# Frank Lautenberg

> U.S. Senator from New Jersey (1924-2013)

**Wikidata**: [Q508752](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q508752)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Lautenberg)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/frank-lautenberg

## Summary
Frank Lautenberg was a U.S. Senator from New Jersey, serving from 1982 to 2001 and again from 2003 until his death in 2013. A Democrat, he was known for his advocacy on gun control and environmental issues. Lautenberg's legislative efforts, including the "Lautenberg Amendment," significantly impacted public safety and health policies.

## Biography
- **Born:** January 23, 1924
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:** Columbia University (Bachelor's degree, 1949); Columbia Business School
- **Known for:** Gun control advocacy, environmental legislation, and the "Lautenberg Amendment"
- **Employer(s):** Automatic Data Processing (ADP), United States Senate
- **Field(s):** Politics, law, business

## Contributions
- **Lautenberg Amendment (1996):** Sponsored an amendment barring individuals convicted of domestic violence from possessing firearms, enacted as part of the Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban.
- **Environmental Legislation:** Supported laws addressing toxic waste and pollution, including the Superfund program.
- **Chemical Safety:** Advocated for stricter regulations on hazardous chemicals, impacting public health policies.
- **Senate Career:** Served as a U.S. Senator from New Jersey for over 20 years, focusing on progressive reforms.

## FAQs
**What were Frank Lautenberg's key legislative achievements?**  
Lautenberg is best known for the "Lautenberg Amendment," which prohibited domestic abusers from owning firearms, and his work on environmental protection laws, including Superfund amendments.

**Where did Frank Lautenberg work before entering politics?**  
Before his Senate career, Lautenberg co-founded Automatic Data Processing (ADP), a human resources management company, and served as its CEO.

**What awards did Frank Lautenberg receive?**  
He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the James Madison Award, and was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

**What was Frank Lautenberg's educational background?**  
He graduated from Columbia University in 1949 and attended Columbia Business School.

## Why They Matter
Frank Lautenberg's legislative efforts reshaped U.S. gun control and environmental policies, leaving a lasting impact on public safety and health. His work on the Lautenberg Amendment set a precedent for linking domestic violence to firearm restrictions, influencing subsequent gun control debates. As a senator, he championed progressive causes, ensuring New Jersey's representation in critical national discussions on environmental protection and social justice.

## Notable For
- **Lautenberg Amendment:** Landmark gun control legislation.
- **Environmental Advocacy:** Key role in Superfund and chemical safety regulations.
- **Presidential Medal of Freedom:** Highest civilian honor awarded in 2013.
- **New Jersey Hall of Fame:** Inducted for his public service.
- **Co-founder of ADP:** Contributed to the growth of the software industry.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Frank Raleigh Lautenberg was born on January 23, 1924. He graduated from Columbia University in 1949 and later attended Columbia Business School, laying the foundation for his career in business and politics.

### Business Career
Before entering politics, Lautenberg co-founded Automatic Data Processing (ADP) in 1949. He served as the company's CEO, contributing to its growth into a leading provider of human resources management solutions.

### Political Career
Lautenberg's Senate career spanned over two decades, from 1982 to 2001 and again from 2003 until his death in 2013. He was a strong advocate for gun control, environmental protection, and social justice. His legislative achievements include the Lautenberg Amendment and support for Superfund legislation.

### Key Legislation
- **Lautenberg Amendment (1996):** Prohibited individuals convicted of domestic violence from possessing firearms, a significant step in gun control policy.
- **Environmental Protection:** Advocated for stricter regulations on toxic waste and hazardous chemicals, enhancing public health safeguards.

### Awards and Recognition
Lautenberg received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013, the James Madison Award, and was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to public service and policy reform.

### Legacy
Frank Lautenberg's legacy is defined by his impactful legislation and advocacy. His work continues to influence gun control debates and environmental policies, ensuring his contributions remain relevant in contemporary governance.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=L000123)
3. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
4. [Source](https://ancexplorer.army.mil/publicwmv/index.html#/arlington-national/)
5. [Source](https://www.ala.org/advocacy/james-madison-past-awardees)
6. [Source](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639)
7. [Source](https://njhalloffame.org/2015-nominees/u-s-senator-frank-r-lutenberg/)
8. SNAC
9. Find a Grave
10. [Frank Lautenberg, New Jersey Senator in His 5th Term, Dies at 89](http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/04/nyregion/frank-lautenberg-new-jersey-senator.html)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Integrated Authority File