[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING CONGRESSMAN DONALD M. PAYNE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2003

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to one of 
our distinguished colleagues, Representative Donald M. Payne from New 
Jersey's 10th District. Congressman Payne is this year's recipient of 
the Justice for Cypress Award presented by the Cypress Federation of 
America. This award is presented to an individual who has exhibited 
exemplary leadership and has advocated for the liberation of Cypress 
from the Turkish occupation forces and the restoration of the human 
rights of the Cypriot people. I can think of no one more deserved of 
this award then my friend, Congressman Donald Payne.
  Congressman Payne has represented his district in the U.S. House of 
Representatives since 1988, when he was elected as New Jersey's first 
African American Congressman. In 2002, he was re-elected to serve an 
eighth term to represent the people of New Jersey's 10th Congressional 
District in the 108th Congress.
  Congressman Payne is a member of the International Relations 
Committee and its Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere and 
Subcommittee on Africa, where he holds the position of ranking member. 
Through these committee assignments, Congressman Payne has become a key 
player in the arena of International Relations. He has been one of the 
leading advocates of the restoration of democracy and human rights in 
many nations throughout the world. Congressman Payne lead an effort 
among pharmaceutical companies to donate over $2 million worth of 
medicine to war-torn Somalia. Similarly, Mr. Payne also introduced the 
Sudan Peace Act, which facilitated famine relief efforts and a 
comprehensive solution to the war in Sudan.
  In addition, Congressman Payne has proven himself to be an 
influential member of the House Committee on Education and the 
Workforce. Congressman Payne is a leading advocate of education and has 
played an instrumental role in the passage of key legislation aimed at 
improving elementary and secondary schools.
  Congressman Payne has also worked diligently on important issues like 
healthcare and the environment. Congressman Payne was a major influence 
in directing attention towards the AIDS epidemic and the rising 
incidence of tuberculosis in many nations. He has also devoted much 
time and energy to the elimination of poverty and was a key sponsor of 
the minimum wage increase and the Family and Medical Leave Act. 
Furthermore, Congressman Payne's record on environmental conservation 
issues has been rated one of the best in Congress.
  Before being elected to serve in the House of Representatives, Mr. 
Payne had a distinguished career that included service on the Newark 
Municipal Council and the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Mr. 
Payne was also an executive of the Prudential Insurance Company, Vice 
President of Urban Data Systems, and an educator in the Newark public 
school system.
  Congressman Payne, a native of New Jersey, graduated from Seton Hall 
University and pursued graduate studies at Springfield College in 
Massachusetts. He holds honorary degrees from Chicago State University, 
Drew University, Essex County College and William Paterson University. 
Congressman Payne is a widower, father of three and grandfather of 
four.
  Mr. Speaker, Congressman Payne's contributions to his community, our 
nation and the world have been numerous and successful. He is a man of 
great character and a true asset to the United States Congress. I ask 
that my colleagues rise and join me in honoring my dear friend and 
colleague, the Honorable Donald M. Payne.

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