PATERSON, NJ — William J. Pascrell Jr., a stalwart of New Jersey politics who represented his state in the U.S. House of Representatives for 14 terms, passed away today at the age of 87 after a month-long illness. Pascrell, a Democrat, was known for his fiery defense of liberal policies, his staunch opposition to former President Donald Trump, and his deep commitment to the working people of his hometown of Paterson.
Pascrell’s family released a brief statement on social media, saying, “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.”
A native of Paterson, Pascrell was a fixture in New Jersey politics for decades. He credited his Italian-immigrant grandparents and his parents with instilling in him a commitment to public service and community building. Pascrell began his political career in the New Jersey General Assembly in 1988 before becoming mayor of Paterson in 1990. He was first elected to Congress in 1996, representing New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District, which later became the 9th District after redistricting in 2013.
In Washington, Pascrell was a vocal advocate for tax fairness, middle-class economic policies, and workers’ rights. Since 2007, he served on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, where he pushed for equitable tax distribution, job creation, and affordable health care. He was the lead sponsor of legislation to restore the full state and local tax deduction (SALT), a key issue for New Jerseyans impacted by the 2017 Republican tax law. Pascrell also targeted the carried interest tax loophole and championed the Bring Jobs Home Act to promote domestic manufacturing.
Pascrell was a fierce advocate for environmental protection, leading efforts to develop offshore wind energy and supporting the Paris Climate Accord. He played a pivotal role in the creation of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, working closely with President Barack Obama to secure the designation.
In health care, Pascrell was a tireless defender of the Affordable Care Act and fought against efforts to repeal it. His Alternatives to Opioids in the Emergency Department Act, signed into law in 2018, aimed to curb the opioid crisis by promoting preventive care.
As co-chairman of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, Pascrell raised awareness about traumatic brain injuries, particularly among soldiers and young athletes. He authored the Traumatic Brain Injury Reauthorization Act and the Concussion Treatment and Care Tools Act (ConTACT Act), which advanced federal protocols for youth sports.
Pascrell also left a lasting impact on fire safety, authoring the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act of 2000 and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, both of which provided crucial funding to fire departments nationwide.
A proud veteran, Pascrell served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, receiving an honorable discharge in 1967. He championed veterans’ issues throughout his career, securing the establishment of a new VA outpatient clinic in Paterson to serve the area’s large veteran population.
Pascrell’s deep ties to his Italian-American heritage were reflected in his role as co-chair of the Italian-American Congressional Delegation, where he promoted Italian-American culture and history in Congress.
Pascrell’s political career was rooted in his lifelong connection to Paterson. A graduate of St. John the Baptist High School and Fordham University, where he earned degrees in journalism and philosophy, Pascrell also worked as a high school history teacher and served on the Paterson Board of Education before entering politics.
Pascrell is survived by his family, who noted in their statement that he remained committed to his constituents until the very end. His legacy as a passionate advocate for his community, his state, and his country will long be remembered.
