Pallone Leads Effort to Rename Great Falls Park After Late Congressman Bill Pascrell

Long Branch, NJ - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced a series of efforts to preserve the legacy of his late colleague and friend, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr., Pallone is leading legislation to rename the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park after Pascrell. He will also advance legislation to honor his tireless efforts to address Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) by renaming the grants awarded under Pascrell's TBI program in his name.

Next week, when Congress reconvenes for the first time since Pascrell's passing, Pallone will lead a moment of silence during the first vote series to honor the late 14-term Congressman's legacy of public service. Pallone also plans to advance two bills: one to rename Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park after Bill Pascrell, and another to rename the grants provided through Pascrell's Traumatic Brain Injury Program after him.

Pallone emphasized that preserving Pascrell's legacy is not just about honoring his memory but continuing the work he started. "Bill Pascrell's leadership in securing the designation of Paterson Great Falls as a National Historical Park and his decades of advocacy for traumatic brain injury survivors will forever be a part of his legacy," said Pallone. "Bill was tireless in his dedication to the people of Paterson, and his work has left an indelible mark on the nation. We're going to keep fighting for the causes Bill cared about, from protecting our national parks to ensuring every brain injury survivor gets the care they deserve. His passion and dedication will guide us every step of the way as we work to carry his legacy forward in Congress."

Pascrell, a lifelong supporter of national parks, was instrumental in securing the designation of Paterson Great Falls as a National Historical Park. His leadership helped incorporate the site into the U.S. National Park System in 2009. This move honors Alexander Hamilton's vision of Paterson as the center of America's manufacturing revolution, powered by the Great Falls of the Passaic River. Pascrell's efforts ensured that this vital chapter of America's industrial history is preserved for future generations.

Pascrell also introduced the Hinchliffe Stadium Heritage Act in 2014, which expanded the park's boundaries to include the historic stadium, a key site for Negro League baseball. Pallone's forthcoming legislation will permanently honor Pascrell's contributions to preserving these iconic landmarks.

Pascrell was also a staunch advocate for traumatic brain injury awareness and treatment, having founded the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force in 2001. His dedication stemmed from a personal connection to a constituent's son, Dennis John Benigno, who suffered a life-altering brain injury in 1984. Pascrell's advocacy led to the creation of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act in 1996, which has since provided federal funding for research, treatment, and prevention of brain injuries.