[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1855-S1856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              REMEMBERING JAMES MICHAEL ``MIKE'' CLAMPITT

 Mr. BUDD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life, 
service, and legacy of Representative James Michael ``Mike'' Clampitt 
of Bryson City, NC--a devoted public servant, firefighter, and advocate 
for the people of western North Carolina.
  Representative Clampitt passed away on March 18, 2026, at the age of 
71, following a long and courageous battle with bone marrow cancer. 
Throughout his illness, he carried himself with strength, resilience, 
and an unwavering faith that defined his life.
  Mike Clampitt dedicated his life to service. Prior to his election to 
public office, he served as a fire captain, and that frontline 
experience shaped his perspective and guided his work in government, 
particularly his commitment to supporting first responders across North 
Carolina.
  First elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2016 
and taking office in 2017, Representative Clampitt served the 119th 
District, representing the mountain communities of Swain, Jackson, and 
Transylvania Counties. He quickly became known as a strong and 
consistent advocate for rural western North Carolina.
  During his time in the general assembly, Representative Clampitt 
worked to advance policies that supported public safety, strengthened 
local infrastructure, and ensured that rural communities of western 
North Carolina were not overlooked. He was heavily engaged in efforts 
to increase resources for first responders and to secure meaningful 
support for communities in western North Carolina recovering from 
Hurricane Helene.
  Those who served alongside him knew him as a man of conviction and 
individuality. Those who met Mike would never forget him. He brought a 
distinct personality to the legislature, often recognized for his 
colorful wardrobe, silvery beard and mustache, and the wooden coins he 
would distribute as his ``business card.'' Representative Clampitt will 
be most remembered for his willingness to stand firmly for the people 
and principles he believed in.
  North Carolina Speaker of the House Destin Hall described him as ``a 
true patriot'' who viewed public service as both a calling and a duty. 
That sense of purpose was evident in the way Representative Clampitt 
approached his work and in the relationships he built with 
constituents.
  He remained committed to his district until the very end, having 
recently secured victory in his party's primary election, a reflection 
of the

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trust and confidence placed in him by the people he served. His 
strength while battling his illness resonated deeply with his 
colleagues and his constituents.
  Beyond his legislative accomplishments, Mike Clampitt will be 
remembered as a man deeply connected to his community: a neighbor, a 
friend, and a public servant who cared deeply about western North 
Carolina.
  To his family, friends, colleagues, constituents, and his legislative 
assistant Young Bae, we extend our deepest condolences. His life of 
service leaves a lasting legacy in the mountains of North 
Carolina.

                          ____________________