Gibbons honored as most talkative House Republican

Thursday, Oct. 19, 2000 | 10:02 a.m.

House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., honored Gibbons Wednesday with the annual Teddy Roosevelt Award for his outstanding achievement in giving daily one-minute speeches on the floor of the House.

Reps. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., and J.C. Watts, R-Okla., joined in praising Gibbons' accomplishment.

Kingston is the chairman of the Republicans' "Theme Team" - an organization dedicated to communicating and promoting the GOP's agenda in Congress. He said the award is inspired by President Teddy Roosevelt's belief that credit should be given to those who stand up and speak their minds.

"Jim is a tireless and relentless advocate for Nevada, the West and freedom in America," Kingston said.

"His speeches in the House are top in frequency and quality and he's one of the best communicators in Congress."

Time is reserved each day before formal business and between action on bills for House members to give speeches up to one minute long. They usually are parochial in nature and often include sharp partisan attacks.

Gibbons, the only member of Congress to serve in both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, said he feels it is his duty to speak out and educate other members of Congress about the concerns and priorities of Nevadans.