WASHINGTON – Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today issued the following statement regarding the passing of New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne.

“I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Congressman Donald Payne upon his passing. Congressman Payne occupies a unique place in New Jersey history as the State’s first African-American Member of Congress.   His almost 24-year tenure in the House of Representatives included service as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

“It has been my honor to serve in Congress with Donald Payne and to serve in the New Jersey Legislature with his brother, William Payne.  My wife, Heidi, and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the entire Payne family.”

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