in Congress, Sam Gibbons has worked to enact
meaningful legislation concerning Medicare, Medicaid, pension reform,
and trade. In fact, Sam Gibbons was the floor manager during the 1960's
for President Johnson's antipoverty package, which created Head Start
and the Job Corps among other programs.
In addition, as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee in 1994, Sam
guided a new world trade pact, the General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade, through House passage.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in the House with
Representative Gibbons. Clearly, Sam's hard work and dedication to
public service have improved the lives of all Americans, and he will be
sorely missed. I wish him well in his retirement.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to a
man who is a living symbol of what is good about this country. Next
January, Congress will lose a fine man and a true fighter who has spent
his entire life serving his country in one capacity or another. I want
to join my colleagues in wishing Congressman Sam Gibbons the best of
luck.
Congressman Gibbons recently announced that he will not seek
reelection to another term in Congress. While he will be missed by many
Members, he has left an indelible mark on the Congress and his own
personal imprint on the history of our country.
Sam Gibbons began his service to his country long before he entered
public life and the political arena. In 1944, He parachuted behind
German lines into Normandy as part of the Allied Forces that led the
United States to victory in World War II. He was awarded a bronze star
for his service.
In 1953, he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives,
serving in that capacity for 6 years. As a State representative, he
helped bring the University of South Florida, one of the finest
institutions of higher learning in our State, to his Tampa District. He
was elected to the State Senate in 1959.
He began walking the halls of Congress in 1963 and immediately
established himself as a prominent voice fighting for the interests of
his constituents.
He also played an instrumental role in securing Federal money for the
building of the sunshine skyway bridge--one of the true architectural
marvels in our beautiful State.
Mr. Speaker, having known Sam for many years, I can tell you that he
is genuinely concerned for the welfare of his constituents. While we
have often not agreed about certain issues, I have always known that
Sam deeply cares about the people he represents--and I respect him for
that.
I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating him on his
outstanding service to his country and wish him the best of luck in all
of his future endeavors.
Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, in the last 18 months, Democrats like Sam
Gibbons and myself have found our voices in taking on the reactionary
and extremist behavior we have seen coming to the fore in this
institution. Some may think Sam is retiring at a time when his voice is
vital to the rejuvenation of our party. Let me tell you a little bit
about the history Sam Gibbons has created during his tenure as a
Florida Congressman.
Since 1965, Sam Gibbons has been a tireless advocate for the Nation's
elderly. We both voted for Medicare during its inception in 1965 and
have continued to fight for its funding especially today when the
Republicans want to cut it to fund their wealthy tax break. I remember
when Sam was floor manager during Lyndon Johnson's Great Society
legislation which included programs like Head Start and the Job Corps.
As the chairman and now ranking member on the House Ways and Means
Committee I had the honor of working closely with Sam as his committee
oversaw the Medicare trust fund and Commerce oversaw Medicaid and part
of Medicare.
I have watched Sam Gibbons grow from a Florida freshman to a virtual
institution and a recognized leader in his party. This Congress will
not be the same without you. It will have been 34 years since I last
knew this institution without Sam Gibbons and I am saddened to return
to that time.
Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sam M. Gibbons, a
long-time friend. He is now retiring after serving in the House of
Representatives for 34 years. He has served the Tampa Bay area well
these many years, and his departure will sadden those of us who have
served with him and those he has represented.
Sam has been a stalwart member of the Ways and Means Committee since
1969, and he served as chair of the Subcommittee on Trade from 1981
through 1994. In that role, he championed open markets and free and
fair trade around the globe, and his accomplishments have been hailed
both on the international and the domestic fronts. He became ranking
minority member in 1994 and showed the Republican majority that he was
not afraid to stand up to them.
The work done by Sam on the domestic front is close to my own heart.
Sam helped to guide President Lyndon Johnson's antipoverty package
through Congress in the mid-1960's, and is largely responsible for the
Head Start Program, which has nurtured young children from poor
backgrounds in preparation for school ever since. This is one of the
major accomplishments of the war against poverty.
His social conscience will leave a great legacy for years to come.
Sam bravely supported the Voting Rights Act of 1965, helping to
dismantle the artificial barriers that kept African-Americans from
exercising their constitutional right to vote. He not only supported,
but enhanced the anti-apartheid bill that helped to end the apartheid
regime of South Africa. He also cosponsored the civil rights
restoration bill of 1990.
I have the utmost respect for Sam. I respect his insight into the
complex problems of our day and his sound judgment. He is principled,
fighting for both personal and party principles. He is feisty and
tenacious in pursuing his goals. He would not tolerate distorted
exaggerations of the truth, particularly about the state of the poor in
America. I will miss him and his leadership. I wish him a most happy
retirement.
Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this time to honor
Congressman Sam Gibbons for his service to his State and his country. I
want to congratulate him on his achievements as a Representative and on
his decision to retire.
After his 17 terms in office, it goes without saying that he will be
missed. I am sure most of you will agree that the House Ways and Means
Committee will not be the same after he leaves.
Before becoming a Member of Congress, Sam had already proven himself
to be a man of honor and courage. His life has been filled with moments
that showed his true merit from parachuting into Normandy during D-day,
where he earned the bronze star, to the 10 years of duty in the Florida
Legislature.
It was due in large part to his work in the Florida Legislature that
the University of South Florida was created, and it is why today he is
known as ``The father of the University of South Florida.''
Which leads us to his 34 years of service here in the U.S. House of
Congress. As a member of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee and the
Joint Committee on Taxation, he has left his mark on many of the bills
passed through Congress. It has been because of his tenacity that bills
ranging from Project Head Start to international trade agreements have
been moved from committee to law.
I want to reiterate what a pleasure it has been to know Sam and his
wife, Martha, and their three sons, Clifford, Tim, and Mark. I have
enjoyed serving with him over the years, and I especially enjoyed
attending the 40th and 50th anniversary of D-day in Europe with him.
I wish him all the best in his retirement, but I have my suspicions
that his face will not just disappear off the scene. He has too much
experience in areas that are crucial to the running of this country. I
am sure he will pop in now and again to keep the social issues he has
worked so hard on headed in the right direction.
Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my retiring
colleague and friend, the Honorable Sam Gibbons of Florida.
Sam and I have served together on the Ways and Means Committee since
1993. Though I have only had the privilege of working closely with him
for the last 3 of his 34 years in Congress, I have quickly come to
value his hard work and dedication. The committee has benefited greatly
from his years of experience working on behalf of economic growth and
fairness for all Americans.
[[Page H4125]]
Even in the early days of his congressional career, Representative
Gibbons was a tireless champion of efforts to help the poorest among
us. It was under his leadership and guidance that antipoverty
initiatives such as Head Start were successfully steered through the
House. In his more recent service as acting chairman of the Ways and
Means Committee, he committed himself to efforts to ensure that all
Americans would have good health care. In this, the 104th Congress, he
has continued this long tradition of leadership as ranking member and
leader of the Democrats on my committee.
I know that my Ways and Means colleagues and I will certainly miss
Sam Gibbons. His leadership, companionship, good humor, and fierce
commitment to what he believes is right make him a valued ally whose
presence will be sorely missed.
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