AngloPress:--- Democratic Representative Bill Pascrell, a prominent and vocal New Jersey congressman who served in the House of Representatives from 1997 until his death, has passed away at the age of 87.
"It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather," reads a statement on the congressman’s X account. "Bill fought tirelessly for the job he loved and the people he cherished, remaining devoted to Paterson, the city he called home. He is now at peace after a lifetime dedicated to serving our nation."
Pascrell had been hospitalized for a fever last month.
In the upcoming session, the House will have a new partisan breakdown with 220 seats for Republicans and 211 for Democrats, leaving four vacancies.
Before his tenure in the House, Pascrell served in the New Jersey General Assembly and as mayor of Paterson. In Congress, he represented New Jersey’s 8th district and later the 9th district following redistricting. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Pascrell was instrumental in securing nearly $17 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements, including the replacement of lead pipes.
Following Hurricane Sandy, Pascrell was vocal in his criticism of Republican leadership, pushing for emergency recovery aid. “It’s time to take the gloves off – Jersey style,” he declared on the House floor, condemning what he described as “schizophrenic leadership on the other side.”
Earlier this year, Pascrell faced a Democratic primary challenge from Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah, who criticized him for his strong support of Israel amidst the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Khairullah, a Muslim, had previously made headlines when the Secret Service barred him from a White House Eid reception.
Despite the primary challenge and the district's diverse demographics, which include one of the largest Palestinian-American communities in the U.S. and a significant Jewish population, Pascrell secured victory in the primary.
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