[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 13 (Thursday, January 22, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RETIREMENT OF H. JAMES SAXTON

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I am honored to rise today in 
recognition of the Honorable H. James Saxton, on the occasion of his 
retirement from the U.S. House of Representatives after 24 years of 
remarkable service to our country.
  As a Representative for New Jersey's diverse Third District, Mr. 
Saxton was truly an advocate not only for his constituents but for New 
Jersey's interests, as well. Throughout his tenure, he remained an 
exceptional voice for environmental protection and conservation, and 
was a fervent advocate for our service men and women and the military 
bases situated in his district.
  Encompassing the Jersey Shore, Pinelands Preservation, suburban 
communities, and countless areas of open space, the landscape of the 
Third District is special and complex. Mr. Saxton was a tireless 
fighter for protecting our waterways, preserving our open spaces, and 
maintaining the health of our oceans.
  While New Jersey is now home to the Nation's first Mega Base, 
including Fort Dix, McGuire Air Force Base, and Lakehurst Naval Air 
Engineering Station, such an installation would not be possible without 
the contributions of Mr. Saxton. Twice the Defense Base Closure and 
Realignment Commission chose to close down one of our bases and twice 
Mr. Saxton defended and defeated the measure. With the many jobs that 
were saved as a result of this reversal, the new Mega Base will 
reenergize our communities by adding even more opportunities to the 
area.
  In addition to these and many more accomplishments, Mr. Saxton 
honorably served on the Armed Services Committee, the Air and Land 
Forces Subcommittee, the Terrorism and Unconventional Threats and 
Capabilities Subcommittee, the Natural Resources Committee, the 
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans, and the Joint Economic 
Committee. His dedication and commitment on behalf of his constituents 
has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and colleagues.
  Mr. President, I would like to recognize, commend, and applaud Mr. 
Saxton in light of his extraordinary service to the U.S. House of 
Representatives and his unwavering dedication to the people of New 
Jersey's Third District.

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