Longtime Democratic congressman John Spratt, who served for 28 years in the 5th Congressional District of South Carolina and played a significant role in the creation of important national laws, died on Saturday night at the age of 82. He fought Parkinson’s disease for over ten years, and his daughter Catherine Spratt reported that he passed away at home with family by his side.
Tega Cay, Fort Mill, and a large portion of northern South Carolina are all part of the district that Spratt represented. After being elected in 1983, he rose to prominence as one of Washington’s most powerful lawmakers, valued for his ability to collaborate across party lines and his knowledge of budgetary issues. Spratt introduced the Affordable Care Act on the House floor, greatly influencing healthcare reform, and he was instrumental in passing the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which contributed to lowering the federal deficit.
During his many years of service, Spratt rose to prominence in South Carolina politics and gained the admiration of both Republicans and Democrats. His legacy endures as a testament to his leadership, bipartisanship, and commitment to public service, even though he was ultimately overthrown in 2010 when the district transitioned to Republican rule.
Spratt was raised in York County, South Carolina, after being born in Charlotte, North Carolina. Spratt was a lawyer and chairman of the Bank of Fort Mill, which his father founded in addition to a legal company. Spratt maintained close ties to his community by operating a farm and an insurance office in Fort Mill in addition to his law and political career.
State officials have announced preparations to lower flags to half-staff on the day of Spratt’s funeral in commemoration of his contributions, following an outpouring of accolades from people of all political persuasions. His unparalleled intelligence and commitment to serving South Carolina and the country have been praised by leaders on all sides.
Among Spratt’s surviving family members are his wife, Jane Stacy Spratt; three daughters, Catherine Bratton Spratt (Brian Brennan), Susan Elizabeth Spratt (David Tendler), and several grandkids.
Although the date of his funeral has not yet been set, South Carolina and beyond will always remember him as a devoted leader on a local and national level.
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