Congressional Black Caucus Mourns the Loss of Donald M. Payne, Jr.

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on the passing of Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10):

"Today, the Congressional Black Caucus mourns the loss of our dear colleague and friend, Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., and we are holding his family and loved ones in our hearts during this difficult time.

"Representative Payne served the people of New Jersey and our country honorably for six terms in the U.S. Congress. He was an advocate for racial justice, equal rights for all, reproductive freedom, free college tuition, and public transportation. He was also a fierce proponent of improving the lives of working families, expanding voting rights, lowering the costs of prescription drugs, and combating the climate crisis.

"Representative Payne was an effective leader in Congress having served as the ranking member and chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, as well as the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.

"Prior to joining the Congress in 2012, Representative Payne, in the footsteps of his father Rep. Donald Payne Sr., dedicated his life to serving his community as a member of the New Jersey City Council, as a president of the South Ward Young Democrats, as a Garden State Parkway toll collector and for the Essex County Educational Services Commission.

"Representative Payne will be remembered by all those who knew him for his kindness and generosity. He leaves behind a legacy and commitment to service that New Jerseyans and our country will not soon forget."