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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement today commending U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg’s years of service to New Jersey and the nation upon his announcement of his retirement from the Senate:

Frank Lautenberg has been an extraordinary leader in the U.S. Senate and he has served as a moral guidepost on so many critical issues.  He has had an indelible impact on some of the most important issues facing New Jersey and our nation throughout his tenure including gun violence prevention, improving our nation’s transit systems and transportation infrastructure, making Americans healthier through anti-smoking initiatives, and rebuilding our state after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy.  From his military service, to his philanthropic work, to his time in the U.S. Senate, Frank Lautenberg has defined public service and what it means to live the American dream.

Senator Lautenberg has been at the forefront of some of the most important movements to protect our environment, an issue critical to New Jersey and the nation.  I witnessed his commitment to environmental stewardship firsthand when we worked together on legislation to address inequities in the Superfund system so we can better clean up toxic sites throughout the state.  Senator Lautenberg and I also worked together to champion the issue of keeping our waterways clean and safe when we introduced the BEACH Act.

I have peen proud to serve with Senator Lautenberg and even prouder to call him a friend.  I look forward to continuing to work together in the coming months to continue to address the issues that are important to him and New Jersey.  Like all New Jerseyans, I am grateful for his service to our state and our nation.

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