Pascrell Comments on Blistering Justice Department Findings on Paramus Veterans Home

Exhaustive investigation alleges continual constitutional violations of seniors’ rights

PATERSON, NJ – Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today reacted angrily to the exhaustive report just issued by the U.S. Department of Justice and New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s office finding that the Paramus Veterans Home violated the constitutional rights of its residents during the pandemic – and now.

“This report issued today by the Justice Department lays out in exhaustive detail a chronicle of misdeeds at these homes that should enrage everybody in New Jersey,” said Congressman Pascrell. “What happened to our veterans was one of the terrible tragedies of the pandemic. Too many times residents at the facilities, seniors who fought for our country, have been left in brutal conditions. The incompetence, negligence, and outright recklessness by facility management led to loss of life. We have learned much about the deadly problems that happened early in the pandemic. But that issues as critical as infection control, quality standards of care, and proper oversight have not been remedied by now and continue into 2023 is beyond disturbing. I thank the federal and state investigators for their probity. Those responsible must be held accountable, and held accountable now.”

Congressman Pascrell led calls for an investigation at the Paramus home since the outset of the pandemic. At his urging, the federal Veterans Affairs department sent 56 health care workers to support the facility. Infectious disease experts were also sent to Paramus to prevent spread of the virus at their request in April. Pascrell visited the home in May 2020 and also participated in a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on coronavirus and veterans homes. [add something referencing our call the change leadership?]

##