Donald Milford Payne

Congressman Donald Payne represented New York’s 10th Congressional District from 1989 until his death on March 6, 2012 (101st-112th Congresses). Before his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Payne was a business executive and teacher. At the time of his death, Payne was a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs where he served as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health and Human Rights and as a member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. Payne was among the members who successfully lobbied to save the Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Africa from elimination. Through his committee service and legislative efforts, Payne worked diligently to restore democracy and human rights around the globe. He also served on the Education and the Workforce Committee and the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight. Payne was instrumental in passing key legislation, including the Goals 2000 initiative to improve elementary and secondary schools; the School-to-Work Opportunities Act; the National Service Act; the establishment of the National Literacy Institute; and funding for Head Start, Pell Grants, Summer Jobs and Student Loans. Payne was assistant Whip throughout his congressional career. Payne completed his undergraduate studies at Seton Hall University and pursued post-graduate studies at Springfield College.