Josh Gottheimer: “I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for convening tonight's Special Order hour. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to honor…”

“I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for convening tonight's Special Order hour. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to honor the life and legacy of our very dear friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne. Donald, as everyone knows, was larger than life. I love that picture of him, and if you could see it in color, it would be even better because he brought so much color everywhere he went--his suits, his personality. He lit up a room. Not only was he a great friend, but a great father and husband. He was an incredible advocate for his beloved city, Newark, and New Jersey overall, and all the hardworking men and women he represented. He spent his entire career serving New Jersey, including as a distinguished local official for the city of Newark and of Essex County. It was such an honor to serve here with Don. When I was first elected, Donald was there for me. He showed me the ropes and shared his wisdom. He was never shy to rib me a little bit in the Jersey way with his humor and his kindness, and his signature bow tie. His legacy will live on through his advocacy and his tireless championing of issues facing so many Americans: health issues and issues of clean drinking water for families and reliable transportation and great infrastructure. The mark he left is everywhere in New Jersey, and more than his personality, it is the policies he left behind. He will be missed, but never forgotten. His legacy will live on in a big way in the great State of New Jersey. Mr.…”