Rep. Bill Pascrell, a long-serving Democratic congressman from New Jersey, died on Wednesday morning at the age of 87.
As reported by HuffPost, the news was announced in a statement posted on his social media account. Pascrell, who was hospitalized in July for a respiratory infection, had been a fixture in Paterson for over forty years.
The statement on Pascrell's social media account expressed deep sadness at his passing, noting that he "fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved." Pascrell had served 14 terms in the House of Representatives and was preparing to run for a 15th term in the upcoming fall elections.
Pascrell's political career spanned several decades, beginning with his tenure as the mayor of Paterson from 1990 to 1996. He then successfully ran for Congress, where he served for nearly three decades. Throughout his time in office, Pascrell was known for his unwavering commitment to his constituents and his hometown of Paterson.
As a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Pascrell played a significant role in overseeing the nation's tax laws. He was particularly vocal in his efforts to obtain former President Donald Trump's tax returns, often pushing his own party's leadership to take more aggressive action on the matter.
Pascrell's determination in this area was evident in his statements to the press. In February 2019, he urged for immediate action, stating, "There's no reason to delay anymore. In fact, there's every reason to act now."
Pascrell's commitment to transparency in government was a hallmark of his career. He was instrumental in the Democratic party's efforts to obtain and review former President Trump's tax returns, a process that culminated in their release in December 2022.
Upon the release of the tax returns, Pascrell commented on the findings, highlighting what he saw as shortcomings in both Trump's tax practices and the government's oversight:
Trump paid a pittance in taxes for years. He overinflated losses to shirk his duty as an American citizen. Trump's government failed to conduct a mandatory review of his tax records. They broke the law.
The news of Pascrell's passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and constituents alike. Richard Neal, chair of the Ways and Means Committee, praised Pascrell's tenacity and spirit in a statement released on Wednesday.
Neal's words paint a vivid picture of Pascrell's character and his impact on those around him:
Billy was the type of fighter they don't make anymore. For 16 years, he has been the heart of the Ways and Means Democrats, bringing vigor and tenacity to all our work. He never shied away from saying what needed to be said and could just as quickly turn around to share a laugh with anyone, even those who caught his most spirited critiques.
Bill Pascrell's legacy extends far beyond his legislative accomplishments. His unwavering love for Paterson and his commitment to serving its residents were central to his identity as a public servant. The statement announcing his passing emphasized this connection, noting that "Bill lived his entire life in Paterson and had an unwavering love for the city he grew up in and served."
Pascrell's death marks the end of an era in New Jersey politics. His long-standing presence in Congress and his deep roots in his community made him a unique figure in the state's political landscape. As colleagues and constituents reflect on his life and career, many will remember him not just for his political achievements, but for his dedication to the people he represented.
In conclusion, Rep. Bill Pascrell's passing at the age of 87 marks the end of a long and dedicated career in public service. From his early days as mayor of Paterson to his 14 terms in Congress, Pascrell was known for his unwavering commitment to his constituents and his fierce advocacy for transparency and accountability in government. His legacy as a stalwart of New Jersey politics and a dedicated public servant will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
