Southern Border

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank Mr. Moore for being gracious and allowing me this time. We need to see more of that between both sides of the aisle, and I thank him very much, sir.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great man, my father, Congressman Donald Payne, Sr.

Today is the 12th anniversary of his passing from colorectal cancer, and his life was filled with tremendous accomplishments. He was New Jersey's first Black Congressman and served as the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. He helped decide House Committee representation as a member of the Democratic Steering Committee, and also fought to restore democracy and human rights worldwide as a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

President George W. Bush made him the first two-time member of the congressional delegation to the United Nations, and he earned an ``A'' for his work to protect and strengthen the middle class. He was an outstanding Congressman, mentor, and role model, but he was ten times a better father.

My heart is heavy today as I mourn my father. I do miss him so, and I thank the gentleman, once again, for yielding.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source