Both New Jersey senators celebrated the “tenacious” service of former Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who died a year ago Tuesday after serving in Congress for more than 30 years.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who now occupies Lautenberg’s seat, called the former lawmaker a “brave veteran and tremendous public servant.”
{mosads}”Every vote I take, every bill we debate, I recognize that I am standing on the shoulders of a great man and will continue to do all I can to honor his legacy,” he said in a statement, noting the former senator’s work on transportation safety, infrastructure, public health and the environment.
Lautenberg — the oldest member of the Senate at the time of his death — died at the age of 89 from viral pneumonia. He was the last World War II veteran serving in the upper chamber and held the record for most votes from a New Jersey senator.
Interim Sen. Jeff Chiesa (R-N.J.) was temporarily appointed to fill Lautenberg’s seat after his death. Booker eventually took over after winning last October’s special election to fill the seat.
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) who served along side Lautenberg said he strives to pursue many of the causes Lautenberg supported.
“A year ago today, New Jersey and our nation lost a tenacious public servant,” he said in a statement. “Our image of what it means to live, learn, earn, and then give something back will forever be reflected in the name Frank Lautenberg.”