Bonnie Watson Coleman: “First, let me thank the Congresswoman for affording me this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I am heartbroken by the passing of…”

“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. 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).”