Danny Davis: “I thank Mr. Kelly. I am pleased to join with all my colleagues as we recall, remember, and reflect one of the most…”

“I thank Mr. Kelly. I am pleased to join with all my colleagues as we recall, remember, and reflect one of the most profound individuals who has ever served in the House of Representatives. Can you imagine what it would be like to sit between Linda Sanchez and Bill Pascrell for 12 years or more? One side, the other side. Bill had all of the attributes of a great teacher, and that is great teachers learn how to use theater, humor, and profound knowledge to hold the attention of whatever it is that they are trying to reach. You never had to worry about people listening to Bill Pascrell, and you never had to wonder where he stood or where he was going or where he had been. It was just great for me to sit there and drink from the fountain. I would listen to Bill, and that would often give me a little bit of direction in terms of where I wanted to go. It was an honor, a pleasure, and a great joy to be his seat mate. To his family, to his staff, I would see the staff come and bring him notes. He would look at the note and then ball it up, and hold it in his hand because he knew what he was going to say. He knew what he was going to do, and that is what he did. Great guy. Great pal, Bill Pascrell.”