Rodney Frelinghuysen: “Mr. Speaker, last Saturday morning I joined the New Jersey family at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in…”

“Mr. Speaker, last Saturday morning I joined the New Jersey family at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark as we honored the life of former Congressman Bob Franks and comforted his wife, Fran, and their three young daughters. As others did last Saturday, I rise in tribute to my longtime friend and our colleague, Bob Franks. New Jersey is a better place to live, work and raise a family, because for nearly his entire adult life, Bob Franks selflessly served our beloved State. It was a pleasure to serve with him for many years in the New Jersey State Assembly in Trenton and then in this very Chamber in the House of Representatives. From those shared experiences, and there were many, I know the people in New Jersey have lost an energetic and intelligent advocate, and I have lost a dear and trusted friend. Bob Franks was authentic. He was patriotic. He was keen. Bob Franks was always optimistic. He was astute in every way. He was humorous. He was honorable, a true son of New Jersey. Bob Franks always built others up, mentored to young people, always encouraging them to enter public service. Bob Franks was trusted and never would break his word.”