Donald Payne

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce and praise today as guest chaplain Pastor Bryant Ali. Pastor Ali has been my friend for almost 50 years. He has been the ``pastor in the hood,'' as we call him, for 26 years at the New Psalmist Worship Center in Newark, New Jersey, a center he founded to bring the power of the Lord to those who have lost their way. He is a renowned author, community activist, counselor, teacher, and preacher in my district. His story is one that should inspire us all. Pastor Ali received his spiritual calling as a homeless man struggling with chemical addiction. He conquered those demons through the power of the Lord. He started preaching and pursued his calling. Today, he has a doctoral degree in holistic theology. He serves as the president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Newark and Vicinity, and he is a spiritual counselor for the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition and serves on the board of the Newark Community Health Centers. He is an outstanding clergyman, an incredible leader in my community, and a true inspiration. I am very proud to have him say a prayer for us today. My fellow Members, I would like to present the senior pastor of New Psalmist Worship Center, the Honorable Dr. Bryant Ali, who did an incredible job for us today.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I want to take a moment to honor a distinguished member of my district. Priscilla Gardner has been a staple of the Jersey City community during her 50-year career at the Jersey City Free Public Library. Priscilla is known for many successes during her time there. She created the library's first computer learning center when the internet was in its infancy. Ms. Gardner established the Jersey City Free Public Library Foundation to raise desperately needed funds to improve and expand the library when necessary, a successful venture that still exists today. Ms. Gardner was project director when they built the first new library since 1962, a gorgeous new facility with community and children's areas that opened in 2004. Ms. Gardner drove fundraising efforts for the library to have a bookmobile, one that provided residents with 2,000 books, computer terminals, and other media stations. Most importantly, Ms. Gardner has been instrumental in the renovation and restoration of Jersey City's historic 120-year-old main library. Ms. Gardner leaves the library and her city a much better place. Ms. Gardner will be sorely missed, and I wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me as I rise to pay tribute to Gladys Barker Grauer, the ``Mother of Newark Arts,'' after her passing on September 5, 2019. Gladys Barker Grauer was a renowned artist, gallery owner, and arts educator for more than 70 years. She was born Gladys Frances Barker in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 15, 1923, to Maudie and Charles Barker. When her family moved to Chicago, Illinois, she discovered her love of art at Englewood High School and later studied at the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1946, she met and married Solomon Grauer. Five years later, they moved to Newark's South Ward, a place where she would live her entire life. Mrs. Grauer established herself as a true force in Newark's art scene in 1971 when she opened the city's first African-American-owned art gallery, the Aard Studio Gallery on Bergen Street. Her art focused on Newark's marginalized populations with themes that included poverty, homelessness, and urban conflict. Her art has been exhibited locally, nationally and internationally in locations as varied as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London; the National Museum of American Art in Washington, D.C.; The Newark Museum and the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers-New Brunswick. Her most recent show, called ``Speaking Her Mind: Then and Now,'' was showcased at Gallery Aferro in Newark just last year. In addition, she has painted five murals around the city for current residents and visitors to enjoy. More than an artist, she was a dedicated teacher of art. The Aard Studio Galley was a place where young artists, particularly young artists of color, could learn and showcase their artistic talents. They knew that the Aard Studio provided them a rare and critical place for mutual support and professional networking as well as a location for exhibitions and sales of their work. Also, she taught commercial art for the Essex County Vocational Schools from 1974 to 1989. She was a founding member of Black Woman in Visual Perspective, New Jersey Chapter of the National Conference of Artists, and the Newark Arts Council. She even received the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women's Caucus for the Arts for her contributions to the local art scene and support for local artists. Madam Speaker, I know my fellow members of the U.S. House of Representatives agree that Gladys Barker Grauer deserves to be recognized at the time of her passing for her tremendous contributions to the international artistic community and her dedication to the education and betterment of Newark's artists of color.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I take a moment and praise the work of the International WeLoveU Foundation, which I am proud to say is located in Oradell, New Jersey. The organization and supporters are dedicated to improving the lives and conditions of people across the globe. They focus on the belief that we are all human beings, and when we help each other out, we bring out the best in all of us. Last July, I attended one of their events, a walkathon in Jersey City's Liberty State Park. They raised $50,000 to support disaster relief in Mozambique. Basically, the country was hit by two hurricanes in 2 months that devastated towns, farms, and homes. Most people did not even know it happened, so I was impressed to see 2,500 people donate their time and effort to help people thousands of miles away. But that is what the WeLoveU Foundation does and continues to do: help those less fortunate during times of crisis. I am proud to support the work that they do and hope to praise more organizations like them in the future.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, we have seen how climate change has made natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, more frequent and much more severe. This is not the time to debate climate change. This is the time to act on it. And the best time to act, the best time to prepare for natural disasters is before they occur. September is National Preparedness Month. It is the perfect time to celebrate the brave men and women who respond when a crisis happens and the perfect time to coordinate our emergency response efforts. We need to be ready for the next emergency before it strikes. As chairman of the Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security, I want FEMA and other Federal agencies to have the power and resources to coordinate relief efforts before, during, and after an emergency happens. We do not have to relive the horrors of Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, and Maria. Let us be proactive about the next disaster instead of waiting until it strikes.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, September is Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month. Known as PAD, it is a life-threatening and chronic circulatory condition. It causes blood vessels from the heart to the legs to narrow, slows or blocks blood from getting into the legs of sufferers, and could lead to unnecessary amputation. Far too little is known about an illness that afflicts almost 20 million Americans today and could lead to 3.6 million Americans losing a leg in the next 30 years, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. It is a personal battle for me as an African American who suffers from diabetes. The disease is three times more likely to affect African Americans, and diabetes is one of the high-risk factors. Fortunately, it is easy to prevent. That is why I started the Congressional PAD Caucus in the House with my colleague, Gus Bilirakis from Florida. Amputation is one of the most physically and emotionally damaging injuries a person can experience, especially if it is unnecessary. We need to focus more attention and resources to a problem with a clear solution and save sufferers and families an unnecessary trauma.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, let me first thank the gentlewoman from California for those kind remarks. She has been a consummate fighter for equality for all people across this world, a true humanitarian in her own right, from Oakland, California. I had the great honor, during the time we celebrated her birthday, to see a picture of her with this Afro that was indicative of the times. It was perfect, and I was not surprised. But her work in the Congress is second to none, and she has been a true role model for me, a true friend to my father. He always had high accolades for the gentlewoman from California, and now that I am her colleague, I understand why. Madam Speaker, this year marks what I would call ``America's Great Economic Shame.'' In 1619, the first boats filled with victims of human bondage reached our shores. When they docked, the very first African Americans walked off a plank and into American history. They would create a dilemma for the leaders and citizens of this new republic that has not been solved to this day. They were considered unequal in a country where all men were created equal. Their existence would cause otherwise pious and moral men to engage in the most immoral behavior. And they came together to fight for one goal: the belief that one day, someday, they would be free at last. As we commemorate the 400th anniversary of enslaved Africans reaching this land, America, it is important to discuss how far African Americans have come as a culture and a community and how far we have yet to go. When I look around this Chamber, I see the results of how far we have come. There are now 55 African Americans in the United States House of Representatives, led by a champion of our commitment to freedom, Congressman John Lewis. This representation would have seemed impossible 400 years ago. Back then, African Americans were considered property. Back then, families could be torn apart for a greater economic interest. Back then, African Americans in slave States could be killed for something as simple as learning to read. We did not ask to be slaves, yet we triumphed in spite of it. We knew they might own our bodies, but they would never control our spirit. We have succeeded in every area of American life. Let us look at just a few ways that we have altered America for the better. It is easy to talk about how almost every original American music style comes from our community, everything from jazz to blues to hip- hop, but there are several inventions we use daily that came from African Americans. We invented America's first clock and then the first automatic elevator doors. We invented the traffic light. We invented the clothes dryer and the electric lamp. We invented the ice cream scoop, the lawnmower, the mailbox, and even the heart pacemaker. We have triumphed over tragedy, but we still have a way to go. Right now, local, State, and national politicians are trying to reverse our civil rights. They could work to support us; instead, they want to deny us our vote. That is why we need to stick together and avoid the desire to focus on our differences. It is important that we remember that it was coming together as a community that helped us survive the horrors of slavery; that it was our commitment to the common ideals of brotherhood, sisterhood, and family that helped us succeed. We need to remember that. In these times where forces try to tear us apart, it is our common ancestry that can bring us together. It was true 400 years ago, and it is true today.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Donald M. Payne, Sr., International Development Graduate Fellowship Program. My father, the late Donald M. Payne, was committed to human rights at home, in Africa, and around the world. I am honored by the Payne Fellows' commitment to my father's legacy, and I have developed a deep appreciation for everything they have done to uplift humanity. I am proud that the fellowship named for my father helps talented young people enter the USAID Foreign Service program. Today, the Payne Fellows are leading the charge on some of the greatest global challenges of our time. Since its inception in 2013, the program has trained 50 talented young individuals who come from diverse backgrounds to enrich and enhance the USAID Foreign Service. This year, I hosted one of the Payne Fellows in my office. Her name is Meklit Gebru. Meklit's intellect, work ethic, humor, and, most of all, her positive attitude will truly be missed in my office. The day after her arrival, she was writing questions for me to use in Committee on Homeland Security subcommittee hearings. Again, I thank the USAID and the Payne Fellows for their commitment to providing humanitarian efforts while in support of America's foreign policy.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the suffering of Ethiopian Israelis. A couple of weeks ago, a young Ethiopian Israeli man was killed by an Israeli police officer. After this tragedy, there have been massive protests against police brutality. Unfortunately, these protests have turned violent. While I do not condone violence, I believe people have the right to protest systemic racism. The Ethiopian community in Israel has been treated like second-class citizens for decades. In the 1990s, Ethiopian Israelis had their donated blood secretly disposed of by Israeli officials because they believed it may contain the HIV virus. Just 4 years ago, an Ethiopian Israeli IDF soldier was brutally beaten by an Israeli police officer, setting off another wave of massive demonstrations. Now, there are reports that the protests against police brutality are being cast as anti-Israeli. This is nothing more than an attempt to delegitimize their suffering. I will not tolerate it, and neither should any Member of this body.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I proudly honor the YMCA Youth and Government Program. Over the past 80 years, the YMCA Youth and Government Program has paved the way in creating the next generation of actively engaged leaders. The national program invites young people from across the United States to participate in state-organized and model-government programs where they can participate in volunteering activities and get early exposure to practice governance and democracy. The program also provides the tools and resources to support all youth development through holistic programming. This program has played a crucial role in using the YMCA core values to cultivate a new generation of leaders. My father, the late Donald M. Payne, was the first African American president of the National Council of YMCAs. He believed in the YMCA's mission to support our country's youth through mentorship opportunities. As someone who has participated in the YMCA Youth and Government Program, I actively support its mission of empowering young leaders to not only be active in their community, but also reshape the world. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the YMCA Youth and Government Program.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the Boeing 737 MAX tragedies. One life lost in any accident is one too many, and Congress has a duty to take steps to ensure that future tragedies do not occur. Last week Mr. Paul Njoroge and Mr. Michael Stumo, who lost loved ones in this tragedy testified before the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on how they believe aviation safety can be improved. I commend them for having the courage to testify before the committee under such difficult circumstances. I personally met with Mr. Stumo and his wife, Nadia, who lost their daughter, Samya, in the Ethiopian Airlines tragedy. I cannot begin to imagine the grief that they are experiencing. As a father of three, it terrifies me to think of harm coming to my children, and I would do anything to prevent it. Madam Speaker, I am committed to a thorough investigation of the 737 MAX airplane to ensure it is safe before airlines resume commercial flights.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Phil Freelon, who passed away on July 9 at his home in Durham, North Carolina. While attending Central High School in Philadelphia, he was drawn to art and the technique of designing and building. He was one of two Black architect students at North Carolina State University's College of Design, where he had a passion for increasing diversity within his profession. One of his major contributions to our Nation was the building of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Mr. Speaker, we mourn the passing of Mr. Freelon, but his legacy and passion lives on to educate and empower the next generation of architects.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Tykhil Greene. Mr. Greene is the first African American valedictorian of the University Academy Charter High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. Mr. Greene's hard work over the past 4 years is an incredible feat. He achieved the highest level of academic success in his class. He also received the Salutatorian Award from the Jersey City Community Middle School. These honors are so well-deserved. At University Academy, Mr. Greene challenged himself by taking AP classes every year. Each summer, Mr. Greene worked for the Jersey City Department of Recreation. Even with this rigorous schedule, Mr. Greene had only 10 absences in 4 years. He continues to pursue these challenges as he prepares for college. Mr. Greene will study international business and prelaw at Seton Hall University. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Tykhil Greene on his hard work and success. He has a very bright future ahead of him, and we are proud of him in the 10th Congressional District in the State of New Jersey.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, congratulations to Mark B. Grier as he retires from an outstanding 25 year career at Prudential, which I am proud to note is headquartered in the 10th District of New Jersey. Mark is the Vice Chairman of Prudential and has overseen the Finance, Risk Management, Chief Investment, Corporate Actuarial, Global Business and Technology Solutions departments and functions. Mark joined Prudential as Chief Financial Officer in May of 1995 and was named Vice Chairman just six years later in 2002. Since that time Mark has been the company's intellectual leader when it comes to positively and constructively engaging with regulators at both the state and federal levels, and with the Congress. I have enjoyed working with Mark over the years on an array of public policy matters that were critically important to my district, state, and our nation. I was fortunate to always have the benefit of his insight and experience when debating complex financial services policy challenges, and I appreciate his willingness to reliably serve as a resource to me and my colleagues. Beyond his commitment to excellence in corporate governance and public policy, Mark also ensured that Prudential was always a good corporate citizen. During his tenure as Vice Chairman and member of the Board of Directors, Prudential has maintained and expanded its commitment to the city that it has always called home with over $1 billion donated to Newark through impact investing, grants to non-profits, and more. Mark has also been very active in education reform and chaired an organization called ``Achieve'', which is committed to making sure every student graduates from high school ready to succeed in the college or career of their choice. I am confident that Mark will continue to serve as a leading voice for the industry and I look forward to seeing his contributions and success within his future endeavors. I congratulate Mark again on an extraordinary career, and wish him all the best as he begins his retirement.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act. H.R. 582 is truly long overdue. Truly hardworking folks across this country, most of whom are first in the door and last to leave, will benefit from this strong legislation. Low-wage earners, manufacturing workers, healthcare workers, construction workers, and educators will come closer to being able to make ends meet. Middle- and working-class real wages have remained stagnant over the past several decades, even as the corporations and shareholders they labor for have seen soaring profits. In short, the Federal minimum wage has not increased since 2009. Hardworking families have not been given a fair deal and, thus, have an extremely tough time trying to keep up with the rising cost of living. Madam Speaker, I will vote yes on H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in standing up for hardworking American people.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, serial sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein has been arrested again. Federal prosecutors have charged him with running a sex trafficking ring where he paid to have sex with girls as young as 14 years old. More than that, officials said Epstein's abuse happened between 2002 and 2005, 3 years before he received a sweetheart deal to spend a mere 18 months in prison and avoid Federal trial for sexual abuse of 36 underaged girls. The prosecutor who made that deal is our current Secretary of Labor, Alexander Acosta. That is why I am calling for Secretary Acosta to resign. His actions in the Epstein case prove that he prefers to protect sex offenders over teenage abuse victims. He prefers to protect millionaire criminals over the common man, so how can we trust him to protect millions of American workers from corporate abuse when he clearly supports the abusers? We can't. That is why he needs to resign. Then, we can let the FBI conduct a thorough investigation of his actions to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to commend the Hillside Recreational Basketball All-Star teams for their incredible successes this past season. These young athletes and their coaches traveled all over the great State of New Jersey to compete in the New Jersey Basketball Association League. The sixth and seventh grade athletes trained hard with their dedicated coaches which resulted in both teams winning 14 games. The teams then went on to win an additional four games during their championships. The seventh grade team maintained their 2-year champion streak. These successes were accomplished thanks to each member's commitment to teamwork that allowed them to reach the height of their potential. Madam Speaker, I am proud to say congratulations to the Hillside Basketball All-Stars.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of hurricane and disaster preparedness. This month of June marks the start of hurricane season. Each year, there are around 12 named storms; 6 of them are hurricanes, 3 of those are major hurricanes. Even as far as my district in New Jersey, hurricanes and other tropical weather events can be destructive. Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey in 2012, and we are still feeling the effects. With the hurricane season upon us, it is important to remind our constituents to be prepared. Every family should know whether they are in an area that has the potential to be affected by a hurricane. Every family should have an evacuation plan as well as a plan for sheltering in place. Every family should keep a list of important phone numbers, and keep vital records and documents safe and with them. And most importantly, every family should listen closely to their local officials and follow their instructions. Mr. Speaker, we can help educate constituents about hurricane preparedness, and in the process, save lives.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate LGBT Pride Month, which occurs every June. Pride Month is the time when the LGBT community comes together to celebrate their ability to live freely. For many people across the country, Pride events held in this month of June are the occasion where they can express themselves freely in their community. This year's LGBT Pride Month marks an important turning point in LGBT history, the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. While LGBT Pride events today center on celebration of good times, they are rooted in the LGBT community's fight for survival. Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago this month, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. Raids weren't uncommon at the time, but this time, the gay community rose up in protest. They set off a national movement of LGBT rights, which still is going on today. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to celebrate these great strides in LGBT rights in this country. I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating LGBT Month and commit to protecting the rights and safety of LGBT people.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. For the past month, Muslims in the United States and around the world have heightened their spiritual awareness through self-restraint, reflection, and fasting. Sundown today marks the end of Eid al-Fitr, or the festival of breaking the fast. Eid is a major holiday filled with celebration and festivities for Muslims. I am honored to represent a religiously diverse district. New Jersey's 10th Congressional District is a remarkable and vibrant community filled with people of all faiths. Across the country, we have seen the rising tide of discrimination and hate aimed at religious minorities. Just last month, during the middle of Ramadan, an arsonist burned down a mosque in Connecticut. But hate will not break the American spirit. We are made stronger as a people because we are free to live and worship openly. So on this holy day of Eid, let us come together as a Nation and celebrate our diversity. Eid Mubarak.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, had I been present on Tuesday May 21, 2019 and Wednesday May 22, 2019, I would have voted in the following way: Yes on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule H. Res. 389, Yes on H. Res. 389 Rule Providing for Consideration of both H.R. 1500--Consumers First Act and H.R. 1994--Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019, No on the Steil Amendment to H.R. 1500, No on the Burgess #6 Amendment to H.R. 1500, No on the Burgess #7 Amendment to H.R. 1500, Yes on the Stevens Amendment to H.R. 1500, Yes on the Green Amendment to H.R. 1500, No on the Republican Motion to Recommit on H.R. 1500 and Yes on Final Passage of H.R. 1500.