South Carolina has always prided itself on its stature in Congress despite its delegation's small size. We relished Strom Thurmond and Floyd Spence's leadership on Armed Services, Fritz Hollings' leadership on Commerce and Justice, and Bryan Dorn's leadership on veterans' issues.

I proudly sought to emulate those traditions. I was elected co-chair of my freshman class and have served two years as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Six years ago I secured a position on the coveted House Appropriations Committee, and three years ago, I was elected vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus, the fourth ranking leadership position in our caucus. Some seem determined to treat these leadership roles as a liability rather than the honor they bring to our state and the potential benefits that can flow through them to my constituents.

These leadership positions have allowed me to forge important relationships, and I am often invited to speak at events throughout the state and across the nation. I try to accommodate as many requests as possible because I respect the uniqueness of my 1992 election to Congress. However, because I, like the vast majority of my constituents, am not independently wealthy, groups are asked to provide transportation and accommodation costs when it is appropriate. And when these costs exceed $50, I file the required disclosures.

That is why I reported an estimated value of food and lodging when I co-hosted a Faith and Politics retreat at Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner. It is also the reason I included several conferences I hosted in Charleston because the costs were borne by the CBC Institute. Five trips were sponsored by the Association of American Railroads.

Transportation and tourism are very important to me and my district. Sixteen of the 45 trips were turnarounds of less than 24 hours, and were hardly exotic "vacations" as some media have labeled them.

During the five years being discussed, I took four trips outside the United States. One to China at the request of United Parcel Service (UPS), a large employer in my district with facilities in Florence, Sumter, Charleston, Orangeburg and a hub at the Columbia Airport. We spent three days constructing and equipping a computer center in a rural community and building good will for UPS with the Chinese people. It worked. UPS closed the deal they were working on. I might add, UPS just announced a major expansion for their Columbia hub. I also took a highly publicized trip to Cuba, and took along two business people from Columbia. I remain optimistic that it will soon pay off handsomely for South Carolina farmers.

The two other overseas trips were to Europe. They were sponsored by the Nuclear Energy Institute and co-hosted by Progress Energy. It was taken with an eye towards current conditions at the Savannah River Plant, and the roles that the University of South Carolina and South Carolina State University can play in our state and nation's future energy needs and requirements.

As for the trip to the Northern Mariana Islands in January 1997, I have made the National Security Caucus' invitation -- signed by Adm. Thomas Moorer, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- available to all media. It clearly states that the trip "will be paid for by the non-profit NSC Foundation and will not involve any cost to the U.S. Government." When questions were raised about this trip and the involvement of embattled lobbyist Jack Abramoff, Greg Hilton, the NSC liaison, told The Associated Press that "(Clyburn's) trip was perfectly legal under all circumstances. My only regret is that our initial letter of invitation informed (him) that we would pay for the trip."

I am proud of my contributions to South Carolina's legacy of leadership in the Congress, and I work hard to be of benefit to the people of my beloved state. Some years ago, I developed a mantra for my public service. "To be free of criticism and controversy, one must content oneself with doing nothing or dedicate oneself to maintaining the status quo." I am always prepared to receive my share of criticism and controversy.