[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E409-E410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING FRANCIS B. GIBBS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2013

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements 
and the unwavering commitment to public service of Francis B. Gibbs.
   It seems like yesterday that Francis came to Washington to work for 
his hometown congressman, Ander Crenshaw. He went on to be a trusted 
aide and friend to U.S. Rep. Connie Mack. Francis spent over five years 
by Congressman Mack's side, and his fingerprints could be found on 
legislative matters concerning government expansion, protection of our 
Constitution and the principles of federalism.
   Francis is a man rooted in principle. From his work on the Patriot 
Act to defending freedom for people in Venezuela and around the Western 
Hemisphere, Francis served as a tireless advocate for making this 
government a ``more perfect Union'' by protecting people's individual 
rights and liberty.
   After his son Couper was born, Francis and his wife LeAnne--who 
worked for Congressman Mike Pence--decided to leave Washington to raise 
their new family in the Sunshine State. Francis took his drive and 
passion back to the Florida Department of Transportation, where he 
serves as the chief of staff, leveraging his experience in Washington 
with his knack for building consensus to get the right things done for 
the right reasons.
   Mr. Speaker, we know all too well that the political arena can be 
viewed as a cold and cynical process. Francis's approach has always 
been different. He builds bridges and more importantly, he creates 
enduring friendships that remind us that there is a way to serve 
honorably.
   Francis is now facing a fight with colon cancer. He has fought this 
with the same tenacity he exuded during his congressional days when he 
battled legislative threats to the Constitution--with passion and 
grace.
   LeAnne, has been a constant source of strength, compassion and 
grace. Ernest Hemingway had somebody like LeAnne in mind when he wrote 
``courage is grace under fire.'' Their anchors are two beautiful 
children, Couper and Riley.
   Francis has a long-term view of what America can and should be. He 
believes that ultimately America promises a better life for the next 
generation. He embodies everything that this promise stands for, and 
his children will live out this American Dream that their dad shaped. 
Over the years, legislative achievements are forgotten by the public 
and often become footnotes in a textbook. However, the difference that 
Francis made--the issues he worked on--will carry on. More importantly, 
the way he treated people will not be forgotten by those of us 
fortunate enough to spend time in these hallowed halls.
   Mr. Speaker, let us today celebrate Francis Gibbs, honor his wife 
LeAnne, and tell his children that America will be a better place for 
them because of the work, love and devotion of their parents.

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