In response to the announcement from U.S. Rep. Jim Saxton (NJ-03) that he will retire at the end of the 110th Congress, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) released the following statement:

    “Jim Saxton is a remarkably good man, a good friend of mine and an accomplished lawmaker. He will be deeply missed.

    “No one in Congress has done more for the defense of our country than Jim Saxton. He has been extraordinarily effective in combating terrorism and ensuring that no stone is left unturned in making America safe,” said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) the Dean of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation.

    “For more than a dozen years before 9/11 Jim Saxton was working for better homeland security and a more coordinated defense against terrorism. It’s why he remains so effective on these issues today.

    “As a senior member of the House Armed Services, Jim Saxton has worked tirelessly and successfully on behalf of our men and women in uniform and our nation’s veterans,” Smith said.

    Smith and Saxton began working together in the late 1970’s when Saxton was a State Assemblyman and Smith a candidate for Congress. In Congress, they represent adjacent districts; share many cross district interests; and work closely on numerous projects and legislative initiatives to benefit New Jersey and the country.

    Smith concluded, “In New Jersey, our beaches are cleaner, our fisheries better managed, and military bases more robust because of the great work of Jim Saxton.”