Longtime Georgia Democrat Rep. David Scott Dies at 80
U.S. Representative David Scott, a Georgia Democrat who served in Congress for more than 23 years and was the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, has died at age 80. The loss further reduces the Democratic majority in the House.
Congressman's Legacy
Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., who made history as the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, has died. He was 80. Scott represented parts of metro Atlanta in the U.S. House since 2003, most recently in the 13th congressional district.
Political Impact
The congressman's passing will further shrink Democrats' voting members in the lower chamber and comes on the heels of the April 21 resignation of Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat. Republicans still have a razor-thin majority in the chamber, with 217 GOP lawmakers, 212 Democrats, one independent and five vacancies.
Congressional Tributes
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said "Congressman Scott's passing is deeply sad." "David Scott was a trailblazer who served the district that he represented admirably, rose up from humble beginnings to become the first African American ever to chair the House [Agriculture] Committee. He cared about the people that he represented."
Service Record
Known for his over 23-year tenure in the United States Congress, Scott garnered a respectable reputation among peers for his staunch advocacy for farmers, healthcare, education and veterans.