To redesignate certain facilities at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 249
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-09: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T02:54:33Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to honor Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. by renaming two facilities at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in New Jersey. It recognizes his contributions through symbolic redesignation of names.
Key Provisions
- Redesignation of the Bridge: The Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge is renamed the "Bill Pascrell, Jr. Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge."
- Redesignation of the Park Area: Overlook Park is renamed the "Bill Pascrell, Jr. Overlook Park."
- Updating References: Any mentions of the original names in federal laws, maps, regulations, documents, or records will automatically be treated as referring to the new names.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces no substantive changes to park operations, management, or funding. It solely updates official nomenclature for these two sites, requiring administrative adjustments to federal records and signage to reflect the new names.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The National Park Service will need to update signs, maps, websites, and educational materials, involving minor costs for implementation but no broader operational shifts.
- On Citizens: Local residents and park visitors in Paterson, New Jersey, may experience increased awareness of Congressman Pascrell's legacy, potentially enhancing community pride or educational value during visits. No direct effects on access, fees, or activities.
- On International Relations: None; this is a domestic, symbolic action with no foreign policy implications.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Park Service: Responsible for implementing the name changes in park infrastructure and communications.
- Local Community and Visitors: Residents of Paterson and park users who interact with these sites, benefiting from the historical recognition.
- Family and Associates of Bill Pascrell, Jr.: Gains formal acknowledgment of his service as a U.S. Representative from New Jersey.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Straightforward administrative update with no challenges to property rights or park authority; complies with standard federal naming practices for public lands.
- Constitutional: No issues, as it involves congressional power over federal properties without infringing on free speech or other rights.
- Political: Serves as a non-partisan tribute to a long-serving congressman (who represented New Jersey's 9th district from 1997 to 2023), potentially fostering goodwill across political lines but carrying minimal controversy due to its ceremonial nature.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Conaway, Herbert [D-NJ-3], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-09: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
- 2025-05-14: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-05-13: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-05-13: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 362 - 50, 2 Present (Roll no. 124). (text: CR H1979) (Roll call 124)
- 2025-05-13: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 362 - 50, 2 Present (Roll no. 124). (text: CR H1979) (Roll call 124)
- 2025-05-13: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1986-1987)
- 2025-05-13: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2025-05-13: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 249.
- 2025-05-13: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1979-1980)
- 2025-05-13: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-04-17: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 39.
- 2025-04-17: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-62.
- 2025-04-17: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-62.
- 2025-02-12: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-02-12: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Bill Versions
- An Act To redesignate certain facilities at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. — issued 2025-05-13 — PDF (4 pages)
- To redesignate certain facilities at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. — issued 2025-01-09 — PDF (2 pages)
- An Act To redesignate certain facilities at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. — issued 2025-05-14 — PDF (2 pages)
- To redesignate certain facilities at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. — issued 2025-04-17 — PDF (4 pages)