119-HR-249 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary — 119-HR-249

Headline Summary: Rename two Paterson Great Falls sites for the late Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. — Overlook Park and the Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge. [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.249 - 119th Congress (2025–2026): To redesignate cert…

What It Does: The bill simply changes the names of two places inside Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park to honor longtime Paterson congressman Bill Pascrell Jr.: Overlook Park would become the “Bill Pascrell, Jr. Overlook Park,” and the Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge would become the “Bill Pascrell, Jr. Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge.” Federal references and maps would be updated accordingly. Why it matters: It’s a symbolic tribute with no policy changes; implementing it mainly means updating signs and materials, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates would cost less than $500,000 over 2025–2030. [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.249 - 119th Congress (2025–2026): To redesignate cert…[3]Congress.gov — H. Rept. 119-62 — To redesignate certain facilities at Paterson…

• Who’s For It: Sponsored by Rep. Frank Pallone (D‑NJ). All 11 members of New Jersey’s House delegation—Democrats and Republicans—cosponsored it, signaling bipartisan home‑state support. [5]Congress.gov — H.R.249 — Cosponsors list
• The House passed it broadly, 362–50 (two present) on May 13, 2025. [2]Congress.gov — House Roll Call Vote 124 (May 13, 2025) — H.R. 249 on motion to…
• House Natural Resources Committee advanced it by unanimous consent, with a committee report describing it as a straightforward, bipartisan recognition of Pascrell’s role in establishing the park. [3]Congress.gov — H. Rept. 119-62 — To redesignate certain facilities at Paterson…

• Who’s Against It: Fifty House Republicans voted no; two members voted “present.” The floor debate was brief under the fast‑track “suspension” process, and official materials do not detail specific objections. [2]Congress.gov — House Roll Call Vote 124 (May 13, 2025) — H.R. 249 on motion to…[6]govinfo.gov — Congressional Record Daily Digest — May 13, 2025 (House floor sum…
• No amendments were offered. [7]Congress.gov — H.R.249 — Amendments (none submitted)

What’s Next: The bill passed the House and is in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The Senate Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on December 9, 2025. Next steps would be a committee vote, full Senate vote, and then, if approved, the President’s desk. [4]Congress.gov — H.R.249 — Overview (Status, committees, and meetings)

Tone: Neutral, factual, and easy to read.