[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H3062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN MEMORY OF CONGRESSMAN DAVID SCOTT OF GEORGIA
(Mr. BISHOP asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
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. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Austin
Scott), my friend and colleague, for his remarks.
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.
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.
The SPEAKER. The Chair asks all of those present in the Chamber, as
well as Members and the staff throughout the Capitol, to please rise
for a moment of silence in remembrance of the late Honorable David
Scott of Georgia.
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