COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former South Carolina Congressman John Spratt, who was instrumental in achieving a balanced budget deal in the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 82. Spratt died at his home surrounded by family due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.
Spratt served nearly 30 years in Congress representing South Carolina’s 5th District, and tributes honoring his legacy have begun to emerge. Former President Bill Clinton remembered Spratt as a “skilled and deeply principled lawmaker” who collaborated across party lines to enact meaningful legislation.
In a letter to Spratt’s family, President Joe Biden recognized his commitment to unity, stating that Spratt “understood the promise of America” and fought to help realize that promise throughout his career.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster described Spratt as a man of “unmatched intellect, integrity, and kindness,” and announced that flags across the state would be lowered to half-staff in his honor on the day of his funeral.
Christale Spain, chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, highlighted Spratt’s ability to earn bipartisan respect, crediting him for significant advancements in healthcare, military support, and strengthening rural communities.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison praised Spratt’s vast knowledge of the federal budget, calling him “brilliant, kind, and beloved by many.”
First elected to Congress in 1982, Spratt rose to become chairman of the House Budget Committee and held a prominent position on the Armed Services Committee. One of his notable accomplishments was his key role in the passage of the Balanced Budget Agreement of 1997, which his daughter noted as a source of pride for him.
Despite the political landscape shifting towards the GOP in the South, Spratt maintained his congressional seat until he was defeated by Republican Mick Mulvaney in 2010. This marked a significant change, as Spratt’s district had remained in Democratic hands for over a century.
The current U.S. House delegation from South Carolina now consists of six Republicans and one Democrat, Rep. Jim Clyburn, who recently secured his 17th term.
Clyburn expressed his condolences, recalling Spratt as not only a friend and mentor but also an “inconspicuous genius.”
A distinguished academic, Spratt earned a degree from Davidson College and studied at Oxford on a Marshall Scholarship before completing his law degree at Yale. He served as a captain in the Army from 1969 to 1971 before returning to South Carolina to practice law.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, three daughters, and several grandchildren.
