Neal Floor Remarks Commemorating the Life and Legacy of the Late Bill Pascrell
(As prepared for delivery)
M/Speaker, I thank the gentleman, Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania and fellow member of the Ways and Means Committee for working with me on today’s Special Order in honor of a very special colleague.
I rise today in honor of the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. who proudly hailed from Paterson, New Jersey. I so vividly remember how Billy shot up at the mention of Paterson during an address from the Secretary General of NATO, and the whole crowd cheered. That’s exactly who he was.
I had the great privilege of serving with Congressman Pascrell in this body for 27 years and for 16 years on the Ways and Means Committee. He was the heart of the Ways and Means Committee, the mayor of the Pennsylvania Corner, and beloved by all.
He was a regular American representing the good folk of Paterson, speaking their language, and fighting day in and day out to better their lives. I admire how he leaned into tough conversations, and you could depend on him for saying what was on everyone’s mind.
He brought a fierce advocacy to all that he did, fueled by what I believe was his God-given purpose—the righteous fight of doing right by his loved ones, his constituents, and his country.
On Ways and Means, he fought for fairness and always had the back of the little guy. When he set his eye on something, he was relentless in seeing it through. The former president quaked when he took over as the Democratic Leader on the Subcommittee on Oversight. He called balls and strikes, and was never undecided about anything.
When I had the privilege of visiting him in Paterson, I got the full Pascrell-special. Police escorts, firefighters lining up to share a drink with him, and a whole cast of characters.
Bill was one of a kind, and beloved like only he could be.
I send my deepest condolences to his wife, Elsie, his sons and their families, his constituents, and his staff—who were among the most dedicated I’ve ever seen on Capitol Hill. Many of his staff are with us today—and I see his chief, Ben Rich—Ben, while you quite literally stand among giants, your service to your boss warrants the same standing.
Thank you for sharing such a treasure with the Congress and the nation.
May he rest peacefully, and may we carry his torch with a fervor he deems acceptable.
Billy, we miss you already. I’ll see you along the way. Thank you, M/Speaker. I yield back.
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