Congressman Clyburn draws full house in Durham during book tour
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A full house gathered inside Durham's Hayti Heritage Center on Tuesday afternoon for longtime South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn's book tour and signing. He is South Carolina's longest-serving congressman, representing the state's Sixth Congressional District for more than 30 years, and made history as the first African American to serve multiple terms as Majority Whip. Clyburn, a Democrat, is widely recognized as a trailblazer in Congress.
Attendee Jacqueline Beatty-Smith said younger generations are especially inspired by Clyburn's willingness to engage.
"The young people that I've met talk about how he has sat down and helped them understand how important it is to stay engaged politically," she said.
The conversation was moderated by former Democratic Congressman G. K. Butterfield, who called Clyburn one of the most effective voices in the nation.
After the event, Clyburn sat down with ABC11 to discuss the partial government shutdown and the impact on TSA workers caught in the middle.
"You have to try and make sure that you do your level best to help people eke out the livings that they are trying to eke out, and that goes with paying people for their work," Clyburn said. "When I'm trying to pay mebody for doing something, there's somebody else who doesn't want to see them succeed."
The 85-year-old said disagreements on Capitol Hill come with the territory, but finding common ground remains a challenge.
His visit comes as the war in Iran continues to unfold, with hundreds of 82nd Airborne Division soldiers from Fort Bragg preparing for deployment.
Clyburn said Congress must be involved in decisions of war.
"We have a president who has not involved Congress," he said. "It's very clear in our Constitution that only Congress can declare war."
He added that several war resolutions are now in motion, calling for the president to take part in hearings.
"It would seem to me if you're so comfortable that what you're doing is the right thing, you don't mind holding it up for scrutiny," Clyburn said. "Why don't you want it scrutinized?"
In response to the visit, the North Carolina Republican Party released the following statement to ABC11:
"Rep. Clyburn has been in Congress long enough to know as Commander in Chief, President Trump has the authority to act in the interest of our national security, which is exactly what the combat operations in Iran are doing. Democrats like Rep. Clyburn should be in Washington reopening the Department of Homeland Security instead of book tours and criticizing our military's incredible dominance over the dangerous Iranian regime."
Clyburn said he hopes to be remembered as someone who worked to make life more accessible and affordable for all. His book tour continues in Greensboro on Tuesday night.
