Henry Brown: “we honor a great American and a great South Carolinian who will be sorely missed not only here in the halls of Congress…”

“we honor a great American and a great South Carolinian who will be sorely missed not only here in the halls of Congress but in the entire Nation. His leadership in the area of national security is without equal. Floyd Spence had been hailed by Democrats and Republicans for devotion to God and country. He spent his career fighting for our men and women in uniform. He was a strong advocate of improving the life of military personnel including pay raises and better living conditions. He understood that a well-trained and equipped military is the first priority by the Federal Government and the best way to preserve the peace. Floyd leaves behind a legacy of accomplishment that includes service in the United States Navy, 6 years in the South Carolina House, 4 years in the Senate and 3 decades in the United States House of Representatives. In 1971 he was the first House Member to sponsor a constitutional amendment calling for a balanced budget. He served for 13 years as the ranking Republican on the Committee on Ethics, and he also chaired with distinction the House Committee on Armed Services from 1995 to 2000. Floyd Spence was one of our most distinguished patriotic public servants as well as a southern gentleman in the best of the tradition. He was a great colleague and a wonderful friend. His guidance, optimism, statesmanship, and strong leadership will be missed by all that knew him. He was a mentor to me and a great friend. God bless Floyd Spence and his family.”