Jim Clyburn

Jim Clyburn in 2007

James Enos "Jim" Clyburn (born July 21, 1940) is an American politician and retired educator serving as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from South Carolina. He previously served as House Majority Whip between 2007 and 2011 and between 2019 and 2023. Clyburn also served as House assistant Democratic leader from 2011 to 2019 and again from 2023 until he stepped down in 2024.

Quotes

• Today President Bush has failed the American people and especially people of color. Despite the lip service he and his party have given in recent weeks to building racial unity, his latest action seeks to perpetuate the current effects of past discrimination. … President Bush's decision to join this misguided attempt to resegregate our public institutions is regrettable.
  • Reacting to Bush's decision to join the lawsuit opposing affirmative action in admitting students to the University of Michigan's law school
  • "Clyburn: Bush Administration Showing Its True Colors on Issues of Race". Representative Jim Clyburn. United States House of Representatives (16 January 2003). Retrieved on 2007-07-24.

• I have no problems with private schools. I graduated from one and so did my mother.
  • "Governor's Plan Seems Unconstitutional and Unconscionable". Representative Jim Clyburn. United States House of Representatives (27 February 2005). Retrieved on 2007-07-24.

• I don't think there's a quick fix to this. I don't think there's any simple way to deal with this. And I will not support amnesty for anybody, I mean, that would be rewarding bad behavior.
  • "Clyburn Won't Support Amnesty in Immigration Legislation". Associated Press (31 May 2007). Retrieved on 2007-07-24.

• Has he paid his dues? Is he black enough? … John Lewis and I were out there marching and organizing sit-ins back in the '60s so that his children and my children would not have to do it. … We would have been failures if [Obama] had to do the same things we did.
  • Attacking critics of presidential candidate Barack Obama who contend that Obama hasn't endured the Civil Rights-era struggles that other black politicians have
  • "Clyburn Does Heavy Political Lifting for Dems". The Washington Post (6 July 2007). Retrieved on 2007-07-24.

• Education is the great equalizer, and shouldn’t be limited to the wealthiest few.
  • "House Approves Largest Investment in Higher Education Since GI Bill". Representative Jim Clyburn. United States House of Representatives (11 July 2007). Retrieved on 2007-07-24.

• If we are going to run on Medicare for All, defund the police, socialized medicine, we’re not going to win
  • "The Democratic Truce Is Over" (November 10, 2020)

• Since President Biden took office, daily coronavirus deaths have been reduced by 90 percent. The Administration’s comprehensive pandemic response has helped us to move beyond the crisis phase of the pandemic and focus on creating jobs, increasing wages, lowering costs, and taking other steps to help families emerge even stronger. Even as we celebrate these accomplishments and work to continue our progress, many Americans unfortunately continue to suffer from a condition known as Long COVID,” Chairman Clyburn said in his opening statement. “Our nation’s scientists are working to develop methods to reliably diagnose Long COVID, and trials are underway to test new treatments. Today’s hearing provides an opportunity to learn how we can support these research initiatives, guide health care workers, inform the public about Long COVID, and provide support to affected Americans.
  • Select Subcommittee Report Reveals Full Scope Of Trump Admin's Embrace Of A Dangerous, Discredited Herd Immunity Via Mass Infection Strategy

About Jim Clyburn

• Rep. James Clyburn, the state's only black congressman -- controls 20 percent to 25 percent of the primary vote.
  • Robert D. Novak on the importance of the 2004 South Carolina presidential primary for candidate Dick Gephardt, "Gerhard't Elephant" (8 May 2003). Retrieved on 2007-07-24.