WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 249 · 119th Congress

To redesignate certain facilities at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.

Passed HousePublic Lands and Natural Resources
IntroducedJan 9, 2025
Passed HouseMay 13, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Dec 9, 2025: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-238. The House passed it 362–50. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 1 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 249 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (May 14, 2025).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 1 Redesignation of Paterson Great Falls NHP facilities
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    This bill renames a trail and a park within Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park located in Paterson, New Jersey, in honor of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. Specifically, it renames the Great Falls Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge as the Bill Pascrell, Jr. Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge. It also renames Overlook Park as Bill Pascrell, Jr. Overlook Park.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jan 9, 2025).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. Dec 9, 2025Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-238.Senate
    2. May 14, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Senate
    3. May 13, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    4. May 13, 2025On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 362 - 50, 2 Present (Roll no. 124). (text: CR H1979) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    5. May 13, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 362 - 50, 2 Present (Roll no. 124). (text: CR H1979) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    6. May 13, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1986-1987)House floor actions
    7. May 13, 2025At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
    8. May 13, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 249.House floor actions
    9. May 13, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1979-1980)House floor actions
    10. May 13, 2025Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
    11. Apr 17, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 39.House floor actions
    12. Apr 17, 2025Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-62.House floor actions
    13. Apr 17, 2025Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-62.Library of Congress
    14. Feb 12, 2025Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.House committee actions
    15. Feb 12, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    16. Jan 9, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.House floor actions
    17. Jan 9, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    18. Jan 9, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    Recorded votes

    Sourced
    1. May 13, 2025 · HousePassed 362–50
      Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
      On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · needed two-thirds
      R 162 yes, 50 noD 200 yes, 0 noEach member · Record

    Cosponsors

    • Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. D-NJ-3
    • Josh Gottheimer D-NJ-5
    • Thomas H. Kean, Jr. R-NJ-7
    • LaMonica McIver D-NJ-10
    • Robert Menendez D-NJ-8
    • Donald Norcross D-NJ-1
    • Nellie Pou D-NJ-9
    • Rep. Mikie Sherrill D-NJ-11
    • Christopher H. Smith R-NJ-4
    • Jefferson Van Drew R-NJ-2
    • Bonnie Watson Coleman D-NJ-12