Welcoming Senator Chiesa

Floor Speech

Mr. REID. Madam President, I welcome Senator Chiesa to the Senate. I congratulate him on his appointment to fill the seat of the late Frank Lautenberg. Senator Chiesa--I am sure we will struggle with that name for a little while until we get used to it, but I think I have done it just about right--has served as attorney general for the State of New Jersey.

As attorney general, he has done some very remarkable work. He has worked with law enforcement and the State legislature to combat human trafficking, to protect children from predators, to crack down on gang violence. He implemented a successful gun buyback program that took 10,000 weapons off the streets, including 1,200 illegal guns.

I commend him for his efforts to keep New Jersey's streets safe, protecting Americans from gun violence. As we all know, that was something that was very close to Senator Lautenberg's heart.

Prior to becoming attorney general, he served for 2 years as chief counsel to New Jersey Governor Christie, after leading the Governor's transition team. He spent 7 years in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey and more than 10 years in private practice. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, got his law degree from Catholic University in the District of Columbia and certainly because of that is familiar with the District of Columbia.

I am confident he will serve the people of New Jersey with honor. I welcome him to the Senate.

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