U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today was named the chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight by Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA-01) and his Democratic colleagues on the committee. He succeeds the legendary late Rep. John Lewis.

“I am humbled by the confidence of Chairman Richard Neal and my colleagues as I assume leadership of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight,” said Rep. Pascrell. “To serve in the same position my friend John Lewis held for 15 years is an enormous honor and responsibility. Absolutely no one can fill John’s shoes, but I will work hard to make him proud.

“I will work hand in glove with my colleagues to ensure this subcommittee remains active and engaged. We will be relentless in providing oversight and conducting investigations to improve peoples’ lives and show the vital work we can do for regular Americans. And we will focus with ferocity on holding the criminal Trump regime accountable. Exposing the public and private corruption left in the wake of the Trump government will take all the labor of cleaning up after the circus leaves town. I’m eager to grab a shovel and get to work.”

“A fierce advocate for government accountability, Bill Pascrell will undoubtedly bring tremendous vigor to the role of Oversight Subcommittee Chairman,” said Chairman Neal. “I have full confidence that Rep. Pascrell will work tirelessly to ensure the Trump Administration is implementing the laws under Ways and Means’ jurisdiction efficiently and according to congressional intent. He steps in at a time when our Committee and nation still acutely feel the loss of previous Oversight Subcommittee Chairman John Lewis, who brought unparalleled gravitas, insight, and heart to this critical position. I am grateful for Congressman Pascrell’s willingness to pick up where Rep. Lewis left off, and for his service to this Committee and to the American people.”