Chris Dodd: “I rise to pay tribute to another of our retiring colleagues, Senator Lautenberg. Frank Lautenberg is a remarkable man in…”

“I rise to pay tribute to another of our retiring colleagues, Senator Lautenberg. Frank Lautenberg is a remarkable man in a great many respects. He has lived the American dream, and devoted his life in public service to making the American dream alive and available to each and every American--regardless of race, creed, or station in life. He has made a lasting and indelible mark on the laws of our nation--and in the process made our nation a better place for all. The son of immigrants, Frank was born in Paterson, New Jersey. His family moved some twelve times during his boyhood in search of work. His father spent most of his time laboring in the silk mills of Paterson. Frank served in World War Two in the European theater. He attended Columbia University on the G.I. bill. After graduating from Columbia, he and two boyhood friends began a business. As chairman and CEO, it grew to become one of the largest computer services companies in the world. Frank became a very successful man financially. The time came when he decided to give something back to the country that had given him and his family so very much. For the past 18 years in the Senate, that is exactly what Frank Lautenberg has done. Frank is one of those rare people who rises to a high place in life and never forgets where he came from. He did not pull up the ladder of opportunity once he had climbed it. He fought to keep it in place and make it stronger for those who came after him.”