Redesignation of Paterson Great Falls Nhp Facilities

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 249) to redesignate certain facilities at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 249

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. REDESIGNATION OF PATERSON GREAT FALLS NHP FACILITIES.

(a) Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge.--Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park shall hereafter be known and designated as ``Bill Pascrell, Jr. Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge''.

(b) Overlook Park.--Overlook Park at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park shall hereafter be known and designated as ``Bill Pascrell, Jr. Overlook Park''.

(c) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to--

(1) Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge shall be deemed to be a reference to Bill Pascrell, Jr. Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge; and

(2) Overlook Park shall be deemed to be a reference to Bill Pascrell, Jr. Overlook Park.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WESTERMAN. 249, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 249, introduced by Representative Pallone, which would redesignate certain amenities at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.

Specifically, this bipartisan bill would rename two sites within the historical park as the Bill Pascrell, Jr. Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge and the Bill Pascrell, Jr. Overlook Park.

Paterson, New Jersey, was home to Congressman Pascrell, a former Member of this body and, before that, a high school teacher and college professor.

Congressman Pascrell was instrumental in the designation of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in 2009. Known for his plainspoken demeanor and deep commitment to his constituents, Congressman Pascrell served our Nation in the U.S. Army and in this body for nearly three decades, until his passing last August.

Overlook Park is a 2.5-acre area providing panoramic views of the falls and the gateway to the larger historical park.

The Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge is one of two year-round pedestrian bridges connecting visitors to the falls. It serves approximately 300,000 visitors annually and links the park's visitors center to the falls' viewing platform.

Mr. Speaker, this straightforward and bipartisan legislation has the full support of the entire New Jersey delegation. I commend Representative Pallone for his work on this legislation.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, this is a straightforward, bipartisan bill that renames beloved sites for the late Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. I urge its adoption and yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source