BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN DONALD PAYNE

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Donald Payne (NJ-10):

“With the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, our nation has lost a dedicated public servant, devoted humanitarian and inspirational figure who campaigned tirelessly for universal adherence to human rights.

“Throughout his dynamic and transformational life, Congressman Payne took on many noteworthy pursuits that sought to improve the standards of living for millions of individuals here in the United States and around the world. In being a former school teacher and pro-active Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, he worked on multiple levels to make comprehensive and sustainable improvements to America’s educational system.

“As one of our nation’s principal thought-leaders on development and diplomacy issues on the African continent, Congressman Payne aggressively worked to bring attention to the genocide in Darfur and raise awareness for poverty-stricken regions of sub-Saharan Africa.

“Congressman Payne will be missed dearly by his colleagues in Congress and his constituents in New Jersey. My wife Vivian and I would like to extend our condolences and prayers to his family and friends.”