Senior House T&I Democrat Donald Payne Dies
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Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., the top Democrat on the U.S. House subcommittee on railroad policy, died April 24. He was 65.
During his dozen years in Congress, the representative from New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District, which includes Newark, ascended to his caucus’ leadership of the Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials panel. During his tenure, Payne was instrumental in negotiating freight connectivity proposals, weather-resilient infrastructure measures and contributing to the passage of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.
Funding tucked in the bipartisan infrastructure law specific to big-ticket infrastructure projects, such as a massive New York-New Jersey passenger railroad tunnel, was championed by Payne. His office honored Payne’s legacy, noting he “has been a tireless fighter for New Jersey families as well as job creation, economic growth, protections for children, education, and the health and safety of our communities.”
The lawmaker also promoted social reform, as his office observed: “Rep. Payne Jr. had been a strong advocate for children, gun violence prevention, American currency, small businesses, environmental issues, voting rights, racial justice and the underprivileged to create more equality nationwide.”
His colleagues in Congress celebrated Payne’s work on the transportation committee.
“He most recently led [Transportation and Infrastructure] Democrats in our ongoing work to reauthorize the federal pipeline safety programs — a bill we passed out of committee overwhelmingly, thanks in no small part to his efforts,” said committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.). “He was also a champion this Congress for a bipartisan effort to improve passenger rail access for persons with disabilities. [Rep.] Payne was a strong advocate for infrastructure for his own constituents and for the country, and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Paying Tribute
Rep. Donald Payne 1958-2024
Colleagues in the House of Representatives and the governor of his home state spoke of Rep. Donald Payne's contributions during his 12 years in Congress.
“He was also a champion this Congress for a bipartisan effort to improve passenger rail access." — Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.)
"Donald fought for investment in our infrastructure." — Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.)
"He deeply understood the struggles our working families face." — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D)
“Donald fought for investment in our infrastructure with an emphasis on increasing transportation accessibility, and laid the groundwork for strong rail funding in the [bipartisan infrastructure law] as well as advancing the [Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety] Act of 2023 through committee. Thanks to his leadership, this record funding has already left an indelible mark on working families, communities across the country and the economy,” added Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), the committee’s ranking member.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted Payne was a “pleasure to work with and a widely respected leader whose work helped shape transportation policy in America for the better. My thoughts are with his wife, Bea, and their three children.”
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) touted Payne’s long career in Garden State politics.
“With his signature bow tie, big heart and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service. As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles our working families face, and he fought valiantly to serve their needs, every single day,” said the governor. “That purpose was the light that guided him through his early years as Newark City Council president and during his tenure on the Essex County Board of Commissioners. And it guided him still through his more than a decade of service in Congress.”
The House transportation committee has yet to announce Payne’s successor at the helm of the railroad subcommittee. Meanwhile, absent a special election, New Jersey Democratic leaders from the congressional district could select a candidate to replace Payne in the November election. A stronghold for Democrats, the 10th Congressional District includes the Prudential Center, home of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and Seton Hall University’s basketball team.
Payne arrived in Congress 12 years ago after succeeding his late father, Donald M. Payne Sr., a staunch advocate for human rights and the advancement of peace around the world. The U.S. Agency for International Development Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship assists individuals pursuing careers in foreign service.
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