Pallone Honors Pascrell’s Legacy, Leads Introduction of Legislation to Rename Traumatic Brain Injury Grants Created by Late Congressman

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D, NJ-6) introduced legislation to honor the memory of his late colleague and close friend, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr., by preserving Pascrell's groundbreaking work on traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness and treatment. Pallone’s bipartisan legislation reauthorizes critical federal funding for TBI research and services but also renames the program’s national surveillance and registry programs in Pascrell’s name, ensuring his legacy of public service continues. Pallone’s co-leads are Representatives Rob Menendez (D, NJ-8), Don Bacon (R, NE-2), and Dan Crenshaw (R, TX-2).

"My late friend Congressman Bill Pascrell never backed down from a fight, especially when it came to protecting those suffering from traumatic brain injuries,” said Congressman Frank Pallone.  “His leadership made TBI a national priority, and our bill ensures his work will continue helping Americans long into the future. I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working together to make this happen. Bill’s legacy is not just in the name of this program – it is in every patient who gets the care they need because of his relentless advocacy.”

The newly renamed “Bill Pascrell, Jr. National Program for Traumatic Brain Injury Surveillance and Registries” will continue to fund research, treatment initiatives, and data collection through key federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Administration for Community Living. Pascrell's dedication led to the creation of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force in 2001, which he co-chaired and used as a platform to tirelessly advocate for expanded resources to address what he called a “silent epidemic” affecting millions of Americans.

“For more than two decades, Bill Pascrell was an exceptional advocate for brain injury treatment and research,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “It’s a privilege to join Ranking Member Pallone and my colleagues in building on his legacy and working to deliver critical funding to improve health outcomes across the country. This legislation will ensure that we recognize TBIs as a chronic condition, continue to develop new, more effective treatments, and invest in the next generation of researchers and caregivers who will make it happen.”

The reauthorization of these competitive grants, for five years through fiscal year 2029,  comes at a time when traumatic brain injuries are increasingly recognized as a public health crisis. According to the CDC, traumatic brain injuries contributed to more than 69,000 deaths in 2021. In addition to extending the funding, Pallone’s bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study designating TBI as a chronic condition, which could further increase the federal government’s role in supporting those living with lifelong impacts from brain injuries.

The legislation also requires a report to Congress that provides an overview of populations who may be at higher risk for TBI, an outline of existing CDC surveys and activities on TBI, any steps the agency has taken to address research gaps, and to make this information publicly available. It also calls for a study to examine the effect of long-term symptoms or conditions related to TBI. The Pascrell family expressed gratitude for the efforts to enshrine Pascrell’s legacy. “Bill’s life was dedicated to public service, and his work on behalf of those affected by traumatic brain injuries was incredibly meaningful to him,” said the Pascrell family. “This renaming is a fitting tribute, and we are grateful to Congressman Pallone and everyone who made this possible.”

With traumatic brain injuries affecting millions of Americans annually, this reauthorization ensures that critical research and services will continue without interruption. As awareness grows around the need for better TBI prevention, treatment, and research, this bill reflects Pascrell’s nearly three decades of advocacy for vulnerable populations and his commitment to improving health care in the United States.

In another tribute to Pascrell’s lasting influence, Pallone has introduced legislation to rename two significant landmarks at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park – the Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge and Overlook Park – in honor of Pascrell’s contributions to securing the national designation of the park and of his deep commitment to his hometown and New Jersey’s rich industrial history.