A Newark native, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2012, and is now serving in his second term. Congressman Payne, Jr. is a tireless fighter for New Jersey families, working to create jobs and grow the economy, invest in our children, and ensure the health and safety of our communities.

Congressman Payne, Jr. serves as Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications. In representing New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District, he fights to make sure that New Jerseyans are protected and that businesses have the security and efficiency they need to effectively engage in commerce.

Congressman Payne, Jr. has built a record of achievement. In 2015, his legislation to improve interoperable communications at the Department of Homeland Security, the DHS Interoperable Communications Act of 2015 (H.R. 615), passed the U.S. Congress and was signed into Public Law by President Barack Obama. He is working closely with federal officials to ensure that the $51 billion Hurricane Sandy relief package he successfully fought for is delivered to the families and small businesses most in need of support. Additionally, he passed through the U.S. House the bipartisan SMART Grid Study Act of 2014 to examine how to best strengthen our nation’s electric systems to better withstand natural disasters and cyber attacks. Congressman Payne, Jr. also passed through the U.S. House the State Wide Interoperable Communications Enhancement Act of 2015, or SWIC Enhancement Act, to improve interoperable emergency communications for state and local first responders. Congressman Payne, Jr. serves on the Committee on Small Business, fighting to expand access to capital for small business owners and increase job training so that our workers have the skills to compete in an advancing global economy. He works to protect and give voice to disadvantaged small business owners, and seeks to foster economic justice in the African-American business community.

Congressman Payne, Jr. believes that investing in our children is vital to their success and to the success of our economy. He introduced the Promise Neighborhoods Act of 2013, which encourages a holistic community-based approach to educating children in distressed neighborhoods, as well as the SAFE in Our Schools Act of 2013 to better protect children and students in the event of emergencies.

As a member of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Congressman Payne, Jr. works to protect our communities from gun violence and prevent guns from getting into the hands of criminals. He authored the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buy Back Act of 2013, which incentivizes gun owners to sell back guns most widely used in crime.

Congressman Payne, Jr. fights for civil rights, justice, and equality for all Americans. He cosponsored the Voter Empowerment Act of 2013, the Paycheck Fairness Act of 2013, and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013.

Congressman Payne, Jr. works to improve and preserve the health of New Jerseyans. He strongly supports the Affordable Care Act, which provides thousands of New Jerseyans with access to high-quality, affordable health care. Congressman Payne, Jr. is also a vocal advocate for cancer prevention, introducing the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Resolution to stress the importance of regular cancer screenings.

Congressman Payne, Jr. is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).