New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg Outlines Plans For Final Term
PATERSON, N.J. (CBS/AP) — The oldest member of the U.S. Senate says he'll keep working until his term ends in 2015.
U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg spoke in his hometown of Paterson, N.J., on Friday, one day after announcing he would not seek re-election next year (see related story).
The 89-year-old says he'll fight for gun control, against global warming and press to ensure working families are not left behind. His agenda includes:
- Passing gun safety legislation to ban high-capacity magazines, close the gun show loophole and prevent known and suspected terrorists from buying guns;
- Reforming America's broken chemical laws and protecting children by passing the Safe Chemicals Act;
- Modernizing infrastructure to create jobs, boost the economy, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality;
- Helping the state of New Jersey, communities, families and businesses utilize federal resources to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy; and
- Chairing the Financial Services Appropriations Subcommittee to ensure that Main Street - not just Wall Street-prospers.
The speech was nostalgic, as Lautenberg reminisced about growing up poor in the city. He credited the G.I. Bill with helping him go to college after World War II. He went on the help create the payroll processing company ADP.
Lautenberg will be 90 when his term ends in 2015.
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