WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: MORRISTOWN, N.J. - Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) welcomed Veterans Affairs (VA) Undersecretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal to Morristown to discuss the VA's plans to restore a Vet Center Community Access Point (CAP) in Morristown and establish a Vet Center Outstation in Hackettstown. The CAP and Outstation will expand access to critical mental health care resources to veterans in Northwest NJ  more

WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Florida, issued the following news release on April 25, 2024: This week, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) introduced H.R. 8101, the Maintaining Cooperative Permitting Act of 2024, to protect the ability of states, like Florida, to continue their state 404 Permitting Programs. This is the House companion to U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott's (R-FL) bill, S. 4162. Specifically, this bill would codify the dredge and fill permitting prog  more

WASHINGTON, April 23 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement: "In passing this national security and foreign aid package by wide, bipartisan majorities, Congress is sending a clear message: the United States stands with its allies and will rise to address humanitarian needs that are causing enormous human suffering in the world. "Supp  more

WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-New York, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024: * * * Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.: "Today, one of my dearest colleagues, the Gentleman from New Jersey, gained his wings. On behalf of the people of the 9th District of New York, the Clarke family, and myself, I'd like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Payne family, as well as Donald  more

WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on April 24, 2024: * * * Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on the passing of Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10): "Today, the Congressional Black Caucus mourns the loss of our dear colleague and friend, Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., and we are holding his family and loved ones in our   more

WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr., D-Georgia, issued the following news release: Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., a senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement in response to the news today that his colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., of New Jersey, had transitioned: "Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., had the heart of a public servant and was a compassionate, affable soul who loved his family and  more

WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials issued the following written testimony by Kevin Corbett, president and CEO of New Jersey Transit, on behalf of the Northeast Corridor Commission, involving a hearing on April 17, 2024, entitled "Getting to Work: Examining Challenges and Solutions in the Commuter Rail Industry": * * * Good morning, Chair Nehls, Ranking Member Payne, Vice Ranking Member Foushee (pronou  more

WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: LIVINGSTON, N.J. - Today, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) - along with Cooperman Barnabas Emergency Department physicians, hospital leadership, and local elected officials - spoke about the need to ensure patients can access life-saving abortion care in emergency situations. Sherrill's advocacy comes as the Supreme Court heard oral arguments from anti-abortion politicians in Idaho, who are attempt  more

JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, April 23 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 22, 2024: Today, Monday, April 22, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer sounded the alarm on anti-choice Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) posing as reproductive healthcare providers across New Jersey and highlighted their intentionally deceptive marketing practices. "I urge everyone to raise their voices about Crisis Pregnancy Centers across the state, so no women in New Jersey   more

WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced the FY25 Community Project Funding Appropriations Request Form for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District. Every fiscal year, the House Appropriations Committee allows each member of Congress to submit up to 15 Community Project Funding requests for consideration. Community Project Funding (CPF) CPF is a process that allows Members of Congress to  more

WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), in his capacity as the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, led a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Ukraine for meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other government officials. Congressman Kean's delegation arrived in Ukraine just two days after the House of Representatives' historic passage of further supplemental   more

WASHINGTON, April 26 (Rep.) -- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024: * * * Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement upon the news of the death of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.: Today is a difficult day as we mourn the loss of a beloved public servant, colleague and dear friend. Over his six terms in Congress, Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. was a tremendous advocate for the people of New Jersey's T  more

BROOKLYN, New York, April 25 -- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024: * * * Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement upon the news of the death of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.: Today is a difficult day as we mourn the loss of a beloved public servant, colleague and dear friend. Over his six terms in Congress, Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. was a tremendous advocate for the people of New Jersey's Tenth Congressional  more

WASHINGTON, April 26 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: New legislation (HR 8125) introduced this week by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) would rename the address of the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office in Washington, DC as 1 Jimmy Lai Way in honor of the renowned Hong Kong human rights defender who remains unjustly imprisoned by Hong Kong authorities. A 76-year-old democracy advocate and media entrepreneur, Lai has been incarcerated since Decem  more

WASHINGTON, April 22 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Long Branch, NJ - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today applauded major federal investment from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expand solar energy access in New Jersey. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will receive $156,120,000 from the Solar for All Program to deploy solar energy in low-income and disadvantaged households. The award is expected to fund solar projects fo  more

WASHINGTON, April 20 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today applauded House passage of the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act. The bill would create a framework to force divestment of TikTok from its Chinese Communist Party-controlled parent company ByteDance so that Americans can continue to use the platform without the risk that Chinese Communist officials would be able to use the app to undermine our natio  more

WASHINGTON, April 23 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today introduced a bill that would prohibit tianeptine, commonly known as "gas station heroin," from being marketed to consumers. Tianeptine is an unapproved drug that is marketed as a purported dietary supplement and sold under labels such as "Neptune's Fix." Ingestion of the drug has led to an increase in calls to poison control centers and severe adverse eff  more

WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Piscataway, NJ - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today held a press conference to highlight federal funding he secured for Piscataway. Pallone secured $963,000 in a federal spending bill for the Township to upgrade its police communications system and improve interoperability between township officials and other police agencies. President Biden signed the legislation into law on March 8. Thi  more

WASHINGTON, April 20 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today issued the following statement on House passage of security assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan: "The House of Representatives made it clear today that the United States remains united in our defense of freedom and democracy around the world. I proudly voted in favor of legislation that delivers the assistance our allies need to defend against att  more

WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: "New Jersey has lost a truly great public servant far too soon. Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. was more than a Member of New Jersey's Congressional delegation - he was a part of our family. Don affectionately called me 'Uncle Frank' whenever I saw him, because we cherished the strong relationship we forged following the death of his father. We worked together to improve the lives and health of New Je  more

WASHINGTON, April 25 (Rep.) -- Del. Stacey Plaskett, D-Virgin Islands, issued the following news release on April 24, 2024: Today, Congresswoman Plaskett joins her colleagues in mourning the passing of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. "Congressman Payne, Jr. truly exemplified people-first politics for the people of New Jersey. A fine American, Payne, Jr. not only was a champion of change, but a family man, with an exquisitely kind heart, and sense of humor. "He carried on a legacy of public s  more

WASHINGTON, April 20 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Today, Saturday, April 20, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair helped pass a $95 billion security aid package to provide critical security and humanitarian aid for America's key democratic allies, Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The package, which includes eight Gottheimer-led bills, all passed with bipartisan support. "After working closely with Democrats a  more

WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Ted Lieu, D-California, issued the following news release: Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr. "I am devastated by the news of our colleague Donald Payne Jr.'s passing and send my deepest condolences to his wife Beatrice and their children, Donald III, Jack and Yvonne. Donald worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents in New Jersey, having been a longtime champion o  more

WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Alma S. Adams, D-North Carolina, issued the following statement: * * * Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) released the following statement on the passing of her friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10). "Today, we lost a great leader, a tireless advocate for the people of New Jersey, and a dear friend. In all that he did, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. worked to leave our Nation better than he found it. "He was the first Member to att  more

MANHATTAN, New York, April 25 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 24, 2024: Today, April 24, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited the MTA headquarters after the agency failed to comply with an official Freedom of Information Law or FOIL request more than 60 business days ago and ignored more than 30 messages from Congressman Gottheimer's office, requesting a meeting with MTA CEO Janno Lieber. Following today's announcement at the MT  more

MAHWAH, New Jersey, April 26 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a showcase of student submissions to the Congressional Art Competition at Ramapo College. Gottheimer joined high school artists who have submitted art to the annual competition and their families at the showcase to view their submissions in a gallery setting. Talented high school artists from across North Jersey have submitted their art for a cha  more

WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on April 23, 2024: * * * Today, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) issued the following statement on the 200-day mark since Hamas terrorists brutally attacked Israel on October 7. "Last night, Jewish families across North Jersey and around the world gathered around their seder tables and retold the story of the Jewish peoples' exodus from Egypt. However, for the thousands o  more

WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024: * * * Today, April 24, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Donald Payne: "It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of my friend, a great Jersey leader, and a voice for justice, Congressman Donald Payne. Today, New Jersey and our nation lost a dedicated father, husband, public servant, and incredible  more

NORTH JERSEY, New Jersey, April 27 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: After more than 80 calendar days, the MTA responded by not answering any of the questions in Gottheimer's FOIL request. Instead, they responded with links to public websites that didn't address the core question: How much money will they raise every year from the Congestion Tax? This comes as no surprise. The MTA and its CEO Janno Lieber don't want to answer Gottheimer's question becau  more

WASHINGTON, April 26 -- Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-New York, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024: * * * Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement following the passing of his colleague and friend Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10): "I am deeply saddened to learn about the death of my dear friend and colleague Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. Don was a relentless advocate for the people of his beloved Tenth Congressional District of New Jers  more

CHERRY HILL, New Jersey, April 25 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024: * * * Today, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) released the following statement on the news of the passing of Rep. Donald Payne Jr.: "I am heartbroken to learn that my friend Donald Payne has passed away. Donald was a dedicated public servant who fought tirelessly for his district and the great state of New Jersey. From cancer prevention and affordable health care to gun ref  more

CHERRY HILL, New Jersey, April 22 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 20, 2024: Today, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) voted in support of the Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan security packages to provide military aid and assistance to our partners and allies and strengthen democracy around the world. The security packages voted on today by the House of Representatives will provide $26.4 to Israel, $60.8 billion to Ukraine, and $8.1 billion to Taiwan in   more

WASHINGTON, April 20 -- Rep. Rob Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on foreign aid package: * * * "Today, I was proud to vote for a bipartisan package of bills that provides long-overdue assistance for our allies Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as life-saving humanitarian aid for communities around the world, including in Gaza. In light of the complex global situation, it's both a moral imperative and essential to our national security that the United States provide v  more

JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, April 25 -- Rep. Rob Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024: * * * Congressman Rob Menendez today released the following statement after the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. "It is with deep sadness that I learned earlier today of the passing of my friend and fierce advocate for New Jersey, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. His sudden loss leaves a profound void in our delegation and in the hearts of all of those who had the privi  more

WASHINGTON, April 26 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Livingston, NJ - Today, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced the launch of her resource guide and Community Project Funding application portal for the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations process. "My office is constantly working to bring federal resources back to New Jersey to improve our quality of life and keep costs down for residents. Over the past three budgets, I am proud of the Community  more

WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 23, 2024: U.S. Rep. Chris Smith--Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Global Human Rights Subcommittee and Co-Chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission--today called on the government of Azerbaijan to provide Dr. Gubad Ibadoglu, an economist who has been unjustly imprisoned, with immediate access to medical care following his recent transfer from prison to house arrest: "This heroic pol  more

WASHINGTON, April 19 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: As concerns continue to mount over Verizon's plans to install twenty 30-foot towers along the boardwalk in Belmar, Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today introduced legislation (HR 8082) that would empower local residents impacted by proposed 5G projects and would rein in the power of telecommunication giants to fast track their rollout of 5G wireless, steamrolling community opposition in the process. Spe  more

WASHINGTON, April 20 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today voted in favor of comprehensive legislation (HR 3602) to secure the US southern border as President Biden refuses to resolve the ongoing crisis with existing executive authorities available to him. "The chaos at our southern border constitutes a grave national security and humanitarian crisis that continues to put the lives of so many at risk," said Rep. Smith. "Pre  more

WASHINGTON, April 20 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today took to the House Floor during debate and urged his colleagues to pass legislation (HR 8034) that would provide more than $26 billion in critical military assistance to Israel while prohibiting any US funds from flowing to the failed and pervasively antisemitic United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza. The bill was passed by the House in a vote of 366-58. "The   more

WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024: * * * Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today issued the following statement on the passing of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. of Newark: "Donald Payne Jr., like his father before him, was a dedicated public servant who worked to improve the lives of New Jersey families. He was a compassionate legislator who cared deeply for people in need. As Chairman of the House Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardo  more

WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chair of the House Global Human Rights and International Organizations Subcommittee, called the recently released report on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) "an absolute whitewash aimed at covering up the antisemitism, violence and hate that has poisoned the agency for decades." Smith, the author of legislation to ban US funding for UNRWA, said "the grotesque fl  more

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey, April 27 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 26, 2024: Today, Congressman Van Drew addressed claims by the Atlantic City Housing Authority (the Authority) that they tried and failed to schedule a meeting with his office and asked for assistance with Section 8 housing vouchers. Our records indicate no attempt from the Authority to contact our office to discuss the ongoing health and safety crisis at Stanley Holmes Villag  more

WASHINGTON, April 23 -- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) commended the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) decision to issue a nationwide ban on new non-compete agreements. The new rule comes after Rep. Watson Coleman joined a letter, led by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), to FTC Chair Lina Khan, encouraging the commission to restrict non-competes. "This is a big win  more

WASHINGTON, April 26 -- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding anti-war protests on college campuses across the country and in New Jersey's 12th District. "No matter your faith or background, the right to freely practice your religion and the right to protest unite us as Americans. Our Founding Fathers recognized that these rights were essential to a healthy democracy  more

WASHINGTON, April 20 -- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted on a series of foreign aid bills to support our allies in the Indo-Pacific; send desperately-needed aid to Ukraine as they fend off Russian aggression; provide humanitarian aid to people suffering around the world; and to impose economic sanctions on Russia and Iran. Rep. Watson Coleman issued the following statement: "In October of last year, I   more

WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * Ewing, NJ (Wednesday, April 24, 2024) -- Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement on the tragic passing of her friend and colleague, Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. "I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of my dear friend Donald Payne, Jr. Like myself, Don came from a family legacy of public service and we bonded over discussions of our trailblazing fathers. "I  more

WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * Ewing, NJ (April 25, 2024) - Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann, and Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora announced that Trenton-Mercer Airport secured $4,116,279 in the most recent federal appropriations bill. A press conference was held today at the airport in Ewing, NJ. The funding, allocated throught he Community Fundi  more

WASHINGTON, April 23 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 22, 2024: Today, Tuesday, April 22, 2024, U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), and Kathy Manning (NC-6) walked through Columbia University campus and visited the protest encampments. Together, the members called upon Columbia leadership, including President Minouche Shafik, to take stronger action to protect Jewish students on Columbia's ca  more

WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-Virginia, issued the following news release: NEWPORT NEWS - Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10): "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. He comes from a family of committed public servants, and I had the honor of serving with his father for many years on the Committee on Education and the Workforce.   more

WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: LIVINGSTON, N.J. - Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement applauding the Biden Administration's decision to strengthen privacy protections under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act to protect women seeking reproductive care and their providers: "The decision to seek reproductive care, and the decision if and when to start a family should be between wo  more

WASHINGTON, April 26 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Livingston, NJ -- Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement after the MTA announced New York City's congestion pricing plan will go into effect on June 30. "It is unacceptable that the MTA is barreling towards the implementation of their unfair double tax despite ongoing legal challenges to its existence. This plan is structured in a way that punishes New Jersey families w  more

WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Livingston, NJ -- Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement: "I am heartbroken to lose my friend Congressman Donald Payne. He was a model public servant, who from a young age strove to make New Jersey a better place for everyone. There is no question his commitment to strengthening public education and expanding access to health care changed people's lives. The advice, enco  more

WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release: Congressman Moulton released the following statement after the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr. of New Jersey on Wednesday: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr., and will miss him in our regular service on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee together. Never too self-important to compliment a colleague, I always hoped for his approval when I spoke. He  more

WASHINGTON, April 24 -- Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release: Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.: "Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. was a steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey and a shining example of the compassionate, people-first leadership our nation deserves. "Following in his father's trailblazing footsteps, Congressman Payne, Jr. devoted himsel  more