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/congressman-jim-clyburn-host-disaster-relief-forum,Congressman Jim Clyburn to Host a Disaster Relief Forum,2015-10-16,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Columbia, SC) Congressman Jim Clyburn will host a Disaster Relief Forum on Monday, October 19 in one of the hardest hit communities in South Carolina, Kingstree, in Williamsburg County. The public is invited to attend. WHO:Congressman Jim Clyburn South Carolina Emergency Management Division Federal Emergency Management Agency WHAT:Disaster Relief Forum WHEN: Monday, October 19 at 11:00 a.m. WHERE:Alex Chapman Complex-Auditorium 147 West Main Street Kingstree, S.C. 29556 CONTACT:Amanda Loveday Amanda.Loveday@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-jim-clyburn-to-host-a-disaster-relief-forum/,Congressman Jim Clyburn to Host a Disaster Relief Forum,2015-10-16,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"(Columbia, SC) – Congressman Jim Clyburn will host a Disaster Relief Forum on Monday, October 19 in one of the hardest hit communities in South Carolina, Kingstree, in Williamsburg County. The public is invited to attend. WHO: Congressman Jim Clyburn South Carolina Emergency Management Division Federal Emergency Management Agency WHAT: Disaster Relief Forum WHEN: Monday, October 19 at 11:00 a.m. WHERE: Alex Chapman Complex-Auditorium 147 West Main Street Kingstree, S.C. 29556",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:28:00Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/sc-flooding-relief-information,South Carolina Flooding,2015-10-08,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"I am saddened by the loss of life, property and infrastructure in our state of South Carolina of smiling faces and beautiful places. However, I want to update you on FEMA assistance and other information regarding disaster relief. First, I am thankful that President Obama and FEMA expedited the major disaster declaration. It is clear that we will need significant federal assistance to recover from this disaster. I have been working closely with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to add more affected counties to the disaster declaration. Last night, FEMA added Sumter, Clarendon, and Berkeley counties to the other eight declared for individual assistance. There are still counties in dire need of assistance, however, and I am working to bring them to the attention of federal authorities. To start the process of getting aid from FEMA, individuals should contact 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or online at www.disasterassistance.gov. FEMA has staff on the ground ready to begin inspecting home damages to process payments for repairs. Individuals anywhere in South Carolina, even in counties that are not currently covered by the individual assistance declaration should start the process of getting registered with FEMA, documenting their losses, and submitting that information to FEMA. This way, once counties are added to the declaration for individual assistance, the paperwork will be done. The SCEMD hotline for questions regarding disaster relief is 866-246-0133. SCEMD has a map of projected flood areas on their website as more flooding is expected as the water makes its way to the coast. http://www.scemd.org/ Individuals can begin to clean debris and damaged property out of their homes; FEMA will provide reimbursement to covered counties for debris pickup from the curb. Several South Carolina volunteer organizations expect to be deployed soon to begin helping individuals with this process. I have attached some other necessary tips. Be strong. We are some resilient people and are stronger when we work together. With kindest regards, Congressman Jim Clyburn",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/south-carolina-flooding/,South Carolina Flooding,2015-10-08,2015,2015-10,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"I am saddened by the loss of life, property and infrastructure in our state of South Carolina of “smiling faces and beautiful places.” However, I want to update you on FEMA assistance and other information regarding disaster relief. First, I am thankful that President Obama and FEMA expedited the major disaster declaration. It is clear that we will need significant federal assistance to recover from this disaster. I have been working closely with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to add more affected counties to the disaster declaration. Last night, FEMA added Sumter, Clarendon, and Berkeley counties to the other eight declared for individual assistance. There are still counties in dire need of assistance, however, and I am working to bring them to the attention of federal authorities. To start the process of getting aid from FEMA, individuals should contact 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or online at www.disasterassistance.gov. FEMA has staff on the ground ready to begin inspecting home damages to process payments for repairs. Individuals anywhere in South Carolina, even in counties that are not currently covered by the individual assistance declaration should start the process of getting registered with FEMA, documenting their losses, and submitting that information to FEMA. This way, once counties are added to the declaration for individual assistance, the paperwork will be done. The SCEMD hotline for questions regarding disaster relief is 866-246-0133. SCEMD has a map of projected flood areas on their website as more flooding is expected as the water makes its way to the coast. http://www.scemd.org/ Individuals can begin to clean debris and damaged property out of their homes; FEMA will provide reimbursement to covered counties for debris pickup from the curb. Several South Carolina volunteer organizations expect to be deployed soon to begin helping individuals with this process. I have attached some other necessary tips. Be strong. We are some resilient people and are stronger when we work together. With kindest regards, Congressman Jim Clyburn",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:28:00Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/charleston-harbor-deepening-project-receives-final-approval-us-army-corps-engineers,Charleston Harbor Deepening Project Receives Final Approval from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,2015-09-14,2015,2015-09,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Columbia, S.C. Congressman James E. Clyburn joins in the announcement that the Army Corps of Engineers has signed the Chief of Engineers Report for the Post-45 Charleston Harbor Deepening Project and submitted it to Congress for authorization. Congressman Clyburn released the following statement in response to this announcement: ""I am thrilled that the Army Corps of Engineers has issued its final Chief's Report. More than 187,000 jobs in South Carolina are tied to the Port, which has a $53 billion economic impact on the state each year. I have worked with the Obama Administration to ensure that funds have been provided annually to carry out this review process. Now that the project has its final approval, I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to provide the authorization and funding necessary to deepen the harbor to 52 feet. This project will create good jobs and generate economic growth and opportunity throughout the state.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/orangeburg-calhoun-technical-college-receives-multi-million-dollar-grant-support-new,Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College receives multi-million dollar grant to support new workforce training,2015-09-14,2015,2015-09,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Columbia, S.C. South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announced today an almost $9 million grant awarded to Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College from the Economic Development Administration. This awards initial investment amounts to $1.9 million with the total project award totaling over $8.8 million. This investment supports construction of a new workforce training facility for health sciences and nursing programs on the campus of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. When completed, the facility will provide accessible skills training programs that will enable individuals to acquire competitive training and employment opportunities in the health care industries. This project is also projected to create over 300 jobs. I am thrilled for Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and the surrounding community on the announcement of the grant awarded to develop a new workforce training facility, Congressman Clyburn said. I believe the health science sector is imperative to our community and this new facility will help train individuals and assist in obtaining relevant job opportunities. I am excited to see how this project grows the Orangeburg workforce community.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/charleston-harbor-deepening-project-receives-final-approval-from-u-s-army-corps-of-engineers/,Charleston Harbor Deepening Project Receives Final Approval from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,2015-09-14,2015,2015-09,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"Columbia, S.C. – Congressman James E. Clyburn joins in the announcement that the Army Corps of Engineers has signed the Chief of Engineers Report for the Post-45 Charleston Harbor Deepening Project and submitted it to Congress for authorization. Congressman Clyburn released the following statement in response to this announcement: ""I am thrilled that the Army Corps of Engineers has issued its final Chief's Report. More than 187,000 jobs in South Carolina are tied to the Port, which has a $53 billion economic impact on the state each year. I have worked with the Obama Administration to ensure that funds have been provided annually to carry out this review process. Now that the project has its final approval, I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to provide the authorization and funding necessary to deepen the harbor to 52 feet. This project will create good jobs and generate economic growth and opportunity throughout the state.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:25:19Z https://clyburn.house.gov/orangeburg-calhoun-technical-college-receives-multi-million-dollar-grant-to-support-new-workforce-training/,Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College receives multi-million dollar grant to support new workforce training,2015-09-14,2015,2015-09,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announced today an almost $9 million grant awarded to Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College from the Economic Development Administration. This award’s initial investment amounts to $1.9 million with the total project award totaling over $8.8 million. This investment supports construction of a new workforce training facility for health sciences and nursing programs on the campus of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. When completed, the facility will provide accessible skills training programs that will enable individuals to acquire competitive training and employment opportunities in the health care industries. This project is also projected to create over 300 jobs. “I am thrilled for Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and the surrounding community on the announcement of the grant awarded to develop a new workforce training facility,” Congressman Clyburn said. “I believe the health science sector is imperative to our community and this new facility will help train individuals and assist in obtaining relevant job opportunities. I am excited to see how this project grows the Orangeburg workforce community.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:25:19Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-floor-statement-iran-nuclear-deal,Clyburn Floor Statement On Iran Nuclear Deal,2015-09-11,2015,2015-09,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn (SC) delivered the following statement on the Iran nuclear deal on the House floor today: I rise today in strong support of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action negotiated between the United States, the permanent five members of the UN Security Council plus Germany, the European Union, and Iran. I support this deal because it is the best available option to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, an outcome that all of us agree must be prevented. The opponents of this agreement say that Iran supports terrorism. I dont disagree with that. This deal, though, is about only one issuethe issue that the entire world agrees is by far the most pressingpreventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. It is precisely because Iran is so nefarious that this deal is so important. Dangerous as Iran is and may remain, Iran would be far more dangerous if they acquired a nuclear weapon. This deal is the best way to prevent that unacceptable outcome. The opponents of this agreement say that we cant trust the Iranians to abide by the agreements strict restrictions on their nuclear program. That may be true, and I wouldnt be supporting the agreement if it required us to trust the Iranians. But it doesnt. This deal is built around the strictest verifications ever devised. If Iran tries to dash toward a bomb, we will be much more likely to catch them using the verification procedures under the deal than we would be without a deal. With this deal in place, if we do catch Iran dashing toward a nuclear weapon, all options will be on the table to stop them. But military force must always be a last resort. I have not heard any of the opponents of this agreement present any realistic diplomatic alternative that would be anywhere near as likely to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. If we reject this deal, military action will become more likely. Whenever we send Americans into harms way, we must be able to look them and their families in the eye and honestly tell them that we exhausted every other option. This deal is a diplomatic option we must exhaust. The deals opponents present no other. The late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin said, You dont make peace with friends. You make it with very unsavory enemies. We are now faced with three choices: this deal, a drastically increased likelihood of military confrontation, or a nuclear Iran. I support this deal. I urge my colleagues to join me.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-floor-statement-on-iran-nuclear-deal/,Clyburn Floor Statement On Iran Nuclear Deal,2015-09-11,2015,2015-09,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 (SC) delivered the following statement on the Iran nuclear deal on the House floor today: “I rise today in strong support of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action negotiated between the United States, the permanent five members of the UN Security Council plus Germany, the European Union, and Iran. I support this deal because it is the best available option to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, an outcome that all of us agree must be prevented. “The opponents of this agreement say that Iran supports terrorism. I don’t disagree with that. This deal, though, is about only one issue—the issue that the entire world agrees is by far the most pressing—preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. It is precisely because Iran is so nefarious that this deal is so important. Dangerous as Iran is and may remain, Iran would be far more dangerous if they acquired a nuclear weapon. This deal is the best way to prevent that unacceptable outcome. “The opponents of this agreement say that we can’t trust the Iranians to abide by the agreement’s strict restrictions on their nuclear program. That may be true, and I wouldn’t be supporting the agreement if it required us to trust the Iranians. But it doesn’t. This deal is built around the strictest verifications ever devised. If Iran tries to dash toward a bomb, we will be much more likely to catch them using the verification procedures under the deal than we would be without a deal. “With this deal in place, if we do catch Iran dashing toward a nuclear weapon, all options will be on the table to stop them. But military force must always be a last resort. I have not heard any of the opponents of this agreement present any realistic diplomatic alternative that would be anywhere near as likely to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. If we reject this deal, military action will become more likely. “Whenever we send Americans into harm’s way, we must be able to look them and their families in the eye and honestly tell them that we exhausted every other option. This deal is a diplomatic option we must exhaust. The deal’s opponents present no other. “The late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin said, ‘You don’t make peace with friends. You make it with very unsavory enemies.’ We are now faced with three choices: this deal, a drastically increased likelihood of military confrontation, or a nuclear Iran. I support this deal. I urge my colleagues to join me.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:25:19Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/seven-south-carolina-students-named-2015-hbcu-all-stars-white-house,Seven South Carolina students named 2015 HBCU All-Stars by White House,2015-08-21,2015,2015-08,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Columbia, S.C. Yesterday, the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCUs) announced its 2015 HBCU All-Stars, recognizing students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement. There are seven South Carolina students who received this award. A full list of the South Carolina students honored is listed below. There are 83 students nationwide who were selected from a pool of over 450 students who submitted applications that included a transcript, resume, essay, and recommendation. Over the school year, the HBCU All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of the WHIHBCUs by providing outreach and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the role of the Initiative as a networking resource. Congressman James E. Clyburn released the following statement in response to the announcement of the HBCU All-Stars: I am delighted to see seven South Carolina students chosen as 2015 HBCU All-Stars, Congressman Clyburn said. I believe its extremely important for students to demonstrate their leadership and talent to other current and potential HBCU students across the country in order to advance academic excellence and student leadership. I congratulate all of those chosen for this incredible honor and look forward to seeing their future accomplishments. Name Home Town School Lamar Butler Society Hill, S.C. Alabama State University Samuel Cole Orangeburg, S.C. South Carolina State University Kimesha Cooper Hemingway, S.C. Claflin University Tyler Duncan Winston-Salem, N.C. Vorhees College ViDual Futch Macon, G.A. Benedict College Kareem Heslop Orangeburg, S.C. Claflin University Patrick Outler Augusta, G.A. Morris College",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/seven-south-carolina-students-named-2015-hbcu-all-stars-by-white-house/,Seven South Carolina students named 2015 HBCU All-Stars by White House,2015-08-21,2015,2015-08,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"Columbia, S.C. – Yesterday, the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCUs) announced its 2015 HBCU All-Stars, recognizing students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement. There are seven South Carolina students who received this award. A full list of the South Carolina students honored is listed below. There are 83 students nationwide who were selected from a pool of over 450 students who submitted applications that included a transcript, resume, essay, and recommendation. Over the school year, the HBCU All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of the WHIHBCUs by providing outreach and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the role of the Initiative as a networking resource. Congressman James E. Clyburn released the following statement in response to the announcement of the HBCU All-Stars: “I am delighted to see seven South Carolina students chosen as 2015 HBCU All-Stars,” Congressman Clyburn said. “I believe it’s extremely important for students to demonstrate their leadership and talent to other current and potential HBCU students across the country in order to advance academic excellence and student leadership. I congratulate all of those chosen for this incredible honor and look forward to seeing their future accomplishments.” Name Home Town School Lamar Butler Society Hill, S.C. Alabama State University Samuel Cole Orangeburg, S.C. South Carolina State University Kimesha Cooper Hemingway, S.C. Claflin University Tyler Duncan Winston-Salem, N.C. Vorhees College Vi’Dual Futch Macon, G.A. Benedict College Kareem Heslop Orangeburg, S.C. Claflin University Patrick Outler Augusta, G.A. Morris College",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:23:36Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-statement-50th-anniversary-voting-rights-act-1965,Clyburn Statement on 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965,2015-08-06,2015,2015-08,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn (SC) released the following statement on the 56th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965: On this day fifty years ago, surrounded by leaders of both political parties, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act. It was a moment worthy of both celebration and reflection. Today, we stand at a similar crossroads. The right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy and the foundation upon which all other rights are built. Nearly a century after the ratification of the 15th Amendment, which protected the franchise in theory but not in fact, the world watched as peaceful protesters were brutally attacked and beaten by police while marching for voting rights on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Just five months later, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law, and millions of African Americans were finally able to exercise their right to vote. Sadly, in 2015, this fundamental right is under threat yet again. Two years ago, the Supreme Court gutted a key component of the Voting Rights Act and made it easier for states to discriminate against minority, elderly and disabled Americans by deliberately making it harder for them to exercise their right to vote. Republican leaders in Congress have thus far refused to take up bipartisan legislation to restore the Voting Rights Act, as states continue to erect new barriers to the ballot box. Today, as we celebrate the proud legacy of the Voting Rights Act and reflect on symbolic victories like the furling of the Confederate battle flag in my home state of South Carolina, we must also take substantive action to restore the Voting Rights Act. I call on my Republican colleagues in Congress to do more than issue statements celebrating the pastI urge them to look to the future and work with us to protect the voting rights of all Americans for the next fifty years and beyond.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-statement-on-50th-anniversary-of-the-voting-rights-act-of-1965/,Clyburn Statement on 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965,2015-08-06,2015,2015-08,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 (SC) released the following statement on the 56th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965: “On this day fifty years ago, surrounded by leaders of both political parties, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act. It was a moment worthy of both celebration and reflection. Today, we stand at a similar crossroads. “The right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy and the foundation upon which all other rights are built. Nearly a century after the ratification of the 15th Amendment, which protected the franchise in theory but not in fact, the world watched as peaceful protesters were brutally attacked and beaten by police while marching for voting rights on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Just five months later, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law, and millions of African Americans were finally able to exercise their right to vote. “Sadly, in 2015, this fundamental right is under threat yet again. Two years ago, the Supreme Court gutted a key component of the Voting Rights Act and made it easier for states to discriminate against minority, elderly and disabled Americans by deliberately making it harder for them to exercise their right to vote. Republican leaders in Congress have thus far refused to take up bipartisan legislation to restore the Voting Rights Act, as states continue to erect new barriers to the ballot box. “Today, as we celebrate the proud legacy of the Voting Rights Act and reflect on symbolic victories like the furling of the Confederate battle flag in my home state of South Carolina, we must also take substantive action to restore the Voting Rights Act. I call on my Republican colleagues in Congress to do more than issue statements celebrating the past—I urge them to look to the future and work with us to protect the voting rights of all Americans for the next fifty years and beyond.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:23:36Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-clyburn-statement-epa-final-clean-power-plan-rule,Congressman Clyburn Statement on EPA Final Clean Power Plan Rule,2015-08-03,2015,2015-08,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Columbia, SC) - South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn released the following statement on the release of the EPAs final Clean Power Plan rule: Todays rule is the most significant step ever taken by the United States to reduce carbon emissions causing harmful climate change. In the face of overwhelming evidence and extreme weather, we know we must act. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2007 affirmed the Executive Branchs obligation under the Clean Air Act to regulate harmful greenhouse gas emissions. In 2009, as Majority Whip, I helped ensure House passage of a comprehensive climate bill, which unfortunately never became law. In the face of congressional inaction, the Obama Administration was legally required to take meaningful steps to address this global challenge. Todays final rule makes important improvements over the proposed rule with respect to nuclear power, treating it the same as other clean energy sources like wind and solar. It is appropriate to treat these energy sources the same because, for purposes of combating climate change, they are the sameall emit zero greenhouse gases. These changes will ensure that this rule is fair for my home state of South Carolina and other states that have already adopted clean nuclear power. I would like to personally thank Administrator McCarthy for her willingness to make these modifications. South Carolina will still have to make reductions, but its emissions target is now equitable and achievable. I applaud the EPA for allowing states to chart their own course in achieving emissions reductions, and I look forward to working with South Carolina officials to craft a successful state implementation plan that will meet the required targets.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-statement-on-epa-final-clean-power-plan-rule/,Congressman Clyburn Statement on EPA Final Clean Power Plan Rule,2015-08-03,2015,2015-08,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"(Columbia, SC) – South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn released the following statement on the release of the EPA’s final Clean Power Plan rule: Today’s rule is the most significant step ever taken by the United States to reduce carbon emissions causing harmful climate change. In the face of overwhelming evidence and extreme weather, we know we must act. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2007 affirmed the Executive Branch’s obligation under the Clean Air Act to regulate harmful greenhouse gas emissions. In 2009, as Majority Whip, I helped ensure House passage of a comprehensive climate bill, which unfortunately never became law. In the face of congressional inaction, the Obama Administration was legally required to take meaningful steps to address this global challenge. Today’s final rule makes important improvements over the proposed rule with respect to nuclear power, treating it the same as other clean energy sources like wind and solar. It is appropriate to treat these energy sources the same because, for purposes of combating climate change, they are the same—all emit zero greenhouse gases. These changes will ensure that this rule is fair for my home state of South Carolina and other states that have already adopted clean nuclear power. I would like to personally thank Administrator McCarthy for her willingness to make these modifications. South Carolina will still have to make reductions, but its emissions target is now equitable and achievable. I applaud the EPA for allowing states to chart their own course in achieving emissions reductions, and I look forward to working with South Carolina officials to craft a successful state implementation plan that will meet the required targets.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:23:36Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-symbols-matter-theyre-no-substitute-substance,"Clyburn: Symbols matter, but they're no substitute for substance",2015-07-27,2015,2015-07,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"It was a great day in South Carolinaand the nationwhen the Confederate battle flag was removed from the grounds of the State House. The battle flag has historical significance and should be dealt with accordingly. Unfortunately, it was unfurled in the 1930s and 40s, and gained prominence and prevalence in South Carolina and throughout the South in the 1950s and 60s as a symbol of massive resistance. I hope its removal from any aura of sovereignty and officialdom ushers in a new chapter in our states pursuit of liberty and justice for all. While we have made significant progress over the past half century, much remains to be done. I hope we will begin our next chapter by providing affordable health care and restoring unfettered access to voting for thousands of South Carolinians and millions of Americans. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane. When I spoke in favor of passing the Affordable Care Act, I quoted Dr. King and referred to it as the Civil Rights Act of the 21st century. Despite more than 50 failed attempts in Congress to eliminate or undermine the law and two U.S. Supreme Court determinations that it is constitutional, massive resistance to its implementation continues. Because the Supreme Court left it up to the states to decide whether to expand Medicaid, governors and legislators in South Carolina and across the country have launched a campaign of massive resistance to this landmark and much-needed law. Expressing her resistance to the law, Gov. Nikki Haley declared, not now, and not ever. But our states motto,Dum Spiro Spero(while I breathe I hope), is always in the forefront of my thoughts and wishes. Consequently, I am hopeful that Gov. Haley and our legislators will cease their resistance to Medicaid expansion. If embracing the Affordable Care Act is a bridge to far, doing something akin to what is being done in Arkansas and Kentucky might be administratively feasible and politically plausible. Medicaid expansion would provide health-care coverage to thousands of South Carolinians and bring billions of dollars into our states economy. A recent report projects that if Medicaid is not expanded, 200 South Carolinians will die unnecessarily every year while our tax dollars help pay for health care in other states. One of the strongest advocates for Medicaid expansion in South Carolina was the late Sen. Clementa Pinckney. He represented some of the poorest counties in our state and knew how important health care and environmental issues were to his constituents. Perhaps even more regrettable was the U.S. Supreme Courts decision inShelby County v. Holder, which gutted the 1965 Voting Rights Act that was enacted to protect voters and potential voters from poll taxes, literacy tests and other insidious schemes. Republican-controlled legislatures immediately began enacting laws to make it harder for minorities, students and elderly voters to cast unfettered votes, as the S.C. Legislature already had done. Symbols are powerful, and furling the Confederate battle flag was an important gesture. But symbolic gestures are no substitute for substance. I hope the Legislature will codify the stipulations the state made to the court in order for it to uphold the states voter identification law. In addition, I call upon Congress to accept the Supreme Courts invitation to update the formula and restore the Voting Rights Act to full strength. As a former teacher and current student of history, I believe there are appropriate times and places to honor heritage and display memorabilia. I do not believe in whitewashing historical events or blackening out cultural displays. Our history is what it is. But I believe the time has come to cease the massive resistance to affordable health care and unfettered voting rights. It is time to honor our nations motto,E Pluribus Unum(out of many one). It is time to work together to ensure that South Carolinians breathe more hopefully and all Americans participate more fully in our pursuit of a more perfect union.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-symbols-matter-but-theyre-no-substitute-for-substance/,"Clyburn: Symbols matter, but they’re no substitute for substance",2015-07-27,2015,2015-07,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"It was a great day in South Carolina—and the nation—when the Confederate battle flag was removed from the grounds of the State House. The battle flag has historical significance and should be dealt with accordingly. Unfortunately, it was unfurled in the 1930s and ’40s, and gained prominence and prevalence in South Carolina and throughout the South in the 1950s and ’60s as a symbol of massive resistance. I hope its removal from any aura of sovereignty and officialdom ushers in a new chapter in our state’s pursuit of “liberty and justice for all.” While we have made significant progress over the past half century, much remains to be done. I hope we will begin our next chapter by providing affordable health care and restoring unfettered access to voting for thousands of South Carolinians and millions of Americans. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” When I spoke in favor of passing the Affordable Care Act, I quoted Dr. King and referred to it as the Civil Rights Act of the 21st century. Despite more than 50 failed attempts in Congress to eliminate or undermine the law and two U.S. Supreme Court determinations that it is constitutional, massive resistance to its implementation continues. Because the Supreme Court left it up to the states to decide whether to expand Medicaid, governors and legislators in South Carolina and across the country have launched a campaign of massive resistance to this landmark and much-needed law. Expressing her resistance to the law, Gov. Nikki Haley declared, “not now, and not ever.” But our state’s motto, Dum Spiro Spero (while I breathe I hope), is always in the forefront of my thoughts and wishes. Consequently, I am hopeful that Gov. Haley and our legislators will cease their resistance to Medicaid expansion. If embracing the Affordable Care Act is a bridge to far, doing something akin to what is being done in Arkansas and Kentucky might be administratively feasible and politically plausible. Medicaid expansion would provide health-care coverage to thousands of South Carolinians and bring billions of dollars into our state’s economy. A recent report projects that if Medicaid is not expanded, 200 South Carolinians will die unnecessarily every year while our tax dollars help pay for health care in other states. One of the strongest advocates for Medicaid expansion in South Carolina was the late Sen. Clementa Pinckney. He represented some of the poorest counties in our state and knew how important health care and environmental issues were to his constituents. Perhaps even more regrettable was the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder, which gutted the 1965 Voting Rights Act that was enacted to protect voters and potential voters from poll taxes, literacy tests and other insidious schemes. Republican-controlled legislatures immediately began enacting laws to make it harder for minorities, students and elderly voters to cast unfettered votes, as the S.C. Legislature already had done. Symbols are powerful, and furling the Confederate battle flag was an important gesture. But symbolic gestures are no substitute for substance. I hope the Legislature will codify the stipulations the state made to the court in order for it to uphold the state’s voter identification law. In addition, I call upon Congress to accept the Supreme Court’s invitation to update the formula and restore the Voting Rights Act to full strength. As a former teacher and current student of history, I believe there are appropriate times and places to honor heritage and display memorabilia. I do not believe in whitewashing historical events or blackening out cultural displays. Our history is what it is. But I believe the time has come to cease the massive resistance to affordable health care and unfettered voting rights. It is time to honor our nation’s motto, E Pluribus Unum (out of many one). It is time to work together to ensure that South Carolinians breathe more hopefully and all Americans participate more fully in our pursuit of a more perfect union.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:20:34Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-announces-introduction-background-check-completion-act,Clyburn Announces Introduction of the Background Check Completion Act,2015-07-15,2015,2015-07,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn yesterday introduced the Background Check Completion Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. Under current law, the Charleston shooter should have been barred from purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer. But a procedural loophole allowed him to get around the law to buy the gun that he used to murder nine people at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston on June 17. The Background Check Completion Act closes this loophole so that criminals forbidden by law from buying guns are not able to buy guns. The Background Check Completion Act will guarantee that no gun is sold by a licensed dealer until a background check is completed, Clyburn said. Tragically, the Charleston shooter was allowed to purchase a gun even though the FBI had not completed his background check. This should never be acceptable. My bill is a commonsense fix to our nations gun laws, and I call on my colleagues in Congress to move it immediately towards passage. Many retailers, including Walmart, have already voluntarily agreed to make this practice standard, to only allow gun sales to customers who have been approved through completed background checks. This bill will mandate that practice. The Background Check Completion Act does not replace the need for the King-Thompson Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act, H.R. 1217. King-Thompson would improve and streamline reporting to the FBI so that mistakes happen far less often. It would also require background checks at gun shows and for online sales, closing other loopholes to ensure that all gun purchasers undergo required background checks.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-announces-us-department-education-grants-south-carolina,Clyburn announces U.S. Department of Education grants in South Carolina,2015-07-15,2015,2015-07,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Columbia, S.C. South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announces the recipients of the U.S. Department of Education new Fiscal Year 2015 grants. It is anticipated that the grants will be for a total of five years. There are 21 institutions in South Carolina receiving these awards totaling more than $5 million annually. These awards were given to schools looking to build their TRIO Student Support Services. TRIO programs are designed to identify and provide services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The recipients have presented potential programs that will serve students with intensive academic support, tutoring, counseling, career and cultural enrichment. They also offer services for graduate school planning, financial and economic literacy and assistance with financial aid applications. I am pleased that so many colleges and universities in South Carolina will be receiving funding to develop their TRIO programs, Congressman Clyburn said. I believe its imperative for our colleges and universities to assist low-income individuals, first generation college students and individuals with disabilities. These grants will allow schools to focus on providing important services, which will offer essential opportunities for success. School Award Amount Northeastern Technical College $253,676 Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College $292,336 Trident Technical College $330,133 University of South Carolina Lancaster $256,809 University of South Carolina Columbia $334,448 Winthrop University $231,103 Florence-Darlington Technical College $231,103 Central Carolina Technical College $231,103 Midlands Technical College $281,511 Lander University $224,372 University of South Carolina Sumter $281,511 University of South Carolina Upstate $281,510 Technical College of the Lowcountry $281,511 Morris College $282,124 Greenville Technical College $391,057 South Carolina State University $247,582 University of South Carolina Salkehatchie $240,064 Clinton College $129,967 Claflin University $281,510 York Technical College $284,743 Spartanburg County Commission for Technical and Community Education $276,570",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-announces-introduction-of-the-background-check-completion-act/,Clyburn Announces Introduction of the Background Check Completion Act,2015-07-15,2015,2015-07,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 yesterday introduced the Background Check Completion Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. Under current law, the Charleston shooter should have been barred from purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer. But a procedural loophole allowed him to get around the law to buy the gun that he used to murder nine people at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston on June 17. The Background Check Completion Act closes this loophole so that criminals forbidden by law from buying guns are not able to buy guns. “The Background Check Completion Act will guarantee that no gun is sold by a licensed dealer until a background check is completed,” Clyburn said. “Tragically, the Charleston shooter was allowed to purchase a gun even though the FBI had not completed his background check. This should never be acceptable. My bill is a commonsense fix to our nation’s gun laws, and I call on my colleagues in Congress to move it immediately towards passage.” Many retailers, including Walmart, have already voluntarily agreed to make this practice standard, to only allow gun sales to customers who have been approved through completed background checks. This bill will mandate that practice. The Background Check Completion Act does not replace the need for the King-Thompson Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act, H.R. 1217. King-Thompson would improve and streamline reporting to the FBI so that mistakes happen far less often. It would also require background checks at gun shows and for online sales, closing other loopholes to ensure that all gun purchasers undergo required background checks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:20:34Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-announces-u-s-department-of-education-grants-in-south-carolina/,Clyburn announces U.S. Department of Education grants in South Carolina,2015-07-15,2015,2015-07,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announces the recipients of the U.S. Department of Education new Fiscal Year 2015 grants. It is anticipated that the grants will be for a total of five years. There are 21 institutions in South Carolina receiving these awards totaling more than $5 million annually. These awards were given to schools looking to build their TRIO Student Support Services. TRIO programs are designed to identify and provide services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The recipients have presented potential programs that will serve students with intensive academic support, tutoring, counseling, career and cultural enrichment. They also offer services for graduate school planning, financial and economic literacy and assistance with financial aid applications. “I am pleased that so many colleges and universities in South Carolina will be receiving funding to develop their TRIO programs,” Congressman Clyburn said. “I believe it’s imperative for our colleges and universities to assist low-income individuals, first generation college students and individuals with disabilities. These grants will allow schools to focus on providing important services, which will offer essential opportunities for success.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:20:34Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-op-ed-confederate-battle-flag-should-come-down-statehouse,Clyburn Op-Ed: The Confederate 'battle flag' should come down from the statehouse,2015-06-20,2015,2015-06,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"The tragedy that occurred Wednesday night in Charleston, S.C., has engendered many personal emotions about race and reopened a conversation about a controversial and divisive symbol. Let us begin with several little-known but well-documented facts about that flag currently flying in front of the statehouse. It is not the Confederate flag. It is the Confederate battle flag. Second, the version of that flag that flew on the statehouse dome from 1962 until 2000 was an elongated version of the battle flag and is also known as the Tennessee flag. In fact, it is the flag that Nathan Bedford Forrest used as a rallying symbol when he founded the Ku Klux Klan, and was popularized by that iconic movie, Gone With the Wind. The real Confederate flag commonly known as the Stars and Bars contained a circle of 13 stars and three bars. For years, advocates tried to get the battle flag adopted as an official symbol but it was always rejected, even by the Daughters of the Confederacy. Another little-known fact is that most South Carolinians who fought in the Civil War never fought under that flag. Many fought under the Citadel Flag which was similar to our current flag, but with a red rather than blue field, and a white crescent and palmetto tree. So this notion that thousands of South Carolinians fought and died under that flag flying in front of the statehouse is a myth. Our legislators would do themselves and our state great proud if they would furl the battle flag, place it in a museum so all South Carolinians can become unified around symbols in which all of us are invested and to which all of us can pledge allegiance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-op-ed-the-confederate-battle-flag-should-come-down-from-the-statehouse/,Clyburn Op-Ed: The Confederate ‘battle flag’ should come down from the statehouse,2015-06-20,2015,2015-06,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"The tragedy that occurred Wednesday night in Charleston, S.C., has engendered many personal emotions about race and reopened a conversation about a controversial and divisive symbol. Let us begin with several little-known but well-documented facts about that flag currently flying in front of the statehouse. It is not the Confederate flag. It is the Confederate “battle flag.” Second, the version of that flag that flew on the statehouse dome from 1962 until 2000 was an elongated version of the battle flag and is also known as the “Tennessee flag.” In fact, it is the flag that Nathan Bedford Forrest used as a rallying symbol when he founded the Ku Klux Klan, and was popularized by that iconic movie, “Gone With the Wind.” The real Confederate flag commonly known as the “Stars and Bars” contained a circle of 13 stars and three bars. For years, advocates tried to get the “battle flag” adopted as an official symbol but it was always rejected, even by the Daughters of the Confederacy. Another little-known fact is that most South Carolinians who fought in the Civil War never fought under that flag. Many fought under the Citadel Flag which was similar to our current flag, but with a red rather than blue field, and a white crescent and palmetto tree. So this notion that thousands of South Carolinians fought and died under that flag flying in front of the statehouse is a myth. Our legislators would do themselves and our state great proud if they would furl the “battle flag,” place it in a museum so all South Carolinians can become unified around symbols in which all of us are invested and to which all of us can pledge allegiance.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:17:59Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-statement-charleston-shooting,Clyburn Statement On Charleston Shooting,2015-06-18,2015,2015-06,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"CHARLESTON U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement today about last nights shooting at Emanuel AME Church: It is with great sadness that I heard of the unspeakable tragedy that occurred in Charleston last night. My heart goes out to the victims, including State Senator Clementa Pinckney, their friends and family and members of Emanuel AME Church. I am distraught that this kind of hate still exists in our country and specifically in my home state of South Carolina. I'm reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ""The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people."" We must take these horrific crimes that are happening across our states and teach our neighbors that hate is not the answer. Please pray with me today for the Charleston community as they begin the healing process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-statement-on-charleston-shooting/,Clyburn Statement On Charleston Shooting,2015-06-18,2015,2015-06,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"CHARLESTON – U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement today about last night’s shooting at Emanuel AME Church: It is with great sadness that I heard of the unspeakable tragedy that occurred in Charleston last night. My heart goes out to the victims, including State Senator Clementa Pinckney, their friends and family and members of Emanuel AME Church. I am distraught that this kind of hate still exists in our country and specifically in my home state of South Carolina. I'm reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ""The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people."" We must take these horrific crimes that are happening across our states and teach our neighbors that hate is not the answer. Please pray with me today for the Charleston community as they begin the healing process.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:17:59Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-clyburn%E2%80%99s-statement-passage-hr-2131-rename-federal-building-and-us,"Congressman Clyburns Statement on Passage of H.R. 2131, to Rename Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse after J. Waties Waring",2015-06-15,2015,2015-06,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Columbia, S.C. The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 2131, a bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 83 Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina, as the ""J. Waties Waring Judicial Center."" The following statement by South Carolina Congressman and Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn in support of the bill was entered into the record: Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2131, a bill to rename the federal courthouse in Charleston, South Carolina in honor of Judge J. Waties Waring. This bill is a tribute to two men, two outstanding South Carolinians. The first, Judge Waring, for whom the bill will name the courthouse, was a federal judge in South Carolina during the 1940s and 50s who made landmark and courageous rulings on civil rights. The second is known to many in the Congress, Senator Ernest F. Fritz Hollings whose name is currently on this courthouse, and who has requested it be changed as a long overdue honor to Judge Waring. The son of a confederate soldier, Julius Waties Waring, was born July 27, 1880 in Charleston, and graduated from the College of Charleston in 1900. He became an attorney and after practicing in Charleston for several decades was nominated by President Franklin Roosevelt to the U.S. District Court in 1941. While there was little in his background that foretold an evolution on the issue, soon after ascending to the bench, Waring would become an iconoclast and an outcast in his hometown because of his rulings on civil rights cases. In the 1944 Duvall v. School Board decision, Judge Waring ordered equal pay for teachers, regardless of race. In 1947, in Elmore v. Rice, Judge Waring struck down South Carolinas all-white Democratic primary. In 1952, in his most famous opinion, Judge Waring dissented from the ruling in Briggs v. Elliott, arguing that separate but equal was unconstitutional. While a dissenting opinion at the time, on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, his opinion would form the basis of the unanimous decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which struck down racial segregation in all public schools in America. For my entire tenure in Congress, these words from Judge Warings dissent have been on the wall of my Congressional Office: They showed beyond a doubt that the evils of segregation and color prejudice come from early trainingand that is an evil that must be eradicated. Taking these stands in the 1940s and 50s was not without consequence. His experiences gave currency to the biblical admonition that a prophet is not without honor save in his own homeland. Waring was ostracized in Charleston and endured harassment and attacks on his home. He retired from the bench in 1952, left his hometown and moved to New York. He had made his mark, however, and his legacy endures. I recall attending his graveside services in 1968, which was sparsely attended except for several of Charlestons African American community and a few whites who stood off at a distance. Thankfully, history has given Judge Waring the favorable recognition denied to him during his life, and passage of his bill will rightfully add to this acclaim. It is often stated that the difference between a moment and a movement is sacrifice. Judge Warings sacrifices put him at the forefront of a movement. His courage in standing up for what was right, will endure in our nations memory as a powerful example of statesmanship that must continually be sought, regardless of the issues of the day. Of course, none of this today would be possible were it not for Senator Ernest Frederick Hollings. Fritz Hollings record is familiar to all of us here. Throughout his career, as Governor of South Carolina when Clemson University was integrated and in the United States Senate, when Fritz saw a problem he set about to solve it. When the plight of the poor was exposed to him in the late 1960s, he authored the book, The Case Against Hunger. He led hunger tours to highlight the problem, and ultimately championed the successful Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children or WIC. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, he helped usher in a generation of landmark social policy, providing aid of the needy and protecting our environment. He was never afraid to make difficult choices, or to change positions when he thought it warranted. In the 1980s, Fritz helped secure funding to build the annex to the Courthouse that is the subject of this legislation, and the entire facility was subsequently named in his honor. Never content to allow past injustices to go unaddressed, however, he has publicly called on Congress to replace his name on the building, with that of the highly deserving, long unheralded, J. Waties Waring. This selfless act of statesmanship is just the most recent example of Fritzs visionary leadership. I thank my colleagues in the South Carolina delegation for their unanimous support of this bill. I urge its passage by the House to honor this outstanding South Carolinian and great American.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburnaes-statement-on-passage-of-h-r-2131-to-rename-federal-building-and-u-s-courthouse-after-j-waties-waring/,"Congressman Clyburn’s Statement on Passage of H.R. 2131, to Rename Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse after J. Waties Waring",2015-06-15,2015,2015-06,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"Columbia, S.C. – The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 2131, a bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 83 Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina, as the ""J. Waties Waring Judicial Center."" The following statement by South Carolina Congressman and Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn in support of the bill was entered into the record: Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2131, a bill to rename the federal courthouse in Charleston, South Carolina in honor of Judge J. Waties Waring. This bill is a tribute to two men, two outstanding South Carolinians. The first, Judge Waring, for whom the bill will name the courthouse, was a federal judge in South Carolina during the 1940s and 50s who made landmark and courageous rulings on civil rights. The second is known to many in the Congress, Senator Ernest F. “Fritz” Hollings whose name is currently on this courthouse, and who has requested it be changed as a long overdue honor to Judge Waring. The son of a confederate soldier, Julius Waties Waring, was born July 27, 1880 in Charleston, and graduated from the College of Charleston in 1900. He became an attorney and after practicing in Charleston for several decades was nominated by President Franklin Roosevelt to the U.S. District Court in 1941. While there was little in his background that foretold an evolution on the issue, soon after ascending to the bench, Waring would become an iconoclast and an outcast in his hometown because of his rulings on civil rights cases. In the 1944 Duvall v. School Board decision, Judge Waring ordered equal pay for teachers, regardless of race. In 1947, in Elmore v. Rice, Judge Waring struck down South Carolina’s all-white Democratic primary. In 1952, in his most famous opinion, Judge Waring dissented from the ruling in Briggs v. Elliott, arguing that “separate but equal” was unconstitutional. While a dissenting opinion at the time, on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, his opinion would form the basis of the unanimous decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which struck down racial segregation in all public schools in America. For my entire tenure in Congress, these words from Judge Waring’s dissent have been on the wall of my Congressional Office: “They showed beyond a doubt that the evils of segregation and color prejudice come from early training…and that is an evil that must be eradicated.” Taking these stands in the 1940s and 50s was not without consequence. His experiences gave currency to the biblical admonition that “a prophet is not without honor save in his own homeland.” Waring was ostracized in Charleston and endured harassment and attacks on his home. He retired from the bench in 1952, left his hometown and moved to New York. He had made his mark, however, and his legacy endures. I recall attending his graveside services in 1968, which was sparsely attended except for several of Charleston’s African American community and a few whites who stood off at a distance. Thankfully, history has given Judge Waring the favorable recognition denied to him during his life, and passage of his bill will rightfully add to this acclaim. It is often stated that “the difference between a moment and a movement is sacrifice.” Judge Waring’s sacrifices put him at the forefront of a movement. His courage in standing up for what was right, will endure in our nation’s memory as a powerful example of statesmanship that must continually be sought, regardless of the issues of the day. Of course, none of this today would be possible were it not for Senator Ernest Frederick Hollings. Fritz Hollings’ record is familiar to all of us here. Throughout his career, as Governor of South Carolina when Clemson University was integrated and in the United States Senate, when Fritz saw a problem he set about to solve it. When the plight of the poor was exposed to him in the late 1960s, he authored the book, The Case Against Hunger. He led hunger tours to highlight the problem, and ultimately championed the successful Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children or WIC. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, he helped usher in a generation of landmark social policy, providing aid of the needy and protecting our environment. He was never afraid to make difficult choices, or to change positions when he thought it warranted. In the 1980s, Fritz helped secure funding to build the annex to the Courthouse that is the subject of this legislation, and the entire facility was subsequently named in his honor. Never content to allow past injustices to go unaddressed, however, he has publicly called on Congress to replace his name on the building, with that of the highly deserving, long unheralded, J. Waties Waring. This selfless act of statesmanship is just the most recent example of Fritz’s visionary leadership. I thank my colleagues in the South Carolina delegation for their unanimous support of this bill. I urge its passage by the House to honor this outstanding South Carolinian and great American.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:17:59Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-jim-clyburn-announces-over-3-million-americorps-funding-south-carolina,Congressman Jim Clyburn Announces over $3 million in AmeriCorps Funding for South Carolina,2015-06-05,2015,2015-06,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Columbia, S.C. - Congressman Clyburn announced today that South Carolina has received over $3 million in AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). These grants will put 116 AmeriCorps members on the ground to serve with 2 organizations. AmeriCorps members will tackle some of the toughest problems in the 6th Congressional District including tutoring and other academic services including social and emotional learning curriculum to help children improve their performance in school. AmeriCorps members are an indispensable resource for nonprofits, communities, and the individuals they serve, said Congressman Clyburn. Community service is an essential part of the solutions to many of the challenges South Carolina faces, and AmeriCorps members are able to bring the country together by uniting individuals behind a common goal. I congratulate City Year Columbia and WINGS for Kids for receiving these grants, and thank all those who have answered the call to service by joining AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps members make a powerful impact on the toughest challenges facing our nation, said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Building on South Carolinas strong tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, AmeriCorps members will improve lives and strengthen communities across South Carolina. While they serve others, AmeriCorps members will also expand opportunity for themselves - gaining skills and experience to jumpstart their careers. I salute AmeriCorps members for their dedication, and thank our outstanding partners who make their service possible. The current years AmeriCorps grant cycle was highly competitive, due to the strong demand by organizations seeking AmeriCorps resources. The 2015 competition prioritized investments in economic opportunity, education, veterans and military families, disaster services, and continued a new initiative for governors and mayors. CNCS will provide an $1.9 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for the AmeriCorps members funded by these grants. After completing a full term of service, AmeriCorps members receive an award of $5,645 that they can use to pay for college or to pay off student loans. AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 members in intensive service annually to serve through nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations at 25,000 locations across the country. These members help communities tackle pressing problems while mobilizing millions of volunteers for the organizations they serve. Since 1994, more than 900,000 Americans have provided more than 1.2 billion hours of service addressing critical challenges from poverty and hunger to disasters and the dropout crisis. AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, and the Volunteer Generation Fund, and leads the President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit www.NationalService.gov .",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-jim-clyburn-announces-over-3-million-in-americorps-funding-for-south-carolina/,Congressman Jim Clyburn Announces over $3 million in AmeriCorps Funding for South Carolina,2015-06-05,2015,2015-06,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"Columbia, S.C. – Congressman Clyburn announced today that South Carolina has received over $3 million in AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). These grants will put 116 AmeriCorps members on the ground to serve with 2 organizations. AmeriCorps members will tackle some of the toughest problems in the 6th Congressional District including tutoring and other academic services including social and emotional learning curriculum to help children improve their performance in school. “AmeriCorps members are an indispensable resource for nonprofits, communities, and the individuals they serve,” said Congressman Clyburn. “Community service is an essential part of the solutions to many of the challenges South Carolina faces, and AmeriCorps members are able to bring the country together by uniting individuals behind a common goal. I congratulate City Year Columbia and WINGS for Kids for receiving these grants, and thank all those who have answered the call to service by joining AmeriCorps.” “AmeriCorps members make a powerful impact on the toughest challenges facing our nation,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Building on South Carolina’s strong tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, AmeriCorps members will improve lives and strengthen communities across South Carolina. While they serve others, AmeriCorps members will also expand opportunity for themselves – gaining skills and experience to jumpstart their careers. I salute AmeriCorps members for their dedication, and thank our outstanding partners who make their service possible.” The current year’s AmeriCorps grant cycle was highly competitive, due to the strong demand by organizations seeking AmeriCorps resources. The 2015 competition prioritized investments in economic opportunity, education, veterans and military families, disaster services, and continued a new initiative for governors and mayors. CNCS will provide an $1.9 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for the AmeriCorps members funded by these grants. After completing a full term of service, AmeriCorps members receive an award of $5,645 that they can use to pay for college or to pay off student loans. AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 members in intensive service annually to serve through nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations at 25,000 locations across the country. These members help communities tackle pressing problems while mobilizing millions of volunteers for the organizations they serve. Since 1994, more than 900,000 Americans have provided more than 1.2 billion hours of service addressing critical challenges from poverty and hunger to disasters and the dropout crisis.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:45:16Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-jim-clyburn-announce-new-americorps-funding-south-carolina,Congressman Jim Clyburn to Announce New AmeriCorps Funding for South Carolina,2015-06-03,2015,2015-06,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC) will hold a media conference call Friday, June 5 at 9:15 a.m. EDT to announce new grants for South Carolina that will support AmeriCorps members serving the community with local organizations. Rep. Clyburn will be joined by Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps. CNCS engages more than 5 million Americans in service each year through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads the President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. Over the past two decades, more than 900,000 men and women have served in the AmeriCorps program, providing more than 1 billion hours of service to address critical challenges from poverty and hunger to disasters and the dropout crisis. Who: Rep. Jim Clyburn Wendy Spencer, CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service What: Media Call Announcing AmeriCorps Grants for South Carolina When: Friday, June 5, 2015 9:15 a.m. EDT Attendees are encouraged to dial into the call early, allowing time for the Operator to place them into the conference call Number: 888-989-6494 PASSCODE: 4130 Please RSVP to pressoffice@cns.gov with CLYBURN CALL in the subject line. For more information about the Corporation for National and Community Service and AmeriCorps, visit NationalService.gov. For more information about Rep. Clyburn and his work in Congress, visit Clyburn.House.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-jim-clyburn-to-announce-new-americorps-funding-for-south-carolina/,Congressman Jim Clyburn to Announce New AmeriCorps Funding for South Carolina,2015-06-03,2015,2015-06,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC) will hold a media conference call Friday, June 5 at 9:15 a.m. EDT to announce new grants for South Carolina that will support AmeriCorps members serving the community with local organizations. Rep. Clyburn will be joined by Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps. CNCS engages more than 5 million Americans in service each year through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads the President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. Over the past two decades, more than 900,000 men and women have served in the AmeriCorps program, providing more than 1 billion hours of service to address critical challenges from poverty and hunger to disasters and the dropout crisis. Who: Rep. Jim Clyburn Wendy Spencer, CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service What: Media Call Announcing AmeriCorps Grants for South Carolina When: Friday, June 5, 2015 9:15 a.m. EDT Attendees are encouraged to dial into the call early, allowing time for the Operator to place them into the conference call Number: 888-989-6494 PASSCODE: 4130 Please RSVP to pressoffice@cns.gov with “CLYBURN CALL” in the subject line. For more information about the Corporation for National and Community Service and AmeriCorps, visit NationalService.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:45:16Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-clyburn-announces-sixth-district-congressional-art-competition-winner,Congressman Clyburn Announces Sixth District Congressional Art Competition Winner,2015-05-14,2015,2015-05,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Columbia, SC) South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn today announced Jestine Aho, a 12thgrade student at Battery Creek High School in Beaufort, is the winner of the 2015 Sixth District Artistic Discovery art competition. The winning artwork is an graphite piece entitledPraise House. A picture of the artwork is attached to this release. Artistic Discovery is an annual art competition conducted by Members of Congress. The winner in each Congressional district will have their artwork hung for the next year in the Cannon Tunnel that connects the House office buildings with the U.S. Capitol building. The winning student will also receive two airline tickets to attend the unveiling of the exhibit and a reception for all winners in Washington, D.C. next month. All district winners are also eligible to receive a college scholarship. I continue to be impressed with the artistic talent I see from young people in the Sixth Congressional District, Congressman Clyburn said. Despite the exceptional competition, Jestine's graphite piece stood out from the rest. I look forward to seeing her artwork displayed on Capitol Hill. The competition is open to any high school student living in the Sixth Congressional district.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-sixth-district-congressional-art-competition-winner/,Congressman Clyburn Announces Sixth District Congressional Art Competition Winner,2015-05-14,2015,2015-05,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"(Columbia, SC) –South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn today announced Jestine Aho, a 12th grade student at Battery Creek High School in Beaufort, is the winner of the 2015 Sixth District Artistic Discovery art competition. The winning artwork is an graphite piece entitled Praise House. A picture of the artwork is attached to this release. Artistic Discovery is an annual art competition conducted by Members of Congress. The winner in each Congressional district will have their artwork hung for the next year in the Cannon Tunnel that connects the House office buildings with the U.S. Capitol building. The winning student will also receive two airline tickets to attend the unveiling of the exhibit and a reception for all winners in Washington, D.C. next month. All district winners are also eligible to receive a college scholarship. “I continue to be impressed with the artistic talent I see from young people in the Sixth Congressional District,” Congressman Clyburn said. “Despite the exceptional competition, Jestine's graphite piece stood out from the rest. I look forward to seeing her artwork displayed on Capitol Hill.” The competition is open to any high school student living in the Sixth Congressional district.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:44:45Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-introduces-legislation-re-name-federal-building-and-us-courthouse-after-j,Clyburn Introduces Legislation To Re-name Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse After J. Waties Waring,2015-04-30,2015,2015-04,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn released the following statement after joining the entire South Carolina Congressional delegation in introducing a bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 83 Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina, as the J. Waties Waring Judicial Center: I want to thank my colleagues in South Carolinas Congressional delegation for working together to honor the memory of Judge J. Waties Waring, a great South Carolinian and American hero who paid a heavy price in his pursuit of racial justice. In his 1944 Duvall v. School Board ruling, Judge Waring ordered the equalization of teacher pay in South Carolina. In the 1947 Elmore v. Rice decision, Judge Waring struck down South Carolinas white-only Democratic primary. Judge Warings best known opinion, a dissent in Briggs v. Elliott arguing that separate but equal was unconstitutional, laid the groundwork for the U.S. Supreme Court to adopt his reasoning unanimously in the landmark Brown v. Board decision, which struck down racial segregation in all public schools in America. Thankfully, history has given Judge Waring the favorable recognition denied to him during his life, and passage of this bill will rightfully add to this acclaim. His courage in standing up for what was right, even at the cost of social ostracism, will endure in our nations memory as a powerful example of statesmanship that must continually be sought, regardless of the issues of the day. Former United States Senator Ernest F. Hollings has been the leading advocate for this change, even though it will remove his own name from the facility. This selfless act of statesmanship is just the most recent example of Senator Hollings visionary leadership in a stellar decades-long career in public service. It is often stated that the difference between a moment and a movement is sacrifice. I cannot think of a more fitting example of that maxim than the life and legacy of Judge J. Waties Waring. Judge Waring was at the forefront of a movement, and I urge my colleagues to pass this bill expeditiously. It honors Judge Warings extraordinary life and elevates him and Senator Hollings as public servants we should all strive to emulate. Companion legislation to the House bill is being introduced by South Carolina Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-introduces-legislation-to-re-name-federal-building-and-u-s-courthouse-after-j-waties-waring/,Clyburn Introduces Legislation To Re-name Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse After J. Waties Waring,2015-04-30,2015,2015-04,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 after joining the entire South Carolina Congressional delegation in introducing a bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 83 Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina, as the “J. Waties Waring Judicial Center”: “I want to thank my colleagues in South Carolina’s Congressional delegation for working together to honor the memory of Judge J. Waties Waring, a great South Carolinian and American hero who paid a heavy price in his pursuit of racial justice. In his 1944 Duvall v. School Board ruling, Judge Waring ordered the equalization of teacher pay in South Carolina. In the 1947 Elmore v. Rice decision, Judge Waring struck down South Carolina’s white-only Democratic primary. Judge Waring’s best known opinion, a dissent in Briggs v. Elliott arguing that ‘separate but equal’ was unconstitutional, laid the groundwork for the U.S. Supreme Court to adopt his reasoning unanimously in the landmark Brown v. Board decision, which struck down racial segregation in all public schools in America. “Thankfully, history has given Judge Waring the favorable recognition denied to him during his life, and passage of this bill will rightfully add to this acclaim. His courage in standing up for what was right, even at the cost of social ostracism, will endure in our nation’s memory as a powerful example of statesmanship that must continually be sought, regardless of the issues of the day. “Former United States Senator Ernest F. Hollings has been the leading advocate for this change, even though it will remove his own name from the facility. This selfless act of statesmanship is just the most recent example of Senator Hollings’ visionary leadership in a stellar decades-long career in public service. “It is often stated that ‘the difference between a moment and a movement is sacrifice.’ I cannot think of a more fitting example of that maxim than the life and legacy of Judge J. Waties Waring. Judge Waring was at the forefront of a movement, and I urge my colleagues to pass this bill expeditiously. It honors Judge Waring’s extraordinary life and elevates him and Senator Hollings as public servants we should all strive to emulate.” Companion legislation to the House bill is being introduced by South Carolina Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:44:36Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/half-centurys-legacy-crossroads,A Half Century's Legacy at a Crossroads,2015-04-22,2015,2015-04,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"In 1965, the 89th Congress and President Lyndon Johnson produced landmark laws that made education more attainable, health care more affordable, voting more accessible, housing more available, immigration more equitable, and the environment cleaner. The results were dramatic. The poverty rate went down, and graduation rates went up. Citizen participation increased and our environment got cleaner. Our nation was reinvigorated by new immigrants, and the golden years of our senior citizens were enriched. Fiftieth-year celebrations are known as golden anniversaries, but recent court decisions and legislative enactments have casted us into something that seems more akin to a gilded age. Although our economy is recovering for those at the very top, far too many hardworking Americans struggle to stay afloat. Although the Affordable Care Act extended health insurance to millions of Americans, millions more go uninsured as Republican-controlled legislatures around the country refuse to expand Medicaid out of partisan spite and zealous ideology. Although more young people are graduating high school and pursuing post-secondary education and training, college costs are skyrocketing and our elementary and secondary schools differ widely in quality. Although the value of new immigrants is clear and convincing, reforms to our immigration system remain blocked by Republicans hostilities. We are at a crossroads. The Republican budget seeks to destroy the legislative legacy of 1965 that made great differences in the lives of so many ordinary people. Democrats must defend our proud legacy and fight against the efforts of those who seek to devalue the worth of hardworking Americans. Fifty years ago, Democrats launched Head Start, created the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and passed a Higher Education law. Today, Republicans in Congress are proposing to cut Head Start and Early Head Start by $19 billion between 2016 and 2024 and cut Pell Grants by $145 billion over this same period. Democrats are fighting to fully fund Head Start, expand universal pre-K, and make college education and training more affordable through student aid and Pell Grants. Fifty years ago, a Democratic Congress created Medicare and Medicaid to make health care available and affordable for millions of Americans. Five years ago, Democrats passed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to expand that coverage for senior citizens and to people with pre-existing conditions. Today, Republicans repeatedly vote to repeal the ACA, undermine Medicare, and deny Medicaid to low-income citizens. Fifty years ago, Democrats in Congress honored the contributions of hardworking law-abiding immigrants by eliminating discriminatory immigration quotas. Today, the Republican-controlled Congress continues to vilify immigrants while refusing to bring forth a bill to comprehensively reform our immigration laws and bring millions out of the shadows. Fifty years ago, Democrats passed the Voting Rights Act to prevent discrimination and expand access to the franchise. Today, while we continue to fight for protecting every eligible American's right to vote, Republican legislatures are passing laws to restrict access to the franchise and diluting minority votes by packing and bleaching legislative and Congressional districts. Fifty years ago, a Democratic-controlled Congress passed the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act and the Water Quality Act to clean up our air and water. Today, we continue to fight for the future of our planet while Republicans fight and pass laws against the Environmental Protection Agency and deny the basic science of climate change. In addressing these challenges, the principles that guided us in 1965 remain as relevant as ever. The most fundamental of these is the belief that our country is stronger when more people participate in the democratic process. The right to vote is preservative of all other rights. The diversity of opinion in our country is best reflected in our government when all eligible Americans are able to register unrestrained, vote unencumbered and have their votes counted fairly and accurately. Sadly, over the last several years, we have seen widespread and coordinated efforts to impede access to the ballot box. Onerous and unnecessary restrictive voting requirements and proof of citizenship requirements, curtailing early voting, and removing people from the voter rolls are just a few of the devious tactics that Republicans across the country are using to disenfranchise people of color, seniors, disabled, young and low-income people. For fifty years, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 stood as a bulwark against these insidious schemes. But when the Supreme Court disabled Section 5 of the Act in 2013, the Justice Department was no longer able to stop voter discrimination before it went into effect. In response to this unfortunate circumstance, Democrats and Republicans crafted a bipartisan bill to restore the Voting Rights Act more than a year ago, but Republican Leaders have refused to bring it up for a vote. In 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote a book entitled, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? I believe we stand at a similar crossroads today. Our country will not prosper to its fullest until all citizens are able to reach their fullest potential. By fighting for these timeless Democratic principles -- which are core American principles -- we will embrace America's future and pursue a more perfect Union for the next 50 years and beyond.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/a-half-centurys-legacy-at-a-crossroads/,A Half Century’s Legacy at a Crossroads,2015-04-22,2015,2015-04,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"In 1965, the 89th Congress and President Lyndon Johnson produced landmark laws that made education more attainable, health care more affordable, voting more accessible, housing more available, immigration more equitable, and the environment cleaner. The results were dramatic. The poverty rate went down, and graduation rates went up. Citizen participation increased and our environment got cleaner. Our nation was reinvigorated by new immigrants, and the golden years of our senior citizens were enriched. Fiftieth-year celebrations are known as golden anniversaries, but recent court decisions and legislative enactments have casted us into something that seems more akin to a gilded age. Although our economy is recovering for those at the very top, far too many hardworking Americans struggle to stay afloat. Although the Affordable Care Act extended health insurance to millions of Americans, millions more go uninsured as Republican-controlled legislatures around the country refuse to expand Medicaid out of partisan spite and zealous ideology. Although more young people are graduating high school and pursuing post-secondary education and training, college costs are skyrocketing and our elementary and secondary schools differ widely in quality. Although the value of new immigrants is clear and convincing, reforms to our immigration system remain blocked by Republicans hostilities. We are at a crossroads. The Republican budget seeks to destroy the legislative legacy of 1965 that made great differences in the lives of so many ordinary people. Democrats must defend our proud legacy and fight against the efforts of those who seek to devalue the worth of hardworking Americans. Fifty years ago, Democrats launched Head Start, created the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and passed a Higher Education law. Today, Republicans in Congress are proposing to cut Head Start and Early Head Start by $19 billion between 2016 and 2024 and cut Pell Grants by $145 billion over this same period. Democrats are fighting to fully fund Head Start, expand universal pre-K, and make college education and training more affordable through student aid and Pell Grants. Fifty years ago, a Democratic Congress created Medicare and Medicaid to make health care available and affordable for millions of Americans. Five years ago, Democrats passed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to expand that coverage for senior citizens and to people with pre-existing conditions. Today, Republicans repeatedly vote to repeal the ACA, undermine Medicare, and deny Medicaid to low-income citizens. Fifty years ago, Democrats in Congress honored the contributions of hardworking law-abiding immigrants by eliminating discriminatory immigration quotas. Today, the Republican-controlled Congress continues to vilify immigrants while refusing to bring forth a bill to comprehensively reform our immigration laws and bring millions out of the shadows. Fifty years ago, Democrats passed the Voting Rights Act to prevent discrimination and expand access to the franchise. Today, while we continue to fight for protecting every eligible American's right to vote, Republican legislatures are passing laws to restrict access to the franchise and diluting minority votes by packing and bleaching legislative and Congressional districts. Fifty years ago, a Democratic-controlled Congress passed the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act and the Water Quality Act to clean up our air and water. Today, we continue to fight for the future of our planet while Republicans fight and pass laws against the Environmental Protection Agency and deny the basic science of climate change. In addressing these challenges, the principles that guided us in 1965 remain as relevant as ever. The most fundamental of these is the belief that our country is stronger when more people participate in the democratic process. The right to vote is preservative of all other rights. The diversity of opinion in our country is best reflected in our government when all eligible Americans are able to register unrestrained, vote unencumbered and have their votes counted fairly and accurately. Sadly, over the last several years, we have seen widespread and coordinated efforts to impede access to the ballot box. Onerous and unnecessary restrictive voting requirements and proof of citizenship requirements, curtailing early voting, and removing people from the voter rolls are just a few of the devious tactics that Republicans across the country are using to disenfranchise people of color, seniors, disabled, young and low-income people. For fifty years, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 stood as a bulwark against these insidious schemes. But when the Supreme Court disabled Section 5 of the Act in 2013, the Justice Department was no longer able to stop voter discrimination before it went into effect. In response to this unfortunate circumstance, Democrats and Republicans crafted a bipartisan bill to restore the Voting Rights Act more than a year ago, but Republican Leaders have refused to bring it up for a vote.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:15:33Z http://clyburn.house.gov/photo-gallery/we-are-golf-day,We Are Golf Day,2015-04-15,2015,2015-04,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-5th-anniversary-affordable-care-act,Clyburn Statement on 5th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act,2015-03-24,2015,2015-03,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 on the Capitol steps about the fifth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act: Speaking at an international health care conference in 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said: Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane. I profoundly agree with that view. Affordable access to quality health care should not depend on the circumstances of ones birth. More than five years ago, during House debate on the Affordable Care Act, I labeled it the Civil Rights Act of the 21st Century, and I am pleased and very proud that the law is living up to that moniker. Under the ACA, insurance companies can no longer discriminate against the 129 million Americans who have pre-existing conditions. 105 million Americans no longer have a lifetime limit on their health coverage. No longer can women be penalized by insurance companies simply for being women. Thanks to the ACA, 16 million Americans who were previously uninsured finally have the security of health insurance for their families. Despite repeated Republican claims that the ACA would kill jobs, our economy is creating jobs at the fastest rate since the 1990s. So, as we gather to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Ive got a message to our Republican friends: The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land. Lets work together to make it better.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-statement-on-5th-anniversary-of-the-affordable-care-act/,Clyburn Statement on 5th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act,2015-03-24,2015,2015-03,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 on the Capitol steps about the fifth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act: “Speaking at an international health care conference in 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said: “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” I profoundly agree with that view. Affordable access to quality health care should not depend on the circumstances of one’s birth. “More than five years ago, during House debate on the Affordable Care Act, I labeled it “the Civil Rights Act of the 21st Century,” and I am pleased and very proud that the law is living up to that moniker. “Under the ACA, insurance companies can no longer discriminate against the 129 million Americans who have pre-existing conditions. 105 million Americans no longer have a lifetime limit on their health coverage. No longer can women be penalized by insurance companies simply for being women. Thanks to the ACA, 16 million Americans who were previously uninsured finally have the security of health insurance for their families. “Despite repeated Republican claims that the ACA would kill jobs, our economy is creating jobs at the fastest rate since the 1990s. So, as we gather to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, I’ve got a message to our Republican friends: The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land. Let’s work together to make it better.”’",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:12:38Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/lewis-hoyer-clyburn-and-conyers-reintroduce-voter-empowerment-act,"Lewis, Hoyer, Clyburn, Conyers and Brady Reintroduce Voter Empowerment Act",2015-03-19,2015,2015-03,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, lead sponsorsRep. John Lewis (GA-5), House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5),Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn (SC-6), Rep. John Conyers (MI-13), Rep. Robert Brady (PA-1) and more than 170 Democrats reintroduced the Voter Empowerment Act in the House of Representatives. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York will introduce a companion version in the Senate. The Voter Empowerment Act will help ensure equal access to the ballot for every eligible voter, will modernize our voter registration system to help more Americans participate, and will take steps to eliminate deceptive practices and voter fraud that deter voters from casting their ballots. On March 21, 1965, thousands of protestors left Selma, Alabama and marched all the way to Montgomery to underscore the need for voting rights legislation which assured access to the ballot box for millions of Americans.Sponsors offer the VEA today as a continuation of the ongoing effort to ensure that every American has an equal and fair opportunity to make their voice heard through the electoral process. At a time when some states have implemented or are planning to implement new barriers for voters who may be seniors, students, low-income Americans, members of our Armed Services, disabled, or speak English as a second language, Democrats see the need to certify their efforts to protect voting access for all Americans. Click for asection by section description, letter of support, orfull bill textof the Voter Empowerment Act. As we look to commemorate the 56th Anniversary of the final Selma-to-Montgomery march, begun on March 21, 1965,"" said Rep. John Lewis, "" I am proud to join my colleagues to reintroduce the Voter Empowerment Act. The goal of this bill is to make voting access equal, fair, and simple for every American. Democracy is not a state; it is an act. The vigilant action of every member of Congress and every citizen is necessary to ensure that liberty, equality and justice remain the guiding principles of our democracy. The VEA is just one of the steps we believe must be taken to make sure the vote retains its power as the most transformative, non-violent tool citizens have in our society to make their voices heard."" Im pleased to be joining Civil Rights Movement heroRep. John Lewis, Assistant Leader Clyburn, Ranking Member Conyers, and Ranking Member Brady today to reintroduce the Voter Empowerment Act, said Democratic Whip Hoyer. This legislation aims to make it easier for eligible voters to cast their ballots and have those ballots counted accurately at a time when, unfortunately, some states are making it more difficult for voters to exercise their right to participate in our democracy. Our legislation would modernize the voter registration system to include same-day registration, expand early voting, prohibit deceptive practices, create a national voter protection hotline, and mandate a verifiable paper trail, among other reforms. I hope that Democrats and Republicans in the House can come together in this fiftieth anniversary year of the Selma-to-Montgomery march and the enactment of the Voting Rights Act to pass our bill and empower all Americans to have a voice in their government. Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn said, The Voter Empowerment Act is the product of a collaborative effort involving dozens of Members and representatives from scores of advocacy organizations. In the face of recently enacted creative devices that constitute a modern version of the Jim Crow-era practice of voter disenfranchisement, this legislation will improve access to the ballot box, protect the integrity of our elections, and ensure that those who seek to cause mischief are held accountable. I am hopeful the voices of people of good will rise above the din of despair we so often hear about the future of our great country and Congress will act on this needed vehicle toward a more perfect Union. There is no more important right in our society than the right to votethe foundation of all of our other rights enshrined in the Constitution, "" said Rep. John Conyers."" Unfortunately, efforts to scale back the right to vote continue to thrive in our country. Today we call on Congress to once again protect that precious right. Congress did not stand idly by in 1965 when we passed the Voting Rights Act and the many federal protections we passed thereafter. When equal access to the ballot box is impaired by any means, the Constitution obligates our most careful and deliberate attention. And, we, the 114thCongress, must not stand idly now by when American citizens are denied their constitutional right to vote. We are fewer than two years away from the next federal election,"" says Rep. Robert Brady,"" and are destined to repeat the same unacceptable mistakes of 2012. Without action, thousands of eligible voters will be turned away from the polls because of preventable problems. We need to modernize voter registration and ensure that state and local election officials are fully equipped with the information and resources necessary to effectively and efficiently administer their elections. This is not a Democratic or Republican issue but a democracy issue.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/lewis-hoyer-clyburn-conyers-and-brady-reintroduce-voter-empowerment-act/,"Lewis, Hoyer, Clyburn, Conyers and Brady Reintroduce Voter Empowerment Act",2015-03-19,2015,2015-03,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, lead sponsors Rep. John Lewis (GA-5), House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5), Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn (SC-6), Rep. John Conyers (MI-13), Rep. Robert Brady (PA-1) and more than 170 Democrats reintroduced the Voter Empowerment Act in the House of Representatives. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York will introduce a companion version in the Senate. The Voter Empowerment Act will help ensure equal access to the ballot for every eligible voter, will modernize our voter registration system to help more Americans participate, and will take steps to eliminate deceptive practices and voter fraud that deter voters from casting their ballots. On March 21, 1965, thousands of protestors left Selma, Alabama and marched all the way to Montgomery to underscore the need for voting rights legislation which assured access to the ballot box for millions of Americans. Sponsors offer the VEA today as a continuation of the ongoing effort to ensure that every American has an equal and fair opportunity to make their voice heard through the electoral process. At a time when some states have implemented or are planning to implement new barriers for voters who may be seniors, students, low-income Americans, members of our Armed Services, disabled, or speak English as a second language, Democrats see the need to certify their efforts to protect voting access for all Americans. Click for a section by section description, letter of support, or full bill text of the Voter Empowerment Act. “As we look to commemorate the 56th Anniversary of the final Selma-to-Montgomery march, begun on March 21, 1965,"" said Rep. John Lewis, "" I am proud to join my colleagues to reintroduce the Voter Empowerment Act. The goal of this bill is to make voting access equal, fair, and simple for every American. Democracy is not a state; it is an act. The vigilant action of every member of Congress and every citizen is necessary to ensure that liberty, equality and justice remain the guiding principles of our democracy. The VEA is just one of the steps we believe must be taken to make sure the vote retains its power as the most transformative, non-violent tool citizens have in our society to make their voices heard."" “I’m pleased to be joining Civil Rights Movement hero Rep. John Lewis, Assistant Leader Clyburn, Ranking Member Conyers, and Ranking Member Brady today to reintroduce the Voter Empowerment Act,” said Democratic Whip Hoyer. “This legislation aims to make it easier for eligible voters to cast their ballots and have those ballots counted accurately at a time when, unfortunately, some states are making it more difficult for voters to exercise their right to participate in our democracy. Our legislation would modernize the voter registration system to include same-day registration, expand early voting, prohibit deceptive practices, create a national voter protection hotline, and mandate a verifiable paper trail, among other reforms. I hope that Democrats and Republicans in the House can come together in this fiftieth anniversary year of the Selma-to-Montgomery march and the enactment of the Voting Rights Act to pass our bill and empower all Americans to have a voice in their government.” Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn said, “The Voter Empowerment Act is the product of a collaborative effort involving dozens of Members and representatives from scores of advocacy organizations. In the face of recently enacted creative devices that constitute a modern version of the Jim Crow-era practice of voter disenfranchisement, this legislation will improve access to the ballot box, protect the integrity of our elections, and ensure that those who seek to cause mischief are held accountable. I am hopeful the voices of people of good will rise above the din of despair we so often hear about the future of our great country and Congress will act on this needed vehicle toward ‘a more perfect Union.’” “There is no more important right in our society than the right to vote—the foundation of all of our other rights enshrined in the Constitution, "" said Rep. John Conyers. "" Unfortunately, efforts to scale back the right to vote continue to thrive in our country. Today we call on Congress to once again protect that precious right. Congress did not stand idly by in 1965 when we passed the Voting Rights Act and the many federal protections we passed thereafter. When equal access to the ballot box is impaired by any means, the Constitution obligates our most careful and deliberate attention. And, we, the 114th Congress, must not stand idly now by when American citizens are denied their constitutional right to vote.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:12:38Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-reflections-selma,Clyburn: Reflections on Selma,2015-03-10,2015,2015-03,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"I am home alone reflecting on the remarkable and blessed experiences of the past three days. Yesterday I sat at the steps of the Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama listening to some remarkable reflections from a spouse and daughter of the 1960s. Juanita Abernathy, the widow of Martin Luther King Jr.'s constant companion, Ralph David Abernathy, and Peggy Wallace Kennedy, the daughter of former Alabama Gov. George Wallace, gave moving testimonies of what it was like from opposite ends of the spectrum as wills were tested during the run-up to the March 7, 1965 march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. I was particularly moved by Ms. Wallace Kennedy as she shared the experience of taking her son, Governor Wallace's grandson, to the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia. After taking in some of the sights and sounds of the Center, her son asked her, ""Why did 'Pa Pa' do those things to other people?"" Ms. Wallace Kennedy said that she answered her son by telling him that her father ""never told [her] why he did those things"" but that they were wrong, and that it would be ""up to [them] to help make things right."" My flight home was out of Birmingham. During the 90-minute automobile ride from Montgomery to Birmingham, the time I spent in the Birmingham airport waiting on my flight, and on the flights to Columbia through Charlotte, I did a lot of reflecting and projecting. My feelings were that there is much more hope than the despair so many express for the future of our great country. Before leaving Montgomery, I had conversations with several current and former colleagues about what might flow from our weekend experiences. I shared my favorite passage from King's letter from the Birmingham City Jail. In that timeless document, King responded to those who felt that his cause was right but the timing was wrong. King admonished in that letter that time is never right and time is never wrong. Time is always what we make of it. He went on to intone that he was coming to the conclusion that--and I'm slightly paraphrasing here--""people of ill will in our society make a much better use of time than people of good will,"" and he concluded the thought by writing, ""we are going to be made to repent not just for the vitriolic words and deeds of bad people but for the appalling silence of good people."" We are hearing a great deal from those in our society who would like to turn the clock back on voting rights, civil rights, and the right to peaceably assemble. The rights to judicial fairness and effective representation in our various legislative bodies are under siege. The allowance of unlimited and secret financing of political campaigns and the creation of political ghettos and barrios are disconcerting. The voices of those who toss around gratuitous insults are loud and clear. On Saturday morning, I sat in the pews of Brown Chapel AMEC and listened to a panel of several people whose lives were significantly impacted by the events at Selma 50 years ago. One of them was Mary Liuzzo Lilleboe, the daughter of Viola Liuzzo, the white activist who was murdered while transporting some of the marchers back to Selma from Montgomery. Ms. Liuzzo Lilleboe said that she is often asked why her mother went to Selma. But she said that she believes the more appropriate question is ""why more people didn't go."" I believe there are many more people of good will among us than various news reports might lead us to believe. Hopefully, more of them will raise their voices in continuance of our search for ""a more perfect Union.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-reflections-on-selma/,Clyburn: Reflections on Selma,2015-03-10,2015,2015-03,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"I am home alone reflecting on the remarkable and blessed experiences of the past three days. Yesterday I sat at the steps of the Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama listening to some remarkable reflections from a spouse and daughter of the 1960s. Juanita Abernathy, the widow of Martin Luther King Jr.'s constant companion, Ralph David Abernathy, and Peggy Wallace Kennedy, the daughter of former Alabama Gov. George Wallace, gave moving testimonies of what it was like from opposite ends of the spectrum as wills were tested during the run-up to the March 7, 1965 march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. I was particularly moved by Ms. Wallace Kennedy as she shared the experience of taking her son, Governor Wallace's grandson, to the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia. After taking in some of the sights and sounds of the Center, her son asked her, ""Why did 'Pa Pa' do those things to other people?"" Ms. Wallace Kennedy said that she answered her son by telling him that her father ""never told [her] why he did those things"" but that they were wrong, and that it would be ""up to [them] to help make things right."" My flight home was out of Birmingham. During the 90-minute automobile ride from Montgomery to Birmingham, the time I spent in the Birmingham airport waiting on my flight, and on the flights to Columbia through Charlotte, I did a lot of reflecting and projecting. My feelings were that there is much more hope than the despair so many express for the future of our great country. Before leaving Montgomery, I had conversations with several current and former colleagues about what might flow from our weekend experiences. I shared my favorite passage from King's letter from the Birmingham City Jail. In that timeless document, King responded to those who felt that his cause was right but the timing was wrong. King admonished in that letter that time is never right and time is never wrong. Time is always what we make of it. He went on to intone that he was coming to the conclusion that–and I'm slightly paraphrasing here–""people of ill will in our society make a much better use of time than people of good will,"" and he concluded the thought by writing, ""we are going to be made to repent not just for the vitriolic words and deeds of bad people but for the appalling silence of good people."" We are hearing a great deal from those in our society who would like to turn the clock back on voting rights, civil rights, and the right to peaceably assemble. The rights to judicial fairness and effective representation in our various legislative bodies are under siege. The allowance of unlimited and secret financing of political campaigns and the creation of political ghettos and barrios are disconcerting. The voices of those who toss around gratuitous insults are loud and clear. On Saturday morning, I sat in the pews of Brown Chapel AMEC and listened to a panel of several people whose lives were significantly impacted by the events at Selma 50 years ago. One of them was Mary Liuzzo Lilleboe, the daughter of Viola Liuzzo, the white activist who was murdered while transporting some of the marchers back to Selma from Montgomery. Ms. Liuzzo Lilleboe said that she is often asked why her mother went to Selma. But she said that she believes the more appropriate question is ""why more people didn't go."" I believe there are many more people of good will among us than various news reports might lead us to believe. Hopefully, more of them will raise their voices in continuance of our search for ""a more perfect Union.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:12:38Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-battle-rages-voting-rights,Clyburn: 'Battle rages on' for voting rights,2015-03-06,2015,2015-03,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"One day before President Obama and congressional leaders meet to commemorate the 56th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery march, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said he believes the ""battle wages on"" for equal voting rights in America. ""I hope that, when we leave that bridge on Saturday, we can work together to fix the Voting Rights Act that has been virtually been dismantled by the recent Shelby decision,"" Clyburn said Friday morning on MSNBC's ""Morning Joe."" To read more, click here: thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/234841-clyburn-battle-rages-on-for-voting-rights",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-battle-rages-on-for-voting-rights/,Clyburn: ‘Battle rages on’ for voting rights,2015-03-06,2015,2015-03,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"One day before President Obama and congressional leaders meet to commemorate the 56th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery march, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said he believes the ""battle wages on"" for equal voting rights in America. ""I hope that, when we leave that bridge on Saturday, we can work together to fix the Voting Rights Act that has been virtually been dismantled by the recent Shelby decision,"" Clyburn said Friday morning on MSNBC's ""Morning Joe.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:12:38Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/president-obama-coming-columbia,President Obama coming to Columbia,2015-03-02,2015,2015-03,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Obama coming to Columbia By ANDREW SHAIN, THE STATE NEWSPAPER Mar 2, 2015 COLUMBIA, SC President Barack Obama will visit South Carolina for the first time since winning the states Democratic presidential primary in 2008. Obama will attend a youth rally Friday at Benedict College, a historically black private school in Columbia, The White House said. Details about the presidents trip will be released later this week. His visit will come two weeks after Vice President Joe Biden swung through Columbia and Charleston. South Carolina is one of three states Obama has not visited since becoming president. Utah and South Dakota are the others. The president has not come to South Carolina until this week because it is one of the more Republican-dominant states in the country, Winthrop University political scientist Scott Huffmon said. Obama failed to top Republican rivals in the Palmetto State on his way to victories in the 2008 and 2012 general elections. Its more about how useful is a visit than any snub of South Carolina, Huffmon said. You have to make strategic use of a presidents time. Its a finite resource. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/president-obama-coming-to-columbia/,President Obama coming to Columbia,2015-03-02,2015,2015-03,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"— President Barack Obama will visit South Carolina for the first time since winning the state’s Democratic presidential primary in 2008. Obama will attend a youth rally Friday at Benedict College, a historically black private school in Columbia, The White House said. Details about the president’s trip will be released later this week. His visit will come two weeks after Vice President Joe Biden swung through Columbia and Charleston. South Carolina is one of three states Obama has not visited since becoming president. Utah and South Dakota are the others. The president has not come to South Carolina until this week because it is one of the more Republican-dominant states in the country, Winthrop University political scientist Scott Huffmon said. Obama failed to top Republican rivals in the Palmetto State on his way to victories in the 2008 and 2012 general elections. “It’s more about how useful is a visit than any snub of South Carolina,” Huffmon said. “You have to make strategic use of a president’s time. It’s a finite resource.” CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:12:38Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-clyburn-announces-over-8-million-grants-be-awarded-childrens-trust-fund,Congressman Clyburn announces over $8 million in grants to be awarded to the Children's Trust Fund of South Carolina,2015-02-24,2015,2015-02,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Columbia, SC) South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announced today that the Childrens Trust Fund of South Carolina will be receiving more than $8 million from the Department of Health and Human Services for maternal and child health services. This grant comes after a $6 million grant announcement in September to the Childrens Trust Fund for similar services. The grants being awarded to the Childrens Trust Fund are part of the Affordable Care Act and will assist in a maternal, infant and early childhood home visiting program. This program is designed to improve coordination of services for at risk communities and identify and provide comprehensive services to improve outcomes for families who reside in those communities. I continue to be pleased to see South Carolina receive federal assistance from the Affordable Care Act to improve health care services in our state, Congressman Clyburn said. As our state continues to see an influx of financial support despite the states refusal to accept $11.7 billion of new revenue by expanding Medicaid, I look forward to seeing our local communities healthcare needs addressed by organizations like the Childrens Trust Fund.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-over-8-million-in-grants-to-be-awarded-to-the-childrens-trust-fund-of-south-carolina/,Congressman Clyburn announces over $8 million in grants to be awarded to the Children’s Trust Fund of South Carolina,2015-02-24,2015,2015-02,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"(Columbia, SC) –South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announced today that the Children’s Trust Fund of South Carolina will be receiving more than $8 million from the Department of Health and Human Services for maternal and child health services. This grant comes after a $6 million grant announcement in September to the Children’s Trust Fund for similar services. The grants being awarded to the Children’s Trust Fund are part of the Affordable Care Act and will assist in a maternal, infant and early childhood home visiting program. This program is designed to improve coordination of services for at risk communities and identify and provide comprehensive services to improve outcomes for families who reside in those communities. “I continue to be pleased to see South Carolina receive federal assistance from the Affordable Care Act to improve health care services in our state,” Congressman Clyburn said. “As our state continues to see an influx of financial support despite the state’s refusal to accept $11.7 billion of new revenue by expanding Medicaid, I look forward to seeing our local communities’ healthcare needs addressed by organizations like the Children’s Trust Fund.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:10:40Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-clyburn-announces-millions-south-carolina-first-steps-school-readiness,Congressman Clyburn Announces Millions for South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Programs,2015-02-03,2015,2015-02,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Columbia, SC) – South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announced today that South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness will be receiving over $3 million to help fund their Early Head Start program, while Charleston First Steps will be receiving over $1 million to help fund their local Early Head State program.  These grants are being awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services. As an early childhood education initiative, First Steps to School Readiness, has helped hundreds of thousands of young children prepare for school through programs that provide early intervention, strength families, improve children’s health and well-being, increase the quality of early care and education, and help transition kindergartners into school.  In addition to South Carolina’s First Steps organization, each county is represented by a local First Steps Partnership. “I’m thrilled to see the Department of Health and Human Services making an investment in our state’s First Step organizations,” Congressman Clyburn said.  “Investing in early childhood education can offer outstanding opportunities for our children and I hope these grants will continue to allow First Steps to promote, develop and improve such opportunities throughout South Carolina.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-millions-for-south-carolina-first-steps-to-school-readiness-programs/,Congressman Clyburn Announces Millions for South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Programs,2015-02-03,2015,2015-02,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"(Columbia, SC) – South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announced today that South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness will be receiving over $3 million to help fund their Early Head Start program, while Charleston First Steps will be receiving over $1 million to help fund their local Early Head State program. These grants are being awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services. As an early childhood education initiative, First Steps to School Readiness, has helped hundreds of thousands of young children prepare for school through programs that provide early intervention, strength families, improve children’s health and well-being, increase the quality of early care and education, and help transition kindergartners into school. In addition to South Carolina’s First Steps organization, each county is represented by a local First Steps Partnership. “I’m thrilled to see the Department of Health and Human Services making an investment in our state’s First Step organizations,” Congressman Clyburn said. “Investing in early childhood education can offer outstanding opportunities for our children and I hope these grants will continue to allow First Steps to promote, develop and improve such opportunities throughout South Carolina.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:10:40Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-clyburn-announces-millions-continuum-care-awards-south-carolina,Congressman Clyburn Announces Millions in Continuum of Care Awards for South Carolina,2015-01-28,2015,2015-01,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Columbia, SC) –South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announced today that 33 organizations across South Carolina will be receiving more than $9 million in Continuum of Care (CoC) awards from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The 6th Congressional District will be receiving over $4 million.  The list of organizations and amount of awards is attached to this release. The CoC Program is designed to promote a communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness by providing funding for efforts by nonprofits, and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families.   The programs also promote access to and effect utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families. “I am happy to announce the outstanding investment HUD is making in the state of South Carolina to help find a solution to end homelessness in our state,” Congressman Clyburn said.  “This is an important issue that cannot be ignored and with funds to help individuals and families experiencing this situation, I hope these organizations will be able to offer a solution focused approach to finding an end to homelessness in our state.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-millions-in-continuum-of-care-awards-for-south-carolina/,Congressman Clyburn Announces Millions in Continuum of Care Awards for South Carolina,2015-01-28,2015,2015-01,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"(Columbia, SC) –South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announced today that 33 organizations across South Carolina will be receiving more than $9 million in Continuum of Care (CoC) awards from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The 6th Congressional District will be receiving over $4 million. The list of organizations and amount of awards is attached to this release. The CoC Program is designed to promote a communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness by providing funding for efforts by nonprofits, and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families. The programs also promote access to and effect utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families. “I am happy to announce the outstanding investment HUD is making in the state of South Carolina to help find a solution to end homelessness in our state,” Congressman Clyburn said. “This is an important issue that cannot be ignored and with funds to help individuals and families experiencing this situation, I hope these organizations will be able to offer a solution focused approach to finding an end to homelessness in our state.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:07:48Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/pelosi-clyburn-announce-members-house-democrats-democratic-outreach-engagement-task,"PELOSI, CLYBURN -- Announce Members of House Democrats' Democratic Outreach & Engagement Task Force",2015-01-21,2015,2015-01,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pelosi, Clyburn Announce Members of House Democrats’Democratic Outreach & Engagement Task Force Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (D-SC) announced today the Members of House Democrats’ Democratic Outreach & Engagement Task Force, which will be chaired by Clyburn.  The task force will drive new efforts to increase voter participation in the political process 50 years after the enactment of the Voting Rights Act.   “As we mark the 56th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act – one of the most important and consequential pieces of legislation in our nation’s history – we must continue to inspire the engagement of every American in our elections,” said Leader Pelosi.  “With the bold and visionary leadership of Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn, the Democratic Outreach & Engagement Task Force will work to reawaken our communities to the power of the vote to destroy injustice, create opportunity and sustain our democracy.” “By laying out the high stakes and momentous impact of the political process, using the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the ‘1965 Voting Rights Act’ as a compelling example of the importance of civic engagement, we hope to inspire Americans from all walks of life to become more engaged.  We also hope they will come to realize and appreciate how Democratic policies would improve their families’ lives and their children’s futures,” said Assistant Leader Clyburn. The following Democratic Members will serve on the Democratic Outreach & Engagement Task Force: Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (D-SC), Chair Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) Congressman André Carson (D-IN) Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA) Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY) Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA) # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/pelosi-clyburn-announce-members-of-house-democrats-democratic-outreach-engagement-task-force/,"PELOSI, CLYBURN — Announce Members of House Democrats’ Democratic Outreach & Engagement Task Force",2015-01-21,2015,2015-01,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"Pelosi, Clyburn Announce Members of House Democrats’ Democratic Outreach & Engagement Task Force Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (D-SC) announced today the Members of House Democrats’ Democratic Outreach & Engagement Task Force, which will be chaired by Clyburn. The task force will drive new efforts to increase voter participation in the political process 50 years after the enactment of the Voting Rights Act. “As we mark the 56th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act – one of the most important and consequential pieces of legislation in our nation’s history – we must continue to inspire the engagement of every American in our elections,” said Leader Pelosi. “With the bold and visionary leadership of Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn, the Democratic Outreach & Engagement Task Force will work to reawaken our communities to the power of the vote to destroy injustice, create opportunity and sustain our democracy.” “By laying out the high stakes and momentous impact of the political process, using the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the ‘1965 Voting Rights Act’ as a compelling example of the importance of civic engagement, we hope to inspire Americans from all walks of life to become more engaged. We also hope they will come to realize and appreciate how Democratic policies would improve their families’ lives and their children’s futures,” said Assistant Leader Clyburn. The following Democratic Members will serve on the Democratic Outreach & Engagement Task Force:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:07:48Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-clyburn-announces-millions-funding-cybersecurity-education-hbcus-south,Congressman Clyburn Announces Millions in Funding for Cybersecurity Education at HBCUs in South Carolina,2015-01-16,2015,2015-01,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Columbia, SC) –South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announced today that seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and one k-12 school district in South Carolina will be receiving over $16 million in funding for cybersecurity education. Vice President Biden announced yesterday that $25 million in funding will be granted nationwide over the next five years to create a new cybersecruity consortium consisting of 13 HBCUs, two national labs and a k-12 school district.  The growth of cybercrime is creating a need for cybersecurity professionals across a range of professions. By some estimates, the demand for cybersecurity workers is growing 12 times faster than the U.S. job market, and is creating well-paying jobs. The following South Carolina entities will be participating in the consortium: Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Denmark Technical College, Morris College, South Carolina State University, Voorhees College and the Charleston County School District. “I am thrilled to announce the enormous investment that the HBCUs in South Carolina will be receiving in cybersecurity education,” Congressman Clyburn said.  “The ability to offer students at these schools the opportunity to diversify their education in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, is invaluable.  I have worked with the National Nuclear Security Administration to support math and science opportunities at HBCUs and this program continues those efforts.  I am looking forward to seeing students at these institutions excel in this field and become the leaders for the next generation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-millions-in-funding-for-cybersecurity-education-at-hbcus-in-south-carolina/,Congressman Clyburn Announces Millions in Funding for Cybersecurity Education at HBCUs in South Carolina,2015-01-16,2015,2015-01,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"(Columbia, SC) –South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn announced today that seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and one k-12 school district in South Carolina will be receiving over $16 million in funding for cybersecurity education. Vice President Biden announced yesterday that $25 million in funding will be granted nationwide over the next five years to create a new cybersecruity consortium consisting of 13 HBCUs, two national labs and a k-12 school district. The growth of cybercrime is creating a need for cybersecurity professionals across a range of professions. By some estimates, the demand for cybersecurity workers is growing 12 times faster than the U.S. job market, and is creating well-paying jobs. The following South Carolina entities will be participating in the consortium: Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Denmark Technical College, Morris College, South Carolina State University, Voorhees College and the Charleston County School District. “I am thrilled to announce the enormous investment that the HBCUs in South Carolina will be receiving in cybersecurity education,” Congressman Clyburn said. “The ability to offer students at these schools the opportunity to diversify their education in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, is invaluable. I have worked with the National Nuclear Security Administration to support math and science opportunities at HBCUs and this program continues those efforts. I am looking forward to seeing students at these institutions excel in this field and become the leaders for the next generation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:07:48Z http://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-clyburn-introduces-bill-reauthorize-hbcu-historic-preservation-program,Congressman Clyburn introduces bill to reauthorize the HBCU Historic Preservation Program,2015-01-13,2015,2015-01,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Columbia, SC) –South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn introduced H.R. 295 today which would reauthorize the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Historic Preservation Program.  In 1998 the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted a study to identify historic sites and buildings on the campuses of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and determine the cost of preserving and protecting those sites and buildings.  The GAO indentified 712 historic sites and buildings that were of historic significances and determined that it would require $755 million to successfully restore and preserve them.  Congress responded by authorizing and appropriating funds to implement the program.  In the 6th Congressional District, historic buildings at Allen, Claflin, and South Carolina State Universities, and Voorhees and Benedict Colleges have been successfully restored.  To date, 59 institutions in 20 different states have benefitted from the program.  However, authorization for this program has expired, and no funds have been appropriated since the Recovery Act in 2009. “I look forward to continuing my work with HBCUs in South Carolina and around the country to revive this successful effort to celebrate our heritage and strengthen our communities,” Congressman Clyburn said.  “The structures on these campuses across the country are living testaments to African American history and deserve to be stabilized and restored.  I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to preserve our nation’s history.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-introduces-bill-to-reauthorize-the-hbcu-historic-preservation-program/,Congressman Clyburn introduces bill to reauthorize the HBCU Historic Preservation Program,2015-01-13,2015,2015-01,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"(Columbia, SC) –South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn introduced H.R. 295 today which would reauthorize the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Historic Preservation Program. In 1998 the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted a study to identify historic sites and buildings on the campuses of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and determine the cost of preserving and protecting those sites and buildings. The GAO indentified 712 historic sites and buildings that were of historic significances and determined that it would require $755 million to successfully restore and preserve them. Congress responded by authorizing and appropriating funds to implement the program. In the 6th Congressional District, historic buildings at Allen, Claflin, and South Carolina State Universities, and Voorhees and Benedict Colleges have been successfully restored. To date, 59 institutions in 20 different states have benefitted from the program. However, authorization for this program has expired, and no funds have been appropriated since the Recovery Act in 2009. “I look forward to continuing my work with HBCUs in South Carolina and around the country to revive this successful effort to celebrate our heritage and strengthen our communities,” Congressman Clyburn said. “The structures on these campuses across the country are living testaments to African American history and deserve to be stabilized and restored. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to preserve our nation’s history.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T20:07:48Z