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TO COMMEND THE HONORABLE JOHN M. SPRATT, JR., OF YORK COUNTY FOR HIS TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS OF COMMITTED SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, REPRESENTING SOUTH CAROLINA'S 5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, AND TO WISH HIM ALL THE BEST IN THE YEARS TO COME.
Whereas, the Honorable John M. Spratt, Jr., of York County for twenty-eight years faithfully represented the citizens of South Carolina's 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives; and
Whereas, John Spratt grew up in York, where he still lives. He graduated from York High School and Davidson College. At both schools, he was president of the student body. He won a Marshall Scholarship to Oxford University and earned a law degree from Yale University. A true patriot, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal; and
Whereas, in 1971, he came home to practice law. He was county and school district attorney, president of the Bank of Fort Mill, and owner of a farm and small insurance agency. Active in his community, he was an elder at First Presbyterian Church, president of the Chamber of Commerce and United Way, and chairman of the board of Divine Saviour Hospital; and
Whereas, first elected to Congress in 1982, John Spratt served as chairman of the House Budget Committee and as a negotiator of the Balanced Budget Agreement of 1997. He was also the second-ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. In addition, he co-chaired the Textile Caucus, the Bearing Caucus, and the Nuclear Energy Caucus; and
Whereas, his dedicated labors on behalf of the people of the Palmetto State did not go unnoticed. The State newspaper called him "a bridge-builder who can reach across party lines." National Journal featured him on its cover as "a stand-out" in Congress, comparing his legislative skills to the "best infielders in baseball." In Washingtonian magazine's survey, Congressional staff voted him a "Workhorse" and "House Member I'd Like to See Win the Presidency in 2008"; and
Whereas, John Spratt finds strength and strong support in his work from his beloved wife of almost forty-three years, the former Jane Stacy. Together, they raised three children, daughters who have blessed their parents with five grandchildren; and
Whereas, on the occasion of his departure from Congress, the members of the South Carolina Senate, grateful for John Spratt's many years of service, join the citizens of South Carolina in extending their best wishes for much success and fulfillment in the new challenges he looks forward to in the days ahead. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, commend the Honorable John M. Spratt, Jr., of York County for his twenty-eight years of committed service as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing South Carolina's 5th Congressional District, and wish him all the best in the years to come.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Honorable John M. Spratt, Jr.
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