Josh Gottheimer: “last April, Jersey and our Nation lost a dedicated father, husband, public servant, and just a real giant. I miss Don…”

“last April, Jersey and our Nation lost a dedicated father, husband, public servant, and just a real giant. I miss Don Payne, like we all do. He was a Member of Congress for nearly 14 years. The son of Newark was an incredible champion for hardworking Jersey families. He fought for healthcare issues and fought to upgrade our transportation, rail, and infrastructure, but beyond that, he just was there for all of us. When I was first elected, Don showed me the ropes, shared his wisdom, and gave me a good Jersey ribbing whenever he could. His great sense of humor and meaningful experience made it a true privilege to serve in the House with him. In those suits, he was the man. A true family man, Don always beamed about his loved ones. I will miss him greatly, like we all do, as we mark today on what would have been his 67th birthday. We remember the impact Don made on so many not just in this great Chamber but across the Garden State and across the country. May his memory be a blessing. We miss Don.”