Statement from HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan
On the Passing of Sen. Frank Lautenburg (NJ)

June 3, 2013

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan issued the following statement today on the passing of New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg:

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of a proud New Jersey and a true champion for affordable housing and the rights of homeowners, Senator Frank Lautenberg. 

"A member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees HUD, Senator Lautenberg fought for the hard working Americans that this agency serves, to ensure they had access to quality affordable housing and a fair shot to reach their full potential. In his efforts to help those affected by the housing crisis, Senator Lautenberg promoted foreclosure mitigation and assistance programs and hosted a number of foreclosure prevention events for homeowners in New Jersey.  Senator Lautenberg was also a key architect of the Senate's Hurricane Sandy emergency supplemental funding bill, which was the single largest Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) disaster allocation in disaster funding history. As I said, he was a true champion for HUD and those we serve.

"We will miss Senator Lautenberg dearly, and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and constituents."