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April 24, 2024
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., Dies; Chair of PAD Caucus
April 24, 2024—The office of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. announced his death at age 65. He served in the United States House of Representatives for the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey since 2012 and was Chair of the Congressional PAD Caucus.
He was remembered as a “tireless fighter for New Jersey families as well as job creation, economic growth, protections for children, education, and the health and safety of our communities.”
Among his many legislative initiatives and areas of influence and interest, Congressman Payne was a leader on health care. He founded the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus to increase awareness of men’s health care and the Congressional PAD Caucus to increase awareness of peripheral artery disease. He was also a key sponsor and champion of the proposed Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act of 2023 (H.R. 4261).
Congressman Payne, who had diabetes, fought to lower the price of insulin and improve treatments for Americans with diabetes and kidney-related diseases. Additionally, his Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act provided full Medicare coverage to patients who have cancerous polyps removed during routine colonoscopies and was signed into law in 2020, stated the announcement.
According to his office, Congressman Payne experienced a physical accident at home on April 6, 2024, which necessitated hospitalization. During his treatment for this health issue, he experienced medical complications associated with diabetes and high blood pressure that led to subsequent cardiorespiratory arrest. His passing comes 12 years after his father, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr., died in office on March 6, 2012.
The complete statement from Congressman Payne’s office is available on his office’s website.
The CardioVascular Coalition issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Payne:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. of New Jersey. Throughout his distinguished career, Congressman Payne was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly for the betterment of his constituents and the nation.
“As Chair of the PAD Caucus and sponsor of the Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act, his commitment to advocacy and legislative excellence set a high standard for all who knew him and worked alongside him. His work directly impacted patients with peripheral artery disease and improved health care outcomes for patients across the country.
“Congressman Payne's profound dedication to public service was matched only by his compassion and zeal for helping those he served. He always was striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
“Our hearts go out to his wife, family, and friends. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Congressman Payne's legacy undoubtedly will continue to inspire and impact Congress on the issues about which he cared so deeply. We mourn his passing yet celebrate his remarkable career and contributions.”
In the May 2021 issue of Endovascular Today, Congressman Payne discussed his efforts with the ARC Act and the initiatives of the PAD Caucus.
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