Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson), who has been hospitalized for just over two weeks, is doing better and no longer requires breathing assistance, his office said today.
“Congressman Pascrell has been breathing on his own since last week and continues to improve every day,” said Pascrell’s chief of staff, Ben Rich. “His doctors are very encouraged by his progress, have begun to discuss discharge plans, and continue to anticipate a full recovery. The congressman is relieved that this illness only led to him missing a few voting days.”
The 87-year-old congressman first checked into St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson with a fever on July 14, and has remained there since. Last weekend, after appearing to be recovering from a respiratory infection, Pascrell suffered a “setback” which worsened his condition and necessitated breathing assistance.
The setback forced Pascrell to remain hospitalized during last week’s series of House votes, but the House has now left Washington for its August recess, not to return until early September – by which point Pascrell will hopefully be back on his feet.
Pascrell is seeking re-election to a 15th term this November against Republican Billy Prempeh, and Rich said that the congressman has no intention of letting his illness slow him down or alter his plans.
“After winning a decisive primary victory, Congressman Pascrell is excited to finish the job alongside Kamala Harris in November in defense of American democracy and New Jersey values,” Rich said.