[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 30, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2756-H2763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Flood). Under the Speaker's announced 
policy of January 9, 2023, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. 
Cherfilus-McCormick) is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of 
the minority leader.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and include any extraneous material on the subject of this Special 
Order hour today.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. It is with great honor that I rise today to 
anchor this joint CBC Special Order hour along with my distinguished 
colleague, Assistant Leader   Joe Neguse. For the next 60 minutes, 
members of the CBC have an opportunity to honor the life of our late 
Congressman Donald Payne, a leader of great importance to the 
Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents he represented, 
and all of America.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Neguse), who 
is the assistant leader.
  Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Florida (Mrs. 
Cherfilus-McCormick) for her leadership. I also thank the chairman of 
the Congressional Black Caucus, Chairman Horsford, and all of my 
colleagues gathered today to honor a great man, a kind man, and a good 
man, our beloved

[[Page H2757]]

colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.
  With incredible style and a bone-deep optimism that was truly 
contagious, Don was a kind and gentle giant in the people's House. His 
dedication to the people of New Jersey was inspiring. His good-natured 
spirit and his humor were a comfort to us all.
  Don used his voice, often standing in this very Chamber--delivering 
more speeches in the people's House in this Congress than any other 
Member of this august body--to elevate the issues that matter to his 
community, the people of New Jersey, and the American people. His 
impact has been felt and will be felt by countless folks across the 
State of New Jersey and across our great country, including those who 
benefited from his efforts to expand access to safe drinking water, to 
implement better pay and safer working conditions, and to do so much 
more.
  Above all else, he was a kind, good, and decent man.
  I was proud to call him a friend, as we all were. As we prepare to 
lay him to rest, our hearts go out to his wife, Beatrice, and their 
triplets.
  May they find comfort in their loving memories of a good, kind, and 
decent man.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman 
from California (Ms. Pelosi).
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick 
very much for bringing us together to honor this great person.
  Anyone who ever watches the House of Representatives knew that Mr. 
Payne was first row, first seat. Any President or head of state who 
came into this body had to pass by him and pay their respects as he 
paid his respects in return, and practically every day, he did a 
Special Order on a priority. Whether it was in command of a discussion 
or what happens in the distinguished visitor's chair, Donald Payne was 
to be reckoned with.
  It is with immense sadness that I rise today to honor our dear 
colleague. Mr. Speaker, as you can see from the flowers and the black 
crepe, we are all mourning him deeply.
  Donald Payne came from a tradition of leadership, patriotism, 
effectiveness, and excellence. Public service was in his DNA. Many of 
us served with his father, Donald Payne, Sr., who was globally 
recognized as a great leader. Long before Donald Payne, Jr., was here, 
his father sang his praises. One day, he would replace him.
  During his nearly 12 years here in the House, he strengthened our 
legislative efforts, especially in infrastructure at the helm of the 
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials in the 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He led a fight to secure 
clean drinking water for every child.
  Indeed, even in what would be his final remarks on the floor, when we 
heard him just a matter of weeks ago, he made the case for lowering 
housing costs and expanding supply, demonstrating his total commitment 
to working families in the Garden State of New Jersey and beyond.
  In our Caucus in the Congress, Congressman Payne was beloved. He was 
truly beloved. Indeed, all of us who served with him have been blessed 
by his personal kindness, his sense of humor, and his devotion to 
finding common ground.
  Again, he was respectful of this institution by treating it with 
great dignity.
  The dapperness of his apparel was always a source of joy to us and 
brightened our day.
  Again, I hope it is a comfort to his wife, Beatrice; their triplets, 
Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne; and the entire Payne family that so many 
people mourn their loss and are praying for him at this sad time with a 
special thank-you to them for sharing Donald Payne with us in the 
Congress.
  It is an honor to call him a colleague, and the American people 
benefited from his leadership and service.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from 
Nevada (Mr. Horsford), who is the chairman of the CBC.
  Mr. HORSFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative 
Cherfilus-McCormick, for leading this very important Special Order 
hour. I thank all of my colleagues who are here and the assistant 
Democratic leader, Mr. Neguse, as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight, as our dear colleague would say to his 
constituents, Mr. Speaker, with my colleagues of the Congressional 
Black Caucus and, in fact, the entire House of Representatives to 
remember a man of the people.

  The loss we all feel for our dear friend and colleague, Congressman 
Donald M. Payne, Jr., is immeasurable. Words really cannot express how 
deeply he will be missed by our Caucus, but we want to express our 
heartfelt condolences and our prayers to the Payne family, to his 
staff, and to anyone and everyone who knew him.
  He is forever in our hearts, and we are so sorry for your loss.
  As chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, it is an honor to work 
with my colleagues each and every day for the betterment of our 
constituents, this body, and our country. It was an honor to work with 
a man of such good character, passion, and deep commitment to serving 
his community and our country as Donald M. Payne, Jr.
  He was a kind and thoughtful person, a person who always had a good 
spirit despite some of the most difficult health conditions that anyone 
could experience. He always had laughter and a humor about him and an 
optimism that was truly contagious.
  To our Caucus, Donald Payne was prolific, literally prolific, on this 
floor. He came to this floor to speak for the people. He had a goal of 
being ``the Michael Jordan of 1-minutes,'' and he would go on to win 
that award not once, not twice, not three times, but five awards in a 
row. For those who may not know, a 1-minute speech is when you come to 
this body and bring attention to an issue that is important to the 
constituents whom you represent.
  Despite sometimes not being in the best of health, he found the time 
and every opportunity to speak to his constituents and to speak on 
behalf of them.
  That is how many of us will remember him. We will remember him with a 
smile, always dressed to impress, heading to the House floor to speak 
to the country on behalf of the people and the community that he loved 
the most.
  He was a man of purpose and a man of humility. He was a public 
servant through and through. This House has been made better for his 
leadership.
  Congressman Payne, Jr., will always be a part of the history that we 
make here on behalf of the American people. I join my colleagues in 
honoring his memory, his legacy, and his life by continuing the work to 
fight for the people on the issues that matter to them most.
  May God bless your soul, Congressman Donald Payne. Thank you for 
giving us the opportunity to know you, to be friends with you, and to 
serve with you.
  Your legacy will live on, and may God bless you.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman 
from California (Ms. Waters).
  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, it is difficult for me to stand here this 
evening as I mourn the loss of my dear friend, Donald Payne, Jr.
  In my own way, I adopted Donald Jr. and he accepted me as his other 
mother.
  I loved him because he was a fighter. Experiencing his own health 
problems, he worked hard to address the health problems in our society 
and to educate and legislate to get healthcare and support for others.
  He was a gentleman. All the Members loved, supported, and respected 
him. All the Members of Congress loved him because of his spirit.
  I loved his support for all others when he was having his own 
problems.
  I also enjoyed loving his dress. Mr. Speaker, he had those beautiful 
bow ties, and he wore those fabulous suits and shoes in all of his 
colors that he coordinated.
  I would compliment him, and we would laugh and joke about the 
fabulous eyeglasses that he had and on and on.

                              {time}  1830

  He was a man of style and fashion. I am going to miss him, and I am 
going to miss inquiring about his wonderful children, his triplets, and 
about what they were doing.
  Additionally, I am going to just plain be overcome with grief and try 
to get

[[Page H2758]]

some relief in the fact that I knew him, and may he rest in peace.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Bishop).
  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for 
yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a remarkable man, my 
colleague and dear friend, Donald Payne, Jr.
  Donald was a kindhearted public servant who dutifully served New 
Jersey's 10th Congressional District. For Donald, like his father, whom 
he succeeded, representing his district was heartfelt and personal. 
From the district of that district, he provided invaluable insight to 
the most profound issues facing our country, from our national security 
and major infrastructure needs that keep the American people and 
commerce flowing, to the more personal challenges that we face, like 
the unique challenges of men's healthcare and overall health policy, 
and the path our country could chart to address injustice and create 
equitable opportunities for the country's underserved communities.
  He was a vibrant voice in this Chamber every day, a sharply dressed 
messenger helping to educate us all, communicating the everyday lived 
experiences of Americans to help craft more compassionate policy, 
improve the quality of life for all, and help create a more perfect 
union.
  He was beloved on both sides of the aisle and, of course, by his 
family and the people he served. Though he has transitioned from this 
life, it is my hope that his spirit remains alive in all of us in all 
that we do.
  To God be the glory for the life and the legacy of Congressman Donald 
Payne, Jr.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from 
Mississippi (Mr. Thompson).
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman 
from Florida (Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick) for yielding me the time.
  Mr. Speaker, today, we mourn the loss of Congressman Donald Payne, 
Jr., a thoughtful leader, a dear friend, a son of Newark who never 
forgot where he came from or who he served, a legislator whose kindness 
brought us together even during the most divisive political times.
  I had the privilege of serving alongside both Donald Paynes, but 
Donald Payne, Jr., served with me on the Homeland Security Committee 
during his entire tenure in Congress, and he achieved great things.
  When he came to the committee in 2013, the world had just come 
crashing down for parents in Newtown, Connecticut, whose children were 
gunned down at an elementary school. Donald Payne, Jr., a father of 
school-aged triplets, vowed to make schools safer in this country. It 
is because of him, because of his relentless advocacy, that the 
Department of Homeland Security is reporting to Congress on school 
security.
  Additionally, it is because of Donald Payne, Jr., who wrote the 
Homeland Security for Children's Act, that the Department of Homeland 
Security now must plan for children's unique needs during disasters. 
Donald Payne, Jr.'s legacy is making children safer.
  As we mourn together, let us celebrate together. Every goal, every 
accomplishment, every move Donald Payne, Jr., made here in the Halls of 
Congress was in the service to his wife, Bea; his children, Donald, 
Jack, and Yvonne; the city of Newark; and the people of New Jersey's 
10th Congressional District. Donald Payne, Jr., leaves a legacy that 
they all can--we all can--be proud of.
  We note how Congressman Payne was a snazzy dresser. I couldn't touch 
him, but, in his memory, I am putting on some of his favorite shades 
for this evening.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his 
comments.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have an opportunity to 
highlight the legacy of our colleague and my friend, Donald Payne, Jr.
  Last week, New Jersey lost a great public servant far too soon. Many 
knew Don for his trademark bow tie, big smile, and friendly demeanor.
  Let me tell a bit more about his life and journey. Don's mother died 
when he was just 5 years old, and after his mother's passing, Don and 
his siblings were raised by his father. I think many know his father, 
Donald Sr., also my colleague, was the first Black Member of Congress 
from New Jersey. He was also a Congressional Black Caucus chairman.
  However, Don Jr. tended to the trail blazed by his father by fighting 
for healthcare for all, delivering Federal funding to the largest and 
most important transportation project in American history, and 
replacing lead drinking water pipes that made kids in his district 
sick. In honor of his father, he led bipartisan efforts to research, 
prevent, and treat colorectal cancer.
  Don was a powerful politician in New Jersey, as both a county 
commissioner and Newark City councilman. New Jersey allowed you to hold 
both offices at the same time. Many felt it was a step down for him to 
come to Congress, but he felt it was an obligation and duty to follow 
his father's footsteps, and he was determined to make the best of it.
  Now, Don was always struggling with health issues from the very first 
day that he came here, but it didn't stop him from his work, from 
voting, from doing more special orders than any other Member, as was 
mentioned by my colleagues tonight. In a town known for sharp elbows, 
Don always showed kindness. He always took the time to ask how you were 
doing. He made sure you knew that you had a friend who had your back no 
matter what.
  Don Payne can serve as an example for all of us. He didn't care if 
you were Black or White, Christian or Jewish, rich or poor. We were all 
in this effort together to get things done that would make a difference 
in our quality of life.

  Don didn't worry about himself. He was funny and self-deprecating. If 
there was anything he didn't like, it was conceit or thinking that you 
were better than other people. Don's goal was always to help others, 
and that is what he would ask of us: Work every day to make a better 
life for your community, your State, and your country.
  This week, the American flag flies at half-mast at the Capitol in his 
honor. We join his wife, Beatrice, and his children, the triplets, 
Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne, in mourning his passing. Donald Payne, 
Jr., made his family and constituents proud. His work is done, but it 
won't be forgotten.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman 
from California, (Ms. Lee).
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for 
yielding and for bringing us together tonight. It is hard to stand here 
and look over here. Where is Don? Every night, here he was speaking 
truth to power.
  Tonight, I rise with my colleagues in remembrance of our beloved 
friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.
  Now, I got to know and love Don before I actually met him. His proud 
father, our beloved Donald Payne, Sr., made sure of that. The entire 
Payne family was committed to service, extending to the next 
generation. Don Jr.'s son was an incredible intern in my office. He was 
brilliant. He was passionate. He was his father a few years younger. 
His son, I will tell you, made a major contribution to my office, and 
we were and became a better office because of Don Jr.
  Don Jr. was passionate. He was kind, he was gentle, and a brilliant 
man who was determined to not let his health challenges stop him from 
his visionary and his bold work. I remember traveling abroad with him. 
He would always take time, yes, for his medical treatments and be right 
back in our meetings, providing his insight on global affairs. He 
showed us how to live a full life, regardless of his difficulties.
  His loss will be immensely felt in New Jersey's 10th Congressional 
District, where he worked tirelessly to rebuild our Nation's 
infrastructure, provide clean drinking water for disadvantaged 
communities, invest in minority-owned businesses, and bring awareness 
to colorectal cancer in the Black community.
  We talked a lot about a variety of treatments for diabetes. As a 
member of the Appropriations Committee, which funds NIH, he was very 
instrumental and insightful in helping me with my work with regard to 
diabetes and cancer.

[[Page H2759]]

  My condolences go to his family and his loved ones, including his 
wife, Beatrice, and their three children. I hope that they find 
strength in their memories and love for this great man who fought the 
good fight, and he fought a good fight until the end.
  May he rest in eternal peace and power.
  I thank the gentlewoman again for giving us a chance to speak this 
evening on behalf of our beloved Congressman, Donald Payne, Jr.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for 
her comments.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries), 
our Democratic leader.
  Mr. JEFFRIES. I thank the distinguished gentlewoman for yielding.
  It is with great sadness that we gather here today to honor the life 
and the leadership and legacy of Don Payne, Jr., but also celebrate 
that life, that leadership, and that legacy of our dear brother, who 
was a gentle giant; a kind, compassionate man; powerhouse in terms of 
his legislative capacity, though he didn't spend a lot of time 
promoting his accomplishments. He just let the work be done and speak 
for itself.
  However, that is work that was transformational. He stood up for the 
people that he represented in his beloved Brick City of Newark, his 
beloved State of New Jersey, and for people all across the country, 
particularly underrepresented communities in the area of healthcare.
  He was a champion in providing access and information and 
affordability to Black men and to other historically underrepresented 
communities suffering from disproportionate high rates of ailments, and 
that is a legacy that will be with us in this Congress, in this 
country, and, indeed, throughout the world for years and decades to 
come.
  It was my honor, along with Joyce Beatty and Robin Kelly and Steven 
Horsford and Marc Veasey, to come into Congress together with Donald 
Payne, Jr. He often made reference to the fact that he arrived a few 
months before us in a special election, so we affectionately called him 
the dean of the class of 2012. What a great dean he was, what a great 
man he was, what a great colleague and friend he was, and may he 
forever rest in power.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, our 
Democratic leader, for his comments.
  Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Florida has 34 minutes 
remaining.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman 
from New York (Ms. Clarke).
  Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from 
Florida for yielding.
  I rise today on behalf of the people of the Ninth District of New 
York, the Clarke family, and myself to remember a true gentleman from 
New Jersey, the honorable and incomparable Congressman Donald M. Payne, 
Jr.
  Just about everyone who was blessed to know my dear friend, Donald, 
will remember a man with unwavering principles guided by his belief 
that every American deserves an advocate willing to fight for their 
best possible future, not to mention his incomparable sense of style. 
Those bow ties were just classic.
  I think back fondly on my time serving alongside Donald throughout 
his six terms in the House of Representatives and the precious time we 
shared. We both served on the Committee on Homeland Security together.

                              {time}  1845

  One of the memories I have is sitting by his side, deep into the 
early morning in defense of Secretary Mayorkas during the sham 
impeachment proceedings, as he admonished those who chose to laugh at 
the depiction of an officer--as they continued to move different issues 
forward that were certainly not truthful--on horseback who was using a 
whip on human beings at the border.
  The second instance is of his righteous anger at the existence of a 
challenge coin commemorating the abuses Black and Brown migrants faced 
at our southern border.
  Each of these stories exemplify the singular commitment to justice 
and moral courage which defined Donald's tenure here in Congress.
  We supported one another in our districts, and we would move back and 
forth, him coming to Brooklyn, New York, and me going to Newark, New 
Jersey, to be of support to one another. We shared so much in common: 
our sense of humor, our sense of fashion, and our genres of music.
  We often talked about the fact that when we were younger, we would 
frequent the same nightclubs right there in Newark, New Jersey, and 
that was one of our bonding moments.
  I can say with confidence that all of Congress will dearly miss 
Congressman Payne's leadership, kind spirit, and unparalleled 
dedication to making progress.
  So to Beatrice and the triplets, to his loved ones, friends, and 
staff, I send them love and light and extend my heartfelt condolences 
during this season of their bereavement.
  Mr. Speaker, I will miss my brother and my dear friend.
  Rest in peace, Donald Payne, Jr.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman 
from the Virgin Islands, Stacey Plaskett.
  Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for 
anchoring this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud that we have gathered here this evening to 
celebrate the life and legacy of our dear friend and colleague, 
Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.
  When I came to Congress, I knew of his father, Donald Payne, Sr. I 
had gone to Georgetown's Foreign Service School and all of us Black 
students knew of the work of his father in elevating Africa, but I came 
to learn of his son, Donald Payne, Jr., and understood that he was just 
as passionate as his father; that he, in fact, elevated the legacy of 
his father by forging his own trail in the issues that were important 
to him.
  We have lost a great man in the House, but Newark, New Jersey, the 
State, his staff, and especially his family, have lost a dear loved one 
who can never be replaced.
  We must keep his legacy going: the impeccable fashion sense, kind 
heart, warmth, and a very wry sense of humor, very quiet, but it was 
there. It was very edgy at times. Donald Payne was, above all, a 
gentleman. He was a leader in healthcare, specifically with screening 
for colorectal cancer, Black men's health, and ensuring affordability. 
He had many initiatives for supporting disadvantaged communities.
  I was proud to cosponsor H.R. 3382, the Colorectal Cancer Payment 
Fairness Act and H.R. 1765, the SNAP Benefits Fairness Act alongside 
him.
  Mr. Payne was an advocate for minority and low-income communities and 
a voice of support for my home, the Virgin Islands. He was there with 
us after the hurricanes in 2017 of Irma and Maria. He was a man who 
always dealt in common sense, in kindness, and what is right, a man 
that put people over politics and he was our friend. He will be dearly 
missed.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time 
remaining.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Florida has 27 minutes 
remaining.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to Representative 
Bonnie Watson Coleman from New Jersey.
  Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank the 
Congresswoman for affording me this opportunity.
  Mr. Speaker, I am heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend, 
Donald Payne, Jr. Like myself, Don came from a family legacy of public 
service, and we bonded over discussions of our trailblazing fathers and 
the work that they did together in New Jersey.
  I cherish the 10 years that I had the honor of working with Don on 
issues that were important to us, such as access to childcare, improved 
transportation, and, of course, fighting cancer.
  I will especially remember our time on the Homeland Security 
Committee where we both chaired subcommittees dedicated to protecting 
vital infrastructure. I loved him like a brother, and he would often 
call me his ``sister-mother'' depending upon whether or not I was 
giving him a hard time about his health or some other issue.

[[Page H2760]]

  Donald was a dapper dresser, always with matching glasses, matching 
bow tie, and matching suit. He was a true gentleman, a loyal friend, a 
great Representative, and my husband and I will pray for his soul and 
pray for the comfort of Beatrice and their children and family. We 
loved him dearly.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from 
New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer).
  Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for 
convening tonight's Special Order hour.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to honor the life and legacy of our very 
dear friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne.
  Donald, as everyone knows, was larger than life. I love that picture 
of him, and if you could see it in color, it would be even better 
because he brought so much color everywhere he went--his suits, his 
personality. He lit up a room. Not only was he a great friend, but a 
great father and husband. He was an incredible advocate for his beloved 
city, Newark, and New Jersey overall, and all the hardworking men and 
women he represented.
  He spent his entire career serving New Jersey, including as a 
distinguished local official for the city of Newark and of Essex 
County.

  It was such an honor to serve here with Don. When I was first 
elected, Donald was there for me. He showed me the ropes and shared his 
wisdom. He was never shy to rib me a little bit in the Jersey way with 
his humor and his kindness, and his signature bow tie.
  His legacy will live on through his advocacy and his tireless 
championing of issues facing so many Americans: health issues and 
issues of clean drinking water for families and reliable transportation 
and great infrastructure.
  The mark he left is everywhere in New Jersey, and more than his 
personality, it is the policies he left behind. He will be missed, but 
never forgotten. His legacy will live on in a big way in the great 
State of New Jersey.
  Mr. Speaker, my prayers are with his wife and his three wonderful 
children. I hope they can find great solace in the work he left behind 
and the positive impact he had on millions, not just in Jersey, but 
across our great country.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman 
from Texas, Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida 
for having this Special Order Hour.
  What a privilege to know Donald Payne, Sr., and to know Donald Payne, 
Jr.
  I sat here tonight listening to my colleagues struggle with how they 
will describe this wonderful giant of a man, each came with their own 
excellent presentation, and what should we say about our dynamic duo of 
dad and son.
  I thought, again, how privileged I was and am to have traveled with 
Donald Payne, Sr., the dad, and to have sat next to Donald Payne, Jr., 
the son, during the course of Homeland Security and a number of other 
committees.
  Let me tell you a thing or two. Both of them knew how to make you 
laugh. Both of them had a sense of joy and love for people other than 
themselves.
  To his wonderful bride and his wonderful kids--that I would ask about 
in the early years--let me tell them that he never forgot them and 
always loved them dearly.
  What I loved most about Donald Payne, Jr., was that he took life's 
journey, and he turned it into making life better for others. He was 
not so much worried about himself, but about Newark's journey. He 
wanted to turn the disease that Black men would always be impacted by 
into the corner that would help Black men have better health.
  He would confront this idea of cancer that was so devastating to 
Black men, to be able to encourage them to learn about their own lives, 
and to say we are going to fight this thing and we are going to beat 
it. That was the way Donald Payne led his life, that the cancer that he 
had to fight was going to be a cancer that he was going to win.
  He believed in encouraging Black men to look at their own health, 
look at yourself in the mirror, Black men, and stand up and be a man 
and live a longer life and live the life that we can live together.
  Let's not shirk away from the challenges that confront our community. 
Let us talk about that life and have the best life you can possibly 
have.
  So for a life dealing with healthcare and cancer in Black men, he 
wanted them to be able to confront it head-on, and we did that.
  Isn't it interesting that I remember him garnering $900 million for a 
transportation project, the same $900 million that I got for a 
transportation project? We were excited that we could take our love of 
transportation and bring those dollars home to Houston and to New 
Jersey.
  Mr. Speaker, there is much more that one can say, but I wanted to 
bring home the bacon, if you will, and, no, it will not be that. It 
will simply be the love we have for our fellow human beings, our 
neighbors. That is what we both hoped that we taught to each other and 
to our neighbors, and I hope that in spirit he will rest in power and 
rest in peace.
  Let me remind you, Newark, New Jersey, and to his family, whatever he 
had in life, he was willing to give to others. That is what he will 
leave us. Whatever he had he wanted to give to someone else. Let us 
shout and celebrate his life and his legacy. I see you. Rest in power 
and rest in peace.
  God bless.
  Mr. Speaker, I come here today to celebrate the life and legacy of 
our dear Colleague and friend Congressman Donald Payne Jr.
  I am deeply saddened by his passing and know that his family are 
experiencing the pain of grieving that only time can ease.
  It is my hope that our words tonight on the friend we knew as Donald 
Payne Jr., will offer some measure of comfort.
  Congressman Payne was not only a respected colleague but also a man 
of vision and compassion for the welfare of children.
  I had the honor of arriving in the House of Representatives in 1995, 
as a freshman while Donald Milford Payne Sr. was serving as the U.S. 
representative for New Jersey's 10th Congressional District from 1989 
until his death in 2012.
  I enjoyed sitting next to Congressman Payne Jr. on the House Homeland 
Security Committee during the 118th Congress and knew him well from our 
work as Members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
  During our time together in Congress we worked together on issues 
related to equity, justice, and fairness in the provision of federal 
resources for disaster mitigation, public safety, and border security.
  I his work and in our conversations, Congressman Payne Jr. always 
expressed his devotion to ensuring that the needs of children were met.
  In addition to his legislative achievements, he championed the cause 
of children impacted by disasters and staunchly advocated for and won 
changes in the Department of Homeland Security's approach in addressing 
the needs of children during disaster mitigation, evacuations, and 
recovery efforts.
  Representative Payne was a man of great integrity and commitment.
  He worked relentlessly to better his community.
  He followed in his father's footsteps and became Congressman of the 
10th Congressional District of New Jersey in 2012.
  And as a Congressman, Donald Payne Jr. cared deeply about his 
constituents living in the Congressional District-10 and in the great 
state of New Jersey.
  He fought tirelessly for New Jersey families and worked to create 
jobs and grow the economy.
  It was important to him to protect and invest in our children, and to 
ensure the health and safety of each person who called New Jersey home.
  Rep. Payne, Jr. began his long career in public service when he 
founded Newark South Ward Junior Democrats, becoming its first 
president.
  He also served as an adviser to the YMCA Youth in Government program. 
He attended Kean College (now Kean University), where he studied 
graphic arts.
  His many accomplishments included being a strong supporter of the 
Affordable Care Act, which provides thousands of New Jerseyans with 
access to high-quality, affordable health care.
  He also advocated for investing in and protecting the health of our 
children and introduced the TEST for Lead Act to protect children from 
lead-contaminated drinking water in schools.

[[Page H2761]]

  Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. was also a vocal advocate for cancer 
prevention, introducing the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 
Resolution to raise awareness about the need for regular cancer 
screenings.
  He introduced the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening 
Act, so Medicare beneficiaries could get polyp, or cancerous growth, 
removals covered during routine colorectal cancer screenings.
  The bill was signed into law in 2019.
  As an addition to this act, Rep. Payne, Jr. introduced the Colorectal 
Cancer Payment Fairness Act to make sure Medicare provides complete 
coverage of colorectal cancer screening tests and polyp removals by 
2023, so patients don't have to pay for the procedure.
  He also introduced the Donald Payne Sr. Colorectal Cancer Detection 
Act to require Medicare to cover FDA-approved blood-based screening 
tests and help Americans determine their risk for colorectal cancer.
  Throughout Congressman Payne Jr.'s career, he fought to protect the 
rights of every American.
  His unwavering support for equal justice, propelled him to vote for 
the passage of H.R. 1280, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
  This bill increases accountability for law enforcement misconduct, 
restricts certain policing practices, enhances transparency in data 
collection and establishes national best practices and training 
requirements.
  Congressman Donald Payne Jr. served as a senior Member of the House 
Committee on Homeland Security and chaired its Subcommittee on 
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery during the 116th 
Congress and was Ranking Member in prior Congresses.
  He also served as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on 
Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials for the House Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
  In that role, Rep. Payne, Jr. improved passenger and freight rail 
nationwide.
  He protected Americans through his work to improve communications 
between emergency agencies and provide greater resources to aid victims 
during and after national emergencies.
  During his time on the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and 
Hazardous Materials, Rep. Payne, Jr. introduced the INVEST in America 
Act, which became the bipartisan, $1.2 trillion Infrastructure 
Investment and Jobs Act, to provide funds for critical road and rail 
projects, such as New Jersey's Portal North Bridge and Hudson River 
Tunnel in the Gateway Program.
  Thanks to his efforts, the new law included $66 billion for passenger 
rail, the largest federal investment in rail in 50 years, and $55 
billion to replace lead water pipes nationwide. In addition, the law 
included $8 billion for New Jersey's highways, $4.5 billion for the 
state's public transit, and $42 billion to improve New Jersey's traffic 
safety.
  Congressman Payne Jr. built a record of achievement in a divided 
Congress.
  Through his hard work and non-yielding attitude, Representative Payne 
introduced two bills that were signed into Public Law by President 
Barack Obama, including the Department of Homeland Security 
Interoperable Communications Act of 2015.
  This bill ensures that Department of Homeland Security personnel can 
reliably communicate during emergencies.
  He also introduced a bill to secure public areas of transportation 
facilities, such as airports, which was incorporated into the FAA 
Reauthorization Act and signed into law in October of 2018.
  Representative Payne Jr. fought against discrimination and 
antidemocratic efforts that would seek to limit voting rights.
  And as an original cosponsor of the Freedom to Vote, the John R. 
Lewis Act of 2021, Congressman Donald Payne Jr. help to restore voting 
protections from the Voting Rights act of 1965, which was abolished in 
the Supreme Court decision Shelby County v. Holder in 2013.
  The Equality Act is yet another bill that Congressman proudly 
supported.
  This bill addresses systemic discrimination in our schools, jobs, and 
communities.
  And for the first time in history, ban discrimination based on actual 
or perceived sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in education, 
federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury selection 
process.
  To empower communities of color, I voted for the passage of the 
Commission to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African 
Americans.
  This bill will increase transparency, unity, healing, and research to 
address our nation's historically unequal treatment of African 
Americans, Indigenous Americans, Latino Americans, and minority groups, 
as well as the effects of systemic racism.
  Congressman Donald Payne Jr. meant many things to many people.
  He was a steadfast public servant, a proud father, and loving 
husband.
  Congressman Payne was a dedicated public servant, a champion for his 
constituents, and a staunch advocate for social justice and equality.
  His legacy of service will continue to inspire generations to come.
  I offer my deepest condolences to his loving wife Beatrice and their 
triplets, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne, colleagues, friends, 
constituents, and his dedicated Subcommittee staff and personal office 
staff.
  Congressman Payne's memory will always remain in our hearts.
  As a legislative body we must continue to forward his vision of 
justice, equality, and a more equitable society.
  Congressman Payne Jr. will be missed dearly.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman 
from Minnesota, Representative Ilhan Omar.
  Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to join my colleagues to honor 
the life and legacy of the late Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.
  Donald was one of the first people to say hello to me. I recognized 
his name as soon as he introduced himself. I had met his father as a 
young girl in a refugee camp in Kenya. We talked a lot about his 
father's love and wishing the best for those of us who were born on the 
Continent and how much he desired to carry on some of that work.
  I got to see him almost every single day getting ready to do his 1 
minute and I would get an opportunity to check in with him. He not only 
showed up for every 1 minute every time it was scheduled, but he showed 
up and fought for his beloved community every day he was in office.
  His dedication to following his father's legacy by serving others, 
his deep human decency, his commitment to the people of New Jersey will 
have a lasting impact for generations to come.
  I will miss our chitchats. I will miss seeing his beautiful smile, 
and I will miss knowing that he was here to cheer me up.
  I am sending love and light to his family, to his staff, and to all 
the people who loved him. May he rest in power.

                              {time}  1900

  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman 
from Massachusetts (Ms. Pressley).
  Ms. PRESSLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of our 
beloved colleague, Donald M. Payne, Jr., of New Jersey's 10th District.
  He was born into a legacy of service but forged his own path. He was 
warm, witty, and a warrior--a happy one, but a warrior. A warrior for 
transportation justice, for workers' rights, for healthcare, for gun 
safety, for clean water.
  He never wavered in his exuberance for life or for this work. He was 
a prolific orator, especially on the House floor. I will always 
remember him smiling, nattily attired, wearing a colorful suit, bow 
tie, glasses, and sometimes a fedora that I would ask him to loan me.
  I will remember him heading to the House floor with purpose to speak 
on behalf of the people and the community that he loved.
  Mr. Speaker, Black men deserve to grow old. I am heartbroken as I 
consider consecutively and collectively the loss of Elijah, John, 
Alcee, Donald McEachin, and now our beloved Donald M. Payne, Jr. It 
breaks my heart that we are losing yet another member of our historic 
Congressional Black Caucus. He was an exemplary Member of Congress and 
an even better man.
  Job well done, Congressman Payne. Rest in peace, in power. Your 
legacy will live on. Our deepest condolences to Beatrice, to Donald, to 
Jack, Yvonne,

[[Page H2762]]

all of your family by blood and by bond, including your staff.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman 
from New Jersey (Ms. Sherrill).
  Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember our dear friend 
and colleague, Donald Payne, Jr.
  He was a model public servant, a man who represented the best our 
State had to offer. From a very young age, he strove to make New Jersey 
a better place for everyone.
  He brought his personal experiences to the Halls of Congress, 
fighting to expand access to healthcare, which no question changed 
people's lives. He was an expert when it came to modernizing our 
Nation's infrastructure, and a partner I turned to as we fought 
together to make the Gateway Tunnel a reality.
  As you have heard, Donald was so much more than just an expert 
policymaker or a thoughtful legislator. He was a kind, kind man. I 
remember when he said to me one day: ``You know, Congress can be a 
lonely place.''
  If you knew Donald Payne, it was never a lonely place because he was 
always looking out for you. He was always bringing a smile to so many 
faces, even though he was going through such difficult health 
struggles. He always made time to ask how you were doing.
  He always had his bow tie, his sharp suits on, and he would always 
take a minute to smile when you complimented him and to say how great 
it was to see you.
  He is going to be missed. He was a presence here that will be sorely 
missed by all of us. It was an honor to call him a friend. It was an 
honor for many years to call him my Congressman, and it is an honor to 
speak today of him. May he rest in peace.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from 
New Jersey (Mr. Kim).
  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory 
of my colleague and my friend, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.
  It is difficult standing in this Chamber knowing that we will never 
see Donald walk in here and sit with us again. I remember the first 
time that I sat with him here in these chairs, I was a brand-new Member 
of Congress, and he was willing to share a quiet moment with me as I 
was unsure of myself in this extraordinary yet overwhelming place.
  When I sought his advice, he told me there is no single way to be a 
Member of Congress, but he suggested that all of us focus on being 
ourselves and delivering for our State and our constituents. In some 
ways, with so much going on, it helped give some clarity and elegant 
simplicity to this intimidating yet complicated work that we do.
  I will remember Donald for his kindness, as many have talked about 
today. I will remember Donald for the pride he took in his community 
and his State, and I will remember Donald for his incredible 
dedication. These are the things we would all be proud to be remembered 
by, the things we carry with us as we pick up his work to move it 
forward.
  He loved his job. It was an honor he never took for granted, and you 
could see it in everything he did. My thoughts are with his family and 
his community. Donald, we will miss you.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield now to the gentleman 
from Louisiana (Mr. Carter).
  Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend and 
colleague Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick for yielding to me.
  We are here to honor the memory of a dear friend and colleague, 
Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., a remarkable public servant and a true 
champion of justice, equality, and progress. I was honored to serve 
alongside him on the Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation 
and Infrastructure Committee.
  Donald Payne was not just a public servant. He was a force for 
change, a voice for the voiceless, a beacon of hope for the people of 
New Jersey and all Americans. He dedicated his career to fighting for 
racial justice and equal rights. He believed in a future where 
education was accessible to all, championing free college tuition and 
sustainable infrastructure that would benefit everyone.
  In Congress, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving as the 
ranking member and chairman of the critical subcommittees focused on 
transportation, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness. His 
commitment to improving public transportation, expanding voting rights, 
and addressing the urgent threat of climate change earned him respect 
and admiration from colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
  Beyond his legislative achievements, Congressman Payne was known for 
his unwavering dedication to the well-being of working families and 
those most vulnerable among us. He understood that progress is measured 
not only by the laws we pass, but by the lives we touch and uplift.

  As we honor Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.'s legacy today, let's 
commit ourselves to renewing the values he held dear. The Congressional 
Black Caucus will continue to fight for justice, equality, and 
opportunity. May we always remember his unwavering belief that our 
Nation's greatest lies in our ability to lift each other up and build a 
better future together.
  Rest in power, Congressman Payne. Your legacy will continue to 
inspire and guide us in the noble work of serving the American people. 
You will be sorely missed, my dear friend, but never, ever forgotten.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield now to the gentleman 
from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez).
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. I rise 
today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of my friend and colleague, 
Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.
  Congressman Payne was a fierce advocate and a dedicated public 
servant who fought tirelessly throughout his distinguished career for 
the city, county, State, and country that he loved. He wasn't just a 
Member of Congress. He was a pillar of hope and strength for the 
communities he served and the people who he represented and who he 
loved.
  He was a mentor and a role model to many, myself included, always 
willing to lend a helping hand and offer words of encouragement. This 
institution can be intimidating, but having a big brother here made it 
home.
  His passing leaves a profound void in our delegation and in this 
institution. The Halls of Congress will be a little less bright and a 
lot less stylish without him. I will miss the looks he would give me 
when we were getting into some good trouble in committee or on the 
House floor. It was a privilege to serve alongside him.
  As we remember our friend, let's recommit to the ideals he lived by--
justice, equality, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow for all. In 
doing so, we can honor an incredible Congressman and a man whose life 
exemplified the best of what it means to serve others. Thank you for 
everything, Don. We will carry you with us.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  It is an honor to stand before you today and express my deepest 
appreciation for Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.'s outstanding dedication 
and remarkable achievements. As we gather here tonight, I am reminded 
of the immense impact that one individual can have, not just on their 
district, but on the entire Nation.
  His dedication to addressing critical issues facing our society, from 
healthcare to gun violence prevention, economic equality to social 
justice is a legacy that will endure for generations to come. 
Furthermore, Congressman Payne, Jr.'s leadership on international 
issues has been nothing short of exemplary.
  As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I have had the 
privilege of working with him on various issues. Let us continue to 
support and honor his legacy by working together to build a more 
inclusive future for all Americans.
  Thank you, Congressman Donald Payne, for your friendship, dedication, 
leadership, and service. The 10th Congressional District of New Jersey 
was truly fortunate to have you as their voice in Congress. May you 
rest in power.
  Congressman Donald Payne would always be here for every Special Order 
hour. We could all rely on him to be here with his smile and his 
encouragement. I remember the first days when I first started in 
Congress, he was always

[[Page H2763]]

supportive. He stood with me on issues that affected Haiti and the 
Caribbean and Black issues. He stood us with us when we had to do 
Special Order hour and came here. He always had a speech for everyone. 
He always had a mission to make sure that his district and the 
communities he served had a place in Congress, but more than that had a 
voice in Congress.
  Donald Payne will be missed, as a great friend to the Congress, as a 
great friend to me, as a great friend to everyone in Congress who he 
knew. We will think of him every single day: his smile, his laugh, his 
joy.
  As we remember him today, it is a sad time for us, but we find joy in 
knowing that he is in a better place.
  Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Florida has about 4 
minutes remaining.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, that concludes our joint CBC 
and Assistant Leader   Joe Neguse's Special Order hour. I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. AMO. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in Congress and the 
Congressional Black Caucus in honoring a committed public servant and 
dedicated champion: Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.
  Mr. Speaker, I did not have the blessing of serving alongside 
Congressman Payne for as long as some here tonight.
  But I rise today to pay tribute to a man who showed me the same 
kindness when we first met as he showed to his lifelong friends and 
loved ones.
  I will never forget his willingness to chat in the cloakroom--to 
impart some wisdom on this new kid.
  When we spoke, Congressman Payne encouraged me to use my voice to 
help others. He knew, more than most, that the personal is political 
and the political is personal.
  Congressman Payne followed in the footsteps of his father--Donald 
Payne, Sr.--a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and New 
Jersey's first Black Member of Congress.
  There is no question that Congressman Payne was a fierce advocate for 
the interests of his Newark district.
  As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and 
the Committee on Homeland Security, he focused on investing in our rail 
and transit systems, championing men's health for all communities, and 
keeping Americans safe.
  Most of all, he never lost sight of what his neighbors felt and 
needed. And he was uncommonly open about his personal health and his 
years-long battle with diabetes.
  If there is a lesson to remember from Congressman Payne's service, it 
is that we can help everyday Americans feel less alone if we lead with 
kindness, empathy, and understanding.
  In this era of infallible politics--where every vulnerability and 
human moments are picked apart and attacked--is it not courageous to 
use your struggles to lift those up around you?
  Is it not heroic to foster deep connections between the work we do 
and the struggles that everyday Americans face?
  In 2022, when Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act, insulin 
was capped at $35 a month cap for Medicare patients.
  Congressman Payne's declaration after the bill's final passage went 
right to the very heart of why it mattered.
  He addressed how insulin is life-saving medication for diabetics, 
highlighting how patients have been gouged for years. And he 
underscored that no American should choose between food and medicine.
  I will always appreciate his fierce advocacy and the warm compassion 
he showed me when I was first sworn in.
  Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. will be sorely missed. May his memory 
guide us forward as we carry on the legacy he forged in Congress.

                          ____________________