Ranking Member Thompson Statement on Passing of Congressman Payne, Jr.
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement on passing of Committee member Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ):
“Today we mourn the loss of our colleague, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. Congressman Payne, Jr. was a thoughtful legislator, a dear friend, and a man of such a kind and affable nature that he was well-liked and respected by Members on both sides of the aisle even during the Committee’s most divisive moments. Most importantly, he was a devoted family man, and it was this role that drove his passion for the policies he pursued.
“When Congressman Payne, Jr. joined the Committee in 2013, the country was reeling from the horrific elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. He made school security his top priority that Congress and relentlessly advocated to make schools safer. Because of his advocacy, there is a standing School Safety Task Force at the Department of Homeland Security. During the 11 years he served on the Committee, Congressman Payne, Jr. advocated for expanding resources for first responders, played an instrumental role in authorizing the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, raised awareness about how disasters affect vulnerable communities, and championed the needs of children impacted by disasters.
“Notably, Congressman Payne, Jr. authored the Homeland Security for Children Act (P.L. 117-130), which directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to appoint an expert to advise on the unique needs of children during disasters and directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that each Departmental component considered how policies would affect children.
“Following his leadership on school security, Congressman Payne, Jr. also introduced the School and Daycare Protection Act (P.L. 117-263), which required the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress on its policies and plans to enhance security at preschools and elementary and secondary schools.
“He leaves behind an important legacy through his congressional service: making children safer. In his honor, we will continue that legacy.
“Congressman Payne, Jr. was also a lifelong resident of Newark who lived on the same street where he was raised by his single father: schoolteacher and Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr. Congressman Payne, Jr.'s heart never left his neighborhood and constituency, and neither did he.
“We send our deepest condolences to Mr. Payne’s wife, Bea, and his triplets, Donald, Yvonne, and Jack.”
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