Pallone Submits Testimony to House Natural Resources Committee to Honor Bill Pascrell’s Legacy at Paterson Great Falls

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) submitted testimony today to the House Natural Resources Committee’s Federal Lands Subcommittee during its first legislative hearing on his bill (H.R. 9528) to rename two significant facilities at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. In his testimony, Pallone urged the subcommittee to advance the bill, highlighting Pascrell’s unwavering dedication to Paterson and his lifelong commitment to public service.

“My bipartisan bill, backed by the entire New Jersey delegation, will help continue the work that Bill Pascrell started by renaming two facilities at the park after him. Bill was a lifelong supporter of our national parks and was instrumental in securing the designation of Paterson Great Falls as a National Historical Park in 2009. This designation honors Alexander Hamilton’s vision of Paterson as the center of America’s manufacturing revolution, one that would be powered by the Great Falls of the Passaic River,” Pallone said in his testimony.

Pallone’s bill seeks to rename the Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge and Overlook Park as the “Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge” and “Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. Overlook Park.” 

Pallone emphasized Pascrell’s pivotal role in preserving this chapter of America’s industrial history, noting, “His relentless advocacy ensures that the rich legacy of Paterson and its contributions to our nation’s development will be remembered for generations. It is only fitting that Bill’s name stands at the heart of the park he worked so hard to protect.”

Pallone’s full testimony is below:

As the senior Democrat of the New Jersey delegation, I would like to thank Chairman Tiffany and Ranking Member Neguse for inviting me to submit testimony on H.R. 9528, my bill to redesignate two facilities at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park after our late friend and colleague, Congressman Bill Pascrell. 

Bill embodied the spirit of New Jersey and was relentless in fighting for his community. If you knew Bill, you knew he was from Paterson. And much like his home city, he was tough, unpretentious, and always fighting for his neighbors. Bill dedicated his life to public service. Whether as a mayor, public school teacher, assemblyman, or congressman, he never, ever backed down from fighting for the little guy and doing what was right.

My bipartisan bill, backed by the entire New Jersey delegation, will help continue the work that Bill Pascrell started by renaming two facilities at the park after him. Bill was a lifelong supporter of our national parks and was instrumental in securing the designation of Paterson Great Falls as a National Historical Park in 2009. This designation honors Alexander Hamilton’s vision of Paterson as the center of America’s manufacturing revolution, one that would be powered by the Great Falls of the Passaic River. 

Bill’s efforts ensured that this vital chapter of America’s industrial history is preserved for future generations, and it is only right that his work and legacy be remembered in the town and park that he loved so much. 

Thank you again to Chairman Tiffany and Ranking Member Neguse for holding this hearing today, and I look forward to working with you all to get this bill across the finish line.

In addition to his efforts to honor Pascrell at Paterson Great Falls, Pallone recently led a bipartisan effort to pass legislation renaming grants within the Traumatic Brain Injury Program in Pascrell’s honor. This initiative, which focuses on TBI awareness, research, and services, reflects Pascrell’s enduring commitment to improving health care and protecting vulnerable populations.