Jim Clyburn

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Gillen).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Chair, I have one additional speaker.

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), the distinguished ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Chair, the bipartisan infrastructure law requires drunk and impaired driving technology to become standard equipment in new cars once a rule has been finalized by the Department of Transportation. More than 30 people in the United States die every day in drunk driving crashes, and more than 12,000 people a year suffer these preventable deaths. Using the appropriations process to delay or in any way impede the development of technology to prevent drunk driving is inappropriate and reckless. What we have before us today is a bipartisan, conferenced bill. It is already a compromise from what Members on both sides of the aisle wanted. Debating and attaching an amendment to this bill risks the entire package. Mr. Chair, I look forward to the time when we can debate the substance of this amendment because I have some thoughts on the data that I want the administration to be thinking about, but the time for debate on the individual policies is not now. This amendment, which could delay the technology that would limit drunk driving and save lives, is not the amendment to support. This amendment should not be inserted into this bipartisan bill at this point in the process. I strongly oppose it and urge my colleagues to vote ``no.'' I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Chair, this includes Christina Monroe, Jackie Kilroy, and Nora Faye, along with Barvetta Singletary on my personal staff. It also includes Doug, Avery, Andrew, and Mary Beth with the majority. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Chair, it protects investments for continuing Amtrak service along the Northeast Corridor and national network by providing $2.4 billion. It allocates $3.7 billion in Transit Capital Investment Grants that improve commute times and reduces congestion on our roads. It includes $100 million for the 2026 World Cup and $94 million for the 2028 Olympics to help transit agencies manage local transportation in support of games across the country. In closing, this year's Transportation and Housing bill advances investments in our housing and transportation infrastructure, while increasing safety and housing security. Before I close, I thank the staff on both sides of the aisle for their immeasurable contributions to this bill.

Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Chair, I thank Ranking Member DeLauro and Chairman Cole for their leadership. Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of this bipartisan legislation that will make critical investments in housing and transportation across America. As ranking member of the Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I will first thank my partner, Chairman Steve Womack, for his leadership and collaborative relationship this year. As many of you know by now, Chairman Womack lost his wife this past Sunday as we were closing out this bill. He remained by his wife's side during the extremely difficult time, while ensuring we walked away from the negotiation table with a product we can feel proud about. Madam Chair, having been through that which Chairman Womack is experiencing, I am encouraged and emboldened by his commitment to get this bill across the finish line while managing his affairs back home. The Transportation and Housing division of this bill includes $113 billion in discretionary spending. This represents an $11 billion increase in the House Republican bill and is $43 billion more than the President's budget request. The bill reflects a renewed commitment to addressing the cost-of- living crisis and improving the safety of our transportation systems. For housing, the bill prevents the eviction of more than 4 million low- income households served through HUD's rental assistance programs, including those currently served by Section 8 and public housing. Madam Chair, the bill reinforces efforts to combat homelessness by increasing funding for the Homeless Assistance Grants by $366 million, rejecting the Trump administration's efforts to eliminate Continuum of Care funding entirely. It protects investments for mayors and governors by providing $3.3 billion for the popular Community Development Block Grants, or CDBG, and sustains funding for the HOME program at $1.3 billion, which spurs affordable housing construction. It includes $58 million for housing counseling assistance for renters and first-time homebuyers and $8 million to continue legal aid assistance for eviction prevention. For transportation, the bill invests in the safety of the flying public by increasing FAA operations by nearly $230 million, enabling the hiring of 2,500 new air traffic controllers. It increases funding for the air traffic control towers and facilities by $824 million above fiscal year 2025, a 26 percent increase.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise a proud South Carolina State University alumnus to congratulate its football team on their new title, the 2025 HBCU national champions. The Bulldogs erased a 21-point half-time deficit, scoring three touchdowns in the third quarter to win the Cricket Celebration Bowl in a four-overtime thriller over Prairie View A&M University. I offer my not-so-sincere apologies to my good friend and colleague, Emanuel Cleaver. The Bulldogs finished the season 10-3 and claimed their second Celebration Bowl title and third appearance in the classic over the past 5 years. It was also a great honor for the city and county of Orangeburg. The State of South Carolina showed its appreciation by flying the school's flag over the Capitol dome yesterday as the Nation honored HBCU graduate, Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in congratulating the South Carolina State University Bulldogs for their exceptional season. This championship will be remembered not only for the trophies earned and individual achievements but for the sportsmanship of the Prairie View A&M Panthers.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Cecil Edward ``Eddie'' Floyd, a distinguished physician, visionary leader, and devoted servant to the people of South Carolina, who transitioned on January 15, 2026. His life's work reflects a rare combination of professional excellence, civic responsibility, and deep commitment to family and community. A native of Lake City, South Carolina, Dr. Floyd was educated in Lake City Public Schools. He went on to attend the University of South Carolina, earning his bachelor's degree, before pursuing his calling in medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Following his medical degree, Dr. Floyd completed his internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, an experience that further shaped his dedication to compassionate, high-quality care. Board-certified in both General and Vascular Surgery, he built a medical career marked by skill, integrity, and an unwavering focus on patient well-being. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Floyd exemplified leadership through service. He dedicated countless hours to strengthening institutions that serve the public good, including his role as Chairman of the Board for MUSC Health Florence Medical Center. Over the decades, he served on boards for numerous organizations spanning healthcare, higher education, finance, conservation, and public policy--always bringing thoughtful guidance, steady leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility. Dr. Floyd's impact extended into higher education and civic life through long-standing service on the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees, including his tenure as Chairman, and through leadership roles with financial and philanthropic institutions. His counsel was sought at the state, national, and international levels, including service as a Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and participation in organizations shaping healthcare policy and medical education. His distinguished service was widely recognized. Dr. Floyd was named a Distinguished Eagle Scout and received honorary doctoral degrees from Francis Marion University and the University of South Carolina. Among his many accolades was the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor--a testament to both his professional excellence and moral character. At the center of Dr. Floyd's life was his family. He shared a loving marriage with his wife, Kay Baker Floyd of Timmonsville, and together they raised three children--Dr. Coleman Floyd Buckhouse, Cecil ``Bubby'' Edward Floyd, Jr., and Emory ``Sissy'' Kay Floyd. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the life of Dr. Cecil Edward ``Eddie'' Floyd--a healer, a leader, and a servant whose legacy will continue to inspire South Carolina for generations to come.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the recent accomplishments of the South Carolina State University (SCSU) Bulldogs Football Program. Last month, SCSU--my alma mater--was victorious in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia, making them the 2025 HBCU (Historically Black College and University) National Champions. This accomplishment was history-making for the school, a great honor for the city and county of Orangeburg and the State of South Carolina, and it brought great pride to a plethora of us ``loyal sons and daughters'' of that storied institution. This was the second consecutive year the Bulldogs have appeared in the Celebration Bowl, which features the winners of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the Southwest Athletic Conference and is considered the HBCU National Championship game. SCSU completed the 2025 season with an impressive 10-3 record and was undefeated in their conference. The Bulldogs have appeared in three of the last five Celebration Bowls and were victorious in two of them. They have captured the Nation's attention and reaffirmed their place among the elite programs in HBCU football. Located in the heart of the City of Orangeburg, SCSU stands as a beacon of academic excellence and a molder of civic awareness and leadership. This proud legacy of tenaciousness was powerfully reinforced during the 2025 football season, as the Bulldog Football Program delivered one of the most memorable and inspiring campaigns in the school's storied history. Facing adversity on HBCU football's biggest stage, the Bulldogs mounted a remarkable comeback after trailing 21-0 at halftime. They tied the score in the third quarter and ultimately prevailed 40-38 in an unforgettable four-overtime thriller. That victory was more than a win--it was a testament to the resilience and unbreakable spirit of the team. This historic achievement stands as a powerful reflection of the leadership of Head Coach Chennis Berry, who--in just his second season at the helm--guided the Bulldogs to a national championship. Coach Berry and his entire coaching staff are to be commended for their vision, discipline, and unwavering commitment to developing young men while building a championship-caliber program. While this season was defined by collective effort and solid teamwork, special recognition is due to several outstanding student- athletes whose performances rose to the moment. Quarterback Ryan Stubblefield was named the 2025 Celebration Bowl Offensive MVP and led the second-half comeback with poise, determination, and leadership under pressure. Anchoring a unit that delivered when it mattered most was defensive back Brenyen Scott, who earned the Celebration Bowl Defensive MVP honor. The success of the Bulldog Football Program elevated civic pride, strengthened community bonds, and contributed to the cultural and economic vitality of the community. The partnership between the city and county of Orangeburg and South Carolina State University reflects a shared commitment to excellence, opportunity, and the development of future generations. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the South Carolina State University Bulldogs for their exceptional season and victory in the 2025 HBCU National Championship. This championship will be remembered not only for the trophies earned, but also for the legendary ``Bulldog tenacity'' the team displayed. This achievement inspired Bulldogs everywhere and will be a memorable event in the proud legacy of South Carolina State University.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of an educator, public servant, freedom fighter, and man of deep faith whose service to the people of Hollywood, South Carolina, and the Lowcountry of South Carolina spanned more than five decades. The Honorable Herbert Gadson transitioned on January 2, 2026, leaving behind a community forever changed by his courage and leadership. My longtime friend, Herbert Gadson, was born on September 22, 1948, in Charleston County, South Carolina. Reared in the close-knit community of Hollywood, his life was shaped early by faith, family, and an unshakable belief in education as the pathway to opportunity. Baptized at Saint Luke AME Church and later a devoted member of Wesley United Methodist Church, his life reflected the values instilled in him from childhood--service, discipline, and responsibility. A gifted scholar, Mr. Gadson graduated as Valedictorian of the Baptist Hill High School Class of 1967. At a time when barriers for Black students were formidable, he matriculated at South Carolina State University, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in education. While a student there, his life was forever changed by events that would become known as the Orangeburg Massacre. Beaten by state police days earlier and later shot during the protest, Mr. Gadson survived one of the darkest moments of the Civil Rights Movement, carrying a bullet in his hip for the rest of his life. But rather than retreat, he emerged with a renewed commitment to justice, dignity, and public service. Education remained Herbert Gadson's first calling. For 30 years, he served as a teacher, administrator, and mentor in various South Carolina public schools. Whether in North Augusta, Johns Island, Wadmalaw Island, or Hollywood, he was known for firm discipline, high expectations, and genuine care for his students. He was more than an educator; he was a life coach, mentor, and a father figure to many. In 1983, Mr. Gadson entered public service as a write-in candidate for Hollywood Town Council. In 1989, he made history when he was elected the first African American mayor of Hollywood. He served with distinction until 2003. As mayor, he confronted the crack cocaine crisis, rebuilt infrastructure, promoted transparency in government, and achieved what many believed impossible--bringing water and sewer services to a long-neglected rural town. His leadership transformed Hollywood, and his legacy is permanently marked by the Herbert Gadson Intersection, over which hangs the town's only traffic light. Mr. Gadson was a devoted husband to Linda Gadson, a loving father to Reginald, Telley, and Shaytee, a grandfather, and a beloved friend to many. He served as Finance Chair and Treasurer at Wesley United Methodist Church and on the Parish Relations and Nominations Committees. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring The Honorable Herbert Gadson--a servant of the people and a pillar of hope whose legacy will continue to be a source of guidance to Hollywood and South Carolina for generations to come.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a devoted public servant, respected minister, and trusted community leader whose faithful service to Clarendon County and the people of South Carolina spanned more than three decades. Reverend William James ``W.J.'' Frierson, Sr. transitioned on December 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service. Born on July 8, 1953, in Manning, South Carolina, W.J. Frierson was raised in a family grounded in faith, hard work, and community responsibility. As a young man, he accepted Christ and became an active member of Green Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he answered his call to the ministry and began a long journey of service within the church and beyond. Over the years, he faithfully served in numerous roles, including choir member, sexton, trustee, ordained deacon, and ordained associate minister, building a foundation of spiritual leadership that would guide every aspect of his life. Most recently, W.J. Frierson pastored Lovely Hill Baptist Church in Holly Hill for 18 years, shepherding his congregation with compassion and wisdom. Reverend Frierson was equally committed to education and self- improvement. A 1971 graduate of Manning High School, he pursued higher education at Texas College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Biology. He continued his Christian education through the Sumter Baptist M&E Association and Morris College, preparing himself to serve not only as a pastor, but as a thoughtful and compassionate leader equipped to guide others. In 1995, W.J. Frierson began what would become a historic tenure on Clarendon County Council and represented Council District Two for thirty years. During his service, he was known for his steady leadership, thoughtful deliberation, and deep concern for the well- being of all residents. He approached public office not as a position of power, but as an extension of his ministry--listening carefully, advocating tirelessly, and always seeking to do what was right rather than what was easy. His colleagues and constituents respected him for his integrity, humility, and willingness to work through differences for the good of the county. Beyond elected office, Reverend Frierson was deeply engaged in civic and community organizations. He was affiliated with Prince Hall Masons as a member of Red Hill Lodge No. 144, the Manning Branch of the NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and numerous educational and faith- based boards and councils. Professionally, he dedicated more than three decades as Human Resources Manager at Century Aluminum, retiring in 2013. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the memory of Reverend William James ``W.J.'' Frierson, Sr.--a servant of God, a servant of the people, and a pillar of his community. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a mentor to countless individuals who will carry his lessons forward. ``W.J.'' was a man whose life reflected his faith, whose leadership strengthened his community, and whose legacy will endure.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his co-anchorship of these few minutes that we have spent together here on the floor. Mr. Speaker, you have heard from many of our distinguished colleagues about the events of January 6, the insurrection that has been misnamed by many of my colleagues. These issues are of great importance to the members of the Congressional Black Caucus. In fact, they are of great importance to our constituents and to all Americans. When I think about this day, as many of us will be traveling all over the country--in fact, I am going to be in the hometown of Representative Kennedy to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day I think on the 18 of this month--I am thinking tonight about King's letter from the Birmingham City Jail, which many of us remember was written in response to a letter that he had received from eight White clergymen who said to King that they wanted him to leave Birmingham. They told King that they thought he was a disruptive force, and they thought that if he were to leave the community, things would be better. They told King in their letter to him that they did not want him to get them wrong because they believed in his cause, but they just thought that his timing was wrong. Mr. Speaker, King, in his answer to them, said that time itself is neutral. The time is never right. Time is never wrong. Time is always what we make it. He had a concluding thought there that I have been thinking about all day. King said that he was coming to the conclusion that the people of ill will in our society are making a much better use of time than the people of good will. Mr. Speaker, I want us to think about that. Those people who came to this building on January 6, 2021, did not have good will in their hearts nor on their minds. They were people of ill will, and they made pretty good use of their time. I will close with this. King said: ``We are going to be made to repent in this generation not just for the vitriolic words and deeds of bad people but for the appalling silence of good people.'' Mr. Speaker, I say to my friends on the other side of the aisle who have been silent all day that they may live to regret that silence. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kennedy).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Magaziner).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her remarks. I now yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ivey).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her remarks. I will now yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Foushee).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her remarks. Now I yield to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks. I yield to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her comments. I now yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Mfume).