Bill Summary
The legislation proposes to officially rename Newark Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey, as the "Donald M. Payne, Jr. Transit Center at Newark Penn Station." This designation honors Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., who served New Jersey's 10th Congressional District from 2012 until his passing in 2024. The bill highlights his significant contributions as a public servant, particularly in advocating for infrastructure investment and public transit improvements. It recognizes his efforts in securing federal funding for enhancements to Newark Penn Station, which is a vital transportation hub in the Northeast. The renaming serves as a tribute to his legacy, commitment to social justice, and dedication to serving the community. The bill stipulates that all official references to Newark Penn Station will henceforth include the new name.
Possible Impacts
The designation of Newark Penn Station as the "Donald M. Payne, Jr. Transit Center at Newark Penn Station" can have several effects on people, including:
1. **Recognition of Legacy**: The renaming honors Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.'s contributions and commitment to public service, which may inspire local residents and future leaders. This recognition can foster a sense of community pride and appreciation for public servants who advocate for infrastructure improvements and social justice.
2. **Increased Visibility and Tourism**: The new name may attract attention to Newark Penn Station, potentially increasing foot traffic and tourism. As one of the critical transportation hubs in the Northeast, renaming it could enhance its visibility, leading to greater usage of local businesses and amenities, ultimately benefiting the local economy.
3. **Enhanced Focus on Public Transit**: The designation emphasizes the importance of public transportation and infrastructure investment, encouraging policymakers and community leaders to prioritize similar initiatives. This focus could lead to improved transit services and facilities, benefiting daily commuters and ensuring better connectivity for residents, which may enhance overall quality of life in the region.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6803 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6803
To designate Newark Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey as the ``Donald
M. Payne, Jr. Transit Center at Newark Penn Station''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 17, 2025
Mrs. McIver (for herself, Mr. Norcross, Mr. Van Drew, Mr. Conaway, Mr.
Smith of New Jersey, Mr. Gottheimer, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Kean, Mr.
Menendez, Ms. Pou, and Mrs. Watson Coleman) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To designate Newark Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey as the ``Donald
M. Payne, Jr. Transit Center at Newark Penn Station''.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. served the people of
New Jersey with distinction as a Member of the United States
House of Representatives from 2012 until his passing in 2024,
representing New Jersey's 10th Congressional District with deep
dedication and integrity.
(2) A native of Newark, New Jersey, Congressman Payne, Jr.
was a lifelong public servant. Congressman Payne, Jr. got his
start with the New Jersey Highway Authority, later served on
the Essex County Board of Freeholders, and eventually rose to
become President of the Newark City Council in New Jersey. In
these roles, as in Congress, he built a reputation as a
champion for public health, transportation access, and social
justice.
(3) In his time representing New Jersey's 10th
Congressional District, Congressman Payne, Jr. was a tireless
advocate for infrastructure investment and public transit,
serving as the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's subcommittee
on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
(4) Congressman Payne, Jr. was instrumental in securing
Federal funding for improvements to Newark Penn Station, one of
the most critical transportation hubs in the Northeast,
recognizing its importance to the connectivity and economic
vitality of the region.
(5) In addition to his legislative work, Congressman Payne,
Jr. was known for his humor, devotion to his family, and
signature colorful bow ties. A friend to many, he consistently
brought the voices of those too often unheard to the halls of
Congress, and worked to extend the founding promises of our
Nation to all New Jerseyans.
(6) Redesignating Newark Penn Station in Congressman Payne
Jr.'s honor is a fitting tribute to a public servant who helped
secure pivotal investments in our Nation's railways and the
City of Newark, New Jersey.
SEC. 2. DONALD M. PAYNE, JR. TRANSIT CENTER AT NEWARK PENN STATION.
(a) Designation.--Newark Penn Station, located at 1 Raymond Plaza
West, Newark, New Jersey, shall be known and designated as the ``Donald
M. Payne, Jr. Transit Center at Newark Penn Station''.
(b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document,
paper, or other record of the United States to Newark Penn Station
shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``Donald M. Payne, Jr. Transit
Center at Newark Penn Station''.
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