The bill, H. 4488, is a House Resolution introduced to honor and remember the life and legacy of the Honorable Joseph Hayne Rainey on the occasion of his birthday, June 21. Rainey, born into slavery in Georgetown, South Carolina, in 1832, became a significant figure in American politics as the first African American to serve in the United States House of Representatives. His contributions during the Reconstruction era included championing policies for racial equality, fighting against the Ku Klux Klan, and advocating for public education and the constitutional rights of all Americans.

The resolution emphasizes the importance of Rainey's legacy, which continues to inspire future generations of leaders, particularly through institutions like the Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy. The South Carolina House of Representatives expresses pride in recognizing Rainey's contributions to the state and the nation, and the resolution concludes with a directive to present a copy of the resolution to the Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy.