On the recordMarch 6, 2012
I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Don Payne and I have been friends for over 35 years. We served together in county government as freeholders in New Jersey from our respective counties, Morris and Essex Counties, before he preceded me to Congress. During his service in this House, he worked long and hard on issues that literally cried out for attention. At home we all admired his steadfast commitment to ensuring that our Nation's children had the best quality education possible. Abroad he focused on global public health issues like childhood survival and human rights on the continent of Africa and elsewhere. Don Payne took up the cause for suffering people around the world and gave voice to their plight even at great personal risk. Mr. Speaker, Don Payne loved Congress, he loved public service, he loved New Jersey, and he loved his hometown of Newark. I was proud to work with him to revitalize the Passaic River in Newark, that waterfront that for many years had remained inaccessible to the public. Don will be sorely missed, especially for his dedicated service to his constituents over many decades. I'll never forget his valuable service and his enduring friendship. We've lost a great principled man who lived a life from which we could all learn something. May the tributes and prayers of so many of his colleagues here this afternoon today be a source of strength to his family. Thank you.
