As Congress returned to Capitol Hall this week, two New Jersey lawmakers immediately launched an effort to honor the legacy of the late U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr.

Introduced by U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-6th District, and newly minted Democratic U.S. Sen. George Helmy, new legislation would rename two iconic Paterson landmarks in Pascrell’s honor at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.

The Paterson native passed away last month at the age of 87. Since that time, tributes and remembrances have poured in from around Pascrell’s beloved Silk City, the Garden State and beyond. He passionately advocated for the preservation of Paterson’s rich industrial and cultural legacy, especially the Great Falls.

The site was designated as a National Historical Park in 2009 – due in large part to Pascrell’s leadership on the issue. In 2014, he introduced the Hinchliffe Stadium Heritage Act. That move expanded the national park to include the historic venue, which reopened last year.

The latest updates would re-designate the Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge and Overlook Park as Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. Overlook Park.

The bill marks the first Helmy has introduced in the Senate. Sworn in this week, Gov. Phil Murphy appointed Helmy to the seat in the wake of Robert Menendez’s conviction and resignation.

“It is an honor to introduce a bill recognizing the legacy of a great public servant as my first legislative act as Senator,” said Helmy. “Congressman Bill Pascrell dedicated his life to serving New Jersey, his district, and his community in Paterson. He deserves to have his legacy enshrined in the very same space he fought to designate as a National Historical Park.”

Recognizing a legacy

“Adding Congressman Bill Pascrell’s name to this incredible park is not only fitting but crucial to recognizing the legacy he has built,” said Pallone, who led the introduction of the companion bill in the House. “Without Bill’s leadership, this park – a symbol of Paterson, NJ’s pivotal role in America’s industrial rise – might not even exist. His dedication to preserving Paterson’s history and its environment has ensured that future generations will know the significance of the Great Falls. This renaming is more than a tribute – it’s an affirmation of the decades Bill spent fighting to protect and elevate the stories that make Paterson a cornerstone of our national heritage.”

“I applaud Congressman Frank Pallone for taking the reins in honoring Bill Pascrell and I am grateful for the opportunity to do the same in the Senate,” Helmy added.

Helmy and Pallone are also spearheading efforts in their respective Chambers to commemorate Pascrell’s work on traumatic brain injuries.

A longtime advocate, he fought for federal funding for research, treatment and prevention on the issue. Pascrell founded the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. He was also critical in the reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act.

“His commitment to the people of our great state inspires me to follow in his footsteps and advance impactful legislation that changes lives for the better,” said Helmy.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Rep. Bill Pascrell was dedicated to preserving our national parks and was a tireless advocate for brain injury survivors,” said Democratic U.S. Sen. Cory Booker. “Renaming the Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge and Overlook Park at the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, and the grants provided through his Traumatic Brain Injury Program in his honor are fitting tributes to a man whose passion for public service and for New Jersey knew no bounds.”

“The late and lamented Congressman Bill Pascrell was instrumental in getting the Great Falls designated a National Park,” Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh told NJBIZ. “He worked tirelessly with another Paterson legend, Sen. Frank Lautenberg to bring their vision to fruition. I commend Sen. George Helmy for his paying proper tribute to the life and legacy of Congressman Bill Pascrell.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:19 a.m. ET to include a statement from Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh.