Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris on the Passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.

Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. was a dedicated public servant and an unwavering force for good who knew that government is at its best when it is delivering for the people. From his time in City Hall and the State House to his nearly three decades of service in the House of Representatives, Congressman Pascrell fought to improve the lives of his constituents, his fellow New Jerseyans, and our fellow Americans.

While in Congress, Representative Pascrell was focused on issues that have a direct impact on the health, wellbeing, and safety of families. He was a fierce advocate for health care, to the benefit of millions of Americans who are now able to see a doctor, afford their prescriptions, and get the care they need and deserve. He was a champion for the environment – fighting for clean air, safe drinking water, and our public lands. As a veteran, he founded the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force to raise awareness of the dangers of traumatic brain injuries. And as chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, he protected those who protect all of us by spearheading legislation to meet the needs of first responders.

Congressman Pascrell should also be applauded for his leadership on the House Ways and Means Committee where he fought for middle-class families. He worked tirelessly to increase the minimum wage, invest in our small businesses, and protect American workers. His initiatives advanced economic opportunity and made our tax system more fair.

This belief in using public service to improve lives was nothing new for Congressman Pascrell. He proudly served our nation in the United States Army and Army reserves. He spent more than a decade teaching our children in the classroom. He served his neighbors as Mayor of Paterson. And he delivered transformative investments while working across the aisle in the State Assembly and as Minority Leader. 

For the Congressman, there was no project too small or idea too big. Those who knew Representative Pascrell well knew that he was perhaps most proud of the fact that he lived his entire life in his beloved Paterson, NJ. During his lifetime of service to this community, he successfully fought to recognize his childhood park and the crown jewel of Paterson as the Great Falls National Historical Park. He also helped restore one of the only remaining Negro League stadiums left in America.

Doug and I send our prayers to his wife, Elsie, their three children, and their six grandchildren. We will be thinking of the Congressman’s friends, constituents, and all those who knew him in the days and weeks ahead. His legacy will live on for generations.

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