On Monday, New Jersey lost a champion and a friend. I don't think there will ever again be anybody quite like Sen. Frank Lautenberg.
Frank came from humble beginnings, and he never forgot that. The GI Bill sent him to Columbia University, and he always felt grateful for that and felt a need to pay back.
Much has been said about his accomplishments: keeping trains and buses safe, promoting public health, safeguarding chemical plants, keeping cigarettes out of planes, and more. But what stands out in my mind is what Frank did to prevent drunk driving. As part of his transportation work, he established limits on blood alcohol levels. Today you could fill several football stadiums with people who are alive only because of Frank Lautenberg – and not one of them knows who they are.
Frank was dogged; he was persistent. His colleagues in the Senate would sometimes laugh or smile about that: “Here comes Frank again to try to twist our arms.” They liked him. Frank did his homework; he knew what he was talking about, and he just kept fighting.
Frank and I worked together on a number of things, so I feel this loss very personally.
Keeping Veterans Safe
Last month, I wrote to you about my effort with Rep. Jon Runyan to provide an additional $20 million for veteran suicide prevention in the 2014 VA budget. This week, there’s good news: the House has approved the funding we fought for and sent the proposal to the Senate for further consideration. This represents a continuation of funding that I first helped to secure in 2011.
This continued funding sends a clear message to our soldiers and veterans: Your country is committed to helping you cope with your service, and we will do everything possible to keep you safe.
Veterans who are struggling with the emotional, physical, family or career consequences of their service can call 1-855-VET-TALK (1-855-838-8255), 24 hours a day. The call is free, and all counselors are veterans.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
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