To designate Newark Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey as the "Donald M. Payne, Jr. Transit Center at Newark Penn Station".

Bill Number

H.R. 6803

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Last Updated

2026-04-06T13:55:36Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation, H.R. 6803, aims to honor the legacy of the late U.S. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., by officially renaming Newark Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey, after him. It recognizes his lifelong public service, advocacy for transportation infrastructure, and contributions to the region's economic and social well-being.

Key Provisions

• Findings Section: Outlines Congress's recognition of Payne's career, including:
• His service as a U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 10th District from 2012 until his death in 2024.
• His earlier roles in local government, such as with the New Jersey Highway Authority, Essex County Board of Freeholders, and as President of the Newark City Council.
• His leadership on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
• His efforts in securing federal funding for improvements to Newark Penn Station, a key transportation hub.
• His personal qualities, such as humor, family devotion, and commitment to social justice and amplifying underrepresented voices.
• Designation: Renames Newark Penn Station (located at 1 Raymond Plaza West, Newark, New Jersey) as the "Donald M. Payne, Jr. Transit Center at Newark Penn Station."
• References: Requires that any mention of the station in U.S. laws, maps, regulations, documents, or records be updated to reflect the new name.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces no substantive policy changes but amends references to the station in federal laws and official documents. It effectively updates the station's official designation without altering its operations, ownership, or functions, serving as a symbolic rename to commemorate Payne's contributions to public transit.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Agencies like the U.S. Department of Transportation, Amtrak, and New Jersey Transit may need to update signage, websites, maps, and records, incurring minor administrative costs for rebranding.
• On Citizens: Residents of Newark and New Jersey, particularly in the 10th Congressional District, may feel a sense of pride and recognition of local history. It could subtly boost awareness of public transit's importance but has no direct effect on services, fares, or accessibility.
• On International Relations: None; this is a domestic, symbolic measure with no foreign policy implications.

Overall, impacts are largely ceremonial, preserving the station's role as a vital Northeast Corridor hub while honoring a public figure.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Family and Colleagues of Donald M. Payne, Jr.: Direct beneficiaries of the tribute, preserving his legacy.
• Local and State Governments: Newark city officials and New Jersey state agencies involved in transit operations.
• Transportation Operators: Entities like Amtrak and NJ Transit, responsible for implementing name changes.
• Residents and Commuters: Users of the station, who will encounter the updated name in daily travel.
• Bipartisan Congressional Supporters: Introduced by Rep. McIver with cosponsors from both parties, reflecting broad political endorsement.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Straightforward naming legislation, similar to other congressional tributes (e.g., renaming post offices or buildings). It requires no new funding or authority, avoiding challenges under appropriations laws. Implementation would occur through routine updates without litigation risks.
• Constitutional: No issues; Congress has broad authority under the Property Clause and naming powers for federal-related infrastructure, as Newark Penn Station is part of the federally supported national rail network.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan unity (cosponsors include Democrats and Republicans from New Jersey), highlighting Payne's cross-aisle respect. It underscores themes of public service and infrastructure investment but carries no partisan controversy, serving as a non-divisive memorial in a polarized Congress.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]

Cosponsors (10)

Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
• 2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2025-12-17: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-17: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H6013)
• 2025-12-17: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• To designate Newark Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey as the "Donald M. Payne, Jr. Transit Center at Newark Penn Station". — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (3 pages)