Rep. Bill Pascrell, a long-serving and influential Democratic congressman from New Jersey, has passed away at 87. He served in the House of Representatives since 1997.
Bollywood Fever: Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell, a prominent and influential congressman from New Jersey who served in the House of Representatives for over two decades, has passed away at the age of 87.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning,” read a post on the congressman’s X account.
“As our United States Representative, Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved. Bill lived his entire life in Paterson and had an unwavering love for the city he grew up in and served. He is now at peace after a lifetime devoted to our great nation America.”
Pascrell had been hospitalized last month for a fever.
Before his time in the House, Pascrell served in the New Jersey General Assembly and as the mayor of Paterson, New Jersey.
In Congress, he represented New Jersey’s 8th district, and following redistricting, the state’s 9th district.
Pascrell was a member of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, where he worked to secure significant federal funding for various projects, including nearly $17 million for infrastructure improvements like lead pipe replacements.
Pascrell was known for his passionate speeches and fierce advocacy. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, he delivered a scathing rebuke of Republican leadership while urging support for an emergency supplemental package to provide recovery aid.
“It’s time to take the gloves off – Jersey style,” Pascrell declared on the House floor. “We are unfortunately dealing with a schizophrenic leadership on the other side.”
Earlier this year, Pascrell faced a Democratic primary challenge from Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah, who criticized Pascrell’s strong support of Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Khairullah, made headlines last year after being turned away by the Secret Service from an Eid reception at the White House marking the end of Ramadan.
The district Pascrell represented includes Little Ramallah in Paterson, home to one of the largest Palestinian-American communities in the country, as well as a significant Jewish population in Bergen County.
This made the area a flashpoint of tension during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite the challenge, Pascrell ultimately secured victory in the Democratic primary.
Rep. Pascrell’s legacy will be remembered for his dedication to his constituents and his unwavering commitment to public service.
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