Frank Pallone: “I am honored to have an opportunity to highlight the legacy of our colleague and my friend, Donald Payne, Jr. Last week…”

“I am honored to have an opportunity to highlight the legacy of our colleague and my friend, Donald Payne, Jr. Last week, New Jersey lost a great public servant far too soon. Many knew Don for his trademark bow tie, big smile, and friendly demeanor. Let me tell a bit more about his life and journey. Don's mother died when he was just 5 years old, and after his mother's passing, Don and his siblings were raised by his father. I think many know his father, Donald Sr., also my colleague, was the first Black Member of Congress from New Jersey. He was also a Congressional Black Caucus chairman. However, Don Jr. tended to the trail blazed by his father by fighting for healthcare for all, delivering Federal funding to the largest and most important transportation project in American history, and replacing lead drinking water pipes that made kids in his district sick. In honor of his father, he led bipartisan efforts to research, prevent, and treat colorectal cancer. Don was a powerful politician in New Jersey, as both a county commissioner and Newark City councilman. New Jersey allowed you to hold both offices at the same time. Many felt it was a step down for him to come to Congress, but he felt it was an obligation and duty to follow his father's footsteps, and he was determined to make the best of it.…”