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From Fox News: Longtime New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. died on Wednesday at 87, according to an announcement from his family.
The Democrat passed away after serving 14 terms in Congress. His family did not offer any details about his cause of death, though the lawmaker had been in the hospital since July.
Pascrell was first elected in 1996, was a member of the Ways and Means Committee and helped coach the Democrats Congressional baseball team.
He was in the hospital for more than three weeks earlier this year and suffered a further setback last month. The lawmaker underwent heart surgery during his 2020 re-election campaign.
The family announced Pascrell’s death in a statement on his X/Twitter page Wednesday morning:
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning. As our United States Representative, Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved. Bill lived his entire life in Paterson and had an unwavering love for the city he grew up in and served. He is now at peace after a lifetime devoted to our great nation America.”
It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning. As our United States Representative, Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved. Bill lived…
— Bill Pascrell, Jr. 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@BillPascrell) August 21, 2024
Pascrell is the third House Democrat to pass away this year. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., D-NJ, passed away in the spring, and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas passed away on July 19.
Democrats now have four vacancies in the House of Representatives. They currently hold 211 seats, and Republicans have 220.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) shared condolences, writing, “Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Congressman Bill Pascrell, a giant of New Jersey and a lifelong champion for our most vulnerable neighbors. We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones.”
Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Congressman Bill Pascrell, a giant of New Jersey and a lifelong champion for our most vulnerable neighbors.
We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/g69A6OpbK8
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 21, 2024
Congressman @BillPascrell was a fierce and outspoken advocate for the people of New Jersey. The energy he brought to the Ways and Means Committee was unparalleled, and he will be dearly missed.
My prayers are with his family, loved ones, and constituents. RIP. 🙏🏾 https://t.co/oRfuJMP37K
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) August 21, 2024
I’m very saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, and valued Ways and Means colleague, Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr.
May God grant peace to his family during this difficult time.
— Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (@RepGregMurphy) August 21, 2024
I am saddened to hear the news of Rep. Bill Pascrell’s passing. Whether it was serving as a mayor, state assemblyman, or a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Bill’s life was devoted to public service and the people of New Jersey. His family and the people of…
— Rep. Jason Smith (@RepJasonSmith) August 21, 2024
Saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell.
I will miss his friendship and our very spirited debates on Ways and Means.
My condolences and prayers are with his family and loved ones. 🙏 https://t.co/531naGZP9B
— Congressman Drew Ferguson (@RepDrewFerguson) August 21, 2024
NJ Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. has died, according to family. This was one of the last interviews we did in January. I covered the congressman for decades & every time we talked, he stressed how much he loved his job. RIP. Condolences to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/XPriVGqUna
— Christine Sloan (@csloantv) August 21, 2024
There will never be another like @BillPascrell.
Heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it, but his fire and ferocious advocacy lives on in the work that’s still to come.
Ranking Member @RepRichardNeal‘s full statement: https://t.co/jXIt6y5U5o https://t.co/4HZdfkphUq
— Ways and Means Democrats (@WaysMeansCmte) August 21, 2024
BREAKING: Democratic New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. dead at 87 https://t.co/y6uT2EUDej
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 21, 2024
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