FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2024
Contact: Tyler Jones
Press Office: U.S. Senator George Helmy
Email: Tyler_Jones@helmy.senate.gov
Legislation to reauthorize the Traumatic Brain Injury Program and rename a program’s component as “The Bill Pascrell, Jr., National Program for Traumatic Brain Injury Surveillance and Registries,” has already passed in the House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. – Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) announced today he is introducing legislation that would rename part of the federal traumatic brain injury program in honor of late Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-9). “Congressman Pascrell fought tirelessly for New Jerseyans battling brain injuries and was a champion of this issue nationally. It’s my honor to lead the Senate effort in making sure he and his life’s work are remembered for generations to come,” said Senator Helmy. “Members in both chambers of Congress could learn from the late Congressman about what it means to be a fighter and fearless advocate for issues important to your constituents and all Americans. I want to thank the New Jersey delegation, and especially Congressman Frank Pallone for again leading the effort to honor one of New Jersey’s greatest leaders.”
Congressman Pascrell has long led the reauthorization of the federal traumatic brain injury program. His most recent bill that passed the House was named after Dennis John Benigno of Clifton, New Jersey, whose severe brain injury in 1984 began Congressman Pascrell’s advocacy for more awareness and research. Sen. Helmy is committed to working with his colleagues to ensure that any final agreement to reauthorize the federal traumatic brain injury program includes language to honor Rep. Pascrell by renaming the program after him. Senator Helmy is also leading the Senate effort to name several facilities at Paterson’s Great Falls National Park after Congressman Pascrell.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Bill Pascrell was a tireless advocate for advancing brain injury awareness and supporting survivors,” said Senator Cory Booker. “This program was one that he championed throughout his time in Congress, and renaming the federal traumatic brain injury program in his honor is a fitting tribute. I look forward to seeing this program continue to help those affected while honoring his remarkable contributions for years to come.”
“Bill Pascrell 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,” said Congressman Frank Pallone. “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.”
“Congressman Pascrell’s life was dedicated to tirelessly serving New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents,” said New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way. “As a champion for this legislation back in 2001, it is fitting that this program would be renamed the ‘Bill Pascrell, Jr. National Program for Traumatic Brain Injury Surveillance and Registries’ in his honor. This program will continue advancing research, treatment initiatives, and data collection to better serve those affected by traumatic brain injuries, including approximately 175,000 New Jersey residents. This is a cause Bill was deeply passionate about. Although I did not have a TBI, I did experience a brain hemorrhage in college, so we discussed this issue. I am proud that his legacy will be further cemented through this legislation introduced by Senator Helmy.”