Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson) has been discharged from St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson after a 24-day hospitalization that raised concerns about his health. Pascrell, who is 87, initially checked into the hospital on July 14 with a fever. Although he was initially recovering from a respiratory infection, he suffered a setback on July 20 that required breathing assistance, prolonging his hospital stay.
Fortunately, Pascrell’s condition has improved, and he is now continuing his recovery through rehabilitation. His chief of staff, Ben Rich, expressed gratitude on behalf of Pascrell for the excellent care provided by the medical staff.
During his hospitalization, Pascrell missed one week of votes in Congress, but he is expected to return to his duties after the House recess, which lasts until September. Pascrell is currently running for re-election for a 15th term in the House, where he will face Republican Billy Prempeh for the third consecutive time.
There is relief that Pascrell is on the mend and able to focus on his recovery as he prepares for the upcoming election. If successful, he would become the oldest member of the House, with his prospective 16th term ending just shy of his 90th birthday.
