U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., 87, a Democratic lawmaker from Paterson, NJ, who was seeking his 15th term in Congress died last week and was laid to rest Aug. 28 in his hometown.
The 9th Congressional District lawmaker championed first responders and helped to pass the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act, or FIRE, which provides grants to fire departments throughout the U.S. During the 117th Congress, Pascrell sponsored the Protecting America’s First Responders Act of 2021.
“Known for his candor and willingness to use New Jersey’s reputation for sharp-elbowed politics, he served on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, which handles tax-writing legislation. After Superstorm Sandy devastated the state’s shoreline in 2012, causing $65 billion in damage, and some lawmakers balked at approving aid, he took the House floor to chastise them,” PBS reported.
APWA members and staff extend their condolences to the Pascrell family, his friends, colleagues, and staff.
