Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The House assembled at 10:00 A.M.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Rev. Dr. Alton C. Clark as follows:
God and Father of us all, we pause in Your presence in praise and thanksgiving. Like our fathers of old, we climb this holy hill to pray for clear minds and creative thoughts as we face the responsibilities of this new year and accept the challenges of this upcoming legislation. Keep our hands firmly joined in determined efforts that there may come enduring peace, lasting prosperity and true brotherhood. Guide and guard us with Your sustaining presence, strengthening us with Your unlimited power, and leading us in Your impeccable ways of truth and uprightness.
Thank You, Lord, for this privilege of prayer. Amen.
Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.
After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.
The following was received.
TO: The Honorable James L. Mann Cromer, Jr.
FROM: Robert J. Sheheen, Speaker
SUBJECT: Committee Assignment
DATE: January 8, 1991
It is with pleasure that I am today appointing you to serve on the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. I am, therefore, removing you from the Education and Public Works Committee.
I deeply appreciate your time and efforts in serving on this committee.
Received as information.
The following was received.
TO: The Honorable John L. Scott
FROM: Robert J. Sheheen, Speaker
SUBJECT: Standing Committee Appointment
DATE: January 8, 1991
It is with pleasure that I am today appointing you to serve on the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee.
I deeply appreciate your time and efforts in serving on this committee.
Received as information.
The following was received.
TO: The Honorable E. Dewitt McCraw
FROM: Robert J. Sheheen, Speaker
SUBJECT: Standing Committee Appointment
DATE: January 8, 1991
It is with pleasure that I am today appointing you to serve on the Education and Public Works Committee.
I deeply appreciate your time and efforts in serving on this committee.
Received as information.
The following was received.
TO: The Honorable C.D. Chamblee
FROM: Robert J. Sheheen, Speaker
SUBJECT: Committee Assignment
DATE: January 8, 1991
It is with pleasure that I am today appointing you to serve on the Invitations Committee.
I deeply appreciate your time and efforts in serving on this committee.
Received as information.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of The National Guard Association for reception, January 15, 1991, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. at the National Guard Armory.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of the S.C. Education Association for a reception, January 16, 1991, 7:30 - 9:30 P.M. at the Carolina Plaza Hotel.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of The Clemson University Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources for dinner, January 22, 1991, at 6:00 P.M. at the Sandhill Research and Education Center.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of S.C. Federation for Older Americans for a luncheon, January 23, 1991, 12:00 Noon at the Marriott.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of S.C. Conference of Black Mayors for a reception, January 23, 1991, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. at the Carolina Plaza Hotel.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of The Diocese of Charleston and the S.C. Christian Action Council for an ecumenical prayer service and reception, 7:00 P.M. at St. Peter's Church, 1529 Assembly Street, Columbia, S.C.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of The S.C. Association of Council on Aging Directors for breakfast, January 24, 1991, 8:00 A.M. at the Holiday Inn, Assembly Street.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of S.C. Farm Bureau Federation for a banquet, January 29, 1991, 6:00 P.M. at the Ellison Building, State Fairgrounds.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of S.C. School Boards Association for reception, January 29, 1991, 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. at the State Museum.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of S.C. School Boards Association for a luncheon, January 30, 1991, 12:30 P.M. at the Cantey Building, State Fairgrounds.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of The Executive Board of the Palmetto State Teachers Association for breakfast, January 30, 1991, 8:00 - 9:00 A.M. at the Carolina Plaza Hotel.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control for the Third Annual Legislative Cardiovascular Health Check, January 30, 1991, 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. in the main lobby of the State House.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of S.C. Association for Counseling and Development and the S.C. Association for Marital and Family Therapy, for a reception, January 30, 1991, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. at the Capital City Club.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of S.C. Broadcasters Association for a reception, January 30, 1991, 7:30 - 9:30 P.M. at the Capital City Club.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. FOSTER, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:
Invitation of Association for Retarded Citizens of South Carolina for a Drop-In, January 31, 1991, 8:30 - 10:30 A.M., Room 208 Blatt Building.
The invitation was accepted.
Rep. McAbee, from the McCormick Delegation, submitted a favorable report, on:
H. 3165 -- Rep. McAbee: A BILL TO DESIGNATE A ROAD IN McCORMICK COUNTY AS "GARTRELL ROAD".
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced:
H. 3198 -- Rep. McElveen: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AMEND RULE 5.17 OF THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RELATING TO THE CONSIDERATION OF AN UNCONTESTED BILL OR JOINT RESOLUTION, SO AS TO CHANGE FROM THREE TO SEVEN THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS REQUIRED TO PREVENT ITS CONSIDERATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR A PROCEDURE TO DELAY FOR ONE STATEWIDE LEGISLATIVE DAY THE CONSIDERATION OF A MATTER IF SUFFICIENT OBJECTIONS CANNOT BE OBTAINED TO PLACE THE MATTER ON THE CONTESTED CALENDAR ON THE FIRST OCCASION IT IS REACHED ON THE CALENDAR.
The Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Rules.
The following was introduced:
H. 3199 -- Rep. McElveen: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AMEND RULE 6.1 OF THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RELATING TO THE TIME FOR MEETING OF THE HOUSE IN THE DAILY ORDER OF ITS BUSINESS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TIME AT WHICH IT IS REQUIRED TO MEET AND THAT THE HOUSE MUST REMAIN IN SESSION ON A STATEWIDE LEGISLATIVE DAY FOR AT LEAST TWO HOURS OR UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THAT PORTION OF THE CALENDAR COVERED BY RULE 6.3 1 THROUGH 6.3 13, WHICHEVER IS GREATER, UNLESS ADJOURNMENT IS VOTED ON BY A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT AND VOTING PLUS FIVE MEMBERS.
The Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Rules.
The following was introduced:
H. 3200 -- Rep. McElveen: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AMEND RULE 8.11 OF THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RELATING TO MOTIONS DECIDED BY SIMPLE MAJORITY AND PERMITTED AT THE SAME STAGE OF THE BILL OR PROPOSITION AFTER ONE HOUR OF TIME HAS ELAPSED SINCE THE SAME QUESTION WAS VOTED DOWN, SO AS TO ADD TO THE PERMITTED MOTIONS 'TO RECUR TO THE MORNING HOUR'.
The Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Rules.
The following was introduced:
H. 3201 -- Rep. McElveen: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AMEND RULE 8.12 OF THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RELATING TO THE MOTIONS TO ADJOURN, RECEDE, AND RECEDE SUBJECT TO THE CALL OF THE CHAIR, SO AS TO CHANGE FROM FIFTEEN TO THIRTY MINUTES THE TIME THAT NO NEW MOTION TO ADJOURN OR RECESS IS IN ORDER.
The Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Rules.
The following was introduced:
H. 3202 -- Rep. Meacham: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND COLONEL LOGAN WESTON FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE AND HIS OUTSTANDING AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
On motion of Rep. G. BAILEY, with unanimous consent, the following was taken up for immediate consideration:
S. 396 -- Senators Rose, Bryan, Courson, Drummond, Fielding, Gilbert, Giese, Hayes, Helmly, Hinds, Hinson, Holland, Land, Leatherman, Leventis, Lindsay, Long, Lourie, Macaulay, Martin, Martschink, Matthews, McConnell, McGill, Mitchell, Moore, Mullinax, O'Dell, Passailaigue, Patterson, Peeler, Pope, Russell, Saleeby, Setzler, Shealy, Horace C. Smith, J. Verne Smith, Nell W. Smith, Stilwell, Thomas, Waddell, Washington, Williams and Wilson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO SHOW THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S SUPPORT FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AND THE MULTINATIONAL FORCES FOR THEIR PEACE EFFORTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND TO SHOW, IN THE EVENT PEACE EFFORTS FAIL, THEIR SUPPORT FOR A SWIFT AND EFFECTIVE CONCLUSION TO ANY MILITARY CONFLICT. Whereas, the world has responded unanimously in the greatest show of international solidarity ever in condemning the brutal invasion of Kuwait and the sinister disregard for international law perpetrated by Saddam Hussein; and
Whereas, the United States has taken the initiative to push for a peaceful solution through the use of sanctions and diplomacy approved by the United Nations against the expansionist Iraq; and
Whereas, the United States rapidly deployed key military units to Saudi Arabia, including forces from the State of South Carolina, and the Persian Gulf to thwart further aggression by the massive Iraqi military machine; and
Whereas, Marine and Army airborne units resolutely prepared to impede the Iraqi invasion until greater force could be brought to bear upon the ruthless military regime entrenched in Iraq; and
Whereas, the Arab world has sent troops to oppose another Arab nation and the unprecedented conglomeration of multinational forces in the Persian Gulf shows the world's strong resolve not to appease Saddam Hussein's aggression, but to stop him; and
Whereas, while the United States and President Bush have pushed for a peaceful solution supported by the United Nations, the Iraqis have defied peace and followed a deceptive policy aimed at buying time for Iraq to consolidate its ill-gotten and illegal fruits of war; and
Whereas, the United Nations has tired of Saddam Hussein's empty words and has authorized the use of military force to remove the invader from Kuwait and to announce that the world will not condone military imperialism; and
Whereas, the United States forces have responded without hesitation to the threat of military conflagration in the harsh terrain of the Middle East, and the United States and Allied forces face the enormous threat of a million man army and the largest tank concentration in world history; and
Whereas, even though the United States and its Allies have clear air and sea superiority, it still may be the infantryman with his rifle that must vanquish the Iraqis and seize and control all terrain; and
Whereas, while the world understands that war with Iraq will be costly and is to be avoided if possible, the United States recognizes that the best defense is a good offense, and that through a swift, massive, and overwhelming military strike the United States has the best chance for achieving swift and decisive victory with the minimum of casualties; and
Whereas, the numerous forces from South Carolina will serve with pride and distinction secure, nine thousand miles away, with the knowledge that we support them totally and appreciate their sacrifices. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly and the people of South Carolina take great pride in supporting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces in their peace efforts, who with their multinational brothers in arms, stand on the brink of war so that the history of military imperialism can be buried in the sands of the Middle East and that our resolve will ensure that our children will live in a better world where military aggression is no longer a viable political tool.
Be it further resolved, that every feasible effort should be made by the United States, the United Nations, and the world to obtain the peaceful withdrawal from Kuwait of Saddam Hussein's Iraqi invaders.
Be it further resolved, that in the event peace efforts fail, the members of the General Assembly completely support the allied military leaders and soldiers in their efforts to bring the violent conflict to a swift and decisive conclusion.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to President George Bush, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Colin Powell, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the members of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation, and Eston Marchant, Adjutant General of South Carolina.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.
The following Bill was introduced, read the first time and referred to appropriate committee:
H. 3203 -- Rep. McElveen: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS, BY ADDING CHAPTER 6 SO AS TO ENACT THE "UNIFORM PREMARITAL AGREEMENT ACT".
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows.
Alexander, M.O. Alexander, T.C. Altman Bailey, G. Bailey, J. Bailey, K. Barber Baxley Beasley Beatty Bennett Boan Brown, G. Brown, H. Brown, J. Bruce Burch Burriss Carnell Cato Chamblee Clyborne Cooper Corbett Cork Corning Cromer Derrick Elliott, D. Elliott, L. Faber Fair Farr Foster Fulmer Gentry Glover Gonzales Hallman Harris, J. Harris, P. Harwell Haskins Hayes Hendricks Hodges Holt Houck Huff Johnson, J.C. Johnson, J.W. Keegan Keesley Kempe Keyserling Kinon Kirsh Klapman Koon Littlejohn Manly Marchbanks Martin, D. Martin, L. Martin, M. Mattos McAbee McBride McCain McCraw McElveen McGinnis McKay McLeod McTeer Meacham Neilson Nettles Phillips Quinn Rama Rhoad Rogers Ross Rudnick Scott Sharpe Sheheen Shirley Short Smith Snow Stoddard Sturkie Tucker Vaughn Waites Waldrop Wells Whipper White Wilder Wilkes Wilkins Williams, D. Williams, J. Wofford Wright Young, A. Young, R.
I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on January 10, 1991.
Ronald P. Townsend Michael F. Jaskwhich Dell Baker John G. Felder J. Derham Cole C. Alex Harvin III Steven P. Lanford Jack V. Gregory
DOCTOR OF THE DAY
Announcement was made that Dr. J. Chris Hawk, III of Charleston is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.
The following Bills were taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:
H. 3164 -- Rep. McAbee: A BILL TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO CLOSE AND REMOVE FROM THE STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM A PORTION OF ROAD S-33-256 IN MCCORMICK COUNTY, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RIGHTS OF THE COMMISSION OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE TOWN OF MCCORMICK.
H. 3188 -- Rep. Wilkins: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 1329 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE GREENVILLE COUNTY RECREATION DISTRICT, SO AS TO CHANGE THE FISCAL YEAR OF THE DISTRICT FROM THE YEAR USED BY GREENVILLE COUNTY TO A FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY FIRST AND ENDING DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST.
H. 3190 -- Reps. Keyserling and Cork: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 27-9-20 AND 27-9-21, BOTH AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS OR EASEMENTS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE BEAUFORT COUNTY OPEN LAND TRUST, INCORPORATED, TO ACQUIRE AND DISPOSE OF THESE RESTRICTIONS OR EASEMENTS IN THE SAME MANNER AND WITH THE SAME PRIVILEGES AS GOVERNMENTAL BODIES AND OTHER CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS.
On motion of Rep. WILKINS, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 3188 be read the third time tomorrow.
On motion of Rep. McCAIN, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was introduced, read the first time and referred to the appropriate committee:
H. 3204 -- Reps. McCain, Boan, Kirsh, McTeer and Keyserling: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT SUPPLIES, TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY, AND ELECTRICITY SOLD TO MOTION PICTURE COMPANIES AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
On motion of Rep. M.O. ALEXANDER, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was introduced, read the first time and referred to the appropriate committee:
H. 3205 -- Reps. M. O. Alexander, T. C. Alexander, Cato, Clyborne, Corning, Burch, D. Elliott, Gentry, Haskins, Hayes, Hodges, Houck, J.W. Johnson, Keegan, Kempe, Keyserling, Kinon, Kirsh, Klapman, Manly, L. Martin, Mattos, McElveen, Rudnick, Stoddard, Waldrop, R. Young, Koon, Boan, Wells, Quinn, Neilson, McLeod, Rogers, Hallman, Sturkie, McGinnis, Littlejohn, Baxley, Keesley, McKay, Wofford, L. Elliott, Cromer, Fulmer, Lanford, Altman, J. Williams, Huff, Rama, D. Williams, Wilkes, Cole, Smith, Wilkins, Burriss, Carnell, Waites, Foster, P. Harris, Derrick, J. Harris, Phillips, Farr, J. C. Johnson, White, Sharp and McTeer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 11 TO CHAPTER 43, TITLE 44 SO AS TO PROVIDE HOSPITAL POLICIES FOR ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs.
On motion of Rep. CARNELL, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Ways and Means.
H. 3065 -- Reps. P. Harris, Carnell, J. Harris and Mattos: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-20-385 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF COUNTY MENTAL RETARDATION BOARDS.
The SPEAKER announced that nominations were in order for a SPEAKER Pro Tempore.
Rep. MATTOS nominated Rep. J.W. JOHNSON as follows:
"Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House.... It is with a great deal of pleasure that I come before you today to nominate a very able legislator for the office of Speaker Pro Tempore of the South Carolina House. He is a man of impeccable character and a person who is able to listen to all points of view and to make a decision based on the facts and not emotions. This man is one who will go the extra mile as far as working to solve a problem. He is his own man. A man with compassion and a man with understanding. Ladies and gentlemen, it is with a great deal of pleasure that I place in nomination the name of Representative James W. Johnson, Jr. of Clinton for Speaker Pro Tempore."
Rep. WILKINS nominated Rep. CLYBORNE as follows:
"Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen.... It is my privilege and honor to stand before you now and nominate Howell Clyborne for the office of Speaker Pro Tempore of the South Carolina House of Representatives. Howell serves on the Judiciary Committee with me and has served there for four years now and is one of our fine non-lawyer members of the Judiciary Committee. Several things stand out in my mind about Howell. One is that he is an extremely good basketball player, but that doesn't necessarily qualify him for this position. But, the things that are important are that he is one of the most dependable people that I have ever known. When Howell tells you that he will undertake a task, he will do it and you don't have to check back with it. You will know that he will take care of what is important. He has very strong character, impeccable character. And he has alot of courage. I would like to just call it simple guts and I think he showed that about a month ago when he ran for the position of Speaker Pro Tempore. He also is a very independent thinker. He is not controlled by any group or any party and I know he would serve with great distinction in this position. Thank you very much."
Rep. NEILSON nominated Rep. BEASLEY as follows:
"Thank you ladies and gentlemen.... I would like to place the name of David Beasley in nomination for Speaker Pro Tempore. As a member of the Darlington Delegation and as a member of the House with David, I know that he is a hard worker and I believe that we are at a critical time right now in the House of Representatives and in the General Assembly. And I think that David would do an excellent job in trying to pull the House together and I think that he would do a good job in representing all of us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
On motion of Rep. GENTRY, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electric roll call.
The following named Representatives voted for Rep. J.W. JOHNSON:
Alexander, M.O. Alexander, T.C. Bailey, J. Barber Beatty Bennett Boan Burch Carnell Chamblee Elliott, D. Foster Gentry Harris, P. Harvin Hayes Hodges Johnson, J.W. Keesley Kempe Keyserling Klapman Manly Martin, M. Mattos McBride McElveen McLeod McTeer Nettles Rhoad Rogers Rudnick Scott Sheheen Short Smith Stoddard Tucker Waites Waldrop Whipper White Wilkes Williams, J.
The following named Representatives voted for Rep. CLYBORNE:
Baker Baxley Brown, H. Bruce Burriss Cato Clyborne Cole Cooper Corbett Cork Corning Cromer Derrick Fair Fulmer Gonzales Hallman Harris, J. Haskins Hendricks Huff Jaskwhich Keegan Littlejohn Marchbanks Martin, L. McCain McGinnis Meacham Quinn Rama Sharpe Sturkie Vaughn Wells Wilkins Wofford Wright Young, A. Young, R.
The following named Representatives voted for Rep. BEASLEY:
Altman Bailey, G. Bailey, K. Beasley Brown, G. Brown, J. Elliott, L. Faber Farr Glover Harwell Holt Houck Johnson, J.C. Kinon Kirsh Koon Martin, D. McAbee McCraw McKay Neilson Phillips Ross Shirley Snow Townsend Wilder Williams, D.
Total Number of Representatives voting 115
Necessary to a choice 58
Of which Rep. J.W. JOHNSON received 45
Of which Rep. BEASLEY received 29
Of which Rep. CLYBORNE received 41
I was detained in St. Matthews because of my physical condition. Had I been here at 10:15, I would have voted for Howell Clyborne for Speaker Pro Tempore.
Rep. JOHN G. FELDER
Whereupon, the SPEAKER announced that none of the candidates received the necessary votes and the House would proceed to the next ballot.
Rep. CLYBORNE withdrew his name as a candidate for Speaker Pro Tempore.
On motion of Rep. GENTRY, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electric roll call.
The following named Representatives voted for Rep. J.W. JOHNSON:
Alexander, M.O. Alexander, T.C. Bailey, J. Barber Beatty Bennett Boan Burch Carnell Chamblee Cromer Elliott, D. Foster Gentry Glover Harris, P. Hayes Hodges Johnson, J.W. Keesley Kempe Keyserling Manly Martin, D. Martin, M. Mattos McBride McElveen McLeod McTeer Nettles Rhoad Rogers Rudnick Scott Sheheen Short Smith Stoddard Tucker Waites Waldrop Whipper White Wilkes Wilkins Williams, J.
The following named Representatives voted for Rep. BEASLEY:
Altman Bailey, G. Bailey, K. Baker Baxley Beasley Brown, G. Brown, H. Brown, J. Bruce Burriss Cato Cole Cooper Corbett Cork Derrick Elliott, L. Faber Fair Farr Fulmer Gonzales Gregory Hallman Harris, J. Harvin Harwell Haskins Hendricks Holt Houck Huff Jaskwhich Johnson, J.C. Keegan Kinon Kirsh Koon Littlejohn Marchbanks Martin, L. McAbee McCain McCraw McGinnis McKay Meacham Neilson Quinn Rama Ross Sharpe Shirley Snow Sturkie Townsend Vaughn Wells Wilder Williams, D. Wofford Wright Young, A. Young, R.
Total Number of Representatives voting 112
Necessary to a choice 57
Of which Rep. J.W. JOHNSON received 47
Of which Rep. BEASLEY received 65
Whereupon, the SPEAKER announced that Rep. BEASLEY having received a majority of the votes cast was duly elected for the term prescribed by law.
SPEAKER Pro Tempore-Elect BEASLEY was administered the oath of office by the SPEAKER.
SPEAKER Pro Tempore BEASLEY made the following remarks:
"Thank you... I wondered if I was going to get to wear the purple robe that they always brought out up here. I don't know how much time I've got, but let me... There is so much that I want to say to everybody, to Democrats and Republicans, blacks, whites, male or female. This has been one of the most trying times of my life. I don't think that I have slept less, prayed harder than I have in the last few days. But, I do want to say this about the candidates. All of them, particularly Jim Johnson, would represent this House well. There is no question in my mind that aside from all of us getting involved in the petty politics, when we get in the debate and emotions of such elections, when we all go over to our corners and do our things trying to work things out, we all get caught up in that. We all do. I do. But, all of the candidates were very respectable people. People that I honor. It came down to the last two candidates whether it would have been Jim Johnson or myself, I have absolute faith that either candidate would have led this House well. This House has been in intense moments in the last several months. And there is no question that it is tense right now with all of the problems and the cloud that has been hanging over the State House. There is no question that the last few days of tension has increased the severity of the division and anxiety, but I must tell you, that it is time to lay to rest that tension. It is time to lay rest to the division. Then all of us are going to work together in attacking ethics problems and attacking education problems and addressing budgetary problems. We are going to put the people of this State first. The Democratic party and the Republican party are not ever going to be put ahead of what is in the best interest of this State. All of us, Democrats and Republicans, love our party. We believe in our party. But, that shall always be secondary to what is in the best interests of the people of South Carolina, black and white, Democrats and Republicans. It doesn't matter. I love this institution and I offered for election for the sole reason that I love this institution. There is no greater decision than I have ever made in the last few years, than the one to leave the Education Committee. I truly believe that we have got one of the greatest committees in the country with the Education Committee with the critical issues that we have been addressing from highway reform to education, primary and secondary, the University problems that we have attacked and addressed. I hate to leave there. Some of the most wonderful people that I have ever worked with in my life are on the Education Committee. But, now we have all got to rise above what is in the best interests of the individual or things of that nature but, rather come to the call of the need of the people of this State and unite, in this House, this year, unite for the common good and the common cause of addressing the problems that are facing the people of this State. I can tell you that the people in this State are looking for you and I to wipe away the cloud that flies above this building and for you and I to rise above all that and to put aside partisan politics and to work together for what is in the best interest to the people of this State. I thank everyone for the support. God Bless all of you. Thank you."
Rep. ROSS moved that when the House adjourns it adjourn in memory of the Honorable John Henry Williams of Aiken County, former Senator and House member, which was agreed to.
The House stood in silent prayer in memory of Mr. John Henry Williams of Aiken County, former Senator and House member.
The following was received.
January 8, 1991
Honorable Robert J. Sheheen
Speaker, House of Representatives
Post Office Box 11867
Columbia, S.C. 29211
Dear Bob:
I am this date resigning as a member of the House of Representatives from District #54 of the South Carolina House of Representatives. I have served Marlboro County for fourteen years and participated in reapportionment legislation in 1974 and in 1981. It is critical that Marlboro County be represented in the South Carolina General Assembly during the 1991 reapportionment debate. It is also clear that my legal problems will continue for some months to come and that Senator Lindsay's health, although hopefully improving, will prevent his participation. For the protection of the interests of Marlboro County, I urge you to order an election to select my successor at the earliest possible time.
Yours truly,
John I. Rogers, III
Received as information.
Rep. BOAN moved that the House do now adjourn, which was adopted.
The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:
H. 3160 -- Reps. Sheheen, T.Alexander, Beasley, Bennett, Boan, Carnell, Foster, Hayes, Mattos, McTeer, Waldrop and Wilkins: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION INVITING HIS EXCELLENCY, CARROLL A. CAMPBELL, JR., GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION AT 7:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1991.
H. 3202 -- Rep. Meacham: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND COLONEL LOGAN WESTON FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE AND HIS OUTSTANDING AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
At 10:35 A.M. the House in accordance with the motion of Rep. ROSS adjourned in memory of the Honorable John Henry Williams of Aiken County, former Senator and House member, to meet at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow.
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