[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 38 (Thursday, March 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF CONGRESSMAN DONALD M. PAYNE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2012

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing the passing of our dear colleague, Congressman 
Donald Payne and honoring his lifetime commitment to service and 
humanitarian causes.
  Don Payne and I were classmates in Congress. I was first elected in a 
special election in August, 1988 and Don was first elected in 1988 and 
took office with the 101st Congress in 1989.
  A life-long resident of Newark, New Jersey, Don Payne was an 
educator, insurance executive and President of the National Council of 
YMCA's, an organization with which he was involved until his passing. 
His passion for community service took him to elected positions on the 
Newark city council and as an Essex County freeholder before being 
elected as the first African American to represent New Jersey in the 
U.S. Congress.
  As a Member of Congress, Don continued to be a tireless advocate for 
his constituents in New Jersey but he also built a reputation as a 
champion of human rights on an international scale. As a leader of the 
Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights, Don traveled 
extensively to bring aid and fight for oppressed people across the 
globe. Don was very involved in efforts to combat political oppression, 
ethnic violence, the spread of Aids and starvation in Africa but he 
also worked for relief efforts in Haiti and was very supportive of 
peace negotiations in Northern Ireland.
  On this past Tuesday, March 6, Don Payne lost his battle with cancer, 
the people of Newark and the world lost a dedicated public servant, and 
I lost a dear friend and colleague. He will be truly missed.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of 
appreciation for the life and service of Congressman Don Payne and to 
keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

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