Donald M. Payne: “Let me first thank Representative Clarke and Representative Lawrence for hosting tonight's Special Order hour. These are…”

“Let me first thank Representative Clarke and Representative Lawrence for hosting tonight's Special Order hour. These are two dynamic colleagues of mine. Ms. Clarke, as she stated, is right across the river from me and has really been a mentor to me since my arrival here in Congress. There is never anything that I have ever asked her to do that she hasn't done. I just want to acknowledge the great support that she has been for me since I have arrived at this body. She is a true leader from across the river. Also, Mrs. Lawrence, who is from the great State of Michigan, has joined us in her second term here in Congress. She has demonstrated her leadership day in and day out as well. Mr. Speaker, of course, every year is the year of the Black woman for me. Just as Black women like the late great Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Jordan paved the way for other Black women to run for office, the work that these gentlewomen do has inspired a new generation of Black women to change the course of our Nation. For that, we are all grateful. Throughout American history, Black women have been undervalued and undercompensated. Nationally, Black women who work in full-time jobs make only 64 cents for every dollar a White man makes. In New Jersey, Black women only make 58 cents for every dollar a White man makes.…”