U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, the last remaining World War II veteran serving in the Senate, passed away on June 3, reportedly due to complications from viral pneumonia. He was 89 years old.

Senator Lautenberg was a long-time leader on environmental protection, transportation and protecting public health. He was a cosponsor of the recently announced Chemical Safety Improvement Act of 2013(S. 1009). 

On February 15, Senator Lautenberg announced he would not seek a sixth term in the Senate. At his announcement in his hometown of Paterson, N.J., he set out an agenda for the remaining two years of his term that included reforming U.S. chemical safety laws, improving gun safety laws, and providing federal resources for New Jersey to rebuild from Superstorm Sandy.

Lautenberg is survived by his wife, Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg; six children and their spouses; and 13 grandchildren.