In Memory of Congressman David Scott of Georgia

Floor Speech

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Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, today, our country lost a dedicated public servant, as well as our State and the people of the 13th District of Georgia. We lost our friend and colleague, Congressman David Scott of Georgia.

David and I served side by side for decades, first in the Georgia General Assembly, later the House of Representatives here. We shared a friendship that was rooted in faith, family, and a deep commitment to the people we represent.

I have known David and his family for many years. My wife, Vivian, and I join countless Georgians in mourning his loss and in holding his loved ones close.

As leader of the House Committee on Agriculture, David's voice was steady and compassionate. It was particularly poignant when in 2020, David became the first African-American chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, a historic moment that reflected his years of principled leadership. He used that platform to fight for 1890 land-grant institutions and disadvantaged farmers who too often have been left behind, working tirelessly to secure resources for the agricultural producers, rural communities, and nutrition programs that sustain our State and our Nation.

David's devotion to the larger agricultural community, from small family farms across Georgia to cooperative extensions and HBCU researchers, was personal and persistent. He understood that the health of our farms, the dignity of our workers, and the nourishment of our people are bound together. He labored each day to translate that understanding into results.

To Alfredia, his children, grandchildren, and all who loved him, words cannot fully express our sorrow. We will honor David's memory by continuing the work that he loved--by standing with our farmers, defending nutrition programs, and fighting for opportunity for all.

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, first I thank my friend and colleague, Congressman Sanford Bishop.

I knew David over the course of three decades in the State legislature. We worked together on a lot of things, and he was just a good man. He will be missed.

I know we talked about his devotion to agriculture, and we talked about his devotion to Georgia. I also want you to know he was devoted to Jesus Christ. Many times, we parked in the same area, and we would walk to the airplane. In latter years, he would have a little help. I picked on him last time. I said: David, you are still telling that good-looking lady that you can't run so she will come and get you every day and carry you to the airport. We had a good laugh over that.

In his briefcase--and there is no telling how long he had been carrying that briefcase--at the top of that briefcase always was his Bible.

I remember sitting on the plane. He was in 10D, and I was in 10E. As soon as you sit down, you have a little conversation. When the plane is about ready to take off, he would open that Bible and start reading it. I can tell you he read it day in and day out on that airplane. I remember literally picking up some of the pages one day when they fell out, and how I wish we all had that devotion.

He was a wonderful man. He will be missed by many, including me and my family.

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Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to please rise for a moment of silence in memory of our colleague, Congressman David Scott of Georgia.

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