Jim Clyburn

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland for his comments and for his friendship for these 36-plus years, 30 years as my colleague. Mr. Speaker, I now yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to co-anchor the CBC Special Order along with my distinguished colleague, Representative Steny Hoyer of Maryland. For the next 60 minutes, members of the CBC have an opportunity to speak directly to the American people on the January 6 insurrection attack, an issue of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, the constituents we represent, and all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay homage to the men and women who 5 years ago risked their lives protecting the lives of those elected officials who met in this Hall in fulfillment of their constitutional duties to peacefully transfer Presidential power after the November 2020 elections. Mr. Speaker, January 6, 2021, will be forever remembered for the vicious unprecedented insurrection that took place on that date. On December 31, 2025, the House Judiciary Committee released the transcript of its December 17 private 8-hour interview with Special Counsel Jack Smith, whose investigation into the events of that day led him to describe January 6 as an event that ``does not happen'' without President Trump. Smith testified that Donald Trump is the `` `most culpable and most responsible person' in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election.'' He continued: ``These crimes were committed for his benefit. . . . The other co-conspirators were doing this for his benefit.'' Smith concluded that Trump caused the violence, exploited it, and refused to stop it. Mr. Speaker, I was in this Hall on January 6, 2021, and was among those whisked away to an undisclosed location. My staff huddled behind barricaded doors that were badly damaged by the mob that was described by some of my Republican colleagues as ``patriots'' on a tour of the Capitol. Our valiant United States Capitol Police and first responders did everything they could to keep us out of harm's way. Some were beaten, strangled, and tased. This building, the people's House, was trashed, damaged, and subjected to despicable acts. Members of Congress and their staffs feared for their lives. Some of the insurrectionists waived Confederate battle flags and exhibited Nazi symbols, and some brave American citizens died. A Republican Senator, Ron Johnson, said that by and large it was a peaceful protest. Now, Mr. Speaker, this was not a peaceful protest. It was unadulterated violence. The President of the United States and all Members of Congress take an oath to defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. That oath is a recognition of the fact that there will be times throughout history when we must deal with the enemy from within. On the second day of his Presidency, President Trump granted blanket pardons and commutations to nearly 1,600 of the rioters who stormed this Capitol on January 6, 2021. The President decided that these perpetrators should be pardoned and not pay for their crimes. By pardoning these individuals, this President has made a mockery of the pardon process and smeared the oath he took to uphold the Constitution. These actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for our democratic principles and the sanctity of the vote. The great John Lewis once shared his great fear that ``one day we may wake up and our democracy is gone.'' John and I often spoke of the delicacy of our democracy and that its future was far from guaranteed. On January 6, 2021, we came face-to-face with the reality of this fragility, but our democracy also prevailed. We were not deterred from doing our constitutional duty and certifying the legitimate results of the 2020 Presidential election. Even during this unrelenting campaign to weaken our laws and impede justice, Members of this body have stood up for our Constitution. The exceptional work of the bipartisan January 6th Committee, ably chaired by Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, illuminated for the American people the severity of the conspiracies behind the January 6 attack. Congress has also passed critical reforms to safeguard the legal process for future Presidential elections to help ensure this never happens again. Earlier today, the leader of our caucus, Hakeem Jeffries, held a special hearing to shed further light on the ongoing threats to free and fair elections and the threats to public safety posed by some of the violent criminals President Trump has let out of prison. The threat to our democracy that we witnessed 5 years ago has not lessened, and our obligations to be vigilant in its defense and steadfast in our pursuit of a more perfect Union is as important as ever. The Constitution that binds this country together is a sacred document that has guided our pursuit of perfection for nearly 250 years. We came close to derailing that pursuit on January 6, 2021. If we refuse to acknowledge the facts and give due deference to the violence that took place 5 years ago, we run the risk of abdicating our responsibility to the American people to safeguard our Nation's core principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The insurrection of January 6 could very well be the worst domestic attack on our government since the Civil War, which ended in 1865. That insurrection incented much of my recently released third book titled: ``The First Eight,'' which chronicles the trials and tribulations of the eight African Americans who served in Congress from my home State of South Carolina before me. The book also highlights the social and political events that occurred in the aftermath of the Civil War and calls attention to the violence and lawlessness that occurred during their service and took our great Nation into a dark place that lasted for nearly a century. There are 95 years between number eight in their group and yours truly, number nine. The book is a cautionary tale that reminds us of the warning of the Spanish philosopher George Santayana that ``Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.'' I fear that the danger John Lewis fretted about is facing us today. The aftermath of January 6, 2021, continues to test our ability to protect our freedom and willingness to continue our trek toward a more perfect Union. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Mother Essie M. Richards, a devoted woman of faith, a respected community leader, and a beloved matriarch who will celebrate her 100th birthday on January 26, 2026. Her century-long journey stands as a remarkable testament to service, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Born the seventh of twelve children in Colleton County, South Carolina, Mother Richards was raised in a Christian home that instilled in her strong values of devotion, humility, and responsibility. She joined Jerusalem A.M.E. Church in 1937, beginning what would become more than eight decades of dedicated spiritual service. After relocating to Savannah, Georgia, she joined Flipper Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she distinguished herself as a committed leader and servant of the church. She served as Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, Church Secretary, Trustee, President of the Lay Organization and Flower Club, and sang faithfully in the Senior Choir. She worked tirelessly with the Missionary Society and Youth Department, earning well-deserved recognition in 2006 for outstanding humanitarian and community service. Her faithful service continued when she transferred to Julia Fountain A.M.E. Church in 1986. Nearly twenty years later, in 2005, she returned home to Jerusalem A.M.E--now White Hall A.M.E.--under the leadership of Reverend Robert K. White, where she was appointed to the Steward Board. Her professional life was marked by excellence and integrity. She spent 35 years as an Office Manager with the United States Air Force and the United States Army, gaining the respect and admiration of colleagues for her professionalism, reliability, and leadership. Perhaps her most enduring legacy is her transformational impact on the Carver Heights Community, where she served from the late 1960's through 2006. She was Community President for 23 years and served as Community Secretary. She was a driving force behind the neighborhood's development into a thriving historic community. Her leadership helped bring about vital improvements, including the establishment of the Carver Heights Community Center--breaking ground in 1994 and opening in 1997. Mother Richards led and supported countless initiatives: Neighborhood Watch and National Night Out, senior services, Meals on Wheels, youth programs, home repair projects, community beautification, historic research, block captain programs, and numerous acts of benevolence that strengthened families and neighborhoods. Her decades of service earned her extensive recognition, including the 1995 Block Grant Award, the Environmental Justice Pioneer Award, multiple Outstanding Community Service Awards, National Exchange Club leadership honors, and numerous certificates of appreciation from the City of Savannah. Her family affectionately named her the ``World's Greatest Grandmother'' in 1994. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the 100th birthday of Mother Essie M. Richards. Her life of faith, leadership, and community uplift continues to inspire all who know her, and her legacy will endure for generations.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. La-Dine Williams Gamble, a devoted servant of God, a gifted musician, a tireless educator, and a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Dr. Gamble transitioned into eternal rest on Thursday, September 18, 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy of faith, music, service, and scholarship that touched lives across South Carolina and beyond. Born in Lakewood, New Jersey, on February 27, 1964, to Johnny and Rudine Williams, La-Dine grew up in a faith-filled and education- centered home. From an early age, she displayed remarkable musical talent, beginning piano studies at the age of five and later training at Juilliard. She excelled academically and artistically, graduating from Hillside High School where she was active in band, theater, and choir. She went on to pursue higher education at Shenandoah Conservatory, Seton Hall University, and Clark Atlanta University, where she earned her master's degree in public administration. Committed to lifelong learning, she completed doctoral studies in Christian Education at Gospel Without Borders Bible College and Seminary. Music was her lifelong ministry. Dr. Gamble served as organist, choir director, and soloist for churches in New Jersey, Georgia, and South Carolina. She was a founding member of the National Baptist Convention USA Choir Auxiliary, served faithfully with New Ebenezer Baptist Church in Florence where her husband pastored, and was inducted into the South Carolina Baptist E&M Convention's Music Hall of Fame. She believed that music was a way God spoke to her, and she shared that gift in sanctuaries, classrooms, and celebrations across decades. Dr. Gamble's professional life was equally impactful. She taught in higher education, guided young people through the Williamsburg County School District and Williamsburg Technical College, and directed grant- writing efforts that secured a $25 million Race to the Top award. Even after retiring, she continued to consult with school districts and local governments, championing programs to improve education, healthcare, and opportunities for rural communities. Her civic and cultural service extended through many affiliations, including the Lions Club, the American Leadership Forum, and her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Initiated into AKA in 1986, she served as president of two chapters, including Lambda Theta Omega Chapter in Kingstree, South Carolina, and exemplified the sorority's motto of ``service to all mankind.'' Known for her elegance and joy, she approached each conference, convention, and gathering with grace, flair, and her radiant smile. At the heart of her life was her family. She married Rev. Dr. Norman Gamble in 1993, and together they raised four children--Ti-Esha, Cambridge, Na-Dya, and Malcolm--instilling in them the values of faith, education, and service. She delighted in her role as ``Mommy La'' to her grandchildren, Landon and Tihler. Even during her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Dr. Gamble remained a beacon of hope. She brought joy to others with her trademark ``fashion show'' entrances at chemotherapy treatments and inspired countless friends and strangers through her uplifting messages of faith shared online. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in remembering and celebrating the extraordinary life of Dr. La-Dine Williams Gamble. She was a woman of deep faith, boundless energy, and remarkable talent who gave of herself in every sphere of life. Her music, her ministry, and her love will live on in her family, her church, and her community for years to come.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Master Sergeant Leslie Diane Koger on her retirement after 29 years of distinguished service in the United States Air National Guard. MSgt Koger's career is one defined by professionalism, leadership, and selfless service. From her beginnings in South Carolina to her final assignment at Joint Base Andrews, she has embodied the highest traditions of military service that leaves a legacy on the Airmen she has led and mentored. A proud native of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, MSgt Koger graduated from Macedonia High School before embarking on her military career in July 1996 when she enlisted in the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing, 245th Air Traffic Control Squadron. After completing her technical training as an Information Manager at Keesler Air Force Base, she quickly distinguished herself as a talented leader and mentor. Over the years, she advanced through key roles at the squadron, group, and headquarters levels, serving with distinction at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, the Pentagon, and the Air National Guard Readiness Center at Joint Base Andrews. Throughout her career, MSgt Koger deployed seven times in support of Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Freedom Sentinel, as well as multiple Air Expeditionary Force deployments and exercises. Her leadership was instrumental in earning her unit the Meritorious Unit Award, and her administrative teams were consistently recognized for exceptional service in deployed environments. She also played a critical role in preparing the next generation of Airmen, mentoring countless service members who have gone on to leadership positions themselves. MSgt Koger's commitment to professional growth is reflected in her academic and military accomplishments. A graduate of Limestone College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management, she also completed numerous levels of professional military education. Her exemplary service has been recognized with some of the Air Force's highest honors, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air and Space Commendation Medal, and the Air and Space Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters. She was named South Carolina Air National Guard Noncommissioned Officer of the Year in 2004, an early recognition of the leadership and excellence that would define her entire career. Her most recent assignments--as Assistant Executive Assistant for Intelligence and Cyber Effects Operations at the Air National Guard Readiness Center and as Executive Assistant to the Air National Guard Command Chief at the Pentagon--underscore the trust placed in her judgment, discretion, and leadership at the highest levels of the Air National Guard. In these positions, she supported directorates and leaders responsible for the readiness of Air National Guard units across all 54 states and territories, directly impacting the mission success of more than 90 Air Guard wings nationwide. Mr. Speaker, as MSgt Leslie Diane Koger concludes her service at the end of 2025, we honor her for nearly three decades of dedication to our Nation. She has been a leader, a mentor, and a role model whose example continues to inspire and will for years to come. On behalf of a grateful state and Nation, I thank her for her service and wish her Godspeed in her well-deserved retirement.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the extraordinary service of Brigadier General David M. Jenkins, a trailblazing leader in the South Carolina National Guard who will soon retire after 35 years of distinguished military service. Brigadier General Jenkins' career is one defined by excellence, integrity, and selfless service--qualities that have left a lasting impact on the armed forces of our state and Nation. As he prepares to conclude his remarkable military service, he does so with the respect and admiration of those who served with him. He leaves so that the next generation of leaders can make their mark. This act of mentorship and setting the right example speaks volumes about his character. A proud native of South Carolina, Brigadier General Jenkins began his military journey as an ROTC cadet at South Carolina State University, where he earned his commission on May 24, 1990. Over the next three decades, he would rise through the ranks, holding a series of critical command and staff positions--from Platoon Leader to Brigade Commander, and ultimately, Assistant Adjutant General-Army and Land Component Commander for South Carolina. In this final post, he held individual accountability for the training, manning, and equipping of all Army National Guard forces within the state. His career was shaped by both operational experience and strategic leadership. In 2004, he deployed to Afghanistan, where he served as the Strategic Plans Communication Officer for the Joint Coordination Center--Afghanistan. At home, he played a key role in the Guard's responses to hurricanes, floods, winter storms, and other emergencies that tested the strength and resilience of South Carolina communities. Brigadier General Jenkins' academic achievements reflect the same discipline and dedication that marked his military service. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from South Carolina State University, a Master of International Business from Xavier University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. His military education includes a long list of advanced training programs, from the Signal Officer courses to the Advanced Joint Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. His contributions have been recognized with some of our Nation's highest military honors, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Achievement Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters--a reflection of his exceptional leadership, courage, and commitment. Outside of uniform, Brigadier General Jenkins serves as Senior Director of Strategic Operations and Technical Delivery at Lexmark International. He is also a devoted husband to Dionne, his wife of 21 years, and a proud father to three children--Dillon, Sydney, and Aubrey. The Army's seven core values--Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage--are deeply embedded in every service member, Brigadier General Jenkins embodies all of these values, with Selfless Service particularly prominent. His steadfast dedication to mentorship has shaped leaders both within and beyond the military. His commitment--to his country, state, community, those he leads, their families, and his colleagues--has been unwavering. Brigadier General Jenkins' acts of selfless service reflect his upbringing, the love and support from his family, the lessons he learned at South Carolina State University, and the people who have influenced his life. I thank him for embodying the Army Values, extending the legacy of the South Carolina State University Bulldog Battalion, exemplifying the pillars of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and letting selfless service speak for him. Brigadier General Jenkins and his family have devoted over 35 years to steadfast service. Through mission after mission--missing birthdays, holidays, and countless special moments--they have made tremendous sacrifices. On behalf of a grateful Nation, and the many men and women he's mentored and continue to inspire, we thank him for a job well done. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring Brigadier General David M. Jenkins--not only for his exemplary service, but for the legacy of opportunity he leaves behind. He is a soldier, a leader, a mentor, and a role model--and South Carolina is stronger because of him. May the next chapter of his life bring he and his family as much fulfillment as he's given to our great state, I have no doubt Brigadier General Jenkins will continue to make us proud.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable woman, Clara Gipson-McKnight, on the occasion of her 95th birthday on February 3, 2025. Mrs. McKnight's courage, resilience, and lifelong commitment to education and justice have left a lasting impact on her community and beyond. Her story is not only one of personal triumph, but also one of heroism in the face of injustice. Mrs. Gipson-McKnight was born on February 3, 1930, in Summerton, South Carolina, to Annette and Johnnie Gipson. After losing her mother at a young age, she was raised by her father and stepmother alongside her siblings. A member of Spring Hill A.M.E. Church, Mrs. Gipson- McKnight was deeply shaped by her faith and her community. As a child, she attended a small three-room school attached to the church before advancing to Scott's Branch High School. With no transportation available, she lived with Reverend Joseph A. DeLaine--a civil rights leader--and bartered her farming skills in exchange for room and board. Mrs. Gipson-McKnight and her family were active participants in the fight for civil rights and educational equity. Her parents were signatories on one of the petitions demanding equal facilities for Black students--part of the legal groundwork that lead to the Briggs v. Elliott case and, later, Brown v. Board of Education. As a result of their activism, the Gipson and DeLaine families endured brutal retaliation, including harassment by the Ku Klux Klan. Mrs. Gipson-McKnight was living with the DeLaine family when their home was set on fire by the KKK--an attack she miraculously survived. Undeterred, she continued her studies, walking miles along rural roads to reach a school bus stop after the community pooled its resources to restore a broken-down vehicle for student use. Following her graduation, Mrs. Gipson-McKnight attended Allen University in Columbia, where she became the first in her immediate family to earn a college degree. She returned to Summerton to teach and serve as a school principal, but like many Black educators after Brown v. Board, she was unjustly dismissed due to white resistance to integration and the purging of civil rights activists. Mrs. Gipson- McKnight then moved to New York City, where she worked for nearly three decades in the city's Social Services agency. Mrs. Gipson-McKnight married Harold McKnight in 1963, and they shared 53 loving years of marriage before his passing in 2019. In retirement, she has remained active as a family historian, storyteller, and traveler. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the 95th birthday of Mrs. Clara Gipson-McKnight. She is a living witness to some of the most consequential moments of the 20th century-- and through it all, she has remained a steadfast believer in education, justice, and the power of community. May her legacy continue to inspire future generations for years to come.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent.

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I request that we allow a vote to let the 10-20-30 formula be applied to the low-income areas affected by this bill.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding career and lasting contributions of a visionary educator and leader-- Dr. Craig Witherspoon. Over nearly four decades in public education, including ten transformative years as Superintendent of Richland County School District One in Columbia, South Carolina, Dr. Witherspoon has been a tireless champion for student achievement, equity, and innovation. His work has elevated not only the schools he served, but the communities they anchor. Dr. Witherspoon began his career as an instrumental music teacher and steadily rose through the ranks as a principal, instructional leader, and superintendent, with service in four states--Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, and South Carolina. He took the helm of Richland One in 2015, leading a diverse, urban-suburban-rural district serving more than 22,000 students and employing 4,000 educators and staff. Under his leadership, Richland One became a statewide and national model of innovation. The district launched South Carolina's first Virtual School Program for high school students, as well as the state's first high school commercial driver's license (CDL) training program and firefighter training program. It was also the first in the state to offer all 16 nationally recognized career clusters and establish a certified pre-apprenticeship program. His focus on early childhood education expanded pre-K access and launched the ``ThriveRichland'' initiative for school readiness. Dr. Witherspoon guided the district through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing a comprehensive reopening plan to ensure students could return safely to in-person instruction. Throughout his tenure, the district intensified family engagement, boosted graduation rates beyond the state average, and received system-wide accreditation with top-tier evaluation scores. He also prioritized summer learning through the district's Summer SOAR program and oversaw over $30 million in federal magnet school grants, as well as major investments in school facilities--from upgraded athletic stadiums to new academic wings focused on culinary arts, Montessori, and language immersion. Dr. Witherspoon's leadership was recognized with numerous awards, including 2024 Superintendent of the Year by the South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators, 2022 Superintendent of the Year by the S.C. Athletic Administrators Association, and Administrator of the Year by several professional education associations. Under his guidance, the district and its schools received a remarkable list of accolades--from National Blue Ribbon recognition to national awards for health, energy conservation, and inclusive education. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the extraordinary service of Dr. Craig Witherspoon. His career exemplifies the power of education to transform lives and communities. He leaves behind a legacy of vision, integrity, and excellence that will continue to shape South Carolina's future for generations to come.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Everett L. Dargan, an outstanding surgeon, a devoted husband and father, and an all-around good citizen of South Carolina. Dr. Dargan passed away on April 1, 2025, and leaves an enduring legacy of stewardship, excellence, and distinction. He led an inspiring life of remarkable achievement and grace as a scholar, surgeon, sportsman, public servant, mentor, and friend to many. Growing up in Columbia, South Carolina during the Great Depression, Dr. Dargan supported his family by shining shoes, delivering newspapers, waiting tables, and working summers on his uncles' family farm. At the age of 15, Dr. Dargan won a scholarship to Morehouse College in Atlanta. He later transferred to the University of Buffalo in upstate New York, where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology in 1949. Dr. Dargan continued his education at Howard University's College of Medicine where he earned his M.D. and won First Prize in Medicine. After medical school, he completed his internship at Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn, New York, and was later named chief resident surgeon at the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Dr. Dargan interrupted his specialty training to serve in the United States Air Force as a captain and commander of the 3910th USAF Hospital in Mildenhall/Lakenheath, England, during the Korean War. Later, he would continue his commitment to providing quality medical care to military veterans through his service to the Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Dargan returned to New York and continued his commitment to academic medicine as a researcher and instructor through various appointments, including associate professor of surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, chief of surgery at Lincoln Hospital, and director of surgery at Sydenham Hospital. At Lincoln Hospital, he met his wife, a registered nurse and flight attendant at TWA, Carol Poyner. They married in 1965, and later moved to Boston, where Dr. Dargan completed his training in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Boston City Hospital, achieving the post of chief resident surgeon, and became a thoracic surgical instructor at Boston University Medical Center in Massachusetts. In keeping with his commitment to academic surgery as teacher, practitioner and researcher, he taught medical students and surgical residents for more than 12 years. Dr. Dargan was an advocate for indigent patient care and quality medical care for veterans. In 1978, Dr. Dargan returned to Columbia for the remainder of his career, first joining the private medical practice of Cyril Spann, M.D., and then joining in partnership with Gerald A Wilson, M.D., to form Midlands Surgical Associates, PA, a private surgical practice. He remained dedicated to serving his fellow veterans with excellent medical care, practicing at Dorn Veterans Medical Center for decades. Dr. Dargan was the first African American surgeon to serve as chief of surgery and then chief of staff at Richland Memorial Hospital (now Prisma Health). A lifelong scholar, he was honored by the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society in 1996 for his distinguished career of leadership in medicine. After retirement from his surgical practice in 2004, Dr. Dargan worked for the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners for nearly a decade. In 2020, Dr. Dargan received the Dean's Distinguished Service Award as a Friend of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. In a final act of service, Dr. Dargan donated his body to the Department of Anatomy at Howard University College of Medicine, to aid in the training of future medical professionals. Throughout his career, he trained fellow surgeons, presenting research findings, and delivering papers at medical conferences in Africa and throughout the United States, often at meetings of the American College of Surgeons, where he became a Fellow, and for the National Medical Association. He was a lifelong devoted member of Zion Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee. Dr. Dargan was renowned for his knowledgeable, professional, and kind relationships with his patients. He was a practitioner who offered his patients holistic and nutritional advice, a lot of which he learned from his parents, both of whom grew up on rural farms, and particularly from his dietician mother. The Dargans have two daughters, Jennifer Dargan and Catherine Dargan Phelps; a son-in-law, Peter Phelps; and three grandchildren: Addison Dargan Phelps, Morgan Dargan Phelps, and Landon Dargan Phelps. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life and legacy of an incredible man and servant. Let us recognize Dr. Dargan's commitment to service, sacrifices for, and contribution to this great Nation.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a remarkable South Carolinian--a woman who embodied the values of hard work, resilience, compassion, and grace. Thelma Lee Edwards-Riley, a daughter of Holy Hill, South Carolina, was born on July 10, 1930. She was a woman who was devoted to her family. A mother to Martha Stocker and Calvin Riley, she led a life full of warmth, love, and quiet strength. Her pride in her children was unbounded. She found joy in the simple and honest labor of working in her yard, tending lovingly to her plants and flowers. Her garden reflected her spirit: nurturing, patient, and full of life. Just as she cultivated her garden, she poured care, time, and love into the lives of those around her, most especially Colombia's Belvedere Community. Thelma Riley had a heart always ready to help whoever was in need. Whether someone needed a comforting word, a helping hand, or just a listening ear--she was there without hesitation and without expectation. The personification of the life and legacy of Ms. Riley is encapsulated in the twenty-fifth chapter of Mark, verse 40, `Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' '' Mr. Speaker, I ask you and our colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Ms. Thelma Lee Edwards-Riley. Let us remember her with the love she gave so freely. Let us keep her memory alive through the acts of kindness we show, the care we offer others, and the strength we find in one another. Her life was a blessing and her memory a treasure.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a great man of faith and a true community servant leader, Deacon Ronald Levester Sewell. Deacon Sewell, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Although he is no longer with us in person, his legacy lives on through his life of service. Deacon Sewell attended C.A. Johnson High School, graduating in 1965. He furthered his academic journey at Benedict College, earning his degree in 1973. He later went on to obtain a Master of Education degree from Cambridge College. Over an extraordinary 35-year career, he transformed countless lives and was a pivotal member of his community. Deacon Sewell served as an educator, coach, and an athletic administrator within Richland School District One, igniting a passion for learning and excellence in his students. Beyond his notable contributions in education, Deacon Sewell proudly saved six years in the U.S. Air Force, followed by several years in the Air Force Reserve at McEntire Joint National Guard Base. His dedicated service included a tour during Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf War, where he exemplified unwavering bravery and dedication to his country. The morals and values that were the foundation of his life were rooted in his faith in God. A devoted member of First Calvary Baptist Church, Deacon Sewell's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was baptized there and later ordained as a Deacon in 2007 under the leadership of Dr. Reverend Samuel K. Lewis. Throughout his journey he has been empowered by the encouragement and support of his beautiful family. Deacon Sewell was married to Maxine Cunningham for 50 years, and was a devoted father to four children: Dr. Kenya Sewell (Randy) James, Dr. Candace Sewell Hannah, Warren M. Sewell, and Sharon E. Lowman. Mr. Speaker, Deacon Sewell spent his lifetime as a military pioneer and humble servant to his fellow citizens of South Carolina and to the United States of America. I ask that you and our colleagues join me in recognizing and honoring Deacon Sewell's commitment to service, sacrifices for, and contribution to this great Nation.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to welcome to these Chambers and to this well a good friend and a personal, I will say, savior to a multitude of South Carolinians. Reverend Charles B. Jackson has been serving as pastor of Brookland Baptist Church now for 54 years, having been installed at the age of 18. I first met him about 2 or 3 years into his pastorate when he was still a student at Benedict College in Columbia. He graduated from the Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta and has served not only as a pastor of their church, but as a great leader in South Carolina. He serves to make true the words of James when he wrote in his epistle: ``Faith without works is dead.'' His work is a living monument to the people of South Carolina and these United States of America, and I am pleased to welcome him here today.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a distinguished South Carolinian--a pastor, legislator, artist, and community builder whose influence reached far beyond his beloved Lowcountry. Reverend Kenneth F. Hodges, a native of Bennetts Point, passed away on April 22, 2025, having left an indelible imprint on the spiritual, cultural, and civic life of South Carolina. His journey was marked by service, creativity, and a deep devotion to both his heritage and his faith. Born to Benjamin and Lydia Hodges in the Sea Island community of Bennetts Point, Reverend Hodges excelled early in both academics and athletics. A record-setting track star at Walterboro High School, he went on to earn a business degree from Clark College, where he also studied photography under the esteemed Edmond Marshal. His powerful images of African life and culture earned national acclaim and awards. His passion for the arts led him to establish LyBensons Studio and Art Gallery--later expanding into the Gullah Geechee Visitors Center on St. Helena Island. After earning a Master of Divinity degree from the Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta, Georgia, Reverend Hodges pastored churches in Bennettsville and Beaufort, South Carolina. At Taberbacle Baptist Church, he spearheaded efforts to honor African American icons, including securing recognition for Robert Smalls' gravesite and leading the construction of the Harriet Tubman Monument. His spiritual calling extended abroad as he preached and taught across Africa and the United Kingdom. Elected to the South Carolina House of representatives in 2006, Reverend Hodges served until 2016. He introduced the bill naming the Combahee River crossing the ``Harriet Tubman Bridge,'' led the creation of the SC Microenterprise Development Act, and chaired multiple legislative subcommittees. His work consistently reflected a commitment to empowerment, equity, and cultural preservation. Reverend Hodges was a devoted husband to Patricia A. Few and a proud father to three daughters--Kendrea, Kenyatta, and Kenithea. Through faith, public service, and the arts, he uplifted generations and preserved the stories of his people with grace and purpose. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in recognizing and honoring the extraordinary life of Reverend Kenneth F. Hodges. He was more than a leader; he was a vessel of faith, a preserver of culture, and a voice for those who too often go unheard, and to me--a personal friend. South Carolina is richer for his service. May his memory inspire us to serve with the same humility, passion, and purpose that defined his life.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. I am going to take just a couple minutes to thank all of my colleagues from the Congressional Black Caucus for being here this evening. To reiterate a little of what we have heard here today, I represent a congressional district in South Carolina that includes ZIP Code 29203. It happens to be the ZIP Code that I live in, Columbia, South Carolina. My house in Columbia is about 5 or 6 minutes from the site of the new medical school of the University of South Carolina. I represent the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. The ZIP Code I live in, where that new medical school will be located in, 29203, is the home of the highest percentage of amputations because of the late detection of diabetes. There is a reason for that. There is a reason. We all know what that reason is. Mr. Speaker, as a Congress and as a country, we must do the things that are necessary to remove these disparities. With people living within the shadow of two medical schools and some of the best hospitals, there is no reason for this. They cannot avail themselves of the services in these buildings that they live in the shadows of because of the socioeconomic conditions. We have got to make healthcare more accessible and more affordable for all of our citizens. We have a great system. There are people I have traveled with on codels who refuse to go to a doctor or even their dentist in another country. They wait to get back home to avail themselves of this great healthcare system that we have in this country. The problem is it is not accessible to everybody and not affordable by everybody. We need to do something about that. We have a way to do it. I would hope that over the next several days and weeks we will develop the will that is necessary to do so. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Figures for his comments. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining?

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her comments. It is my pleasure now to yield to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Figures).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Pressley).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her comments. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. McClellan), my co-anchor for this Special Order.

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to anchor this CBC Special Order along with my distinguished colleague, Representative Jennifer McClellan. For the next 60 minutes, members of the Congressional Black Caucus will have an opportunity to speak directly to the American people on the issue of minority health, an issue of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I rise along with several colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus, who Members will hear from tonight. We are here to discuss the timely issue of health disparities as we approach the end of 2025 Minority Health Month. There is a long, storied history of poor health outcomes in minority communities. African Americans have lower life expectancy, higher rates of infant mortality, increased instances of maternal mortality, higher rates of chronic illnesses, and more frequent cancer diagnoses. Every American deserves to have access to quality, affordable healthcare and lifesaving prescription medications. This is our first day back after spending time in our congressional districts and conducting face-to-face interactions with our constituents. As is often the case, our just concluded district work period encompassed the sacred observances of Passover and Easter. For those of us who celebrate the Easter side of that equation, we tend to profess pride in being Matthew 25 Christians. We often express adherence to verse 45, which admonishes: ``Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'' Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of lessons to be found in chapter 25 of Matthew long before one gets down to verse 45. There are lessons on the importance of being prepared, the importance of providing service, and utilizing good judgment. Ours is a great country, and among the things that make us great is our system of healthcare. Speaking at a 1966 healthcare conference, Martin Luther King, Jr., observed: ``Of all forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane.'' Many of these inequalities are, in part, attributable to the disparities in access to healthcare. Disparities in health outcomes were starkly apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities of color experienced higher rates of fatality and were often at increased risk for the comorbidities that led to more serious illnesses from COVID-19. My Democratic colleagues and I, in partnership with the previous administration, wrote and passed legislation such as the bipartisan infrastructure bill to expand access to broadband and provide telehealth services to rural and underserved communities. We also passed legislation to cap the out-of-pocket costs of insulin at $35 for seniors through the Inflation Reduction Act. We also passed legislation to cap the annual cost of copayments for Medicare recipients to $2,000 per year. My late wife was a four-shots-a-day diabetic. She battled that chronic disease and its by-products for over 30 years. I know what a serious financial strain essential diabetes medication can be for those families who are fortunate to have insurance. Yet, what about those among us who are less fortunate? In the last several years, we have made significant progress toward making one of the greatnesses of this country, healthcare, more accessible and affordable for all. Yet, that progress is now in jeopardy and will be dismantled and derailed by the budget being proposed by my Republican colleagues. Sadly, neither the President, nor my Republican colleagues seem willing to consider the harmful impacts of pausing these programs or the harms that steep cuts to programs like Medicaid will have on both the economic well-being and health outcomes of millions of American families. They are steadily moving forward with their plan to slash these crucial programs by billions of dollars while, at the same time, proposing big tax cuts for those who can afford to pay for quality healthcare and lifesaving medications. On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed into law the Social Security Amendments of 1965. Those amendments established Medicare, a health insurance program for the elderly; and Medicaid, a health insurance program for people with limited incomes. Today, nearly 80 million Americans receive healthcare through Medicaid, which provides critical care throughout all stages of life. It covers childbirth and nursing home care and everything in between. In my congressional district, there are 180,678 people on Medicaid. In South Carolina, it is called Healthy Connections. This number includes 105,256 children under the age of 19 and 20,000 seniors over 65, and this is just my district. Over 1 million South Carolinians are enrolled in Medicaid. In South Carolina, Medicaid covers four out of every nine children, five of every eight nursing home residents, three out of every 10 working-age adults with disabilities, and one out of every six adults ages 19 through 64. These individuals are at risk of losing their healthcare under the Republicans' budget plans. My Republican colleagues have been directed to cut $880 billion from the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid. Please understand that $880 billion is just the floor. Some of them want to cut more. The only way they can reach their goal is to gut Medicaid. No matter what they may say to their wavering Members to secure their votes and to their vulnerable constituents to prevent them from objecting, this plan will cut taxes for the rich, bankrupt the middle class, and shortchange the poor. Earlier, I quoted Scripture taken from the Book of Matthew, but as one might imagine, my favorite book in the Bible is the Book of James, not just because of my given name but because of its lessons. In James' epistle, he writes that when people are hurting and in need, it is not enough to offer platitudes like thoughts and prayers. We have a moral obligation to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and provide shelter for the homeless. I believe that if James were writing this epistle today, he would decry the shocking injustices in healthcare suffered by our most vulnerable and the friction that suffering often engenders. My father was a fundamentalist minister who often used secular thoughts to teach life lessons to his three sons. I have thought about one of those lessons at the townhalls I held during our Passover and Easter work period. The lesson came to us one day when my two brothers and I were accompanying my dad to a--well, let's call him an automobile mechanic. Back when I was growing up in the little town of Sumter, everybody had a neighborhood mechanic, and everybody knew who that mechanic was because he was the guy with the chinaberry tree with the pulley hanging out of it. On this particular day, as my dad waited to have his car worked on, Mr. Singleton, the mechanic, hooked the pulley to the front end of that car and began to raise it so he could get under it and get it running for another week. Just as he started to lift the car, my two brothers and I started playing near the car. My dad said to us: ``Sons, I have no idea how strong this chain is. Why don't you all go across the field and play? This chain may pop, and one of you might get hurt.'' Well, we did go across the field to play, and we weren't gone long before we got into a little discussion. Now, some people looking at it might call it a fight, but it was a physical discussion. We didn't know it, but my dad was watching us. After he thought that discussion had gone on long enough, he called the three of us over to him and stood us in front of him. He had in his hands a piece of cord string. My dad gave that piece of cord string first to my youngest brother, Charles, and said, ``Charles, I want you to pop this string.'' Charles struggled, and he couldn't pop it. He then took it and gave it to my brother, John, and he said, ``John, I want you to pop this string. You are 2 years older. You are stronger. You pop it.'' John struggled, and he couldn't pop it. He then took it back, and he gave it to me. He said, ``Now, James, you are the oldest. You are the strongest. You pop the string.'' I struggled. I couldn't pop it. He then took it back and placed it in his palm, and he began to rub his hands together. The more he rubbed, the more friction he created. The more friction he created, the more unraveled that cord string became. It was not long before that cord string was in three pieces. My dad then took those three pieces, gave one to Charles, one to John, and one to me, and he said, ``Now, sons, pop the string.'' With little effort, all three of us popped the strings. He said, ``Now, sons, I want this to be a lesson to you for as long as you live. Don't you let the little disagreements that crop up among you cause so much friction until it separates you, because if you do, the world will pop you apart and you may never know why.'' I thought about that lesson as I went to these townhall meetings. The actions that are being taken by my Republican colleagues and this administration are providing all kinds of opportunities for friction to be created among us. Providing tax breaks to the wealthy while cutting billions of dollars of lifesaving healthcare for millions of Americans will cause undue friction in our healthcare system and only serve to divide us. Mr. Speaker, our healthcare system is by no means perfect. We have a great deal of work to do to improve the system for everyone and to reduce disparities, but we must start by following what we often call the Hippocratic oath to first do no harm. Do no harm to Social Security. Do no harm to Medicare. Do no harm to Medicaid and the other bedrocks of our public health system, like the Affordable Care Act. Most persons want more than promises. They want results. They want everyone to have access to affordable housing, reliable energy, adequate education, and, yes, quality healthcare, all those things that make this country a great country. Mr. Speaker, I am now pleased to yield to my distinguished colleague from Illinois (Ms. Kelly).

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.