[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO DANIEL ``DANNY'' LEE CROMER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2023

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a proud 
South Carolinian, a devoted public servant, and a dear friend, Daniel 
``Danny'' Lee Cromer. Danny transitioned to eternal rest on September 
5, 2023, in Columbia, South Carolina. His brilliance and personality 
will be remembered by all who were fortunate to meet him.
  Daniel Lee Cromer was born on August 19, 1958, in Greenville, South 
Carolina. He was a proud graduate of Carolina High School and of the 
University of South Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 
Political Science in 1980. He furthered his studies in public 
administration and social work at his beloved alma mater.
  In 1981, Danny embarked on what would become a lifetime career in 
public service beginning in the office of two governors of South 
Carolina, Governor Richard Wilson Riley, a Democrat, and Governor 
Carroll A. Campbell, Jr., a Republican. In those offices, Danny 
coordinated federal grant applications and intergovernmental review for 
all federal programs across the state of South Carolina.
  Following my election to Congress in 1992, Danny moved to Washington, 
D.C. and joined my staff as Legislative Director, a position he would 
serve in for 18 years. Danny quickly developed expertise in federal 
spending and the appropriations process. He viewed his role as a 
champion of poor communities in South Carolina and was committed to 
channeling federal investment to people that needed it most. Building 
on his experience in my office, he served on the staff of the House 
Appropriations Committee before retiring in 2013. Danny was integral to 
many of my legislative accomplishments but perhaps his proudest 
achievement was his work creating the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage 
Corridor. Having worked for years on the legislation which passed in 
2006, the Secretary of Interior appointed Danny to the Gullah Geechee 
Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission where he served for 14 years.
  Danny was an iconic character on Capitol Hill. While a passionate 
Democrat, he was often called on by members of Congress and staff from 
both sides of the aisle to find solutions to thorny appropriations and 
legislative issues. Never shy with his opinions or his unique Southern 
sense of humor, Danny made an indelible impression on all who met him, 
from visitors to my office to colleagues. He was passionate about 
mentoring interns and young staffers, always taking time to teach and 
impart lessons from his experiences.
  Danny was a devoted, longtime parishioner of St. Monica and St. James 
Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill, often inviting his friends and 
colleagues to join him for worship. His love for the church knew no 
bounds and he was particularly proud of his service on the vestry. He 
relished the high mass, organ music, and rituals of the Episcopal 
Church. After relocating to Columbia, he joined St. Timothy's Episcopal 
Church.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring 
the remarkable life of Danny Cromer. Danny often quoted a Morman hymn: 
``Do what is right, let the consequence follow.'' Danny lived by those 
words, and the people of South Carolina are better off because of his 
adherence to them. I will always remember Danny and he will be sorely 
missed.

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