Lawmakers and environmental and public health groups lauded Sen. Frank Lautenberg’s (D-N.J.) work on toxic chemicals and pollution issues after learning of his death Monday. …

Lautenberg (pictured below in white shirt and tie), who had served in Congress for more than 30 years, died of viral pneumonia. He was 89. …

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) released a statement that included these words:

 “As the last World War II veteran serving in the Senate, he was part of the Greatest Generation, an extraordinary group who served in the Congress of the United States with the same honor and courage they displayed during World War II. …”

Sen. Brian Schatz released a statement that included these words:

“Today, we lost a friend and colleague in the United States Senate, Frank Lautenberg. … Whether it was working to ensure universal access to affordable health care, or continuing his efforts to push for legislation that would keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals by casting one of his last votes on universal background checks while in a wheelchair, Lautenberg dedicated his life to fighting for working families across the country.  …”

Photo courtesy Tony Fischer Photography.

—Chad Blair