Former Congressman John Spratt, Who Fought to Save Perkins Loan Program, Dies

Spratt represented South Carolina’s 5th District for nearly three decades. He was regarded as a principled legislator who worked with both sides of the aisle.

John Spratt, a former Democratic South Carolina congressman, died on Dec. 14 at the age of 82.

Spratt died peacefully at home, according to his daughter’s Facebook post, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Spratt represented South Carolina’s 5th District from 1983-2011. He chaired the House Budget Committee and co-authored the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

His leadership on the Budget Committee “amplified his ability to advocate for the federal Perkins Loan program,” said Niel Welborn, vice president of Todd, Bremer & Lawson Inc. in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

In 2010, Spratt introduced legislation to extend the life of the Perkins Loan program.

During a House hearing, Spratt highlighted the program’s dual benefits: it helped students finance their education and created employment opportunities for workers at colleges and private loan servicing companies nationwide.

“These experts work with the students so they know all the details of their loan, and they help them ensure that upon graduation they know their options for repayment and loan forgiveness if they enter certain public service jobs,” Spratt said.

He singled out two ACA member companies based in his home district, Williams & Fudge and Todd, Bremer & Lawson, that “provide the human touch that contributes to making this a really successful program.”

Welborn said that Spratt was “a true American hero to Americans working in the ARM industry.”

He continued: “During his 30 years in Congress, Congressman Spratt played a critical role in protecting the Federal Perkins Loan Program, ensuring [it] remained intact for the duration of his tenure.

“Craig Gettys and I worked tirelessly alongside Charlie McDow, John’s aide, for six weeks, and I can attest to the effort behind this achievement. Charlie, Craig and my advocacy ensured that Congressman Spratt received accurate and essential information without relying on the ill-intentioned Department of Education.”

While Spratt’s legislation to extend the loan program was ultimately unsuccessful, his efforts left a positive impression on students and businesses in the student loan servicing world.

David Williams, CEO of Williams & Fudge in Rock Hill, South Carolina, said, “John Spratt was the consummate gentleman who always took time for people in his district and worked with people on both sides of the aisle in D.C. to drive common-sense solutions. He took the time to understand the complexities of our organization in both higher education and receivables management.”

More Tributes to Spratt

President Joe Biden wrote in a condolence letter to the family, “Guided by his wit, wisdom, decency, and grace, John deeply understood the promise of America, and he fought tirelessly to bring people together to help us live up to that promise.”

Former President Bill Clinton wrote, “John Spratt was a skilled and deeply principled lawmaker….He was masterful in his knowledge of policy and was willing to work with anyone to pass legislation that would make a difference in people’s lives. He had a unique ability of knowing when to hold the line and when to compromise, and it earned him the respect of all in Washington.”

Christale Spain, chair of South Carolina’s Democratic Party, said in a news release that Spratt “earned respect on both sides of the aisle, and he will be remembered for his courageous work to enhance and improve healthcare, support for our military, and his strengthening of rural communities leaves a lasting impact that will be felt for generations.”

“Above all else, John Spratt was an incredibly smart and decent man,” Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham wrote on X. “He dedicated his life to serving the people of South Carolina. While we were on opposite sides of the aisle, I appreciated how John was always trying to find common ground for the greater good.”

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement: “South Carolina has lost a true statesman in former Congressman John Spratt. His nearly 30 years of service to South Carolina and our nation were defined by his unmatched intellect, integrity, and kindness. In his honor, I will order flags to be lowered to half-staff on the day of his funeral.”

Spratt is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jane Stacy Spratt; his three daughters, Susan Elizabeth Spratt (David Tendler), Sarah Stacy Spratt (Brian Brennan), and Catherine Bratton Spratt; and several grandchildren.