REMEMBERING MIKE CLAMPITT

REMEMBERING MIKE CLAMPITT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 54 (Monday, March 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 54 (Monday, March 23, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1543] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ REMEMBERING MIKE CLAMPITT Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of North Carolina State Representative Mike Clampitt, a dedicated public servant, firefighter, and strong advocate for the people of western North Carolina, who passed away on March 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Representative Clampitt devoted his life to serving others. Long before his time in elected office, he spent nearly three decades with the Charlotte Fire Department, rising to the rank of captain and responding to emergencies across the community. His career in public safety reflected a deep commitment to protecting lives and to putting others first, a calling he carried into public office. In the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he served multiple terms representing Jackson, Swain, and Transylvania Counties, Representative Clampitt was known as a tireless advocate for his constituents and for western North Carolina. He brought a practical, service-oriented approach to legislating, grounded in the real needs of the communities he represented. That approach was especially evident in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, one of the most devastating natural disasters to impact our State. As communities in western North Carolina faced significant flooding and damage, Representative Clampitt was actively engaged in recovery efforts, working to support families and ensure western North Carolina received the resources it needed. Even while battling a serious illness, Representative Clampitt continued to serve. He remained engaged in legislative work and continued advocating for his constituents. Those who knew Mike Clampitt remember a man of humility, kindness, and steady determination. Whether as a firefighter, legislator, or simply a neighbor, he lived a life defined by service and a commitment to his community. On behalf of Susan, myself, and the people of North Carolina, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched and the communities he served. ____________________