David Price: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of my good friend and colleague, Donald Payne. Few Members…”

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of my good friend and colleague, Donald Payne. Few Members who've served in this institution have left a greater impression on their constituents, their colleagues, and their country's domestic and foreign policy than Don Payne. From the moment Don set foot in Congress, he was a powerful advocate for the needs and interests of his central New Jersey community and of working Americans across our country. Bringing to bear his impressive and diverse record as a public schoolteacher, President of the National Council of YMCAs, and an elected official in Newark, Don quickly became one of the most forceful and effective advocates for public education in the Congress, playing a key role as a member of the Education and Labor Committee on virtually every major educational reform enacted over the last two decades. As the first African American elected to Congress from New Jersey, Don was an equally forceful advocate for the continued struggle for civil rights, eventually becoming chair the Congressional Black Caucus. Now, these accomplishments in education and civil rights would qualify as a successful career for any Member, but Don didn't stop there.…”