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

Washington, D.C. - Tonight, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) led a bipartisan effort to honor the memory of his late colleague and close friend, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), by preserving Pascrell's groundbreaking work on traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness and treatment. Just weeks after the 14-term Congressman's passing, Pallone successfully guided House passage of H.R. 7208, which not only 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.

Speaking on the House floor, Pallone reflected on Pascrell's deep commitment to TBI advocacy, saying, "Bill truly was the first son of Paterson and left an indelible mark on North Jersey throughout his public service career as a mayor, a public-school teacher, an assemblyman, and a congressman. Simply put, he never, ever backed down from doing what was right and always fought for the little guy. Renaming these grants in Bill's honor ensures his tireless dedication to Traumatic Brain Injury advocacy will live on."

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.

The reauthorization of these grants 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, H.R. 7208 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 bill also reduces the state match requirement for TBI state grants, expanding access to federal funding for states struggling to meet financial obligations to widen the reach of essential TBI services nationwide.

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.

The bill will need to pass the Senate before it is sent to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.

In a broader 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.