Pascrell Succeeds John Lewis As Ways And Means Subcommittee Chair

WASHINGTON, DC — When Civil Rights icon and longtime congressman John Lewis died in July, Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. said he was in "deep mourning" after losing his idol.

"John Lewis is not just my friend and my colleague but my hero and the hero of every member of our Congress. It is a rare privilege to serve beside your idol for over 20 years and I have had that privilege," he said in a statement at the time.

Now, Pascrell finds himself stepping into one of the roles his idol used to fill, as he was announced as Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight Tuesday.

"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 Pascrell, in a statement from his office. "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."

According to the Ways and Means Committee website, the subcommittee on oversight is tasked with determining whether laws within the committee's jurisdiction are carried out efficiently and in accordance with "Congressional intent." This includes tax, trade, health, Human Resources, and Social Security laws.

Additionally, the subcommittee provides oversight of federal agencies within the full committee's jurisdiction, such as the Internal Revenue Service.

Both Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal and Pascrell addressed how this relates to overseeing the actions of President Donald Trump.

"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," said Pascrell.

"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."

Neal said he expects Pascrell to bring "tremendous vigor" to the role, and addressed the void he will be filling in.

"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," said Neal. "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."