Kamlager-Dove Statement on the Passing of Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr.

Los Angeles, CA — Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr. (NJ-10): 

“I am devastated by the passing of Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr., the six-term representative of New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District who carried on a strong family legacy of public service. Congressman Payne was always smiling, always positive, and always committed to his constituents. He was kind, gracious, and incredibly helpful to me as a first-term member of Congress. I will miss his gentle soul and his commitment to social justice. 

“Like his father, Congressman Donald Payne Sr., Congressman Payne was a stalwart of the Congressional Black Caucus. He was a tireless fighter for New Jersey families, introducing legislation to ensure wage equality and fair labor practices. As a progressive member of Congress, he worked to push the needle on Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and reproductive justice. In my short time in Congress, I was proud to support his efforts to fight colorectal cancer through legislation and Appropriations funding in memory of his father, who passed away from this cancer 12 years ago.

“Today, we lost not just a champion of progress but a dear colleague, friend, and compassionate human being. My thoughts are with Congressman Payne’s wife, children, entire family, and Congressional staff during this difficult time.” 

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