[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 86 (Monday, June 17, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S4520]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING FRANK R. LAUTENBERG

  Mr. CASEY. Madam President. I am honored to join my fellow Senators 
as we remember our friend and colleague Senator Frank Lautenberg. A 
dedicated public servant, Frank proudly represented New Jersey almost 
continuously from 1982 until his death.
  Long before reaching the Senate, Frank Lautenberg had proven himself 
a patriot. Following his high school graduation, Frank enlisted in the 
Army and served his country in Europe as a member of the Army Signal 
Corps during the Second World War. A member of the ``Greatest 
Generation'' and the last World War II veteran to serve in the Senate, 
Frank was a true public servant.
  Motivated by the desire to give back to the country that provided him 
with so much, Frank's work in the Senate improved the lives of all 
Americans and left a lasting impact on our Nation. Through his 
legislative efforts, Senator Lautenberg helped to safeguard our 
Nation's transportation infrastructure, increase access to quality 
healthcare, and ensure that the brave men and women who serve our 
country today will have access to the same benefits and opportunities 
that Frank frequently credited with his success.
  Frank's strong moral character often made him a leader on some of the 
most pressing issues of the day, and his efforts will undoubtedly leave 
a lasting legacy. Having cast more than 9,000 votes on the floor--more 
than any previous Senator from New Jersey--Frank played an influential 
role in shaping important policies, directing funding, and helping 
people in need.
  On a personal note, I will always recall what a privilege it was to 
travel to Israel and Turkey with Frank in 2009 as part of a 
Congressional delegation. I admired his strong support of Israel and he 
will certainly be remembered as a tireless friend and advocate.
  In closing, I am reminded of a quotation from President Kennedy. 
Senator Frank Lautenberg truly was ``someone who looks ahead and not 
behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone 
who cares about the welfare of the people--their health, their housing, 
their schools, their jobs, their civil rights and their civil 
liberties.'' We will miss him in this Chamber but our country and our 
children have a brighter future because of his dedicated service.

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