Donald M. Payne: “I first want to start by thanking Congresswoman Beatty for that very kind and generous introduction. We, in our class…”

“I first want to start by thanking Congresswoman Beatty for that very kind and generous introduction. We, in our class, are very proud of our colleagues, and we support each other in times of need. I just would like to also congratulate and acknowledge Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, the gentleman from New York, who is also host of this Special Order. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss an issue that is very personal to me. Before I begin, I just want to say that my heart goes out to the families and friends of the victims of the horrible tragedy in Orlando, and I can only imagine what they are going through. The other thing that is illuminating to me is that, as we came here and stood up for a moment of silence, after that moment of silence, I believe Members were given a 1-minute opportunity to speak on any topic that they would like to on the floor, as is customary, and not one person from the other side of the aisle mentioned what happened in Orlando. So not only was it a moment of silence for the leadership in this House, but it appears that it is going to be a moment that remains silent or a topic that remains silent from the other side of the aisle. Madam Speaker, eliminating racial-based health disparities depends on our ability to advance access to affordable health care for all.…”