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The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to rename Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in New Jersey after the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. The bill, led by Congressman Frank Pallone and co-sponsored by the entire New Jersey House delegation, passed with a 362-50 vote. All opposing votes came from Republicans, but none were from New Jersey. The bill now awaits introduction in the Senate.
Congresswoman Nellie Pou, who succeeded Pascrell in representing New Jersey's 9th district, played a key role in managing the legislation on the House floor. "Few public servants have shaped Paterson or New Jersey more than Bill Pascrell," Pou said. "He understood the importance of honoring our past while fighting for our future."
Pascrell, a former Paterson mayor, was instrumental in the establishment of the Great Falls as a national park in 2009. His efforts ensured the preservation of Paterson's role in the American industrial revolution. The renaming will honor his contributions to the city and its history.
In addition to the park renaming, Pallone has also introduced a bill to rename the federal traumatic brain injury program after Pascrell, recognizing his national leadership in raising awareness and care for traumatic brain injuries. This bill was reintroduced in February and is pending a vote.