Chris Smith: “My colleagues and I rise to convey our deepest sorrow on the passing of our longtime friend and colleague, 14-term New…”

“My colleagues and I rise to convey our deepest sorrow on the passing of our longtime friend and colleague, 14-term New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell of the Ninth District in New Jersey. We offer our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his wife, Elsie, and three sons, Bill, David, and Glenn, the rest of the family, and, of course, close family friends as well. Bill's life was marked, Mr. Speaker, by exemplary service, having served in the United States Army, and as a high school history teacher and adjunct professor before becoming a State assemblyman for 5 terms, mayor for 2, and then Congressman for 28 years. He was dedicated to New Jersey families and an outspoken advocate for our law enforcement community, our firefighters, and our Nation's veterans. He is the author of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Reauthorization. His Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act created the groundbreaking Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program, which provides funding for protective equipment, emergency vehicles, training, and other critical support for aid to our firefighters. Since its creation in 2001, this incredible program has awarded over $10 billion to fire departments across the country, including almost $200 million to our own State of New Jersey. As co-chair and founder of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, Bill also helped lead the charge to advance brain health.…”