October 4, 2023

Dear Friends,

It is an unprecedented time in Congress.  Last Saturday, my House Democrats and I saved the country from a government shutdown.  Instead of continuing to work with us to better the country, House Republicans ousted the Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and halted all our work on bills to improve the lives of the American people.  It seems like Republicans enjoy shutting down the government and rejecting their leaders.  But it is not good governance and it is horrible for our country.  My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to work for you to protect your rights, feed your families, and better your lives.  I want to share with you some of my recent actions in Washington, DC and the district.  

Keeping the Government Open

Rep. Payne, Jr. helped keep the federal government open.

On September 30, 2023, I helped pass a short-term, bipartisan funding bill to keep the U.S. government open.  The bill, known as a continuing resolution, keeps it open for another 45 days to give lawmakers more time to agree on a longer-term funding bill.

This bill is a great example of why I am proud to be a Democrat.  Through the continued persistence and pressure applied by the Democratic Caucus, the Republicans had to do the right thing.  Also, the legislative trickery attempted by Republicans was confusing for the American people and some of my colleagues.  The continuing resolution that we passed isn’t the best, but it allows us to continue to fight for the American people.  It continues funding for Head Start and Meals on Wheels programs, our country’s fight against fentanyl, and efforts to secure our borders.  In addition, it will support our law enforcement officials, teachers, TSA officials, and other federal workers who would have worked without pay if it didn’t pass.  The Democrats delivered for the American people with this bill and put People over Politics!

Educating Congress about PAD to Save Limbs and Lives

Rep. Payne, Jr. hosts PAD Congressional Briefing

September was Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month.  PAD is a blood disease similar to the one that causes heart attacks and, if untreated, can lead to a preventable limb amputation or even death. 

Last week, I hosted a PAD Congressional Briefing to educate members of Congress and their staff about the disease.  My briefing included a panel of medical experts from the Association of Black Cardiologists, American Podiatric Medical Association, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and the American College of Cardiology.  Also, it included a foot screening for the disease.

In addition, I discussed my Amputation, Reduction and Compassion or ARC Act.  This bill requires Medicare and Medicaid to cover preventative screenings for PAD in patients with a high risk of getting it.  It establishes a PAD education program at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help doctors become more aware of PAD symptoms and it requires the department to reduce the number of unnecessary amputations from PAD.  I am working with HHS to increase research funding for PAD, create better home treatment programs, and establish better ways to make that information available to all medical practitioners.  It is important to use these statistics to show how amputations are a serious problem that need immediate attention.   

Honoring the Fallen During September 11th Anniversary 

Rep. Payne, Jr. attends September 11th Commemoration Event.

I was proud and honored to attend the 2023 Essex County September 11th Remembrance Ceremony.  It was a worthy tribute to the Americans we lost during the terrorist attacks on 9/11.  The events of that day changed all our lives. 

Yet, our response to the events of 9/11 became a great example of how we can come together as a community in the face of tragedy.  So, let us never forget the Americans who perished during the attacks on 9/11 and let us remember them to renew our dedication to freedom in the face of fear.

Promoting Peace and Safer Neighborhoods in Our District 

Rep. Payne, Jr. speaks during 24 Hours of Peace event.

I joined local officials and celebrities on September 1, 2023 to celebrate 24 Hours of Peace in Newark.  I have been a strong advocate for safer communities throughout my time in Congress.  I helped pass a law to establish stronger gun control measures and protect schools from gun violence.  In addition, I introduced my Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback bill to create federal grants to buy guns from gun owners and get them off the streets.  Similar programs have reduced gun violence in communities nationwide.  It was a great event.  I was proud to promote peace throughout our community and increase the sense of unity that keeps everyone safe.

Supporting Minority and Women-Owned Businesses

Rep. Payne, Jr. helps open a Business Opportunity Center.

I was honored to attend the grand opening of a Business Opportunity Center at the Enterprise Center of New Jersey.  The center will help socially and economically-disadvantaged contractors and businesses obtain government infrastructure contracts.  In Congress, I am fighting every day to improve the economic environment for these businesses and create more equality in the way federal contracts are awarded. 

As Ranking Member of the Rail Subcommittee, I have been working to establish a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).  A DBE program would help these disadvantaged businesses become eligible for federal government transportation contracts.  Also, I fought to get a Minority Business Development Agency in New Jersey.  Thanks to my efforts, New Jersey was granted one in December 2021.  We must create the incentives necessary to help women and minority-owned businesses participate in federal construction projects.  As one of my minority business owners said, these centers and programs take the profit out of racism in federal contracts.

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

Sincerely,

Donald M. Payne, Jr.
Member of Congress