Norton Statement on the Passing of Congressman Donald Payne

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Donald Payne of New Jersey:

"The passing of my good friend Congressman Donald Payne is a great personal loss of a colleague, and perhaps even more so for Don's constituents, whom he had so ably served since his election to Congress in 1988 as the first African American from New Jersey to serve here. The Congress itself, where Don Payne was much admired and respected, is feeling his loss today. The loss of Congressman Payne is especially great for the Congressional Black Caucus because he was the commanding leader in the caucus on foreign affairs. As one of the most senior members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights, Congressman Payne was an outspoken leader for human rights across the world. Don's family and friends have my deepest sympathy."

Published: March 6, 2012