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Pelosi Statement on the Passing of U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg

June 3, 2013

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C.—Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey:

“Today, our country mourns the loss of Senator Frank Lautenberg – a man whose life embodied the American Dream and who dedicated his career to putting that dream in reach for all Americans. The longest-serving senator in New Jersey’s history and the last remaining World War II veteran in the Senate, he served us all with the strength, perseverance, and compassion that exemplifies the greatest generation.

“A proud son of hard-working immigrants, Senator Lautenberg rose from humble beginnings to meet success in business and public service. He was an entrepreneur who turned a small business into one of the largest computing services companies in the world. He was a soldier who put his life on the line to protect our country. He was a Senator who helped ban smoking in airplanes and around children, who worked to ensure parents could take time off to care for sick family members, who helped modernize the G.I. bill to ensure today’s veterans could benefit from the same opportunity that he received.

“Senator Lautenberg spent each day fighting to protect and improve the health, security, and well-being of every American. His lifetime of service leaves a legacy we must follow, and an expectation we must meet. We only hope it is a comfort to his wife Bonnie, his children and grandchildren that so many mourn their loss at this sad time.”

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