Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) issued the following statement on the passing of his colleague and friend, Senator Frank Lautenberg:

“Frank Lautenberg lived the American Dream. The child of immigrant parents, he built a successful business from the ground up and gave back to his community through public service. He has left a legacy of hard work and the determination to improve the lives of millions of Americans, including veterans like himself, children, women and families in New Jersey and across the country. I cherished my friendship with Frank and know just how much he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Bonnie and his family that he loved dearly, and the people of New Jersey who he represented with pride.

“The nation also has lost a true champion of the environment. For decades, Frank Lautenberg fought tirelessly to keep toxic chemicals out of our communities, to ensure that our water is safe for drinking and our beaches are safe for swimming, and to protect our citizens from the threat of climate change. Our world is cleaner, and our public health safer today, because of his efforts.  I have had the honor to work side-by-side with him on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, where his skill and dedication were an inspiration to all of us.  I will miss his brave voice and his principled example.”