Political Quotes

“First let me say that I join my colleagues in recognizing not only the life and work of Don Payne, but I also wanted to add my personal words of support for what Don meant to me personally as a cochairman of the Caribbean Caucus a number of years ago. Speaker Hastert asked both Don and myself to become engaged in issues that would be considered in our hemisphere as a result of the war on terror. The Speaker recognized that the Caribbean was a gateway not only for terrorism, but also a number of other issues. Don and I accepted that role, had a number of trips down to the Caribbean, but also met with Caribbean leaders here in Washington, D.C. Don was always upbeat, Don was always looking for answers and responses to the needs of our friends in the Caribbean, and really found a way to cut some good friendships with people to where they became better friends of the United States Congress and the United States because of his personal involvement in issues and matters. I enjoyed working with Don. He accepted not only his role and mine, us working together--I as a younger Member, he as a senior Member. He welcomed my advances or ideas and thoughts. It was difficult for me also as I was walking into the Capitol a few minutes ago to see the beautiful flag that flies outside the United States Capitol at half mast in honor of our colleague Don Payne.…”