SR53

A Senate Resolution honoring the life and legacy of Congressman William J. Pascrell, Jr.

Whereas, Congressman William J. Pascrell Jr., dedicated 36 years to public service, serving as an Assemblyman from 1988 to 1996, Mayor of Paterson from 1990 to 1996, and as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1997 until his passing on August 21, 2024; and

Whereas, Congressman Pascrell, a tireless advocate for public health and safety who served New Jersey for decades, leaves behind a legacy of distinguished public service; and

Whereas, Congressman Pascrell co-founded the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, an initiative that has played a crucial role in advancing national policy and research for individuals affected by brain injuries; and

Whereas, Congressman Pascrell served as co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force for many years, advocating for research initiatives focused on treatment, rehabilitation, and potential cures for traumatic brain injury; and

Whereas, Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur due to a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function; and

Whereas, Acquired brain injuries (ABI) result from internal causes such as strokes, aneurysms, or tumors; and

Whereas, Individuals who suffer from TBI or ABI often experience long-term disabilities ranging from minor impairments to severe and life-altering conditions, which affect cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being; and

Whereas, The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force has worked to increase awareness of brain injuries, support groundbreaking research initiatives, promote rehabilitation services, and address the long-term effects that brain injuries have on individuals, families, and communities; and

Whereas, On February 21, 2025 the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force introduced legislation re-authorizing critical federal funding for research focused on the study, prevention, and treatment of TBI in effort to address its long-term effects on individuals, families, and communities; and

Whereas, Brain injuries impact thousands of New Jersey residents across every congressional district, including children, veterans, athletes, seniors, and survivors of accidents and medical conditions, all of whom need strong legislative advocacy and support at both the State and federal levels; and

Whereas, The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force remains a bipartisan effort, currently co-chaired by Democratic Congressman Chris Deluzio from Pennsylvannia and Republican Congressman Morgan Luttrell from Texas, and continues to advance Congressman Pascrell’s legacy of championing policies that improve brain injury awareness, prevention, research, and treatment; and

Whereas, It is vital that New Jersey’s congressional delegation continues Congressman Pascrell’s legacy by joining and supporting the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force to ensure that our State remains a leader in brain injury advocacy and policy; and

Whereas, In honor of Congressman Pascrell’s service and legacy with the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, and to recognize the importance of collaboration between federal and State leaders in the advancement of research, we must continue advocating for policies and funding programs that support individuals affected by brain injuries; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:

1. The Senate honors the life and legacy of Congressman William J. Pascrell, Jr. and recognizes the Congressman’s pioneering leadership in establishing the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force to advance brain injury awareness and research in the United States. The Senate respectfully urges each current and future member of the United States Congress elected from New Jersey to join and actively participate in the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force to ensure continued advocacy, policy advancements, and research funding for brain injury prevention and rehabilitation.

2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, to each member of the United States Congress elected from this State, the co-chairs of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, and the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey.

3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution honors late Congressman Pascrell. Congressman Pascrell, a tireless advocate for public health and safety who served New Jersey for decades, leaves behind a legacy of distinguished public service. Congressman Pascrell founded the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, an initiative that has played a critical role in advancing national policy, research, and resources for individuals affected by brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur due to a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function, while acquired brain injuries (ABI) result from internal causes such as strokes, aneurysms, or tumors. Individuals who suffer from TBI or ABI often experience long-term disabilities ranging from minor impairments to severe and life-altering conditions, which affect their cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Over the years the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force has worked to increase awareness of brain injuries, support groundbreaking research initiatives, promote rehabilitation services, and address the long-term effects of brain injuries on individuals, families, and communities. As a co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, Congressman Pascrell advocated for research initiatives focused on treatment, rehabilitation, and potential cures for TBI.

Brain injuries impact thousands of New Jersey residents in every congressional district, affecting children, veterans, athletes, seniors, and survivors of accidents and medical conditions, all of whom need strong legislative advocacy and support at both the State and federal levels. The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force remains a bipartisan effort, currently co-chaired by Democratic Congressman Chris Deluzio from Pennsylvannia and Republican Congressman Morgan Luttrell from Texas, and continues to advance Congressman Pascrell’s legacy of championing policies that improve brain injury awareness, prevention, research, and treatment. It is vital that New Jersey’s congressional delegation continues Congressman Pascrell’s legacy by joining and supporting the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force to ensure that our State remains a leader in brain injury advocacy and policy.