[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF SAM GIBBONS

                                 ______


                               speech of

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 30, 1996

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly respected 34-
year veteran of the U.S. Congress. Sam Gibbons has served the people of 
our great State of Florida and his Tampa congressional district with 
honor and distinction. Having demonstrated exceptional leadership in 
this extensive time span, he is well-deserved of recognition.
  Serving our country in World War II, Sam proved to be a genuine hero 
as he took part in the parachute landing behind German lines on the 
Normandy coast the night before D-day. It was with this same vigor that 
he worked as a freshman Member of Congress to pass the 1964 Civil 
Rights Act.
  As an outstanding leader and public servant, Sam has rendered vital 
assistance in a number of important matters. In 1966, he succeeded in 
getting the House Education and Labor Committee to meet and vote in 
open sessions. He later went on to write the first formal rules for 
that committee and also the Ways and Means Committee.
  In the early 1970's, Sam championed the initiative that ended the 
practice of anonymous voting on the floor of the House. Twenty years 
later, as chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, he was 
instrumental in crafting the two biggest trade agreements in history--
NAFTA and GATT.
  Sam Gibbons has dedicated most of his life to improving this great 
Nation of ours. What is even more incredible is the fact that he raised 
three children and four grandchildren while doing so. Serving as a 
Congressman, a role model, and a good friend of mine, Sam has achieved 
the esteemed status of a truly great man. His image is impressed upon 
our hearts and will serve as an inspiration for leaders yet to come.

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