[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 38 (Thursday, March 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE NATIONAL BLACK LEADERSHIP COMMISSION ON AIDS, INC'S EXPRESSION OF 
          SORROW ON THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN DONALD M. PAYNE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN

                         of the virgin islands

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2012

  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the National Black 
Leadership Commission on AID, Inc, I submit a statement on condolence 
on the passing of my dear colleague, Donald M. Payne.

                                     National Black Leadership

                                          Commission on Aids, Inc.

            NBLCA Mourns the Passing of Rep. Donald M. Payne

       In reaction to the death of Rep. Donald M. Payne, Tuesday, 
     March 6, 2012, C. Virginia Fields, President and CEO of the 
     National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc, issued the 
     following statement of condolence:

       The National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc. 
     (NBLCA) expresses its profound sorrow at the death of Rep. 
     Donald M. Payne. For over two decades, Rep. Payne served his 
     constituents in New Jersey's 10th Congressional District and 
     the nation with courage and distinction. He was a longtime 
     supporter of the NBLCA and dedicated his 12 terms in the U.S. 
     House of Representatives to fighting social injustice and 
     advocating for the health and well-being of all Americans and 
     other fellow citizens of the world. His support in the House 
     was instrumental in the full implementation of the Minority 
     AIDS Initiative and other legislation addressing disease 
     prevention and health promotion. Rep. Payne was especially 
     passionate about ending HIV/AIDS and human rights violations 
     in Africa during his distinguished service on the House 
     Foreign Affairs Committee where he chaired the Subcommittee 
     on Africa.
       Mr. Payne will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure 
     and honor to work along side him in the fight against HIV/
     AIDS and health disparities based on race and ethnicity. On 
     behalf of the NBLCA's Board of Directors and staff, I convey 
     heartfelt condolences to Rep. Payne's family, constituents, 
     and colleagues in the 112th Congress of the United States. In 
     Mr. Payne's memory, we rededicate ourselves to enhancing our 
     advocacy to protect the health, human rights, and civil 
     liberties of all Americans. May God grant him peace.

                          ____________________