LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF DAVID SCOTT

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement upon the news of the death of Congressman David Scott:

Today, I join those throughout Georgia and across the country mourning the loss of a giant, Congressman David Scott. Born in the Jim Crow era, Congressman Scott went on to make history as the first African American to be Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture while fighting at every step along the way for the people he was privileged to represent.

Growing up as a child on a farm in a small town in South Carolina, Congressman Scott never forgot his humble roots and always supported our nation’s farmers throughout his public service journey. David championed rural communities, ranchers and producers while making sure that families across the country have access to affordable, nutritious food. 

Congressman Scott helped secure $150 million in scholarships for students attending 1890 African American Land-Grant colleges and universities. In recognition of David's incredible legacy, his beloved Agriculture Committee has advanced legislation to permanently name these grants in his honor.

Throughout his decades-long tenure on the Financial Services Committee, he led numerous programs that have made a real difference in the lives of our nation’s homeowners, particularly those who struggled to keep a roof over their heads during the worst of the financial crisis. Among his many legislative accomplishments, Congressman Scott was particularly proud to fight for our nation’s veterans by ensuring that the Atlanta VA Medical Center provided the best possible care for our returning heroes.

Though he will be remembered by most for his barrier-breaking Congressional service, David started an advertising agency, produced and performed in a televised special about Langston Hughes and created and hosted a national radio show focused on Black American life. Truly a trailblazing Renaissance Man, he will be deeply missed by his constituents and his colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus. Our prayers are with his loved ones during this tremendously sad time. May David Scott forever rest in power.