[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 30, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H4128-H4129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SAM GIBBONS: AN IDEAL CITIZEN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of May 
12, 1995, the gentleman from Texas [Mr.

[[Page H4129]]

Gonzalez] is recognized during morning businesses for 2 minutes.
  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, this is a tremendously mixed emotional 
feeling for me.
  Sam Gibbons is an ideal American: He is absolutely honest; he is 
courageous in every sense of the word; he cares about his fellow human 
beings; and he is a public servant of the highest integrity, the 
deepest commitment, and the most dogged determination. Sam Gibbons is 
everything that anyone could ever hope to see in a friend, a neighbor, 
a soldier and an elected representative. Sam is the kind of man you are 
grateful to know and happy to serve with. If you had the ability to 
pick and choose who you would have for a friend and colleague. Sam 
would always be first on the list.
  Others have or will speak about Sam's history as a D-day paratrooper, 
and of the details of his long and distinguished career. But I want 
simply to say that Sam is a decent man, the kind we all look up to, and 
the kind we always wish we could be.
  One thing about Sam Gibbons: He fights for what he believes in and 
for what he knows is right. He is not afraid to challenge the kind of 
arbitrary and frankly brutal behavior of the current majority in this 
House; nor does he shade the truth when it comes to the tough issues we 
face. He's old-fashioned in that regard: A gentleman whenever he can 
be, and a fighter if he has to be.
  Sam is one we can always count on to be fair, and to be square with 
us. His word is never open to question: When he makes a commitment, he 
means it and he stays with it.
  I've not always agreed with the actions of the Committee on Ways and 
Means--who does? But one thing I have always known is that if Sam says 
that a bill or a provision is good, you can trust his judgment. And if 
Sam says that he can't help you or can't agree with you, he'll give you 
a reason that you can both understand and respect. That's the kind of 
friend and colleague this House depends on. And that's the kind of 
person every American should want to represent them in the House.
  Not many people have had a life as filled with adventure and 
challenge as Sam has. And very few who have had such distinguished 
lives and careers are as modest and self-effacing as Sam is. It's a 
measure of his greatness, that he maintains--and always has 
maintained--a sense of balance and proportion. Sam knows what really 
counts, and he doesn't forget it.
  The House of Representatives has been enriched and enlivened by Sam 
Gibbons. He has brought us life and light. He's been a friend to many, 
many people, and a model for all of us. I've known thousands of Members 
in my career here, and none has been more respected than Sam Gibbons. 
He is a great representative for his district and for the whole 
country. When he leaves, the House will be diminished. I'm glad to have 
known him, privileged to have served with him, and happy to join in 
this well-deserved tribute. Thank you, Sam, for being an ideal 
American, a great friend, and an outstanding colleague.

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