May 5, 2023

Dear Friends,

This month, I continued to fight to protect your rights and provide for our communities.  I am excited to share with you a few of the recent items I've been working on for the district.    

Protecting Families from Gun Violence   

Rep. Payne, Jr. speaks at the gun violence press event.

In April, I supported more actions to protect our communities from gun violence.  I attended a press conference at the U.S. Capitol with the mothers of children who were victims of gun violence.  It is part of my efforts to get more support for my Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2023 to attack the nation’s epidemic of gun violence.  The bill, H.R. 1361, provides federal grants to local communities to buy back guns from local owners. 

Cities in our district have implemented a range of initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence, including investing in community-based programs focused on gun prevention and intervention.  I am working diligently to support these initiatives in Congress and our district.  We must protect families, friends and neighbors from gun violence.   

Defending Human Rights  

I was outraged that a member of Congress would laugh at the abuse of immigrants on our southern border.  I spoke up against this MAGA Republican and asserted that everyone deserves to be treated with respect.    

Check out my stand in Committee:

Making Airport Travel Easier for Local Passengers 

Rep. Payne, Jr. speaks with small business owner at Newark's airport.

Recently, I took a tour of the new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport.  The new $2.7 billion facility is cleaner and more efficient than the previous terminal.  I want to help make Newark Liberty one of the country's best airports.  In addition, I enjoyed my conversations with many of the small business owners who operate stores inside the airport.  It is a great facility.    

Two years ago, I helped pass the largest infrastructure law in U.S. history.  The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $108 billion to repair roads and improve the transportation we use every day.  In addition, it included $15 billion to repair and upgrade our airports.  I have seen the difference that these federal funds are making throughout our district.

Fighting PAD to Save Limbs and Lives 

I want to use my platform to end preventable limb amputations.  Too many people have suffered from Peripheral Artery Disease (or PAD) across the country.  PAD is a blood condition that can cut off the blood supply and lead to a limb amputation or even death.  Sadly, many people do not know the risks of PAD or that there are safer alternatives to amputations available.  This must change! 

Rep. Payne, Jr. hosts PAD Congressional Briefing.	Rep. Payne, Jr. joins Dr. Fakorede and Dr. Ibrahim.

Last week, I hosted my annual PAD Congressional Briefing to educate members of Congress and their staff about the disease.  My briefing included the medical professional who made me aware of the dangers of PAD, Dr. Foluso Fakorede from the Association of Black Cardiologists.  Dr. Fakorede is one of the foremost experts on PAD and reduced the number of amputations in the Mississippi Delta by 88 percent in just four years.  He achieved this extraordinary result because he increased vascular screenings for the disease.  Increased screenings save limbs and lives.  

Supporting the Faculty at Rutgers University

Rep. Payne, Jr. speaks to faculty at Rutgers University.

When contract negotiations between Rutgers University officials and the faculty led to a strike last month, I was proud to stand with the faculty in their fight for fair wages and equity.  As a long-time advocate for unions and workers in the district, it was important to speak at the event on behalf of these educators.  They provide an exceptional education to Rutgers' students and deserve to be compensated fairly.  I was pleased to hear the faculty received a better contract and the strike ended soon after my appearance at the event.
 

Celebrating the 10th Congressional District 

In April, I was excited to attend events highlighting the great work of local community members.  Face Off seeks to improve the character and leadership of local youth through boxing.  In addition, I joined Newark City Councilman-At-Large Luis Quintana for his breakfast celebration of his work for Newark.  Below are pictures with Councilman Quintana (left) and former boxing World Champion Roy Jones, Jr (right).

Rep. Payne, Jr. with Councilman Luis Quintana.	Rep. Payne, Jr. with Roy Jones, Jr.

It remains my privilege to work for you.  Please contact me through my district offices and social media to let me know how I can serve you best.

Sincerely,

Donald M. Payne, Jr.
Member of Congress