[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 1, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2773-H2774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Davis) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, it breaks my heart to 
share that something just doesn't seem quite right speaking without 
first hearing the voice of the gentleman from New Jersey, the Honorable 
Donald Milford Payne, Jr.
  No matter how soon you would come to do a 1-minute speech, Donald 
Payne was always first. I never figured out how he somehow beat 
everyone to the Chamber all the time. No matter how many 1-minute 
speeches the rest of us did, Donald would always do more.
  One time our friend, Mr.   Joe Neguse from Colorado, suggested that I 
had done more 1 minutes than Mr. Payne. Why did he say that? Donald 
quickly corrected him.
  The name ``Donald'' means ruler or king. Indeed, Donald was the 1-
minute king.
  Many days we sat together. He would review his notes, going over what 
he was going to say, waiting to hear those words, ``For what purpose 
does the gentleman from New Jersey seek recognition?''
  Donald would then gently walk to the podium with his iPad in hand. 
Although he mostly said what he needed to in 1 minute, occasionally 
getting the gavel, Madam Speaker, I must use the 5-minute time period 
today because 1 minute would not do Mr. Payne justice.
  Donald was not only a stylish and colorful individual, but he also 
brightened the House with his presence. He brightened us with his bow 
ties. He brightened us with his glasses. He brightened us even with his 
matching socks. He brightened us by using his voice as an instrument to 
speak up for the people of New Jersey's 10th Congressional District.
  That is why he consistently received the John R. Lewis Award for his 
advocacy as captured right here. Look at him. He is happy. He is at 
peace. He is living the dream. He is on cloud nine. He is at peace.
  We also had a special connection because there are a fair number of 
people

[[Page H2774]]

living in New Jersey who are actually from North Carolina, and we had 
many memorable conversations about mutual friends between votes while 
sitting in the first and second seat waiting for 1 minutes.
  New Jersey, please know that North Carolina stands with you.
  Donald Payne was an encourager, and his last words to me were: You 
are a good man, and I want to help you. He said: Take care, and I will 
see you soon.

  Little did I know that that would be our last conversation. His life 
and legacy deeply inspired all of us, and I will always cherish the 
moments we spent together.
  Donald and his father served in the people's House for about 35 
years, and we are deeply grateful for their service.
  When his father passed and Donald assumed office, he once said: I am 
following a legacy, and I am not backing away from that.
  He didn't back away from it. He continued his father's legacy. He 
continued to set a legacy for his three children and children across 
the country, and he continued the legacy by making America better.
  My heart goes out to his wife, Beatrice, and the Payne family. I 
extend my deepest condolences to them and to New Jersey's 10th 
Congressional District. The flowers that now rest in the seat Donald 
often occupied reflect his inner beauty and radiance.
  Madam Speaker, Donald's last floor speech, interestingly, was on 
housing out of all issues. What a way to end. What a way to remind us 
all that there is a house of many mansions.
  Madam Speaker, I thank Donald for showing us humility, showing us 
meekness, showing us kindness, brightening this institution, and using 
his voice to advocate for the American people.
  Farewell, my friend, and, yes, I look forward to seeing him soon. He 
will always be remembered, and we miss him dearly.
  I end today with the last words Donald Payne spoke and shared on the 
floor. On March 22, he ended his final 1-minute speech this way: And 
with that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.

                          ____________________