U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) was today informed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee has selected him to fill a vacancy on the House Homeland Security Committee.  He will also continue serving in his primary position on the exclusive House Ways and Means Committee.

“I am honored to regain my seat under Chairman Bennie Thompson and continue to work with my colleagues on the House Homeland Security Committee,” stated Pascrell.  “I am proud of all that we have accomplished during this committee’s first four years, and look forward to advancing America’s homeland security infrastructure.”

“Congressman Pascrell’s relationship with the emergency response community and experience on homeland security matters make him a valuable member of the Committee,” stated House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  “I am confident that Congressman Pascrell’s work ethic and expertise will contribute to a safer America.”

“I am pleased to welcome Congressman Pascrell back to the Committee,” stated Committee on Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS).  “His tenacious personality and knowledge of homeland security is unmatched. Congressman Pascrell’s presence on this Committee benefits not only New Jersey but the entire nation.”

Upon being selected to serve on the Ways and Means Committee at the start of the 110th session of congress, Democratic Caucus rules prohibited Pascrell from continuing his service on the Homeland Security Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“I actually never felt like I’ve left the committee,” stated Pascrell.  “Not a day has gone by when I haven’t considered New Jersey’s homeland security interests.  This assignment will allow me to work more closely on the issues critical to New Jersey and America.  It is imperative that New Jersey’s infrastructure, airports, seaports, chemical plants and borders all be represented when Congress meets at a committee level to consider homeland security.  I thank Speaker Pelosi and my colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus for again allowing me to fill that role.”    

Pascrell, who served as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology in the 109th session of Congress led a successful fight to direct more funding to America’s highest risk regions and reduce the role of politics in federal homeland security grant allocation.          

As the author of the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act, which has led to the investment of over two billion dollars in first responder organizations across the country, Pascrell is a fierce advocate for America’s first responders.  Among Pascrell’s highest priorities on the committee will be to provide adequate resources for first responders.

“I will pick up exactly where I left off on advocating for our first responders,” stated Pascrell.  “One of the many lesson learned on September 11, 2001 is that our cops, firefighter and emergency medical experts are inadequately supplied.  It is essential that they receive the emergency communication technology and other resources necessary to protect our neighborhoods and infrastructure.”   

Pascrell, who played an important oversight role on the committee, is determined to continue ensuring accountability for federal homeland security issues.  Among these issues are the health conditions for Ground Zero workers and residents in Lower Manhattan, reconstruction of the Gulf Coast region, and contracting, morale and leadership at the Department of Homeland Security.

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