Statement by the Vice President on the Death of Senator Frank Lautenberg

Frank Lautenberg's work created immediate benefits for tens of thousands of Americans and he was one of my closest friends in the Senate. The son of working class immigrants, Frank served honorably in World War II, went to college on the G.I. bill and came back to build one of the most successful companies in America. He's the reason why people can't smoke on airplanes, why domestic abusers can't possess guns. He worked tirelessly against drunk driving, and co-wrote the new G.I. Bill because he knew first-hand what it could do. I consider it a privilege to have known him, to have worked with him, and to have called him my friend. Jill and I will truly miss Frank. Our hearts go out to his children and his wife Bonnie.