url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-opening-statement-opening-meeting-budget-conference-committee,Clyburn Opening Statement at the Opening Meeting of the Budget Conference Committee,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON --  U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn delivered the following statement today at the Opening Meeting of the Budget Conference Committee: ""The principal task of this Committee is to agree on a budget for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2014. While it would have been prudent to have had these negotiations last summer, I am pleased that we are now beginning these important discussions about our nation’s fiscal priorities. We must address the automatic spending cuts that are hurting our economy and undercutting important priorities like education, medical research and national security. And we must put our nation’s fiscal house in order and reduce our long term debt to a manageable level. But there are different ways to do this, and some are better than others. On the graph you see on the screens, there are two lines. The red line charts the deficit over the past 65 years.             The blue line charts the unemployment rate over the same period. The relationship is obvious: when unemployment goes down, the deficit goes down; when unemployment goes up, the deficit goes up. The reasons for this are clear. When you don’t have a job, you don’t pay taxes. When you don’t have income, you’re not paying payroll taxes and you’re more likely to need government assistance. Unemployment is a double whammy for the federal budget. To lower the deficit, we have to lower unemployment. Advocates for extracting deficit reduction from the most vulnerable by cutting benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, nutrition assistance, and other vital services, ignore the fact that when you cut essential benefits, you just shift the cost of these necessities onto senior citizens, parents, and low income hard working people. These cost shifts take money out of the pockets of consumers that would otherwise be spent in other parts of the economy, helping businesses grow and creating jobs. Cutting benefits, cuts jobs; and cutting jobs is not the way to reduce the deficit. Securing deficit reduction by cutting key investments in education, Pell Grants, infrastructure, job training, and research and development would hinder economic growth in the short and long term by depriving our nation of the physical and human capital we need to have a strong economy with a 21st century workforce. Cutting investment cuts jobs, and cutting jobs is not the way to reduce the deficit. We Democrats have a different approach. We fully recognize the importance of fiscal responsibility. But we know from the chart that any budget cuts that destroy jobs will be counterproductive. We know that cuts that fall disproportionately on our most vulnerable citizens make our economy more vulnerable as well. We know that a reasonable, balanced approach involving shared sacrifice is not only the fairest way to cut the deficit, it is the most effective. We also believe that higher levels of revenue are fully compatible with strong economic growth. We have seen that tax cuts for the wealthy have increased the deficit and do not create jobs. We know that much of our national debt is the result of two wars. And now that we have ended one and are winding down the other, significant savings have been generated which, I believe, should be used to eliminate the Sequester; and target funds to those communities that have been suffering disproportionately for the last thirty years.  This would generate economic growth and begin closing the wealth gap that is threatening family security and our nation's stability.  In a divided government, both sides have to make tough and sometimes uncomfortable choices.  I have long held that if there are five steps Between me and the other side, I do not mind taking three of them as long as the person on the other side will take the other two. I was very pleased to read last week that our colleague Mr. Cole - who I consider to be a good friend - said, “The reality is, you’re going to have to have a deal here. And a deal means everybody gives something up.” I agree with my friend and I look forward to working constructively towards a deal to grow our economy, protect our vulnerable and ensure that we remain on sound fiscal footing.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-opening-statement-at-the-opening-meeting-of-the-budget-conference-committee/,Clyburn Opening Statement at the Opening Meeting of the Budget Conference Committee,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn delivered the following statement today at the Opening Meeting of the Budget Conference Committee: “The principal task of this Committee is to agree on a budget for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2014. While it would have been prudent to have had these negotiations last summer, I am pleased that we are now beginning these important discussions about our nation’s fiscal priorities. We must address the automatic spending cuts that are hurting our economy and undercutting important priorities like education, medical research and national security. And we must put our nation’s fiscal house in order and reduce our long term debt to a manageable level. But there are different ways to do this, and some are better than others. On the graph you see on the screens, there are two lines. The red line charts the deficit over the past 65 years. The blue line charts the unemployment rate over the same period. The relationship is obvious: when unemployment goes down, the deficit goes down; when unemployment goes up, the deficit goes up. The reasons for this are clear. When you don’t have a job, you don’t pay taxes. When you don’t have income, you’re not paying payroll taxes and you’re more likely to need government assistance. Unemployment is a double whammy for the federal budget. To lower the deficit, we have to lower unemployment. Advocates for extracting deficit reduction from the most vulnerable by cutting benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, nutrition assistance, and other vital services, ignore the fact that when you cut essential benefits, you just shift the cost of these necessities onto senior citizens, parents, and low income hard working people. These cost shifts take money out of the pockets of consumers that would otherwise be spent in other parts of the economy, helping businesses grow and creating jobs. Cutting benefits, cuts jobs; and cutting jobs is not the way to reduce the deficit. Securing deficit reduction by cutting key investments in education, Pell Grants, infrastructure, job training, and research and development would hinder economic growth in the short and long term by depriving our nation of the physical and human capital we need to have a strong economy with a 21st century workforce. Cutting investment cuts jobs, and cutting jobs is not the way to reduce the deficit. We Democrats have a different approach. We fully recognize the importance of fiscal responsibility. But we know from the chart that any budget cuts that destroy jobs will be counterproductive. We know that cuts that fall disproportionately on our most vulnerable citizens make our economy more vulnerable as well. We know that a reasonable, balanced approach involving shared sacrifice is not only the fairest way to cut the deficit, it is the most effective. We also believe that higher levels of revenue are fully compatible with strong economic growth. We have seen that tax cuts for the wealthy have increased the deficit and do not create jobs. We know that much of our national debt is the result of two wars. And now that we have ended one and are winding down the other, significant savings have been generated which, I believe, should be used to eliminate the Sequester; and target funds to those communities that have been suffering disproportionately for the last thirty years. This would generate economic growth and begin closing the wealth gap that is threatening family security and our nation’s stability. In a divided government, both sides have to make tough and sometimes uncomfortable choices. I have long held that if there are five steps Between me and the other side, I do not mind taking three of them as long as the person on the other side will take the other two. I was very pleased to read last week that our colleague Mr. Cole – who I consider to be a good friend – said, “The reality is, you’re going to have to have a deal here. And a deal means everybody gives something up.” I agree with my friend and I look forward to working constructively towards a deal to grow our economy, protect our vulnerable and ensure that we remain on sound fiscal footing.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:21Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-statement-bipartisan-senate-legislation,Clyburn Statement On The Bipartisan Senate Legislation,2013-10-17,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON --  U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement: “I am pleased the House is voting tonight on the bipartisan Senate compromise legislation to re-open the government, put people back to work, and pay the nation’s bills on time and in full.  Going forward, we must get beyond the repeated episodes of partisan brinksmanship that have been so costly to our country.  It is my sincere hope that this Congress will learn from this needless, manufactured crisis and work together to reach common sense solutions to our nation’s challenges and pass sound economic policies that create good jobs at good wages for hardworking people.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-statement-on-the-bipartisan-senate-legislation/,Clyburn Statement On The Bipartisan Senate Legislation,2013-10-17,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement: “I am pleased the House is voting tonight on the bipartisan Senate compromise legislation to re-open the government, put people back to work, and pay the nation’s bills on time and in full. Going forward, we must get beyond the repeated episodes of partisan brinksmanship that have been so costly to our country. It is my sincere hope that this Congress will learn from this needless, manufactured crisis and work together to reach common sense solutions to our nation’s challenges and pass sound economic policies that create good jobs at good wages for hardworking people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:21Z http://clyburn.house.gov/video/clyburn-interview-msnbc-janising-co-09-24-13,Clyburn interview on MSNBC Janising & Co. on 09-24-13,2013-09-24,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Columbia, SC 1225 Lady Street, Suite 200 Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803)799-1100 Fax: (803)799-9060 Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-statement-republican-plan-gut-snap-benefits,Clyburn Statement On Republican Plan To Gut SNAP Benefits,2013-09-19,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON --  U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn took to the floor of the House today to offer strong opposition to Republican plans to strip $40 billion from nutrition assistance programs.  Here are his remarks as prepared for delivery: I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3102, the latest attempt by the Republican Majority to add more insults to the injuries that have been inflicted upon many working families, making their lives much more difficult. It has become clear to me that some of my colleagues on the other side either don’t believe or don’t care that their preferred policies would make the poor poorer and the hungry hungrier.  They seem unmoved by the arguments of many, including former Senate Majority Leader and Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole, that this bill would make it more difficult for millions of Americans to feed themselves and their families. For the last half century, the Farm Bill has always included both agriculture subsidies and nutrition assistance, a combination that makes a lot of sense.  Every time that EBT card is swiped, farmers – large and small – grocers - national and local; and banks – Wall Street and Main Street, benefit.  For American farmers and the agribusiness industry to succeed, they need consumers to eat the food they produce.  In that sense, nutrition assistance is just another kind of agriculture subsidy that just happens to have the added benefit of ensuring that all Americans have enough to eat.  With the comprehensive nature of past farm bills, it is no surprise that 532 agriculture, conservation, rural development, finance, energy, and crop insurance groups oppose the Republican Leadership’s cynical ploy to separate nutrition assistance from the rest of the Farm Bill.  We talk about how SNAP benefits go to individuals, but if the truth be told the real beneficiaries are local communities and enterprises.  My Republican colleagues claim to be big supporters of small businesses.  But you can’t support small businesses if you don’t support their customers.  This ill-advised legislation would also hurt businesses that have nothing to do with food.  In my district, the average household income among SNAP recipients is less than $15,000.  If these low-income people lose access to nutrition assistance, money that they would otherwise spend on other needs would be spent instead on food, taking customers away from other businesses that are vital to our economic vitality.  An analysis by the Department of Agriculture of similar SNAP cuts last year found that more than 50,000 jobs would be affected.  SNAP funding is crucial to our economy because those dollars go directly into the local economy.  Moody’s Analytics—no liberal think tank—has estimated that $1 spent on SNAP generates $1.70 in economic activity.  That means that this bill, with $40 billion in cuts, would cut economic output by $68 billion.  I recognize that there are legitimate philosophical differences between the two parties on the role of the federal government. My Republican colleagues and I might differ on how to grow the economy, but at the very least, we should be able to agree that we can’t grow the economy by shrinking it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-statement-on-republican-plan-to-gut-snap-benefits/,Clyburn Statement On Republican Plan To Gut SNAP Benefits,2013-09-19,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn took to the floor of the House today to offer strong opposition to Republican plans to strip $40 billion from nutrition assistance programs. Here are his remarks as prepared for delivery: I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3102, the latest attempt by the Republican Majority to add more insults to the injuries that have been inflicted upon many working families, making their lives much more difficult. It has become clear to me that some of my colleagues on the other side either don’t believe or don’t care that their preferred policies would make the poor poorer and the hungry hungrier. They seem unmoved by the arguments of many, including former Senate Majority Leader and Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole, that this bill would make it more difficult for millions of Americans to feed themselves and their families. For the last half century, the Farm Bill has always included both agriculture subsidies and nutrition assistance, a combination that makes a lot of sense. Every time that EBT card is swiped, farmers – large and small – grocers – national and local; and banks – Wall Street and Main Street, benefit. For American farmers and the agribusiness industry to succeed, they need consumers to eat the food they produce. In that sense, nutrition assistance is just another kind of agriculture subsidy that just happens to have the added benefit of ensuring that all Americans have enough to eat. With the comprehensive nature of past farm bills, it is no surprise that 532 agriculture, conservation, rural development, finance, energy, and crop insurance groups oppose the Republican Leadership’s cynical ploy to separate nutrition assistance from the rest of the Farm Bill. We talk about how SNAP benefits go to individuals, but if the truth be told the real beneficiaries are local communities and enterprises. My Republican colleagues claim to be big supporters of small businesses. But you can’t support small businesses if you don’t support their customers. This ill-advised legislation would also hurt businesses that have nothing to do with food. In my district, the average household income among SNAP recipients is less than $15,000. If these low-income people lose access to nutrition assistance, money that they would otherwise spend on other needs would be spent instead on food, taking customers away from other businesses that are vital to our economic vitality. An analysis by the Department of Agriculture of similar SNAP cuts last year found that more than 50,000 jobs would be affected. SNAP funding is crucial to our economy because those dollars go directly into the local economy. Moody’s Analytics—no liberal think tank—has estimated that $1 spent on SNAP generates $1.70 in economic activity. That means that this bill, with $40 billion in cuts, would cut economic output by $68 billion. I recognize that there are legitimate philosophical differences between the two parties on the role of the federal government. My Republican colleagues and I might differ on how to grow the economy, but at the very least, we should be able to agree that we can’t grow the economy by shrinking it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:39:03Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-clyburn-announces-affordable-care-act-navigators-south-carolina,Congressman Clyburn Announces Affordable Care Act Navigators in South Carolina,2013-08-15,2013,2013-08,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Columbia, SC) – Sixth District Congressman and Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn today announced that three organizations have been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to serve as Navigators for the upcoming implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Navigators will be trained to provide unbiased information in a culturally competent manner to consumers about health insurance, the new Health Insurance Marketplaces, and qualified health plans.  HHS selected three Navigators from the potential grant applications.  The recipients are:   DECO Recovery Management LLC Anticipated grant amount: $1,211,203 DECO Recovery Management, a national leader in medical assistance eligibility management and patient advocacy, has taken a lead role in the establishment of a consortium with strategically located partners in South Carolina, to perform the cooperative agreement activities as a Navigator. DECO and its consortium partner The Benefit Bank of SC will conduct targeted marketing campaigns and public education events throughout the state.   The Cooperative Ministry Anticipated grant amount: $508,313 The Cooperative Ministry is establishing the Health Insurance Education Cooperative to provide pathways to better health and quality for uninsured persons in South Carolina. This effort targets eight counties that comprise the Columbia-Orangeburg-Newberry Region, and aims to reach, engage, and help enroll all eligible consumers in that area.   Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce Anticipated grant amount: $234,100 Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce will utilize existing networks and infrastructures within various parts of the region to provide outreach around new coverage options. BCBCC will be conducting workshops, community meetings and individual counseling activities as part of the overall education and outreach efforts. “Today’s announcement of the Navigators is an important step in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in South Carolina,” Congressman Clyburn said.  “These are the frontline organizations who will be educating uninsured and underinsured South Carolinians about their options for affordable health care coverage.”  Navigators will be required to adhere to strict security and privacy standards – including how to safeguard a consumer’s personal information. They’ll be required to complete 20-30 hours of training to be certified, will take additional training throughout the year, and will renew their certification yearly. All types of enrollment assisters – including in-person assistors, Certified Application Counselors, and agents and brokers – are required to complete specific training and are subject to federal criminal penalties for violations of privacy or fraud statutes, on top of any relevant state law penalties. Beginning on October 1, 2013, those uninsured and underinsured can begin purchasing health insurance policies on the Marketplace.  New policy coverage will begin January 1, 2014.  For more information on purchasing insurance through the Marketplace visit www.HealthCare.gov or call toll-free 1-800-318-2596.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-affordable-care-act-navigators-in-south-carolina/,Congressman Clyburn Announces Affordable Care Act Navigators in South Carolina,2013-08-15,2013,2013-08,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"(Columbia, SC) – Sixth District Congressman and Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn today announced that three organizations have been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to serve as Navigators for the upcoming implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Navigators will be trained to provide unbiased information in a culturally competent manner to consumers about health insurance, the new Health Insurance Marketplaces, and qualified health plans. HHS selected three Navigators from the potential grant applications. The recipients are: DECO Recovery Management LLC Anticipated grant amount: $1,211,203 DECO Recovery Management, a national leader in medical assistance eligibility management and patient advocacy, has taken a lead role in the establishment of a consortium with strategically located partners in South Carolina, to perform the cooperative agreement activities as a Navigator. DECO and its consortium partner The Benefit Bank of SC will conduct targeted marketing campaigns and public education events throughout the state. The Cooperative Ministry Anticipated grant amount: $508,313 The Cooperative Ministry is establishing the Health Insurance Education Cooperative to provide pathways to better health and quality for uninsured persons in South Carolina. This effort targets eight counties that comprise the Columbia-Orangeburg-Newberry Region, and aims to reach, engage, and help enroll all eligible consumers in that area. Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce Anticipated grant amount: $234,100 Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce will utilize existing networks and infrastructures within various parts of the region to provide outreach around new coverage options. BCBCC will be conducting workshops, community meetings and individual counseling activities as part of the overall education and outreach efforts. “Today’s announcement of the Navigators is an important step in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in South Carolina,” Congressman Clyburn said. “These are the frontline organizations who will be educating uninsured and underinsured South Carolinians about their options for affordable health care coverage.” Navigators will be required to adhere to strict security and privacy standards – including how to safeguard a consumer’s personal information. They’ll be required to complete 20-30 hours of training to be certified, will take additional training throughout the year, and will renew their certification yearly. All types of enrollment assisters – including in-person assistors, Certified Application Counselors, and agents and brokers – are required to complete specific training and are subject to federal criminal penalties for violations of privacy or fraud statutes, on top of any relevant state law penalties.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:38:51Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-statement-senate-confirmation-anthony-foxx-us-transportation-secretary,Clyburn Statement On Senate Confirmation Of Anthony Foxx As U.S. Transportation Secretary,2013-06-27,2013,2013-06,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON --  U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement on today’s confirmation of Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation: “I applaud the Senate’s unanimous vote to confirm Mayor Foxx as our new U.S. Transportation Secretary.   “Anthony Foxx is one of America’s dynamic young leaders.  The first African American student body president at Davidson College before earning his law degree from New York University School of Law, Mr. Foxx was elected Charlotte’s youngest mayor in 2009 after serving two terms on the City Council as an at-large representative.  He previously served as an attorney in private practice, a trial attorney for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and as staff counsel to the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary.  “Mr. Foxx distinguished himself as an outstanding mayor.  During his tenure, Mayor Foxx worked effectively to strengthen and diversify the city’s economy, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for the people of Charlotte by developing transportation infrastructure and helping small businesses expand and thrive.  Mayor Foxx also improved collaboration between local, state, and federal officials to deliver essential services to the city as Charlotte hosted the highly successful 2012 Democratic National Convention where delegates re-nominated President Barack Obama for his second term. “I have every confidence that Secretary Foxx will do a great job at the Department of Transportation to develop our nation’s infrastructure to create jobs and lay the foundation for continued economic growth and progress for the years to come.  The Carolinas take pride today in the elevation of this favorite son to this important position of leadership for our country.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-statement-on-senate-confirmation-of-anthony-foxx-as-u-s-transportation-secretary/,Clyburn Statement On Senate Confirmation Of Anthony Foxx As U.S. Transportation Secretary,2013-06-27,2013,2013-06,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement on today’s confirmation of Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation: “I applaud the Senate’s unanimous vote to confirm Mayor Foxx as our new U.S. Transportation Secretary. “Anthony Foxx is one of America’s dynamic young leaders. The first African American student body president at Davidson College before earning his law degree from New York University School of Law, Mr. Foxx was elected Charlotte’s youngest mayor in 2009 after serving two terms on the City Council as an at-large representative. He previously served as an attorney in private practice, a trial attorney for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and as staff counsel to the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary. “Mr. Foxx distinguished himself as an outstanding mayor. During his tenure, Mayor Foxx worked effectively to strengthen and diversify the city’s economy, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for the people of Charlotte by developing transportation infrastructure and helping small businesses expand and thrive. Mayor Foxx also improved collaboration between local, state, and federal officials to deliver essential services to the city as Charlotte hosted the highly successful 2012 Democratic National Convention where delegates re-nominated President Barack Obama for his second term. “I have every confidence that Secretary Foxx will do a great job at the Department of Transportation to develop our nation’s infrastructure to create jobs and lay the foundation for continued economic growth and progress for the years to come. The Carolinas take pride today in the elevation of this favorite son to this important position of leadership for our country.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:38:15Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-statement-shelby-county-v-holder-decision,Clyburn Statement On Shelby County v. Holder Decision,2013-06-25,2013,2013-06,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement on today’s Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder: “Although I am not surprised, I am deeply disappointed by the Court’s decision today—the 15th Amendment specifically grants Congress the power to ensure that no American is denied the right to vote, and the Supreme Court is wrong to interfere with that Congressional prerogative.  The Voting Rights Act has been the single most important tool to protect the right to vote over the last half century.  All the way up to the present day, the preclearance requirement has prevented egregious infringements on the franchise, and today’s decision frighteningly opens the door for underhanded schemes to reduce the electoral power of minority communities.  “Today’s decision makes it clearer than ever that we must never waver in our commitment to protect this sacred right.  And while I starkly disagree with the Court’s opinion, I also view it as a call to action.  Chief Justice Roberts specifically stated that Congress may pass another law to restore the Voting Rights Act to full strength.  This work begins today. “When Congress reauthorized the Voting Rights Act in 2006, we did so with overwhelming bipartisan majorities—245 Republicans, 241 Democrats, and 2 Independents voted to extend the provisions of the law.  I stand ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enact an updated version of the law so that we can continue to ensure that no American is denied the right to participate in our democracy.  What was true in 2006 remains true today, and I am confident that we will able to work, as we did then, in a bipartisan manner to preserve the Voting Rights Act.  American voters will expect no less.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-statement-on-shelby-county-v-holder-decision/,Clyburn Statement On Shelby County v. Holder Decision,2013-06-25,2013,2013-06,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement on today’s Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder: “Although I am not surprised, I am deeply disappointed by the Court’s decision today—the 15th Amendment specifically grants Congress the power to ensure that no American is denied the right to vote, and the Supreme Court is wrong to interfere with that Congressional prerogative. The Voting Rights Act has been the single most important tool to protect the right to vote over the last half century. All the way up to the present day, the preclearance requirement has prevented egregious infringements on the franchise, and today’s decision frighteningly opens the door for underhanded schemes to reduce the electoral power of minority communities. “Today’s decision makes it clearer than ever that we must never waver in our commitment to protect this sacred right. And while I starkly disagree with the Court’s opinion, I also view it as a call to action. Chief Justice Roberts specifically stated that Congress may pass another law to restore the Voting Rights Act to full strength. This work begins today. “When Congress reauthorized the Voting Rights Act in 2006, we did so with overwhelming bipartisan majorities—245 Republicans, 241 Democrats, and 2 Independents voted to extend the provisions of the law. I stand ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enact an updated version of the law so that we can continue to ensure that no American is denied the right to participate in our democracy. What was true in 2006 remains true today, and I am confident that we will able to work, as we did then, in a bipartisan manner to preserve the Voting Rights Act. American voters will expect no less.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:38:15Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-statement-watt-nomination,Clyburn Statement On Watt Nomination,2013-05-01,2013,2013-05,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement on the nomination of U.S. Representative Melvin L. Watt (D-NC) to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency: “President Barack Obama's nomination of Mel Watt to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency is an outstanding choice. “In his 20-plus years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Watt has achieved an impressive record as a champion for working families. As the former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Watt has provided exemplary leadership in making sure federal policies effectively serve all communities of our diverse country. His status as a senior member of both the Judiciary Committee and the Financial Services Committee make him uniquely qualified to head an agency that plays a vital role in making sure that all people who are willing to work hard can have an equal shot at the American Dream. “On a personal note, Emily and I want to thank our dear friends Mel and Eulada Paysour Watt for their many years of friendship.  Throughout many trials, tribulations, and triumphs, Mel and Eulada’s steadfast companionship has been a source of great strength and inspiration for us.  Though we will miss his daily presence in the House, we are thrilled to see this committed and dedicated public servant advance to his new post and next chapter in his storied career of public service.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-statement-on-watt-nomination/,Clyburn Statement On Watt Nomination,2013-05-01,2013,2013-05,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement on the nomination of U.S. Representative Melvin L. Watt (D-NC) to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency: “President Barack Obama's nomination of Mel Watt to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency is an outstanding choice. “In his 20-plus years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Watt has achieved an impressive record as a champion for working families. As the former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Watt has provided exemplary leadership in making sure federal policies effectively serve all communities of our diverse country. His status as a senior member of both the Judiciary Committee and the Financial Services Committee make him uniquely qualified to head an agency that plays a vital role in making sure that all people who are willing to work hard can have an equal shot at the American Dream. “On a personal note, Emily and I want to thank our dear friends Mel and Eulada Paysour Watt for their many years of friendship. Throughout many trials, tribulations, and triumphs, Mel and Eulada’s steadfast companionship has been a source of great strength and inspiration for us. Though we will miss his daily presence in the House, we are thrilled to see this committed and dedicated public servant advance to his new post and next chapter in his storied career of public service.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:38:00Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-floor-statement-ryan-budget-and-democratic-alternative,Clyburn Floor Statement On Ryan Budget and Democratic Alternative,2013-03-20,2013,2013-03,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn today delivered remarks on the House floor in opposition to the Ryan budget and in support of the Democratic alternative.  Following are his remarks as prepared for delivery: “Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Ryan budget. “The Ryan budget ignores the expressed will of the American people and doubles down on the ‘you’re on your own’ Republican platform that the voters soundly rejected just a few short months ago.  Rather than taking a fair and balanced approach to deficit reduction, the Ryan budget will kill millions of jobs, slash needed investments, raise taxes on working families and create big new tax breaks for the wealthiest few. “The Ryan budget will block grant Medicaid, voucherize Medicare and rip up the safety net that’s at the heart of the social contract in this country.  There are many words that can be used to describe the Ryan budget, but the one word that does NOT describe the Ryan budget is ‘balanced.’ “I’m pleased the Democratic alternative and the CBC budget both include versions of a proposal I have worked on for several years called the 10-20-30 plan.  The purpose of 10-20-30 is to target federal funds to communities that have experienced persistent poverty.  Specifically, this proposal targets 10 percent of funding to neglected communities where 20 percent of the population has lived in poverty for 30 years or more “The 10-20-30 plan was originally signed into law as a part of the Recovery Act.  The Recovery Act’s 10-20-30 provision has proven successful in steering needed rural development funds into neglected communities for water and sewer and economic development projects.  It’s time to build on this success and expand 10-20-30. “I am also pleased that all of the Democratic budget substitutes reject the austerity-for-working-families plan that the Republicans are proposing.  Democrats will honor our commitment to senior citizens and invest in a brighter future.  The Van Hollen budget alternative will create jobs now, and that’s the tried and true way to achieve deficit reduction.” Click here to watch the video of the Floor Statement.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://clyburn.house.gov/event/6th-annual-james-e-clyburn-health-disparities-lecture,6th Annual James E. Clyburn Health Disparities Lecture,2013-03-15,2013,2013-03,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Arnold School of Public Health Institute for Partnerships to Eliminate Health Disparities University of South Carolina 6th Annual James E. Clyburn Health Disparities Lecture ""Moving Foward: Staying in the Fight to Eliminate Health Disparities and to Achieve Health Equity for All"" April 4-5, 2013 University of South Carolina Columbia, South Carolina",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-remarks-rosa-parks-statue-unveiling,Clyburn Remarks at Rosa Parks Statue Unveiling,2013-02-27,2013,2013-02,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn delivered the following remarks today at the official ceremony unveiling the Rosa Parks statue in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol: “This is a good time and a great place to honor a most honorable woman.  This year marks the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which jumpstarted a march to freedom for many who, while in servitude, built this great edifice. “This year is also the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, a watershed event in our quest for human dignity.  Rosa Parks, the first lady of civil rights, the mother of the movement, the saint of an endless struggle—however one may wish to refer to her, this statue forever ordains Rosa Parks’s status as an icon of our nation’s struggles to live out its declaration that we all are created equal. “One hour ago, I sat across the street witnessing the opening arguments of a voting rights case before the United States Supreme Court—a case that many feel could turn the clock back on much of the progress that has been made, and for which we pause today to honor Rosa Parks. “The struggle goes on.  The movement continues.  The pursuit is not over.  To honor Rosa Parks in the fullest manner, each of us must do our part to protect that which has been gained, defend the great documents upon which those gains were obtained, and continue our pursuit of ‘a more perfect Union.’ ” Click here to watch the video: http://youtu.be/RgVjaMO1QxM",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-clyburn-officially-open-6th-district-office-kingstree,Congressman Clyburn to Officially Open 6th District Office in Kingstree,2013-02-20,2013,2013-02,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Sixth District Congressman and Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn will be in Kingstree on Thursday, February 21, 2013 for the official opening of a new 6th Congressional district office.  The program will take place at 2:00 pm in Williamsburg County Council Chambers, 201 W. Main Street followed by a ribbon cutting at the office in the Exchange Bank Building at 130 W. Main Street.                          WHO:           Congressman James E. Clyburn                         WHAT:         Official Opening of Kingstree Office                         WHERE:       Williamsburg County Public Service Administration Building                                              201 W. Main Street                                              Kingstree, South Carolina                                              Followed by ribbon cutting & reception at:                                               Exchange Bank Building                                              130 W. Main Street (location of the Congressional office)                           WHEN:       2:00 PM; Thursday, February 21, 2013",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-statement-presidents-sotu,Clyburn Statement on President's SOTU,2013-02-13,2013,2013-02,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement on President Obama’s State of the Union address: “Fifty years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood at the Lincoln Memorial and proclaimed ‘We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.’ Tonight President Obama stood in the well of the U.S. House of Representatives, and echoed Dr. King’s sentiment.  He took up the mantle of Dr. King in declaring, ‘It is our unfinished task to make sure that this government works on behalf of the many, and not just the few; that it encourages free enterprise, rewards individual initiative, and opens the doors of opportunity to every child across this great nation of ours.’ “I applaud his vision, and I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues in Congress to get our country on a path of opportunity through economic development, job creation and investing in education, infrastructure and innovation to move our country forward.  For too long, we have been hearing why it can’t be done.  President Obama reminded us tonight that it can be done, we just have to have the political will to do it.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z