Rep. Lance Comments On Frelinghuysen's Retirement

Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-07) is calling Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) "one of the finest public servants to serve the United States" after he announced his retirement on Monday.

Frelinghuysen, 71, announced he will retire at the end of the current session of Congress, boosting the Democrats' chances to take over a major of the House of Representatives. (See Related: Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen Announces Retirement)

Frelinghuysen's public service career began in 1984 when he was elected to represent New Jersey's 25th Legislative District. He is chairman of the powerful U.S. House Appropriations Committee. He has faced harsh criticism for years for not holding a town hall meeting with his constituents for years.

“From being a sergeant in Vietnam to chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Rodney has always put our country first. Public service has been one of the great traditions of the Frelinghuysen family over many generations," Lance stated.

“Rodney has taken on one of the toughest jobs in Congress – appropriating funds to meet the needs of the nation. He has excelled in providing fiscal discipline while addressing the demands of the federal government, including providing for the common defense and our homeland security. And Rodney has always looked out for New Jersey, from environmental protection to the tremendous recovery needs after Hurricane Sandy. I have always trusted Rodney’s judgment and counsel. New Jersey and our Nation are better for having had Rodney Frelinghuysen serve in Congress,” Lance continued.

(Republican Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11th)/Image courtesy of Congressman Frelinghuysen)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.