[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 17, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H6014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING DONALD PAYNE, JR.

  (Mr. GOTTHEIMER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, last April, Jersey and our Nation lost 
a dedicated father, husband, public servant, and just a real giant.
  I miss Don Payne, like we all do. He was a Member of Congress for 
nearly 14 years. The son of Newark was an incredible champion for 
hardworking Jersey families. He fought for healthcare issues and fought 
to upgrade our transportation, rail, and infrastructure, but beyond 
that, he just was there for all of us.
  When I was first elected, Don showed me the ropes, shared his wisdom, 
and gave me a good Jersey ribbing whenever he could. His great sense of 
humor and meaningful experience made it a true privilege to serve in 
the House with him. In those suits, he was the man.
  A true family man, Don always beamed about his loved ones. I will 
miss him greatly, like we all do, as we mark today on what would have 
been his 67th birthday. We remember the impact Don made on so many not 
just in this great Chamber but across the Garden State and across the 
country.
  May his memory be a blessing. We miss Don.

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