September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S9195 sharing stories with them at the recep- about Congress, after all, not the Presi- RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME tion after the swearing in and that he dency. His life and legacy help restore The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- was one of the last ones to leave. that vision of a legislative counter- pore. Under the previous order, the Like so many others, I have known weight of equal weight. That is an im- leadership time is reserved. Ted’s graciousness firsthand. Anyone portant institutional contribution who watches C–SPAN2 could see Ted every Senator can appreciate. It is f railing at the top of his lungs against something he did through hard work, MORNING BUSINESS my position on this policy or that pol- tenacity, and sheer will. It was not the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- icy. What they didn’t see was the mag- legacy most expected, but it is the leg- pore. Under the previous order, the nificent show he put on a few years ago acy he wrought, and in the end he Senate will proceed to a period for the in Kentucky at my invitation for stu- could call it his own. transaction of morning business until dents at the University of Louisville or Toward the end of his life, one of the 12:30 p.m., with the time equally di- the framed photo he gave me that day great lawmakers of the 19th century, vided and controlled between the two of my political role model, John Sher- Henry Clay, was asked to speak to the leaders or their designees. man Cooper. I interned for Cooper as a Kentucky General Assembly. Thanks The Senator from Massachusetts. young man. Ted knew that, and he to Clay’s efforts, the Compromise of Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I yield knew Cooper was a good friend and 1850 had just been reached, and Clay myself such time as I might use. neighbor of his brother Jack’s. had become a national hero through a The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Ted’s gregariousness was legendary, job he had spent most of his career try- pore. The Senator is recognized. but his passion and intensity as a law- ing to escape. His speech received na- maker would also reach near-mythic tional coverage, and, according to one f proportions in his own lifetime. Even biographer, all acknowledged his privi- REMEMBERING SENATOR EDWARD those of us who saw the same problems leged station as an elder statesman. M. KENNEDY but different solutions on issue after For years, Clay had wanted nothing Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I thank issue, even we could not help but ad- more than to be President of the Majority Leader REID and Minority mire the focus and the fight Ted United States. But now, after this last Leader MCCONNELL for the time they brought to every debate in which he great legislative victory, something have set aside for us today to remem- played a part. Over the years, we came else came into view. Clay told the as- ber Ted Kennedy, our beloved col- to see what he was doing in the Senate. sembled crowd that day that in the league, my senior Senator for nearly a When it came to Ted’s future, every- course of months and months of in- quarter of a century, a friend, a man I one was always looking at it through tense negotiations leading up to the met first and who had great influence the prism of the Presidency. They Great Compromise, he had consulted on me in politics back in 1962 when, as should have focused on this Chamber with Democrats just as much as he had a young, about-to-be college student, I instead. It was here that he slowly with members of his own party and had the privilege of working as a vol- built the kind of influence and voice found in them just as much patriotism unteer in his first campaign for the for a national constituency that was and honor as he had found with the Senate. common for Senators in the 19th cen- Whigs. The whole experience had It is difficult to look at his desk now tury but extremely rare in the 20th. moved Clay away from party rivalry, cloaked in the velvet and the roses, a He became a fiery spokesman for lib- he said, and toward a new goal. ‘‘I want desk from which he championed so erals everywhere. Ted and I would have no office, no station in the gift of many important causes, a desk from had a hard time agreeing on the color man,’’ he said, ‘‘[except] a warm place which he regaled us, educated us, and of the carpet when we were in the in your hearts.’’ Chamber together. Yet despite his pub- Every man has his own story. Ted befriended us for so many years, and lic image as a liberal firebrand, he was Kennedy never moved away from party even more difficult for us to think of fascinated by the hard work of creating rivalry. He was a fierce partisan to the this Chamber, our Nation’s Capital, or consensus and jumped into that work, end. But over the years, he reminded our country without him. even toward the end, with the enthu- the world of the great potential of this On many occasions in the Senate, he siasm of a young staffer. Ted’s high institution and even came to embody was the indispensable man. On every school teammates recall that he never it. We will never forget the way he occasion in this Chamber and out, he walked to the huddle; he always ran. filled the Chamber with that booming was a man whose heart was as big as Anyone who ever sat across from Ted voice, waving his glasses at his side, heaven, whose optimism could over- at a conference table believed it. jabbing his fingers at the air, or the whelm any doubter, and whose joy for Ted realized Senators could do an many times we saw him playing out- life was a wonderfully contagious and awful lot once they got past the mag- side with his dogs. How many times did completely irresistible thing. netic pull Pennsylvania Avenue has on we spot him coming through the door- Ted loved poetry, and though the so many Senators. His brother Jack way or onto an elevator, his hair white verse was ancient, the poet could have once said that as a Senator, he thought as the surf, and think: Here comes his- had Ted in mind when he wrote: the President had all the influence, but tory itself. One must wait until the evening to see how it wasn’t until he was President that As the youngest child in one of the splendid the day has been. he realized how much influence Sen- most influential political families in Our day with Ted Kennedy was, in- ators had. It was a similar insight that U.S. history, Ted Kennedy had enor- deed, splendid, its impact immeas- led Ted to tell a group of Boston Globe mous shoes to fill. Yet in nearly 50 urable. Just think for a moment what reporters in 1981 that for him, the Sen- years of service as a young Senator, a a different country we lived in before ate was fulfilling, satisfying, chal- candidate for President, a legislative Ted Kennedy came to the Senate in lenging, and that he could certainly force, and an elder statesman, it is 1962 and what a more perfect Union we spend his life here, which, of course, he hard to argue that he didn’t fill those live in for the 47 years he served here. did. Then, when it was winding down, shoes in a part he wrote all by himself. Before Ted Kennedy had a voice in the he saw what he had done as a Senator It is hard to imagine the Senate Senate and a vote in the Senate, there and what the Senate had done for him. without Ted thundering on the floor. It was no Civil Rights Act, no Voting He wanted others to see it too, so he will be harder still, I am sure, for the Rights Act, no Medicare, no Medicaid, set about to establish the Edward M. Kennedy family to think of a future no vote for 18-year-olds, no Martin Lu- Kennedy Institute for the United without him. You could say all these ther King, Jr., holiday, no Meals on States Senate, a place that would focus things and more about the late Senator Wheels, no equal funding for women’s on this institution the way Presi- from Massachusetts, and you could collegiate sports, no State health in- dential libraries focus on Presidents. also say this: Edward Moore Kennedy surance program, no Family Medical The Founders, of course, envisioned will always have a warm place in our Leave Act, no AmeriCorps, no National the legislative and executive branches hearts. Service Act. All of these are literally as carrying equal weight. Article I is Mr. President, I yield the floor. just a part of Ted’s legislative legacy.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S9196 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 10, 2009 It is why the Boston Globe once wrote get. So the next thing I knew, he lit- much that he wanted to do, and so that in actual measurable impact on erally instructed me to depart for Flor- much that he would want us to do now, the lives of tens of millions of working ida to stay in the Kennedy home in not in his name but in his spirit. families, the elderly, and the needy, Palm Beach and be cared for until I got When Ted was 12 years old, he spent Ted belongs in the same sentence with well. Indeed, I did exactly that. hours with his brother Jack taking Franklin Roosevelt. He also showed up at my house the turns reading the epic Civil War poem Ted’s season of service spanned the evening of Inauguration Day of 2005, ‘‘John Brown’s Body,’’ by Steven Vin- administrations, as we heard from the and together with CHRIS DODD we cent Benet. It is book length and filled minority leader, of 10 Presidents. He shared laughter and stories from the with great and terrible scenes of battle served with more than 350 Senators, in- campaign trail. We were loud enough and heartbreaking vignettes of loss and cluding those for whom our principal and had enough fun that someone privation and home. It surprises me to office buildings are named: Richard might have wondered if we were some- read it now and find so much in it that Russell, Everett Dirksen, and Philip how mistaken and thought we had won. in fact reminds me of Ted. Benet wrote: Hart. He cast more than 16,000 votes. He understood the moment. He knew Sometimes there comes a crack in time He wrote more than 2,500 bills. He had the best tonic was laughter and friend- itself. Sometimes the earth is torn by some- an important hand in shaping almost ship. Many times that is all he needed thing blind. Sometimes an image that has every single important law that affects to do, just be there. You couldn’t help stood so long it seems implanted on the our lives today. He helped create near- but feel better with him around. polar star is moved against an unfathomed All of us who served with him were force that suddenly will not have it any- ly every major social program in the more. Call it the mores, call it God or Fate, last 40 years. He was the Senate’s sem- privileged to share Ted’s incredible call it Mansoul or economic law, that force inal voice for civil rights, women’s love of life and laughter. In the cloak- exists and moves. And when it moves it will rights, human rights, and the rights of room, sometimes the roars of laughter imploy a hard and actual stone to batter workers. He stood against judges who were so great they could be heard out into bits an actual wall and change the ac- would turn back the clock on constitu- on the Senate floor. Once I remember tual scheme of things. tional freedoms. He pointed America Ted was holding forth—I will not share Ted Kennedy was such a stone who away from war, first in Vietnam and the topic—and the Presiding Officer actually changed the scheme of things last in Iraq. And for three decades, in- pounded the gavel and demanded, on so many issues for so many people. cluding the last days, he labored with ‘‘There will be order in the Senate and Over the years, I have received hun- all his might to make health care a in the cloakroom.’’ It was the first dreds of handwritten notes from Ted— right for all Americans. time I ever heard that call for order. some funny, some touching, all of them Through it all, even as he battled, he His pranks were also works of art and treasures. showed us how to be a good colleague, usually brilliantly calculated. One Just before Thanksgiving Ted sent always loyal, always caring, always night after a long series of Thursday me a note that he would be spending lively. His adversaries were never his night votes that had pushed Senators the holiday with his beloved sailboat, enemies. And his friends—his friends— past the time to catch commercial the Maya. He added: If you are out on always came first. flights home to the Northeast, Senator the sound, look for the Maya. She will In my office there is a photograph of FRANK LAUTENBERG had arranged for a be there. Indeed, I will never sail the the two of us on day one—1985—my private charter for himself in order to sound again without thinking of the first day in the Senate. Ted signed it: get up to Massachusetts. It turned out Maya and her big hard skipper. As Humphrey Bogart would have said: a number of Senators needed to travel There is an anonymous quote that I This is the beginning of a beautiful in that direction, and when FRANK once read, which because of Ted’s friendship. For almost 25 years it was a learned of it, he kindly offered Senator faith—which was grounded and deeply beautiful friendship, as I worked at his Claiborne Pell, Ted, and myself a ride important to him—I think it describes side learning from the best. And, yes, with him. There was no discussion of how we should think of his departure like any colleague in the Senate, there sharing the cost. Everyone thought from the Senate. It says: were moments when we had a dif- FRANK was being very generous. I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at ference on one issue or another, but we But the next week, when we were re- my side spreads her white sails to the morn- always found a way to move forward in assembled on the floor of the Senate, ing breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She friendship and in our efforts to rep- official looking envelopes were deliv- is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like ered to each of us under FRANK LAU- resent the State. a speck of white cloud just where the sea and TENBERG’s signature with exorbitant Teddy was the best natural teacher sky come down to mingle with each other. anyone in politics could ask for. I may expenses charged for this flight. Sen- Then, someone at my side says; ‘‘There, she not always have been the best student, ator Pell roared down the aisle, came is gone!’’ ‘‘Gone where?’’ Gone from my but he never stopped dispensing the up to me sputtering about this minor sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast lessons. I came to the Senate out of an little aircraft and how could it possibly and hull and spar as she was when she left activist grassroots political base, cost so much money. Senator LAUTEN- my side and she is just as able to bear her where the coin of the realm was issues BERG was red faced, protesting he knew load of living freight to her destined port. and policy positions. Activists are nothing about it, when out of the cor- Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And ner of my eye I spotted Ted Kennedy just at the moment when someone at my sometimes, as I learned, so issue fo- side says, ‘‘There, she is gone!’’ There are cused and intent that they can inad- up there by his desk with this big other eyes watching her coming, and other vertently look past the personal touch Cheshire cat grin starting to split a voices ready to take up the glad shout; or the emotional connection for fear gut, so pleased with himself. The mys- ‘‘Here she comes!’’ And that is dying. that it somehow distracts from the tery was solved. Ted had managed to That is the way Ted Kennedy will agenda. But Teddy, through his ac- secure a few sheets of Lautenberg sta- live in the Senate—his spirit, his tions, showed us how essential all of tionery, and he sent false bills to each words, and the fight that still comes. those other elements of political life of us. Mr. President, I yield the floor. are. He once told me his earliest recollec- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Yes, Tip O’Neill taught a generation tions were of pillow fights with his pore. The Senator from New Mexico. of Massachusetts politicians that all brother Jack and, in the years fol- Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, first, politics is local. It was Teddy who went lowing, sailing with Jack. At the end of let me thank my colleague from Mas- beyond that and taught us that all pol- the day Ted’s job was the long and te- sachusetts for his eloquent statement itics is personal. All of us knew the dious task of folding and packing the which I have had the privilege to hear. kindness of Ted Kennedy at one time sails away. In politics and in the great Let me make a short statement myself or another, Mr. President. progressive battles that were his life’s about my friend and colleague, Ted During my first term in the Senate, I work, Ted never packed his sails away. Kennedy. came down with pneumonia. I was then Were he here today, he would exhort us I came to the Senate in January of single and tired and Ted deemed me to sail into the wind, as he did so many 1983, and my first real opportunity to not to be getting the care I ought to times. There is still so much to do, so work with Ted came in the Armed

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S9197 Services Committee at the beginning that emphasized concrete improvements in cancer surgery and doing town hall meet- of that service. Although he had al- the lives of the poor, the old, the disabled, ings, you made the right choice!’’ ready been in the Senate for 20 years, children, the uninsured, the undocumented, And though he was dying, and I was hurt- he had chosen that year to go on the the medically or educationally disadvan- ing, he had me howling with laughter in the taged. recovery room as he made a few choice com- Armed Services Committee. Since we That phrase—focused, patient, un- ments, I cannot repeat this evening, about were both going on that year, in 1983, catheters. we were considered the two freshmen wavering service—is a good description As we all know, Teddy had a ferocious committee members. Ted and I were of the Ted Kennedy I knew as my sense of humor. able to work together on the Armed chairman and my friend, and I will In 1994, he was in the political fight of his Services Committee for many years. miss him very much. life against Mitt Romney. He has been described as a visionary The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Before the first debate, held in Boston’s pore. The Senator from Connecticut. historic Faneuil Hall, I was with Teddy and leader, a great orator, the keeper of the Vicki and his team and, along with everyone faith for the liberal wing of the Demo- Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I also want to rise this morning to share some else, offering him advice. cratic Party. All of those descriptions, ‘‘Teddy,’’ I cautioned, ‘‘We Irish always of course, are true. But the Ted Ken- brief thoughts about our colleague talk too fast. Even if you know the answer to nedy I came to know and with whom I from Massachusetts. I want to com- a question, you have to pause, slow down, had the great opportunity to work was mend JOHN KERRY and JEFF BINGAMAN and at the very least appear thoughtful.’’ a passionate, committed advocate and for their comments capturing the good Out he went, and, of course, the first ques- was the workhorse of the Senate. qualities of the Senator from Massa- tion was something like this: ‘‘Senator, you’ve served the Commonwealth of Massa- Frankly, Ted Kennedy set a very high chusetts. This is a hall noted for a robust chusetts for nearly 35 years in the United standard for himself in the effort that States Senate. Explain, then, why this race he made on each and every issue that amount of noise, and it seems quiet is so close.’’ came up for debate. He set a high today because Teddy is not here. So we Teddy paused. And paused. And paused. standard for the homework he did in gather to share a few thoughts. Five seconds. Ten seconds. preparation for that debate. All of us Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- Finally, after what seemed like an eter- who served with him found ourselves sent to have printed in the RECORD nity, he answered. some remarks I made at the memorial After the debate, I said, ‘‘Good Lord, trying to meet a similar standard. The Teddy, I didn’t mean pause that long after result was that he raised the level of service for Senator Kennedy at the John F. Kennedy Library. the first question! What were you thinking performance for those of us who served about?’’ with him by the example he set. There being no objection, the mate- He looked at me and replied, ‘‘I was think- In addition to serving with Ted Ken- rial was ordered to be printed in the ing—that’s a damn good question! Why is nedy on the Armed Services Com- RECORD, as follows: this race so close?’’ mittee for many years, in May of 1990, WHAT A GOLDEN FRIEND I HAD In these last months of his life, I have so following the death of Senator Matsu- By Sen. Chris Dodd treasured our conversations. At 6:30 in the morning of July 16th, the naga, I had the good fortune to be as- Tonight, we gather to celebrate the incred- morning after his Senate health care com- signed to what was then called the ible American story of a man who made so mittee finished five weeks of exhausting Labor and Human Resources Com- many other American stories possible, my work on the bill he had written, and that I mittee—Ted’s committee. As chair- friend Teddy Kennedy. believe will be the greatest of his many leg- man, Ted gave a whole new meaning to Unlike his beloved brothers, his sister acies, my phone rang. Kathleen, and his nephews, Teddy was grant- the word ‘‘proactive’’ in that com- There was Teddy, beyond ecstatic that we ed the gift of time—he lived, as the Irish had finished our work, and that his com- mittee. The volume of useful legisla- poet suggested, not just to comb gray hair, tion he was able to move forward mittee had been the first to report a bill. but white hair. Always the competitor. through the committee was truly im- And if you look at what he achieved in his Teddy was never maudlin or self-pitying pressive. A major key to his success 77 years, it seems, at times, as if he lived for about his illness, but he was always fully was the way he found to underscore for centuries. aware of what was happening. all members the importance of what Generations of historians will, of course, Over the last year or so, Teddy got to the committee was working on. As chronicle his prolific efforts on behalf of oth- enjoy what is, of course, every Irishman’s ers. I will leave that to them. dream—and that is to attend your own eulo- chairman, he rightly saw it as his job Tonight, I just want to share some to put together the agenda and the pri- gies. That’s why we call the obituary page thoughts about my friend. the Irish sports page. orities for the committee’s work. But And what a friend he has been—a friend of And I know he enjoyed a uniquely Celtic before doing that he would sit down unbridled empathy, optimism, and full- kick out of hearing people who abhorred his with the rest of us over dinner at his throated joy. politics say incredibly nice things about house to get our views on what those Examples of that friendship are legion. him. priorities needed to be. The serious ap- I remember, many years ago, a close friend Volumes, of course, will be published by proach he took to the committee’s of mine passed away. Teddy didn’t know those attempting to unlock the mystery of him. why Teddy was such an effective legislator. work inspired those of us who served I was asked to say a few words at the fu- there to elevate the importance of that Was it his knowledge of parliamentary pro- neral. cedure? His political instincts? His pas- work in our own minds as well. As long as I live, I will never forget that, sionate oratory? His staff? During the course of our work in the as I stood at the pulpit and looked out over Please let me save the pundits and polit- Senate, each of us gets the opportunity the gathering, there was Teddy, sitting in ical scientists some time—and all of you to interact with many colleagues, to the back of the church. some money—and tell you what Teddy’s se- form judgments about those col- He obviously wasn’t there for my friend. cret was: People liked him. leagues. During my 27 years I have He was there for me, at my time of loss. Now, he always had a great staff, and great served with many capable and dedi- That was what it was like to have Teddy in ideas, but that only counts for so much in your corner. cated public servants who deserve rec- the United States Senate, if you lack the re- When our daughters Grace and Christina spect and admiration of your colleagues. ognition and praise. But it is clear to were born, first call I received was from And Teddy earned that respect. me none of us exceeds Ted Kennedy in Teddy. He arrived in Washington as the 30–year- our passion or commitment for accom- When I lost the Iowa caucuses last year, old brother of a sitting president and the at- plishing the work we have been sent to not that anyone thought I was going to win, torney general of the United States. do. first call I received was from Teddy and Many people drew their conclusions about Hendrick Hertzberg wrote a short Vicki. him before he spoke his first words in the piece in the New Yorker last week that When my sister passed away last month, Senate. first call I received was from Teddy, even captures well the Ted Kennedy with And over the years, he became a target of though he was well into the final summer of partisans who caricatured him as a dan- whom I was privileged to know and his own life. gerous liberal. serve. Mr. Hertzberg wrote: And two weeks ago, as I was coming out of Now, liberal he was, and very proud of it. The second half of his 47-year senatorial surgery, I got a call from Teddy, his unique But once you got to know him, as his Sen- career was a wonder of focused, patient, un- voice as loud and booming as ever. ‘‘Well,’’ ate colleagues did, you quickly learned he wavering service to a practical liberalism he roared, ‘‘Between going through prostate was no caricature.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S9198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 10, 2009 He was a warm, passionate, thoughtful, We will remember him as a man who un- contributed the most to this body and tremendously funny man who loved his coun- derstood better than most that America is a our country. try, and loved the United States Senate. place of incredible opportunity, hope, and re- I was asked a couple of years ago to If you ever needed to find Teddy in the demption. help add a couple more names to that Senate chamber, all you had to do was to lis- He labored tirelessly to make those dreams ten for that distinctive thunderclap of a a reality for everyone. honor roll of renowned Members of this laugh, echoing across that hallowed hall as Those dreams, the ones he spoke of body. We concluded that Senator Van- he charmed his colleagues. throughout his life, live on like the eternal denberg, who made such a contribution He served in the Senate, as you all know, flame that marks President Kennedy’s grave, to the post-World War II foreign policy for almost a half-century alongside liberals the flame that Teddy and Bobby lit 46 years of our Nation, along with Senator Wag- and conservatives, Democrats and Repub- ago. ner of New York, who back in the 1920s licans, and he befriended them all with equal And in all the years I knew and loved him, and 1930s and 1940s was the author of gusto. that eternal flame has never failed to burn much of the social legislation that we It’s great, of course, to see his friends Sen- brightly in Teddy’s eyes. ators Orrin Hatch and John McCain here. Now, as he re-joins his brothers on that celebrate in this country today, were It is to their credit that they so often sup- hillside in Arlington, may the light from fine additions to those who had already ported Teddy’s efforts. that flame continue to illuminate our path been recognized in this reception room And, I say in some jest, it is to Teddy’s forward. just off the floor of the Senate. great credit that he so rarely supported And with the work of our own hands, and One day it will be appropriate to add theirs. the help of Almighty God, inspired by Ted- But Teddy’s personal friendships with our colleague and friend from Massa- dy’s example, may we lift up this great coun- chusetts, who deserves to be in that Orrin and John, and so many others, weren’t try that my friend Teddy loved so much. simply the polite working relationships that hall of celebrated heroes, having made make politics possible. Mr. DODD. I was very honored to be a significant contribution to this insti- They are the real and lasting bonds that asked by Mrs. Kennedy and her family tution and to the people of our coun- make the United States Senate work. to share some thoughts that evening, try. That’s what made Teddy one of our great- and I was proud to do so. But there are other ways to celebrate est Senators ever. I commend my colleague from Rhode Some people born with a famous name live him as well. I suspect that Senator Island, PATRICK KENNEDY, for his com- off of it. Others enrich theirs. Teddy en- Kennedy, if he had a chance to weigh in riched his. ments at his father’s funeral, and Ted- on how he would like to be recognized And, as we begin the task of summing up dy’s son Edward Kennedy, as well, who and remembered, might choose other all that he has done for his country, perhaps made wonderful comments about their means. we can begin by acknowledging this: father at that funeral service. There are very few issues over the John Fitzgerald Kennedy, inspired our A few short thoughts this morning, last half century on which Senator America; Robert Kennedy, challenged our and a proposal I wish to make to our Kennedy did not leave his mark, and a America; and our Teddy, changed our Amer- colleagues as we recognize the con- ica. good many of the most significant Nearly every important law passed in the tribution of Senator Kennedy. When we pieces of legislation that passed this last half century bears his mark, and a great consider how to pay tribute to our col- Senate in his time not only bear his many of them bear his name. leagues, we often try to devise monu- mark but bear his name as the author. Teddy was defined by his love of our coun- ments, to celebrate the work of those That, in a sense, is a monument, one try, his passion for public service, his abid- who served here and made a significant with a meaning far broader than any- ing faith, and his family. contribution to our country. It is not His much-adored Vicki, his children Kara, thing we might inscribe on any wall. Teddy, and Patrick, his step-children Caro- an easy task. I have tried to think Across America there are people who line and Curran, his grandchildren, nieces about what would be an appropriate might have lacked for an advocate had and nephews—all of you need to know, you way to celebrate, in some concrete Ted Kennedy not stood up for them, brought him unbounded joy and pleasure. way, the work of Ted Kennedy. He cer- people who can now stand up for them- Teddy was a man who lived for others. tainly has been, as our colleagues and selves with dignity and hope and a He was a champion for countless people others have pointed out over these last chance to make it in America because who otherwise might not have had one, and couple of weeks, one of the greatest he never quit on them, never gave up on the they had a friend by the name of Ed- belief that we could make tomorrow a better Members to ever serve in this body. ward Moore Kennedy. day. Never. I had the distinction and honor of These Americans are also a monu- Last August in Denver, one year to the day serving as the chairman of the Rules ment that I think Senator Kennedy before his passing, Teddy spoke at our na- Committee a few years ago. I was might say is fitting enough—that there tional convention. asked to complete some of the ovals in are people today doing better, living His gait was shaky, but his blue eyes were the reception room. For those who more secure lives, growing up with a clear, and his unmistakable voice rang with have not been to Washington, or to the sense of confidence and optimism strength. As he passed the torch to another young Capitol, there is a room a few feet from about their future and the future of our president, Teddy said: ‘‘The work begins where I am speaking here this morning country because of his contribution. anew. The hope rises again. And the dream called the reception room. It was de- That in itself is a great monument. lives on.’’ signed by the great artist, Brumidi, Perhaps we could consider the flood He spoke of the great fight of his life—en- and he intended that work to celebrate of tributes that have come from across suring that every American, regardless of the work of the Senate. the aisle as well as across the globe, their economic status, is guaranteed the In the mid-1950s, John Fitzgerald from those who shared in his crusade right to decent health care. We are all so saddened that he did not live Kennedy, then a freshman Senator for social justice and those who spent to see that won. from Massachusetts, was asked by the their careers opposing him, and those But in a few short days, we will return to leadership of this body to form a com- who never enjoyed the privilege of our work in Teddy’s Senate. mittee to identify the five most signifi- working alongside him. All understood The blistering days of August will be re- cant Senators who had served up until how important Senator Kennedy was, placed, I pray, by the cooler days of Sep- the 1950s. Then-Senator John Kennedy not only to this Nation but to millions tember. of Massachusetts went to work, review- And we will prevail in the way Teddy won of people around the globe who today so many victories for our country: by listen- ing the contributions of the people who lead better lives because he stood up ing to each other; by respecting each other served in this body since the founding for them even though they were not and the seriousness of the institution to of our Republic in 1789. He concluded citizens of our own country. which we belong, and where Teddy earned an there were five Members who deserved He understood that the Founders of immortal place in American history. recognition. The first three were the our Republic, when they talk about in- As he so eloquently eulogized his brother obvious ones: Clay, Calhoun, and Web- alienable rights, were not limiting Bobby 40 years ago, Teddy doesn’t need to be ster. The last two, Senator LaFollette those rights in our minds to those who enlarged in death beyond what he was in life. We will remember him for the largeness of of Wisconsin and Senator Taft of Ohio, happen to enjoy the privilege of being his spirit, the depth of his compassion, his were more controversial, but were ac- citizens of our country but knew that persistence in the face of adversity, and the cepted as fine contributions to that they were God-given rights that every breadth of his achievement. room that celebrates those who have human being is endowed with upon

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He believed in pounding that lives today because of his contribution. family, your nieces or nephews, your podium when it was appropriate. But Then perhaps we might consider sisters and brothers are out making a he also believed that at the end of the these tributes offered by our colleagues difference in the lives of others? day we best serve the people of our here and others, the literally thou- In a way, it is hard to decide what is great Nation when we respect each sands who lined up in those long hours an appropriate way to celebrate the life other and work together in common to pay tribute to their Senator from of someone who filled the room on so cause to solve the problems of our day. Massachusetts at the John F. Kennedy many occasions, not only with his Whatever history is made in the caucus Library, the more than 50,000 people in booming voice—as we all are familiar room of the Russell Senate Office Massachusetts who had known and re- with here, particularly the staff of the Building in the next century, I would spected, elected and reelected and re- Senate who would, many times, be the like to believe it will be guided by that elected and reelected, over and over only ones in this room as Ted Kennedy spirit of respect and good humor that again, their Senator. They appreciated would be pounding that podium back in Teddy Kennedy brought to this institu- him immensely for the work he did for that corner, expressing his passionate tion for almost a half century. Thus, them and their Commonwealth for al- views about some great cause of the may the Kennedy Caucus Room stand most 50 years. In itself that is a great country. But we remember also his de- as one monument to the contribution tribute. It would be enough, I think, termination that this country live up of a family what has made such a dif- for many of us, being recognized by the to its expectations, that it become the ference to our country. They devoted people of your State for having fought more perfect union that our Founders their considerable talents and energy on their behalf. described more than two centuries ago. and their lives to serving our Nation Teddy’s monument can be found in Today, I wish to make a suggestion that they loved and that loved them his talented and wonderful family as to my colleagues. I talked to the lead- back. well. JOE BIDEN talked about this in ership about it and to the Republican I yield the floor. the memorial service in the John Ken- leadership as well. Never before in the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- nedy Library. When you consider this history of this country have three pore. The Senator from Rhode Island is remarkable family of Senator Kennedy brothers served in this Chamber: Jack recognized. and those of his brothers, their chil- Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and, of Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise along dren, their nieces and nephews, it is a course, Teddy Kennedy. That has never with my colleague to pay tribute to an source of inspiration when you think of happened before in the history of our extraordinary American, probably the what each of them has done, the con- Nation. One of the rooms that has been greatest Senator to serve in this body. I think time will confirm that as we go tributions they have made. of similarly historic significance to our A few short weeks prior to Teddy’s Nation is the caucus room in the Rus- forward. I particularly want to express passing, he lost his sister Eunice, who sell Office Building. It has been the site my deepest sympathy to Vicki and was a wonderful friend of mine over of remarkable hearings and meetings. Kara and PATRICK and Ted Jr. I have many years. She did remarkable things Since its building almost a century had the privilege now of serving with as an individual. To think, millions of ago, that room has been very impor- Senator Ted Kennedy but also with people who suffer from mental disabil- tant. The hearings on the Titanic were Congressman PATRICK KENNEDY, and ities enjoy a greater respect today be- held in that room; the Watergate hear- both of these gentlemen have dem- onstrated zeal for public service and cause of one individual, Eunice Ken- ings, going back years ago, were held commitment and passion to help peo- nedy Shriver. Teddy’s brother Joe lost in that room. It is there that we have ple that has been emblematic of the his life in World War II, defending our commemorated tragedies. We have met Kennedy family. country and fighting for freedom. His to celebrate triumphs in that room. We I particularly am proud of PATRICK, sister Jean has done a remarkable job have gathered as Members with our his words at his father’s funeral. His with the very special arts in her con- spouses from time to time to share continued dedication to the people of tribution to the country. And then some quiet moments with each other Rhode Island is not only commendable look at his wonderful wife Vicki, who as we reflected on our responsibilities but inspiring to me and to all of us. was such an incredible source of here as Senators. We have held some of Like so many of my generation, I strength and inspiration for him during the greatest debates that have ever oc- grew up with the Kennedy family. In their life together and particularly curred in that room. It is there that 1960, John Kennedy carried the banner over the last 15 months. There is no Senator Kennedy’s Health Committee, of the Democratic Party as the Presi- doubt in my mind Teddy lived as long in which I was privileged to act as sort dential candidate. He won, but, as we as he did with brain cancer because of a fill-in for him over the last number understood then and now, we got the Vicki was at his side and took such of months, held 5 weeks of hearings and whole family, not just President John nurturing care of him and has done a debate and markup of a bill that con- Kennedy, and it was a remarkable fam- remarkable job providing all of us the cluded in the adoption of the health ily—his brother Robert, the Attorney opportunity to celebrate his life as we care reform legislation that he au- General and later the U.S. Senator all wished to do. thored. from New York, and then, of course, His children, grandchildren, nieces, It is in that room that Senator Ken- Ted Kennedy. nephews all are following Teddy’s ex- nedy’s brothers each announced their His contribution to the country and ample by making a difference in this candidacies for the Presidency of the to the world is probably unmatchable country. His son PATRICK I mentioned United States. Both Jack Kennedy and as we go forward in every area: health already, serves in the other body. His Robert Kennedy, in that very room, an- care, which was his particular passion son Teddy is a great friend of mine, nounced that they intended to seek and on which President Obama spoke lives in Connecticut and is making a that office. And it is there that I pro- so movingly last evening about his significant contribution as citizen of pose we affix the Kennedy name, not commitment to moving forward in this our State. He holds no office, doesn’t just as a monument to the things these Congress and finally achieving a dream have any title. He and his wife make a three brothers did as Senators and as that has alluded our country for years wonderful difference on many issues in colleagues of ours here, but in the spir- and years and years; his work with his our State every single day, and his it of compassion and compromise, the son PATRICK on mental health parity, daughter Kara, for whom he has such fierce advocacy and tender friendship which is so important. great affection, has also made her con- that Teddy and his brothers brought to On education, I had the privilege of tributions as well. That in itself can be this body. serving with him on the Education

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He had shared creation of the Pell grants and for so growth was not shared fairly or evenly, the same difficulties and challenges we many other initiatives in education. He executives getting huge salaries and face: children stricken with cancer, the not only worked with Senator Pell, bonuses and working men and women loss of his brothers and one of his sis- they developed a very deep and abiding were barely keeping up. In order to ters in an airplane crash, the human friendship. have a strong, prosperous economy, we reality. One of the impressive things about need a strong, prosperous middle class. And because he knew us, he never Ted Kennedy is that the public persona His work in terms of education and stopped working for us. was impressive, the private persona health care and labor—all of that had a His legacy is extraordinary. It will was equally impressive and extraor- purpose not only of helping individuals inspire and sustain us as we go forward. dinarily endearing. He was someone but, wisely, trying to establish an envi- His loss, not just to his family, which who had a great sense of camaraderie ronment for economic growth that we is considerable, but for all of us, is bal- and friendship and good humor. all could share. anced by how much he made us better, I can recall being invited to join Sen- He also served on the defense com- more attuned to the challenge of serv- ator Kennedy at the Pells’ home in mittee with me. And he was very per- ing America and leading the world. We Newport after Senator Pell retired. ceptive. He had spent many years view- will miss him. But our task now is to Every year, unannounced, without any ing the world, and his understanding of take up his work, to continue his ef- fanfare, Senator Kennedy would sail not only the military but the forces, fort. That is the greatest tribute we his boat up into Newport and insist on economic and cultural, that shape our can pay. Let us begin with this debate taking Senator Pell out for a cruise, interaction with other countries was on health care. and then they would all retire to the profound in its insights. He was, very I yield the floor. Pell home for a delightful supper. I was clearly, opposed to the operation in The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. privileged to be there on a couple of oc- Iraq because he understood that it was GILLIBRAND.) The Senator from Kansas. casions. a strategic deviation from the real Mr. BROWNBACK. Madam President, Toward the end of his life, Senator task, which continues in Afghanistan, I rise to add my voice to those who Pell had difficulty moving around, but to root out al-Qaida, to stabilize the re- have already paid tribute to our friend Senator Kennedy would insist on com- gion, the most volatile region in the and colleague, the late Senator Ted ing every summer. The last outing, we country. That is just one example of Kennedy, who passed away this last literally had to carry Senator Pell his insight into the international month after a courageous battle with aboard. Senator Pell at that time was arena. cancer. not communicating as effectively as he There is a story, and it is attributed He was quite an institution. I came was previously, but he didn’t have to to either his brother John or to Sen- into this body in a seat held by an indi- because Senator Kennedy could take ator Kennedy, but I think it might be vidual who was quite an institution as both parts of the conversation—in fact, apropos for both. It might be slightly well. Bob Dole was in this seat. So I he could take multiple parts of the apocryphal, but either John or Ted, ac- know that when people look to the per- conversation. There was never a lost cording to the story, was standing out- son who follows after Ted Kennedy, word or a dull moment. It was a great side a factory and a worker came up you just can’t replace an individual opportunity to see an extraordinary and said: They tell me you have never like that who was such a towering fig- statesman but an extraordinary gen- worked a day in your life. tleman at the same time. ure in this body, was the lion of the And Kennedy was taken aback. Senate, as many have noted, and cer- He said famously about his brothers Then shortly, the worker said: Don’t tainly deserved that topic and that ac- that they lived to see the American worry, you haven’t missed anything. dream become reality, and he said fa- A family of great privilege, of great colade. mously that the dream lives on. But he opportunity, in fact worked every day While Senator Kennedy and I did not also, more than dreaming, tried to give of their lives, and particularly Ted see eye to eye on most political issues, substance, shape, and texture to that Kennedy, hard, relentlessly to ensure I admired him greatly as a colleague dream, effectively to try to ensure that that person coming out of the factory and certainly as a dedicated public opportunity was available to every had a chance. servant. Ted Kennedy fought for what American family, that they could use Finally, what I sensed when I was at he believed and did so with passion and their talent to build their family and the funeral service, which was extraor- conviction and incomparable ability. to secure their future and to contribute dinarily moving and inspirational, the When he was your opponent on an to a better America. That was why he outpouring of affection and regard for issue, you knew you had a fight on led on health care, because without Senator Kennedy, not by the dig- your hands, and when he was on your adequate health care, you cannot real- nitaries who assembled but by ordinary side, you knew you had an advocate ize your talents, your potential, and citizens of Massachusetts and here lin- who worked hard and effectively. you cannot contribute as much to this ing the route to Arlington, bespeaks a His skills as a legislator were un- great country. He led on education be- connection and a validation by the matched. I think really what was at cause it is the great engine that pulls American people of an individual who the core of that was he really enjoyed this Nation forward and individually had trials and tribulations but rose working with other people. He had gives people an opportunity to move up above it in constant service to the built relationships across the aisle and to help their families move for- country, in constant service to the peo- with individuals, so that he could per- ward. ple who do not have a voice, and con- sonally go to other individuals with On civil rights, he was a strong advo- stant service to those who need a that relationship he had built. Even cate. In fact, I think it is fair to say chance to help themselves, to help though there were huge disagreements that his first major speech was in favor their family, and to make the Nation a on policy issues on many other fronts, of the 1964 Civil Rights Act because he better place. It reminded me of words he had the personal relationships. To understood that the talent of America spoken about Franklin Delano Roo- him, I think, in many cases, it was a was not restricted to any group and sevelt. His cortege was moving through lot more about the person rather than that to meet the challenges of this Na- Washington, DC, and a man was visibly policy. I think that is a good lesson for tion and this world, we need the con- shaken and weeping. many of us to learn. He mastered the tribution and the participation of A reporter went up to him and said: legislative process, became one of the every American, regardless of race, re- You know, you are so upset, did you most effective Members of this body gardless of gender. know the President? and that this body has ever known. One

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S9201 of the keys of his effectiveness was his killed in utero but instead that they The more our feelings diverge, the more tenacity and perseverance and attend- get here and, if people can’t handle deeply felt they are, the greater is our obli- ing to, in many cases, the unglamorous that issue in their families, that they gation to grant the sincerity and essential decency of our fellow citizens on the other details and the sometimes tedious put them up for adoption. We have side. work that goes into crafting and pass- adoption registries ready to go for peo- Ted Kennedy lived out that senti- ing a bill. ple who want to adopt a child who may ment every day. We salute his ability He also understood that getting have more difficulties. Working to- to work across party lines to achieve things done as a politician means com- gether we were able to find common consensus, to work on a piece of legis- promise. He had a great sense of when ground on protecting the dignity of lation until doubters became enthusi- to fight on principle and when to reach these precious Americans by providing astic supporters. He excelled in trans- out to the other side and arrive at an parents who receive a pre- or postnatal forming nays to yeas. Senator Kennedy agreement in order to advance the diagnosis of genetic disability with re- was a master of our own specialized cause for which he was fighting. I sources, information, and a network of world, and his legislative legacy stands think you can probably look back over support. the last decade or 15 years of this body I am so pleased to know Senator Ken- with those of the giants of this Cham- and no major piece of legislation nedy lived to see this bill passed and ber. He tackled what some see as the passed without Ted Kennedy’s finger- signed into law. It stands as an exam- great game of politics with gusto. But Ted Kennedy’s life’s work was prints somewhere around or on that ple of how we can find common ground not a game. Politics was not a contest piece of legislation. to advance the interests of all Ameri- staged for its own sake or in pursuit of Despite our political differences, I al- cans in spite of differences. This body power or prestige. Ted Kennedy was a ways found him to be professional, truly will not be the same place with- master not of the politics of the mo- courteous, thoughtful, and a caring in- out Ted Kennedy, without his rhetoric dividual. He was always looking for ment but of the politics of meaning. and his strong voice, his abilities as a Ted Kennedy’s task was to touch ways to find common ground and had a legislator. lives. He touched the family whose wonderful ability to win others over to My thoughts and prayers go out to children have health insurance because his side with that charm, Irish wit, his him and his family and friends. of the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- fellowship, and gregarious nature. And I yield the floor. gram he helped establish; the child who once he made an agreement, you could The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- has a better chance at an education be- depend on him to be true to his word ator from Michigan. cause of his work on the No Child Left and honor in public an agreement he Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, I join Behind law. More Americans can fully had made in private. today with colleagues to pay tribute to Over the years, I had the opportunity the life and legacy of Senator Ted Ken- participate in our democracy because to work on several legislative issues nedy. Each of us has lost a friend with of the civil rights and voting rights with Senator Kennedy. As many testi- his passing—and all Americans—but es- legislation he pushed forward. We saw Ted Kennedy’s passion for fied, he was the best ally one could pecially those in need have lost a justice, tolerance, and understanding ever hope for. champion of government’s ability to again recently when we were working Most recently we worked together to bring light to dark places. All of us on the Matthew Shepard Local Law pass the Prenatally and Postnatally stand in awe of the lengthy record of Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act, a accomplishment Senator Kennedy legislation. I quoted him during that pro-life piece of legislation. When I leaves us. It was a great privilege to debate on that legislation when the De- would travel around the country say- serve many years with Ted Kennedy on fense authorization bill was on the ing that Ted Kennedy and I had intro- the Armed Services Committee and to floor, and I quote him again now. He duced a pro-life piece of legislation to- witness firsthand the traits so well said: gether, many people would be quite known to Members of the Senate: the startled. I would explain what this was. tireless preparation, the intimate We want to be able to have a value system It was a piece of legislation that would that is Worthy for our brave men and women knowledge of the legislative process, to defend. They are fighting overseas for our encourage people, once they had a diag- the relentless focus on justice and values. One of the values is, we should not, nosis that their child had Down Syn- equality. in this country, in this democracy, permit drome in utero, not to abort the child Today our citizens are safer, our the kind of hatred and bigotry that has but instead to have the child, put to- military more capable, our troops bet- stained the history of this Nation over a con- gether an adoption registry of individ- ter equipped because of his service. siderable period of time. uals who were willing to adopt children Senator Kennedy approached his The children of our men and women with Down Syndrome. We have this work with diligence and dedication. in uniform have some of the best terrible plague in the country where 90 But he also knew that work goes more childcare available, thanks to the Na- percent of our children who are diag- smoothly when it is accomplished with tional Military Child Care Act Ted nosed with Down Syndrome never get friendship and good humor. It was pos- Kennedy championed in 1989. He was here; they are aborted. sible to disagree with Ted Kennedy but actively involved more recently fol- In our office we went to the dis- never to dislike him. His sense of lowing the outrages at Walter Reed ability community. We went to his sis- humor was contagious, and his concern Army Medical Center when we passed ter Eunice and talked with her about for those around him, from fellow Sen- the wounded warrior legislation in 2008. it. And I went to Ted. I remember how ators to staff, to the many often The lesson of Ted Kennedy’s life and effective his sister Eunice would be on unheralded people who make the Sen- career is that politics at its best is not lobbying Ted on this piece of legisla- ate function, ensured that he was loved a game to be refereed by TV pundits. It tion. Just this past year, when we were as well as respected throughout this is not a contest of poll numbers or a able to move things forward with it, I body. That love extends across lines of scorecard of grievances to nurse and fa- met with Eunice. She was obviously party and ideology, in part because of vors to return. Senator Kennedy struck getting more difficult and failing of that good humor and genuine concern many deals. He brokered many com- health at that point. She said: Is Teddy for others for which he is so rightly promises. He won many votes. But the being helpful? Is Teddy working with known. true majesty of his career is not to be you and helping? I would say: Yes, he But it was not just these qualities found in this Chamber, though his is, but you can always help us more that endeared Ted Kennedy to figures work was done here. His lesson for us is and push him more. And she did. What of all political persuasions. It was the that democracy is best understood in an effective team that was on pro- seriousness and good faith with which the homes and lives of its citizens. It is viding help for those especially with he approached ideas that differed from in the homes of families less burdened mental disabilities, even on this pro- his own. In 1983, this liberal Catholic by want. It is in the minds of children life piece of legislation that I hope will from Massachusetts traveled to the freed by education. It is in the relief of result in more people getting here who conservative Liberty Baptist College in parents who no longer fear for a child have disabilities so that they are not Virginia where he told the students: in need of medical care. It is in the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S9202 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 10, 2009 souls of Americans who find inspira- thoughtful decision by someone re- beginning, I believe, with John Quincy tion in his triumph over tragedy and cently elected, to make sure that your Adams, Daniel Webster and Charles Sumner over his own shortcomings. It is in the first speech touches issues important and through . . . to his beloved and lamented hearts of the colleagues he leaves be- to the friends at home. He said he brother . . . hind who will be inspired to rededicate would make that speech one day. But Senator Wayne Morse stood to speak ourselves to a politics that recognizes he decided his first speech would be as well, and he made a prediction on our common humanity and seeks com- much different. the first day Ted Kennedy spoke in this mon ground in the pursuit of justice. On that day, with his first speech, Chamber. He said: My wife Barbara and I will always conscience and the cause of freedom [I]n my judgment, the junior Senator from keep in our hearts Vicki, the love of compelled Ted Kennedy to speak in- Massachusetts has already demonstrated that before he leaves the U.S. Senate, he will Ted’s life, and we will always remem- stead in eloquent support of the bill have made a record in this body that will list ber Ted’s love affair with the American the Senate was then debating. It was a him among the great Senators in the history people. measure President Kennedy proposed of the Senate. I yield the floor. nearly a year earlier. Now, less than 5 That prediction was made 45 years The PRESIDING OFFICER. The months after that terrible day in Dal- ago by Senator Wayne Morse of Or- Democratic whip. las, TX, when his brother was assas- egon. Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, sinated, the youngest Kennedy brother Edward Moore Kennedy was one of there was a historic moment on Capitol stood at the same desk his brother the greatest Senators not only of our Hill last night. The President of the John had used when he served the Sen- time but of all time. There was no bet- United States asked for a joint session ate, the same desk Ted Kennedy used ter advocate and no more determined of Congress to address one of the most for the 47 years he served in the Sen- fighter for civil rights and human important and controversial issues of ate. He presented more than a dozen rights. He was a son of privilege, but he our time. Emotions were running high letters he had received from religious was a man, despite that background, in the House Chamber as Members of leaders all urging Congress to pass the who identified with the poor and the the House and Senate gathered to hear Civil Rights Act and end the evil of dispossessed and the voiceless in Amer- the President. We know they ran high segregation in America. That was Ted ica. because there were expressions of sup- Kennedy’s first speech in the Senate. His fingerprints can be found on sig- port and disapproval during the Presi- He said: nificant legislation of the last half cen- dent’s speech. I sat with Harry Reid When religious leaders call on us to urge tury: health care, voting rights, wom- and other leaders from the Democratic passage of this bill, they are not mixing reli- en’s rights, gay rights, immigration re- side in the Senate and watched care- gion and politics. This is not a political form, worker safety, fair housing, con- fully as the speech unfolded. I thought issue. It is a moral issue to be resolved sumer protection, campaign finance re- the President was at his best, even through political means. form, sensible gun laws, national serv- under fire, with the high emotions in He continued. ice, minimum wage—the list goes on the Chamber. I wondered what the end- Religious leaders can preach, they can ad- and on. ing would be and how it would be re- vise, they can lead movements of social ac- He was a protector of the vulner- ceived. tion. But there comes a moment when per- able—of widows and orphans, the If Members will recall, at the end of suasion must be backed up by law to be ef- wounded and maimed, the grieving and the speech, the President referred to a fective. In the field of civil rights, that point dispossessed. He was a champion of has been reached. letter that had been sent to him by the people with disabilities. He believed we late Senator Ted Kennedy to be read He concluded by saying: should all be judged by what we can do, after the Senator had passed away. As My brother was the first President of the not by what we cannot do. the President referred to that letter, United States to say publicly that segrega- When I was asked by my local media tion was morally wrong. His heart and soul in Illinois, after Ted Kennedy’s pass- an amazing thing happened in that are in this bill. If his life and death had a Chamber filled with hundreds of hun- meaning, it was that we should not hate but ing, if there was something about him dreds of people. The emotions quieted love one another; we should use our powers that I knew that other people did not down. At one point, one could have not to create conditions of oppression that know, I said there was one thing most heard a pin drop in the House Chamber lead to violence, but conditions of freedom people did not know. As a result of an as President Obama recalled the legacy that lead to peace. It is in that spirit that I airplane crash early in his Senate ca- and the promise of the life of Senator hope the Senate will pass this bill. reer, where his broken body was Edward Kennedy. That first speech by Ted Kennedy dragged out of the plane by his Senate I came today to this seat on the Sen- bore so many of the qualities that colleague, Senator Birch Bayh of Indi- ate floor. It is not my ordinary desk, would define his public career. The ana, whose son now serves in this but it is the row where I sat for a num- moral courage to take on the most ur- Chamber, Ted Kennedy, with a broken ber of years as a new Member of the gent moral question of his time no back and ribs, went through a long pe- Senate. It was a particularly good as- matter how controversial, the deter- riod of convalescence and a lifetime of signment to sit in this row because be- mination to pick up his brother’s fallen problems as a result of that almost hind me was Paul Wellstone and then standard, the prodigious amount of fatal accident. Ted Kennedy. One never had any better work behind the scenes building alli- Those of us who were around him back-benchers than those two men. ances, and an optimist’s unshakable every day knew that Ted was in pain a Now they are both gone. faith that his beloved America would lot of the time—physical pain—because As I reflect on the absence, particu- become an even more just and decent of his back problems. If you had a press larly of Senator Kennedy, I recall for Nation. conference with Ted Kennedy, you history his first speech on the floor of Listening to Senator Kennedy’s brought a little stool that he could the Senate. It was April 9, 1964. Here is speech that day were some of the gi- perch on because standing caused pain. the amazing fact: This speech took ants of the Senate—Hubert Humphrey, You watched him as he labored to get place 16 months after he took his Sen- a man who more than anyone brought out of a chair trying to make sure he ate seat. That booming voice and pres- me to public life when he allowed me could stand and speak. But never a ence, which was so dominant in the to serve as an intern in his Senate of- word of complaint—not one. A physical Senate for decades, waited patiently fice. The first to speak was a man condition that might have created a for his turn, 16 months after the special whom I would come to know well, Sen- total disability for some other people election in Massachusetts that gave ator Paul Douglas of Illinois. He said: did not stop him. In addition to the in- him the Senate seat once held by his I have never heard an address of a more tellectual part of this man, there was brother John. When he rose to make truly noble and elevated tone. this physical commitment that he his first speech on April 9, 1964, he said He called the young Senator from would give whatever it took to serve he planned ‘‘to address issues affecting Massachusetts: his people in Massachusetts and serve the industry and employment in my A worthy continuer of the great traditions the causes and values which motivated home state [of Massachusetts],’’ a of the seat which he occupies in the Senate, his public life.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S9203 He was an advocate for the elderly He was the driving force behind can- in public careers. They have done so throughout his career. Little did he re- cer research and speedier approval of much for this Nation. They will con- alize his passion would eventually af- drugs. He helped lead the fight to end tinue to do so, inspired by his example. fect him personally, as he served long discrimination by insurance companies We are saddened by his passing, but enough to qualify for Social Security against people with mental illness and we are determined to carry on. We and Medicare. addiction, which his son PATRICK has know if he were here today his voice He believed education was the key to managed to pick up that standard and would be booming on this floor for the the American dream and he worked help, with his father, pass that legisla- extension of unemployment benefits, tirelessly to extend it, helping to cre- tion, a bill which meant so much to making sure COBRA deductions are ate programs from Head Start for pre- Senator Paul Wellstone and so many still there for those who have lost schoolers to the Direct Lending pro- others, Pete Domenici included. work, not forgetting to increase the gram for college students. During the last few months of his minimum wage, making sure health He helped bring an end to apartheid life, he expended what little energy he care does not forget the tens of mil- in South Africa and violence in North- had left to urge us to pass health care, lions who are being left behind without ern Ireland. and that is why the President’s speech health insurance in this country. His office wrote more than 2,500 bills last night struck a chord with so many We are going to miss that booming and more than 300 of them became law. people. He continued to work hard at voice, but he is going to continue to be In addition, some 550 bills he cospon- his job, even on the phone, during the an inspiration to all of us. sored became law. Nearly every major last days of his life. Last year, at the Democratic Na- legislative achievement of his was ad- His son PATRICK said that while his tional Convention in Denver there was vanced with a Republican partner. father was hospitalized this last year a little breakfast for Ted. He gave a He was a genius at compromise, prin- for treatment in North Carolina and great speech at the convention, even cipled compromise. As someone said, Massachusetts, he would roam the though there was a question at the last he was able to maintain a sense of halls of the hospital—you can just see moment as to whether he would be able idealism in setting goals and realism in him—asking other cancer patients and to physically do it. At that breakfast, achieving them. He had an optimist’s their families how they were doing and Vicki, his wife, came up to me and she willingness to settle for progress, not how they were managing their bills. handed me this little plastic bracelet, perfection. It was from his bother Jack, he said, Some of the answers, they said, broke and she said: I thought you might want that he learned the most important his heart. to have this. It has written on it one lesson: that you have to take issues se- He was ready to come back and vote word: ‘‘Tedstrong.’’ Well, I put that bracelet on, and I riously, but do not take yourself too on health insurance reform if the vote seriously. As we all know, he was gra- was needed. Even in the closing days of just took it off for the first time since cious and generous in sharing credit for his life, Senator REID, reaching out to then at this moment. I will not be success. But he also, because of the suf- Vicki, knew that Ted would be there if wearing this bracelet, but it will be in fering in his life through his family and his vote made the difference, even if it my Senate desk, and each time I open personally, developed this heart of was the last physical act of his life. it, I will remember that great man, Ted gold, this empathy for other people and Just as he implored the Senate in his Kennedy. their own misfortunes. first speech so many years ago to pass Thank you, Madam President. If one of his colleagues in the U.S. the civil rights bill in honor of his The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Senate had something bad come their brother, the fallen President, we all ator from Tennessee. way, you could almost bet the first call know that Senator Kennedy, were he Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam President, they would receive would be from Ted here today, would urge us to finish the the assistant Democratic leader, in his Kennedy, regardless of which side of cause of his life and make affordable eloquent remarks, mentioned Ted Ken- the aisle you were on. He would be the health care for every American a right, nedy’s maiden address, which is a tra- first to talk about some misfortune or not a privilege. dition we have here in the Senate. We illness in your family. How he learned It is our obligation to search in good try to wait for an appropriate time be- this so quickly we never figured out, faith, as he did so often, for the prin- fore we say much, and then we try to but the Kennedy network was there cipled compromise that will enable us say something we think makes a dif- gathering that information, making to finish this urgent moral challenge of ference. certain he always offered a helping our time in the name of Ted Kennedy. I waited an appropriate time and hand and a pat on the shoulder if you I was fortunate to attend the memo- made some remarks on the floor in sup- needed it. rial service in Boston at Our Lady of port of legislation that would help put Health care was such an important Perpetual Help—a packed church with the teaching of American history and part of his public career—decent, af- hundreds standing in the rain outside, civics back in its rightful place in our fordable health care, as a right but not wishing they could attend. Thousands schools so our children could grow up as a privilege. And he did more than had passed by to see his remains and to learning what it means to be an Amer- anyone in our Nation’s history to ad- pay a tribute to him over the final ican. I know the Presiding Officer has a vance that noble cause. days. It was a great sendoff to a great great interest in that subject as well, He voted to create Medicare and man. and she and I have worked on that to- Medicaid, protecting those programs I was so touched by his family—that gether. I proposed that we create sum- for decades. Community health centers extended Kennedy family—starting mer academies for outstanding teach- were a Kennedy initiative in 1966. How with Vicki, his best ally in his life, a ers and students of United States his- much good that has done for America woman who stood by him through tory. is incalculable. those tough times in the closing Ted Kennedy was on the floor. He was He was the chief architect of the WIC months of his life, his children, neph- the chairman or ranking member of program, the COBRA law, and the ews, nieces, grandchildren. All of them the committee that handled that at the Ryan White Act. Fewer Americans are gathered. As they went to take Com- time. He came over afterwards and forced to make the agonizing choice of munion, JOHN MCCAIN leaned over to said: I will get you some cosponsors. keeping their job or caring for a loved me and said: You can see the map of The next thing I knew, he had 20 Demo- one who is sick because Ted Kennedy Ireland on all those faces. And you cratic cosponsors for my little bitty helped pass the Family and Medical could. It was a great gathering of the bill that I had introduced. However Leave Act. Kennedy clan. well I thought of him before that, I Eleven million children of low-in- I want to express my condolences not thought even better of him after that. come working parents are able to see a only to the family but to the great I think it is a small example of why he doctor this year—11 million of our Kennedy staff, always regarded as the was so effective here in what he cared young kids in America—because Ted best on Capitol Hill. Ted Kennedy not about. Kennedy helped create the Children’s only did great work, he helped build I remember him talking about taking Health Insurance Program. great people, who continue to serve us his family—his extended family—once

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I side. were blocking the entrances to the guess one reason he was so interested I am here today, as we all are, to pay health care clinics so the women could in U.S. history was because he and his our respects to Senator Kennedy. not get in and get treated. So Senator family were and are such a consequen- Maybe some of us can help with some Kennedy wrote a bill that simply said: tial part of it, but he made a big dif- of that unfinished business, such as It is fine to express your views, but you ference in what we call the teaching helping to make sure we expand the cannot block women or individuals and learning of traditional American idea of teaching American history in from entering those clinics. It is dan- history. our national parks to larger numbers gerous, it is wrong, and you are deny- On another occasion, he called me up of outstanding teachers and to out- ing women health care. Senator Ken- to his hideaway—he had been here long standing students of U.S. history; and nedy asked me if I would be his lieuten- enough to have a great room some- continuing the effort to do something ant—that was his word, his ‘‘lieuten- where; I do not know where it is, but it about the long lines of adults in Amer- ant’’—and help him manage that bill has a great view of the Capitol—to talk ica who are waiting to learn our com- on the floor of the Senate. Well, clear- about Gettysburg and what we could do mon language—English. Ted was very ly, I was so pleased. It was such a thrill to preserve that. interested in that, as I am. But most of to watch him work and, as did so many Then, we were working together, all, what I wish to say is what I believe of Ted Kennedy’s bills, it passed and it when he died, with Senator BYRD, who most of us feel: We will miss him. We became the law of the land and women has been such a champion through U.S. will miss his big voice, we will miss his can get health care without being in- history, on legislation that would tie big smile, and we will miss his big pres- timidated and frightened and harmed. Later, when he was championing the the teaching of American history to ence. our national parks, which we are cele- Thank you, Madam President. I yield bill to increase the minimum wage— brating this year, with Ken Burns’ new the floor. and he did it year after year after movie, and with other ways to try to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- year—he asked me and the other help use those nearly 400 national park ator from California. women of the Senate to come to the sites we have to teach American his- Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I am floor and to organize and speak about tory. deeply honored to pay tribute to Ted the impact raising the minimum wage He and I and David McCullough had Kennedy today and to honor his ex- would have on women and families breakfast, for example, and talked traordinary legacy. across the country. He said: BARBARA, about David McCullough teaching a I will always think of Ted Kennedy you know, 60 percent of the people group of teachers about John Adams at as many think of him—as the lion of earning minimum wage are women. A the John Adams House in Massachu- the Senate. From that seat, in that lot of our colleagues think it is teen- setts, as one example. Then, of course, seat in the back of this beautiful Sen- agers. That is not true. It is women. that turned to what was Ted Kennedy ate Chamber, he used his powerful They are supporting their families. Can going to do about finding an appro- voice to speak out for those whose you help me with this? I said: Senator, I am all over it. I am with you. priate place to honor John Adams in voices were rarely heard. I also have The women of the Senate had a spe- Washington, DC. That was another described Ted as the drummer in a cial role to come to the floor—unfortu- large orchestra. Ted Kennedy was a piece of unfinished business Ted Ken- nately, for 9 years in a row—until we steady drumbeat—a steady drumbeat nedy left that others of us will have to made the case that it was important for justice, for fairness, for compassion, continue to work on. That is why he America’s families, working so hard, and for progress. On days when the got along so well here. can actually afford to live in this, the When he cast his 15,000th vote, I re- Senate wasn’t that interested in listen- greatest country of all. member saying the sure-fire way to ing; on days when maybe the polls were Although Ted had deeply held views, bring a Republican audience to its feet against him; on days when his compas- he worked beautifully with Members was to make an impassioned speech sion might not have been in fashion, across the aisle. We have colleague against high taxes, against more Fed- that drumbeat got louder and louder after colleague coming down to speak eral control, and against Ted Kennedy, and louder because Ted Kennedy knew about their experiences. He was an ex- and he laughed that great big laugh of that at the end of the day, the values pert at finding the thread of common his. But it was true. But almost every- he stood for would be embraced again. ground. Sometimes it was just a tiny one on this side will say there was no Ted never let us forget why we are little strand of commonality, but he one on that side who we would rather here—never. He always reminded us to could weave it into something bigger work with on a specific piece of legisla- be courageous. He always reminded us and bigger and come to an agreement tion because no matter how much we to be strong in fighting for the causes without losing his principles. might disagree with him—and we cer- we believe in, not by lecturing us about Ted’s legislative work has touched tainly did on many issues—when it got it but by being brave, being strong, the lives of every American, and I to the point where it was time to de- being courageous, taking on the tough think it is going to take 5, 6, 7, 10 of us cide: Can we do something? he was issues. He spent 9 long years standing to pick up this void he has left. I am so ready to do something. And his word in the back of the Chamber talking proud that TOM HARKIN, who has come was good. And his ability to help pass about raising the minimum wage and to the floor, will be the chairman of an important piece of legislation was explaining why people needed it—9 long the HELP Committee because TOM unquestioned. Plus, we liked him. We years—but he knew the drumbeat shared with Ted those deep feelings liked his spirit, and we liked his per- would go on until we passed it. And we about us being here not to champion sonality. did. the voices of those who have a strong My first engagement with Senator Ted Kennedy had genuine and deep voice and are heard but for those who Kennedy was as a very young man friendships in the Senate on both sides don’t have a strong voice: the middle when I came here in 1967 as a young of the aisle. His greatest legislative class, the workers, the working poor, aide to then-Senator Howard Baker. skill was to know every Senator and to the families, the children. They don’t Senator Baker, who was the son-in-law know their passions. When I first came have a voice here. of Senator Dirksen, then the Repub- to the Senate in the early 1990s, I had Ted Kennedy worked to help get 18- lican leader, teamed up with Ted Ken- spent 10 years in the House and Sen- year-olds the right to vote. He made it nedy, the younger brother of the ator Kennedy was already an icon, but easier for Americans to change jobs former President, and they took on the he knew I was passionate about health and keep their health insurance. He ex- lions of the Senate, Sam Ervin of issues and, in particular, women’s panded Head Start Programs. He wrote

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He Ted Kennedy could put himself in men bumped Al’s head with his camera, led efforts to reform the Nation’s im- other people’s shoes, and that is what and Al told him he should not do that migration system—never a popular he did every single day. Even when it again because he might have a hard issue, a tough, hard issue. He worked to was hard for him to get up from his time finding his camera—or some increase competition in the airline in- chair, he stood and he fought. As he words to that effect. But what a day of dustry. He worked to protect women said during his concession speech at excitement and interest. That is the from violent crime. the 1980 Democratic National Conven- kind of excitement Ted Kennedy Virtually every major health care ad- tion: ‘‘For all those whose cares have brought not only to the Judiciary Com- vance of the last four decades bears his been our concern, the work goes on, mittee and his leadership as a brand mark—Whether it is the CHIP pro- the cause endures, the hope still lives, new chairman, but his entire career re- gram, the Ryan White CARE Act, and the dream shall never die.’’ flected that kind of exuberance. People COBRA, the mental health parity bill I say to Ted and to his family, I be- responded and reacted to him in a very or increased funding for cancer re- lieve these words are true. The hope positive way in the Senate. search. The list goes on and on and on. still lives and the dream shall never We could make a long list of the Senator Kennedy was once asked die. things he did in terms of legislative ac- what his best quality was as a legis- Thank you. complishments and political leadership lator, and he answered with a single The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- in the Senate. But he was a good per- word: ‘‘Persistence.’’ Persistence. That ator from Mississippi. son. He was a thoughtful person and is a message to all of us on both sides Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, it generous with his house. He invited all of the aisle. If you believe something in is difficult to imagine or accept the the members of the Judiciary Com- your heart is right, you don’t give up. fact that Ted Kennedy is no longer mittee to come out for dinner at his You don’t give up because progress serving in the Senate. He was such a house in Washington. What a nice, takes time. Piece by piece, every year, presence here, a big man with a big thoughtful thing to do, and what an ex- for almost half a century, he advanced smile and a bigger heart. He was sym- citing evening it turned out to be. Ev- the causes he believed in: expanding pathetic to those in need and willing to eryone enjoyed it enormously. access to health care, educating our do all he could to address their needs. Ted Kennedy became a very deter- children, extending civil rights, help- He got results, improving and expand- mined advocate for serious reforms, ing our society’s least fortunate. ing Federal programs to make avail- and he left an impressive record of leg- I will say, if we were in danger of los- able education and nutrition benefits islative accomplishments and pro- ing our way in the Senate, Senator Ted to more Americans than ever before. tecting and enlarging the civil rights of Kennedy held steady. He stayed true to I first met the Senator from Massa- ordinary citizens. his ideals. That is why it is fitting that chusetts when he was running in his I came to respect Senator Kennedy his new biography is entitled ‘‘True first campaign for the Senate in 1962. It and appreciate his friendship over the Compass.’’ In many ways, he was a was a happenstance meeting. I was an years we served together in the Senate. compass in the Senate. instructor at the Naval Officer’s Can- His personal qualities, his generosity, I wish to thank the people of Massa- didate School in Newport, RI, and a and his serious commitment to fairness chusetts for sending Ted Kennedy to us friend had invited me up to Hyannis and assistance for those who needed for these last 47 years. He loved his Port during the weekend. I ended up at help from their government will long State. He fought for you and he fought Ted and Joan Kennedy’s house. He was be remembered and appreciated. for all Americans. there working with his friends from May he rest in peace. I wish to thank his wife Vicki, who Massachusetts on fund-raising activi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- gave him so much joy, and the entire ties. We exchanged greetings. He said: ator from Vermont is recognized. Kennedy family for sharing Ted Ken- You are in law school? Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I nedy with us. I said: Yes, I am. thank my dear friend from Mississippi I will miss his warm and engaging He said: It is hard as hell, isn’t it? for his kind words. I know they will be presence, his sense of humor, his bel- I said: It sure is. appreciated by the Kennedy family. lowing laughter, and the way he Well, that was about all the con- Madam President, when I heard the reached out to all Senators in friend- versation we had that day and I had no Senator from Mississippi, and before ship. No one person will ever be able to idea, first of all, how his campaign him the Senator from Illinois, the Sen- fill his shoes. No one. He was one of a would turn out and certainly the most ator from California, the Senator from kind and irreplaceable. But we know remote thing in my mind would have Massachusetts, and others who have how to honor his legacy. We know how been my being a Member of the Senate. spoken, it brought back so many to fill this void and that is by con- But he and his wife Joan were spending memories. On August 26, very early in tinuing his life’s work. I believe the the summer in Hyannis Port near the the morning, we heard the news about most fitting tribute we can give him is other Kennedy family members, so I Senator Kennedy. Marcelle and I knew to carry on his fight for a quality edu- was getting to see some of them as well that day was coming. We knew the day cation for all our children, affordable as enjoying the New England weather; was coming and that we would lose a health care our families can rely on the ambiance in the summer was a real close friend of over 35 years, but our and an economy that works for every- treat. But instead of politics, we talked farmhouse in Vermont was still filled one. about how hard law school was. with grief upon the learning of the Ted Kennedy came from a privileged I didn’t think I would ever see him news. We walked back and forth on the and renowned family, but he saw so again. I had no reason to think I would, road in front of the house, looking out much suffering in his lifetime, so much much less end up serving in the Senate over the mountains and finding it hard loss. He saw what happens in your fam- with him and serving the day he took to put into words how we felt. ily when two of your three children charge as chairman of the Judiciary We left Vermont to come down and have cancer. Even though you have Committee from my predecessor in the join Vicki, such a dear and wonderful every bit of financial stability to give Senate, James O. Eastland. It was a person, and all of Senator Kennedy’s them what they need, he saw how hard day that attracted a lot of attention. family at the memorial service in Bos- it was. And then to have another child The hearing room was absolutely full ton, where so many offered touching with an addiction and the pain of that. of people. As a matter of fact, the news stories of how they remembered Sen- So what Senator Ted Kennedy under- media was all over the place. It was ator Kennedy. stood is, if it is so hard for me to see hard to get near the seats of the com- Ted Kennedy, Jr., gave an incredibly my children suffer, what must it be mittee members. moving tribute to his father. I told him

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That day we sat there and made him a Senator’s Senator. I think that church—from the President, to talked about his brothers—obviously, every single Senator, Republican or the Vice President, to former Presi- the President, John Kennedy; Senator Democrat, would agree he was a Sen- dents, to Senators, to Members of the Robert Kennedy; and also his brother, ator’s Senator. House, to close friends, and to so many Joe Kennedy, who had died. I talked It is easy in politics to appeal to the of the Kennedy family. about being interviewed by Robert self-interests in each of us. Ted Ken- I think of being sworn into this body Kennedy, who was Attorney General, nedy appealed to the best in us, to the as a 34-year-old nervous Senator. One when he invited me down to the De- American verities that are written not of the first people who came up to partment of Justice. I was a young law on water but in stone. He appealed to shake my hand after being sworn in student, and he talked to me about the our sense of justice, to our sense of re- was Ted Kennedy, then Mike Mansfield possibility of a career in the Depart- sponsibility to each other, and to our and Howard Baker. I was awed to think ment of Justice. That talk meant so uniquely American sense of hope and I was in the presence of such people. much to me, and his brother told me possibility. In the Senate, he labored to After serving with Ted for 35 years how independent the Department of help reach bipartisan progress on and speaking with him almost every Justice must be, even from the Presi- health care, education, civil rights, single day, I look over at his desk, at dent of the United States. We never voting rights, immigration reform, and something I have seen over the 35 years have enough time in this body, and a so much more. when we have lost colleagues, but I rollcall started and that conversation Madam President, the powerful have don’t know of any time it has hurt so stopped. But I remember every bit of never lacked champions. Ted Kennedy much to see the black drape across the that so much. was a champion for ordinary Ameri- desk, to see the vase of white flowers. I remember after that time we cam- cans and for those who struggle, those I went by there yesterday and just put paigned for Robert Kennedy, the next who do not have a champion. He be- my hand on the desk. I will admit I was time I saw him was here when I was a lieved everyone in this great land de- overcome with emotion and left the Senator-elect. As a former young pros- served the opportunity to pursue the floor. ecutor, I walked into his office with American dream. I have so many memories, as we all trepidation and almost thinking I was I thought last night at the Presi- do, of my friendship with Ted. Senator going into the inner sanctum. I was dent’s speech—I talked before the DURBIN spoke about how Ted Kennedy going to talk with him about what speech with Mrs. Kennedy and after the had a way of—no matter who you were, committees I might go on. This great speech with Senator Kennedy’s three if you had tragedy in your family or an voice said: Good morning, Senator. children. It was just impossible to fully Coming from him, I turned around, illness or something had happened, he put into words how much I miss him. assuming another Senator was walking Marcelle and I miss our friend dearly, would call or write, and he would offer in behind me, and I realized he was but we know it was a privilege to call help. It made no difference who you talking to me. him our friend. It was a privilege to were. Ted’s wonderful wife Vicki was part serve alongside such a public servant I was very close to my father. He had of a small book club, and my wife dedicated as he was to making better met Ted a number of times. When my Marcelle was in that. The days they the lives of millions of his fellow Amer- father passed away, virtually the first would meet, Ted would come up and icans. telephone call my mother received that put his arm around my shoulder and It is a sad passing of an era, but Ted morning was from Ted Kennedy. I re- say, ‘‘PATRICK, we are in trouble today. Kennedy would also tell us it is a time member my mother taking comfort in Our wives are meeting, and tonight we to look to the future. that. are going to get our marching orders.’’ Madam President, I close with this. I Senator Kennedy’s office is just one You know what, Madam President. He always thought when I left the Senate floor below mine in the Russell Senate was right. I would say farewell to this body and Building. We both have stayed there all All of the years I served on the Judi- Ted Kennedy would be here to wish me these years. On many occasions, espe- ciary Committee, until this past year, Godspeed. I wish him Godspeed. cially when he was going for a vote, we I sat beside him. I am going to miss The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- could hear his great laugh echoing him on that committee. I am going to ator from Utah. down the halls, and it would change miss his help and advice. I am going to Mr. HATCH. Madam President, I our whole mood, our whole day. We miss him on the Senate floor because thank all of our colleagues who have often talked about the bond of the New not having him with us in the Senate is taken the time to come to the floor to England Irish and spoke about that going to make a huge difference in ne- speak for and on behalf of our great again when we came back from Pope gotiations on legislation, whether it is friend and colleague, Senator Ted Ken- Paul John II’s funeral and refueled the on a current issue of health care re- nedy. I particularly enjoyed the re- plane in Ireland. It was like following form or any other issue. marks of the distinguished Senator the Pied Piper at Shannon Airport. I remember one meeting with Ronald from Vermont who served with him for There were paintings of President Ken- Reagan when he was President. The 35 years. I only served 33 years with nedy there. The Senator from Iowa re- President turned to Ted—and several of Ted. I thank them for the remarks and members that. us, Republicans and Democrats, were the reverence most everybody has had As we walked through, Ted Kennedy meeting with him—and said, ‘‘Thank for our departed colleague. and CHRIS DODD were telling Irish sto- goodness you’re here, Ted. You are I rise today to offer my remarks on ries. There are memories of when Ted bringing us together.’’ the passing of my dear friend and col- was walking the dogs outside of Russell That difference extended beyond our league, Senator Ted Kennedy. Over this Building, and we would talk and chat, shores. He personally made such a dif- past recess, America lost one of its saying: How is your family? How is this ference in bringing peace to Ireland greatest leaders and this Chamber lost one or that one? and ending apartheid in South Africa. I one of its most dynamic and important After Ted died, one of our newspapers remember going with President Clinton Members. I mourn the loss not only of in Vermont had a front-page picture after the peace agreement, and every- a respected colleague but of a dear per- that my wife Marcelle had taken back body—while they would thank the sonal friend. I think I speak for all my in 1968. It showed a young Ted Kennedy Prime Minister of Ireland and Great colleagues when I say that Senator in Vermont campaigning for his broth- Britain and President Clinton, they all Kennedy will be missed and that the er Robert and talking with an even wanted to come over and thank Ted Senate is a lesser place without him younger State attorney. We talked Kennedy. here.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S9207 People have often remarked about Our final collaboration came just Because of his optimism and hope for the working relationship I had with this year in the form of the Edward M. our Nation’s future, Senator Kennedy Senator Kennedy, oftentimes calling us Kennedy Serve America Act, which I was, throughout his career in the Sen- the ‘‘odd couple.’’ We used to laugh was pleased to name after Senator Ken- ate, a great practitioner of the Latin about that. But the truth be told, he nedy right here on the floor. He came motto ‘‘carpe diem,’’ ‘‘seize the day.’’ and I really didn’t agree on a lot of up afterward, and we hugged each Few worked harder day-in and day-out things. Over the years, Senator Ken- other. Then we went back to the Presi- than Senator Kennedy. As a result, nedy and I were on opposite sides of dent’s Room, and he had pictures, even every Senator had to work a little bit some of the fiercest battles in this though he was not feeling well. He had harder, either to follow his lead if you Chamber’s history. While we have long so many pictures with so many people were on the same side of the issue or to been good friends, we did not pull any who were involved. stand in his way if you were the opposi- punches on one another. If we were op- All of our bills passed because of the tion. I have been in both positions. I posing one another in a debate, Sen- willingness of Senator Kennedy and am not saying it was inherently dif- ator Kennedy would come to the floor myself to put consensus ahead of par- ficult to work with Senator Kennedy. and, in his classic style, he would lay tisanship—something we see far too in- But as anyone who has negotiated a into me with his voice raised—and he frequently in Washington. tough piece of legislation can tell you, had a terrific voice—and his arms flail- It is axiomatic in politics that tim- it can be sheer drudgery, even when ing. Of course, I would let him have it ing is crucial. No one understood or you agree on most issues. But Senator right back. Then, after he finished, he practiced that principle better than Kennedy brought a sense of joy even to would finally come over and put his Senator Kennedy. He had a sixth sense the most contentious negotiating ses- arm around me and say: How was that? and an open mind to notice when the sions. And when you were working with I would always laugh about it, as we time was ripe for the key compromise. Senator Kennedy, you knew he would did. We laughed at each other all the He knew when to let events sift and keep his word. If after these long ses- time. when it was time to close the deal. sions an agreement was reached, he That is what set Senator Kennedy More importantly, he knew when he would stick by it no matter how much apart from many in Washington. For should stick to his guns and when he heat he would have to take. him, politics rarely got personal. He needed to reach across the aisle to get All this was no doubt the result of his was never afraid to voice his disagree- the help of his Republican colleagues. love for this great institution and his ment with the views of a fellow Sen- He was always able to recognize and commitment to the American people. ator. But, in the end, I believe he al- work with those who shared his goals, Political differences notwithstanding, ways maintained a warm and cordial even if they had different ideas on how there can never be any doubt about relationship with almost every one of to achieve them. Senator Kennedy’s patriotism. his colleagues. That is difficult to do I will never forget, after I had made Few had a presence in the Senate as sometimes, particularly when partisan the deciding vote on civil rights for in- large as Senator Kennedy’s. More often tempers flare up, but it always seemed stitutionalized persons—it was a Birch than not, you could hear him coming to come easy for Senator Kennedy. Bayh-Hatch bill, and Birch had led the down the hall—a mini-hurricane with a Despite our tendency to disagree on fight on the floor, and so did I. bevy of aides in tow, a batch of amend- almost everything, Senator Kennedy Later came the Voting Rights Act. I ments in one hand and a stack of talk- and I were able to reach common felt very strongly about not putting ing points in the other. He was almost ground on many important occasions the effects test in section 2. I had no always effective but seldom very quiet. and on some important issues. problem with it in section 5, but I did I also want to share a few thoughts As I mentioned at the recent memo- not want it in section 2 so that it ap- about his staff. While at the end of the rial service, one of my defining mo- plied to all the other States. I lost in day the full responsibility of the Sen- ments as a Senator came when I met committee. I voted for the bill out of ate falls squarely on the shoulders of with two families from Provo, UT. The committee because I considered the each Senator, it is also true that dur- parents in these families were humble Voting Rights Act the most important ing the day and often long into the and hard working, and they were able civil rights bill in history. night and on many weekends much of to provide food and clothing and shel- The day they were going to have the the work of the Senate is conducted by ter for their children. But the one ne- bill signed at the White House, he a group of the most committed team of cessity they could not afford was caught me right inside the Russell staff members of any institution any- health insurance. Their children were Building where we both had offices, and where. Throughout his career, it was children of the working poor. The he said: You are coming with us, aren’t known that the Kennedy staff was struggles of this family touched me you? comprised of one of the most formi- and inspired me to work with Senator I said: Well, I was against the change dable and dedicated collections of indi- Kennedy to create SCHIP, which con- in section 2. viduals of the Senate. Many of them tinues to provide health care coverage He said: You voted for it and were have gone on to have distinguished ca- to millions of children of the working very helpful in getting that bill passed, reers, including now-Justice Stephen poor and others throughout the coun- and I know how deeply you feel about Breyer; Dr. Larry Horowitz, who man- try and which passed with broad bipar- it. aged his health care right up to the end tisan support. I did go down with him. I would not and loved Ted Kennedy deeply; Nick Over the years, Senator Kennedy and have gone without Senator Kennedy Littlefield, who ran the Labor Com- I worked successfully to get both Re- recognizing I did feel deeply about the mittee for Senator Kennedy and was an publicans and Democrats on board for a Voting Rights Act. And even though I adviser right up to the time Senator number of causes. We drafted a number lost on what I thought was a pivotal Kennedy passed away; and, of course, of pieces of legislation to provide as- constitutional right, the fact is I voted Michael Myers—just to name four, sistance to AIDS victims, including the for the bill. with no intention of leaving out the Ryan White AIDS Act. I named that At the risk of riling my more liberal others. Senator Kennedy would be the bill right here on the floor with Mrs. colleagues in the Senate, I would like first to recognize how their efforts con- White sitting in the audience. We to point out that Senator Kennedy tributed to his success. I salute them worked together, along with Senator shared an utterly optimistic view of for their hard work over the years. I HARKIN, to craft and pass the Ameri- the American experiment with Presi- cannot exactly say I have always been cans with Disabilities Act. There was dent Ronald Reagan. They both deeply totally pleased with all of the Kennedy also the Orphan Drug Act, as well as believed that whatever the current staff all of the time, but, as was true of the FDA Modernization Act, and a trials or challenges we must face as a their boss, while we might have been whole raft of other bills that would nation, America’s best days were ahead frequent adversaries, we were never en- take too much time to speak about, all of her. That is something many people emies. of which bear the Hatch-Kennedy, Ken- do not appreciate well enough about I am saddened by the loss of my dear nedy-Hatch name. Senator Kennedy. friend Senator Kennedy. I will miss

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I saw there that good While I cannot say I hope more of my to speak about Senator Ted Kennedy. legislation came from good ideas that colleagues will adopt his views on pol- Clearly, I would have been proud to be could be pursued with good humor in icy, I hope more of us can adopt his ap- on my feet to give such a testimonial, an atmosphere of civility. proach to the legislative process. but as many of my colleagues know, I As we got to know each other, I ad- I was in California giving a speech at had a fall a few weeks ago coming out mired his verve, his tenacity, and he a fundraiser when they came in with a of church. I am ready to be at my duty admired me because I could dish it out cell phone and said: Senator Kennedy station, but I can’t quite stand to be 4 with the best of them as well. When he is on the line, and he sounds very agi- foot 11 and give these remarks. ran for President in 1980, he asked me tated. I do wish to speak and speak from my to nominate him at the Democratic So I went out on the plaza and I said: heart, speak from my memory, and Convention. I was thrilled and honored Ted, what is the matter? speak with my affection. I have known to do so. Remember the drama of that. He said: Oh, I have great news for Ted Kennedy a very long time. He has Jimmy Carter was an incumbent Presi- you. been my friend, my pal, my comrade in dent. Ted Kennedy was an upstart. I I said: What is that? arms. I have enjoyed everything from backed Kennedy. Well, it didn’t work He said: I am going to get married working with him on big policy issues out and Ted called me and said: I am again. to sailing off the coast of Hyannis. I withdrawing from the race. We are I said: Do I know her? have been with him in his hideaway going to support President Carter 100 He said: No, but you would love her. while we strategized on how to move percent. But though you are not going She is a wonderful, wonderful person, an agenda of empowerment, and I have to nominate me for President, I hope and she has two wonderful children. I danced at his famous birthday parties. you will still introduce me at the con- am going to adopt them and treat them We have had a good time together. vention. I said: Absolutely. But one as my own. And I am so happy. I remember one of the first parties day I hope to be able to nominate you. I said: Ted, why would you call me in was the theme from the 1960s, and I That night, as I took the podium, it California? came with a big wig, hoping I would was the famous speech that everyone He said: Well, her daughter was brag- look like Jackie Kennedy. Ted was a remembers Ted Kennedy giving about ging to her elementary school teacher chunky Rhett Butler because Vicki and the work going on, the cause enduring, at that time that her mother was going he were coming as Rhett Butler and the hope still living, and the dream to marry Ted Kennedy. Scarlett O’Hara. As we jitterbugged, I never dying. What was amazing about The elementary school teacher was said: Do you think I look like Jackie? that speech was the way Ted Kennedy married to a Washington Post reporter. He said: Well, nice try. used a moment in his life—which some So he said: I wanted you to become The last party we went to was a viewed as a defeat—as a time to rede- one of the first to know. I am very movie theme, and I came with one of fine himself in public service and to happy. I am going to marry Vicki those big bouffants. It was to be a claim the mantle of being one of the Reggie. movie theme, as I say, and I looked best Senators America has ever seen. I have come to know Vicki very well. like something out of ‘‘Hair Spray.’’ I He used that speech not as a retreat She has made such a difference in his will not tell you his comments, but, but as a reaffirmation and a recommit- life and in his family’s life. She is a again, he said: Your hair gets bigger ment of what he would do. tremendous human being, as are his with every one. I can’t wait until my That night I did introduce him. While children. They are terrific. 80th. all my colleagues were in Boston, and I I was happy to be in the Catholic Well, unfortunately, there will not be watched the funeral from my rehabili- church where Teddy went to pray for an 80th birthday party, but we will al- tation room, mourning his death and his daughter every day he could when ways carry with us the joy of friend- feeling sad that I could not join with she was suffering from cancer. I know ship with Ted Kennedy. my colleagues there, I had that speech how deeply he feels about PATRICK and It is with a heavy heart that I give and I read it then and, as I looked at it, Teddy, Jr. I thought they did a terrific this salute to him. I first met him as a I realized I could give it again and job at the mass at his funeral. He has young social worker. I testified before again. Because when I took the floor of to be very proud of them. I am very his committee. As a young social work- the 1980 convention, I first said: I am proud of them. er, I was there to talk about a not here for BARB MIKULSKI. And I am I think Vicki Kennedy deserves an brandnew program called Medicare, here today for all those people who awful lot of credit for all of the later about what was working, what were would like to say what they knew happy years of my friend Ted Kennedy. the lessons learned—once again from about Teddy Kennedy, and I am going I want her to know that I love her being on the ground; what was hap- to say some of those words I said then dearly for what she did and as an indi- pening in the streets and neighbor- that would be appropriate for now. vidual herself. hoods—and how to help people get the I said: I love Ted Kennedy’s entire family. A medical and social services they need- I am here on behalf of a lot of people who number of them have come to me at ed. He listened, he was intent, and he want to be here but can’t: Old women des- perately trying to use their Social Security times where I was able to help them be- asked many questions. Little did I checks to pay for food and medicine and yet cause he could not as a member of the know I would join him in the Senate to frightened about their energy bills. Students family. I have to say that I was close fight for Medicare, to fight for health whose tuition has gone up so much they are to a great number of the members of care, and to fight for those senior citi- going to have to work two jobs just to stay his family, and I really appreciate zens. in school. them as well and the influence they Similar to so many others of my gen- I spoke of small businesspeople try- had on him and he had on them. eration, I was inspired by the Kennedys ing to just keep their doors open and He had a great influence on me as to pursue a life in public service. I the returning war vet who is unem- well. I want to personally thank him chose the field of social work and then ployed, and that while his brother has for it and say to my dear friend and went into politics because I saw poli- signed up for a tour of duty, he is colleague, as I look at his desk over tics as social work with power. As a standing in the unemployment line. there with the flowers and the drape, Congresswoman, I was on the Energy I said during that speech that, day rest in peace, dear Ted, and just know and Commerce Committee. That was a after day, Edward Kennedy has spoken that a lot of us will try to carry on, counterpart to what Ted was doing in out for those people; that he has been and hopefully, with some of the things the Senate. We got to know each other there talking about the economy, en- you taught us and helped us to under- at conferences working together. Those ergy policy, and jobs, long before many

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I said that as a it was the staff in Massachusetts, who sure we put money and a legislative young social worker, working in the took care of casework and projects and framework in place so Dr. Healy could neighborhoods during the dark Nixon day-to-day needs, or the staff in Wash- institute the famous hormone therapy years, and wondering how old people ington who helped Ted Kennedy take study. Well, let me tell you the con- were going to get the services they the ideas that came from the people, sequences of that. That study has needed, Ted Kennedy introduced the their day-to-day struggles, and con- changed medical practice. That study first nutrition program for the elder- verted them into national policy. That has resulted in breast cancer rates ly—a program that guaranteed senior is what it was—people, people, people. going down 15 percent. citizens at least one hot meal a day. It When I came to the Senate, it was So when someone says: What did Ted was Ted Kennedy, I said, who won the only Nancy Kassebaum and I. We were Kennedy do to help women? What did passage of programs such as neighbor- the only two women. He was a great Teddy Kennedy do to work with BAR- hood health centers, who fought the friend, along with Senator Sarbanes. BARA MIKULSKI? Tell them we worked war on cancer, who led the fight to They were people I called my Gala- together and we worked to save the save nurses’ scholarships and save hads—people who helped me get on the lives of women, one million at a time. them he did. In his fight for legislation, right committees, show me the inner This is my final salute to Senator Ken- he was always there. workings of the Senate. Ted was deter- nedy on the floor, but I will always sa- In my fight to help battered women, mined I would be on his Committee on lute him every day in the Senate to Senator Kennedy was one of the first Health and Education to get the ideas make sure we continue what he said to be a strong and active ally. He said passed, but he also was determined I about how the dream will continue on. he knew very early on that all Amer- would get on the Appropriations Com- I ended my speech at the Democratic ican women work but that too many mittee to make sure we put those ideas Convention in 1980 when I said this— women work for too little or are paid into the Federal checkbook. He was my and I end my remarks today by saying unequal pay for their work. I said then, advocate. this: Edward Kennedy has kept his and I say again, Ted Kennedy wanted One of the things that was clear is, faith with the American people. He to change Social Security to make it he was the champion for women. He hasn’t waited for a crisis to emerge or fairer for women and to extend the was a champion for this woman in a constituency to develop. He always Equal Rights Amendment so we would helping me get on those committees. led, he always acted, he always in- be included in the Constitution. And during those sometimes rough spires. It was amazing the issues he fought days getting started, he would take me God bless you, Ted. And God bless the for then and that he continued to fight to La Colline with Senator DODD, and United States of America. for all his life. In the time I knew him, while he drank orange juice with a lit- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I knew him not just as a news clip, but tle vodka—so no one would know he ator from Alabama is recognized. I found him to be truly gallant in pub- had a little vodka—he was giving me Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I lic and in private—caring about others shooters of Chardonnay to boost my would like to take a moment to join and modest about himself, always spirits. He and CHRIS would give me a with my colleagues, and I see quite a about grace, courage, and valor. pep talk, and I felt like I was Rocky. number on the Senate floor now, to pay When I came to the Senate, I was the They would say: Get out there, fight; tribute to Ted Kennedy. He was a truly only Democratic woman, and he was don’t let it get you down. Pick yourself remarkable force in the Senate, a there for me, but I saw how he was up. I felt like I was going to spit in the champion of liberalism—perhaps the there for so many other people. In 2004, bucket and get back on the floor. He Nation’s leading champion of lib- when we were in Boston, Ted Kennedy lifted my spirits, just like he lifted the eralism. He believed government could and I had lunch in the North End. It spirits of so many. serve the people, and it ought to do was one of our favorite things, to get The story I wish to conclude with— more to serve people. On that we some- together for a meal and for conversa- because there are so many issues we times disagreed, but he believed it with tion. What I realized then—as we en- worked on together—is when I went to a sincerity and he battled for it with a joyed ourselves with big plates of anti- him and said: Ted, did you know that consistency that is remarkable. He pasto; always vowing that we would eat women are not included in the proto- constantly sought to utilize the ability more of the salad and less of the cols at NIH? He said: What do you of government to do good for the Amer- pasta—as we got up and left and mean? I said: In all the research we do, ican people, and that is admirable. walked around the North End, is that women are not included in the proto- He also was a champion of civil his best ideas came from the people. It cols. They just finished a famous study rights. He was a force during the civil was his passion for people. I knew he which said to take an aspirin a day, rights movement, and his activities, represented those brainy people in keep a heart attack away. It included his personal leadership, truly made a Cambridge who went to Harvard and 10,000 male medical students and not difference in making this a better who often came up through the Ken- one woman. I said: I want to change country. Without his leadership, things nedy School with those great ideas. that. Teaming up with Nancy and Pat would have been much more difficult But as I walked around the neighbor- Schroeder and OLYMPIA SNOWE and for sure. hoods with him, I saw he actually lis- Connie Morella, who were in the House, I have a vivid memory of him—pre- tened to people, trailed by a staff per- he helped me create the Office of Wom- siding as I did when I first came to the son who was actually taking notes. en’s Health at NIH so women would al- Senate, a duty given to the younger, As we walked down the street, there ways be included in those protocols. newer Members—in the night, Ted Ken- was the man who came up and who Then we spoke out and said: Ted, the nedy, alone on the Senate floor, roar- talked about his mother’s problem health care research for breast cancer ing away for the values he believed in. with Social Security. Take it down, he is low. That is why they are racing for It was just something to behold, in my said. Let’s see what we can do. We the cure. He helped us, working with view. I saw nothing like it from, walked down a few feet more. Oh, my TOM HARKIN, to boost the money for re- maybe, any other Member. He had grandson wants to go to West Point; search and to also get mammogram served so many years in the Senate— how does he apply? He said: He is going quality standards through so that when and I learned today from our chairman to love it and he is going to love my a woman would get her mammogram, on Judiciary, Senator LEAHY, that he process. Let’s see how we can do that. it would be safe. served on the Senate Judiciary Com- A few feet on down, the small business But here is one of the most profound mittee longer than any other Senator guy said: Keep on fighting, Ted. You things we did, again working on a bi- in history. But even as his years went know I can’t buy this health insurance. partisan basis. Dr. Bernadine Healy, by, many years in the Senate, he did

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Those of us who were in the church in As I told one reporter after his death, He was not only the most accomplished Boston at the funeral—and those prob- I would just hope to be somewhat as ef- and effective Senator of the last 50 ably watching on television—heard the fective in promoting the values I be- years, he was truly one of the towering very eloquent speech by Teddy Jr. lieved in as he was in promoting those figures in the entire history of the Sen- about his battle with cancer at a young values. If we disagreed, and sometimes ate. Yet for all his accomplishments, age, losing his leg and his confronting we certainly did, people continued to for all the historic bills he authored his disabilities, and how Ted helped admire him, I think, to a unique de- and shepherded into law, for all the ti- him get through that. gree. There were no hard feelings. You tanic battles he fought, I will remem- In 1975, Senator Kennedy helped to would battle away, and then afterwards ber Ted Kennedy first and foremost as pass what is now called the Individuals it would be a respectful relationship just a good and decent human being. with Disabilities Education Act— between Senators. I think that is pret- I remember his extraordinary gen- IDEA. In 1978 he passed legislation ex- ty unusual and something that is wor- erosity, his courage, his passion, his panding the jurisdiction of the Civil thy of commenting on. capacity for friendship and caring, and, Rights Commission to protect people He talked to me about being a co- of course, that great sense of humor. I from discrimination on the basis of dis- sponsor, his prime cosponsor on a bill. remember one time I was in my office ability. In 1980 he introduced the Civil He said he wanted to work with me on and we had a phone conversation. It Rights for Institutionalized Persons something important. It was a bill we was about a disagreement we had. It Act, protecting the rights of people in commonly referred to as the prison was right at St. Patrick’s Day so we government institutions, including the rape bill. There was a lot of concern were having this discussion on the elderly and people with intellectual that in prisons, people who are arrested phone and tempers got a little heated. and mental disabilities. were subjected to sexual abuse. That, I think I was holding the phone out Nineteen years ago he was one of my in my view, is not acceptable. I know about like this. He probably was too. I most important leaders and partners in the Presiding Officer, a prosecutor, think our voices got raised to a very passing the Americans with Disabil- knows people deserve to do their time high decibel level, sort of yelling at ities Act—1990. I will never forget, in jail, but they should never be sub- each other, and pretty soon we just after I had been in the Senate for 2 jected to those kinds of abuses. So we hung up on each other. years, Republicans were in charge, and passed a pretty comprehensive bill. I I felt very badly; I know he did too. then in 1986 Democrats came back, was proud of it and proud to be with So several hours later, when I came on took charge, and Senator Kennedy him at the signing ceremony. the Senate floor and I saw Ted at his wanted me on his education and health I also talked to him and we met and desk, I went up to him, I pulled up a committee. I sort of played a little talked at some length about a major chair next to him. He would get that hard to get. piece of legislation to increase savings I said: Well, maybe, but I am really kind of pixie smile on his face, have a in America, savings for the average interested in disability issues. He knew twinkle in his eye. working American who had not been I said: Ted, I’m sorry about that con- about that. He knew about my work on able to share in the growth of wealth versation we had. I should not have some of the stuff I had done in the that so many have been blessed with in House before I came here, especially lost my temper as I did. I said: My staff this country. I thought we had some for people with hearing problems. I said is a little concerned about our relation- pretty good ideas. Savings at that time I would like to come on his committee, ship. had fallen below zero—actually 1 per- He sort of got that great smile and but I said I would be interested in cent negative use of people’s savings chuckled. Well, he said, forget about it. working on disability issues. which were going away. I guess now we He got back to me and said: Tell you I just told my staff that is just the way are at 5 or 6 percent savings rate after what, I have the Disability Policy Sub- two Irish men celebrate St. Patrick’s this turmoil we have had economically. committee and you can chair it. Day. I do not think the idea should go away. I am a freshman Senator. He didn’t That is just the way he was. He could Maybe it lost a little steam in the fact have to do that for me. I was astounded disarm you immediately and you would that we have seen a resurgence of sav- at his great generosity. So I have al- move on. He had a great disarming ings today, but I was very impressed ways appreciated that. He had already sense of humor. with his commitment to it, the work of had this great, extensive record on dis- Ted came from a remarkable fam- his fine staff, and his personal knowl- ability issues. Yet he let me take the ily—so many tough breaks, so many edge of the issue. lead. Then when the Americans with I see my other colleagues. I will join triumphs, so many contributions to Disabilities Act came up, he could have with them in expressing my sincere our Nation—both in war and in peace. taken that himself. He was the chair- sympathy to Vicki and their entire Ted and his siblings were born into man of the committee. family for their great loss. The Senate great wealth. They could have lived As I said, he had this long history of has lost a great warrior and a great lives of luxury and leisure, but they championing the causes of people with champion of American values. chose instead to devote themselves to disabilities. Yet he knew how passion- I yield the floor. public service. They devoted them- ately I felt about it, and he let me au- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- selves to making the world a better thor the bill. He let me take it on the ator from Iowa is recognized. place for others, especially those in the floor. He let me be the floor manager of Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask shadows of life. it and put my name on it. He didn’t unanimous consent the period of morn- There are so many things I could have to do that. He was the chairman. ing business be extended to 2:30 p.m., focus on this morning in my brief re- He could have had his name on it. He with Senators permitted to speak marks, but I want to focus on just one could have floor-managed it. But he let therein for up to 10 minutes each. aspect of Ted Kennedy: all that he did me do it in spite of the fact that I was The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without to improve the lives of people with dis- just a freshman Senator. objection, it is so ordered. abilities in our country. I thought He was an indispensable leader in Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, as I look about this: With the death of Eunice bringing disparate groups together to around this Chamber, I see men and Kennedy Shriver on August 11, and all get the Americans with Disabilities women of remarkable talents and abili- she did to found the Special Olympics Act passed. I will never forget that ties. I also have a strong sense, we all now being carried on by her son Tim, great act of generosity on his part in do, that there is a tremendous void then the death of Ted on August 25, letting me take the lead. now in our midst. A very special Sen- people with disabilities in this country Ted always insisted that our focus ator, a very special friend, a Member lost two great champions. should be not on disability but on abil- who played a unique role within this Their sister Rosemary lived her en- ity; that people with disabilities must body for nearly a half century is no tire life with a severe intellectual dis- be fully included in our American fam- longer with us. ability. The entire Kennedy family is ily. Americans with disabilities had no

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S9211 better friend, no tougher fighter, no to get elected, like every other Repub- he could do it with the best of them. more relentless champion than Ted lican did. We do not want another per- But he could also take a punch as well Kennedy. son up to help Ted Kennedy. And he as give one. Yesterday I accepted the chairman- loved it. He got more air time than the So what we are missing today in the ship of the Senate HELP Committee, candidates themselves. He loved it. Senate is the spirit of Ted Kennedy the Health, Education, Labor and Pen- I remember him telling me a story when it comes to standing up for what sions Committee. It is a great honor about Senator Hollings. The tradition you believe and being able to work and a great challenge and, I must add, in the Senate is when you get re- with somebody who you disagree with somewhat daunting to carry on the leg- elected, you have your fellow Senator on an issue very important to the acy of Senator Ted Kennedy. He dedi- from that State follow you down to the country. cated his life to making our economy well. He went over to Senator Hollings If he were alive today, the health work for all Americans, to secure a and said: I want you to come down and care debate would be different. That is quality education for every child and, escort me. not a slam on anybody involved, be- of course, securing quality, affordable He said: Why? I am from South Caro- cause this is hard. I do not know if he health care for every citizen as a right lina. could deliver, but I think it would be and not a privilege. He said: In my campaign you were. different and I think it would be more In the Democratic cloakroom, there You were the other Senator from hopeful. is a page from the Cape Cod Times with South Carolina. The immigration bill failed. But he a wonderful picture of Ted and a quote Ted got a lot of fun out of that. I told me: I have been through this a lot. from him. Here is the quote: think he appreciated the role he Hard things are hard for a reason, and Since I was a boy I have known the joy of played, and Republicans, almost to a it will take a long time. He indicated sailing the waters of Cape Cod and for all my person, would use Senator Kennedy in to me that the immigration debate had years in public life I have believed that their campaigns. all the emotion of the civil rights de- America must sail toward the shores of lib- But when they got here, they under- bate. And that was not something he erty and justice for all. There is no end to stood Senator Kennedy was someone said lightly. that journey, only the next great voyage. you wanted to do business with. If you We sat in that room with Senator We have heard many eloquent trib- had a bill that you thought would need KYL and Senator Salazar and a group utes to Senator Kennedy. But the trib- some bipartisan support, Senator Ken- of Senators who came and went, and ute that would matter most for him nedy is the first person you would the administration officials, Homeland would be for his colleagues to come to- think of. And you had to understand Security Secretary Chertoff, and Com- gether, on a bipartisan basis, to pass a the limitations on what he could help merce Secretary Gutierrez, and we strong, comprehensive health reform you with. He was not going to help you wrote it line by line with our staffs sit- bill this year. with certain things, because it ran ting on the wall. It is time for us to sail ahead on this counter to what he believe in. But It was what I thought the govern- next great voyage to a better and more where you could find common grounds ment was supposed to be like in ninth just and more caring America. So as we on the big issues, you had no better grade civics. It was one of the high- sadly contemplate the empty desk ally than Senator Kennedy. lights of my political life to be able to draped in black, we say farewell to a We met in the President’s Room sit in that room with Senator Kennedy beloved colleague. He is no longer with every morning during the immigration and other Senators and literally try to us, but his work continues. His spirit is debate, and at night he would call me write a bill that was difficult. here. And as he said, the cause endures. up and say: LINDSEY, tomorrow in our We failed for the moment. But we are May Ted Kennedy rest in peace. But meeting you need to yell at me because going to reform our immigration sys- may we not rest until we have com- you need to get something. I under- tem. And the guts of that bill, the bal- pleted the cause of his life, the cause stand that. I will fight back. But you ance we have achieved, will be the he fought for until his last breath, en- will get it. starting point for a new debate. Most suring quality, affordable health care The next day he would say: I need to of it will become law one day, because for every American. yell at you. It was sort of like all-star it is the ultimate give and take and it I yield the floor. wrestling, to be honest with you, and made a lot of sense. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- that was fun. Because he understood I say his wife Vicki, I got to know ator from South Carolina. how far I could go, and he challenged Ted later in his life. Through him I got Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, it is me to go as far as I could. But he never to know you. I know you are hurting my understanding that we are going asked me to go farther than I was capa- now. But I hope that all of the things back and forth. If Senator LAUTENBERG ble of going. And, in return, he would being said by his colleagues and the will let me go, I will not talk long, if walk the plank for you. people at large are reassuring to you, that is appropriate. We had votes on the floor of the Sen- and that as we move forward as a Sen- Today is a day to remember a col- ate on emotion-driven amendments de- ate, when you look at the history of league, a friend, someone whom it was signed to break the bill apart from the this body, which is long and distin- a challenge to oppose and a joy to work right and the left. I walked the plank guished, around here there are all with, and I wish we were not here on the right because I knew he would kinds of busts of people who have done today talking about the passing of Sen- walk the plank on the left. He voted great things during challenging times. ator Kennedy. against amendments he probably I will bet everything I own that Sen- We disagreed on most things but agreed with, but he understood that ator Kennedy, when the history of this found common ground on big things. the deal would come unraveled. body is written, will be at the top ech- And everyone has a story about Sen- The only thing I can tell you about elon of Senators who have ever served. ator Kennedy. There has been a lot of Senator Kennedy, without any hesi- The point is that you can be liberal as discussion about his life, the legacy, tation is if he told you he would do you want to be, you can be as conserv- his human failings, which we all have, something, that is all you needed to ative as you want to be, and you can be his self-inflicted wounds, and his con- hear. A handshake from him was better as effective as you want to be. If you tribution to the country. But I want to than a video deposition from most peo- want to be liberal and effective, you talk about what will be missing in the ple. I do not how to say it any more di- can be. If you want to be liberal and in- Senate. rectly than that. effective, you can choose that route We had a giant of a man who was Opposing him was a lot of fun be- too. The same for being conservative. very principled but understood the cause he understood that a give-and- You do not have to choose. That is Senate as well as anyone I have ever take to move a ball forward was part of what Senator Kennedy taught this met; he understood the need to give democracy, but standing your ground body, and I think what he dem- and take to move the country forward. and planting your feet and telling the onstrated to anybody who wants to My experience with Senator Kennedy other side, in a respectful way, to go to come and be a Senator. So if you are a was, I used his image in my campaign hell, was also part of democracy. And left-of-center politician looking for a

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We ute I can give to Senator Kennedy— figure, he was at the top of the list of stood together on other struggles, from being somebody on the right who will popular Senators beloved by both Re- the creation of the Children’s Health meet in the middle for the good of the publicans and Democrats. He carried a Insurance Program to the Ryan White country. great sense of humor. He liked to play Act, to the Family and Medical Leave Ted will be missed but he will not be pranks, one of which I saw up close and Act. forgotten. personal. One Thursday night after a Think about it: Without Ted Ken- I yield the floor. long series of votes, we chartered an nedy, nearly 7 million children would The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- airplane to take Ted Kennedy, JOHN not have health insurance. Think ator from New Jersey. KERRY, Senator Claiborne Pell, and me about it: Without Ted Kennedy, half a Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, north to join our vacationing families million Americans suffering with HIV this corner of the Senate has become a in the area. would not be receiving vital services to lonely place. I sat next to Ted Kennedy A week later we were here in the cope with their disease. Think about it: here for a number of years. We miss Chamber, and Claiborne Pell came over Without Ted Kennedy, more than 60 him. We miss his camaraderie, his to me, hands shaking, with a letter in million workers would not have the humor, his candor, most of all his cour- his hand. I looked at the letter. It was right to take time off from their job to age. And though he will not be here to my stationery. On that stationery it care for a baby or a loved one or even join us in the future, the things he did asked for Claiborne Pell, a frugal man, receive personal medical treatment. will last for decades because they were to pay a far greater share of the total And he did more. He gave people as- so powerful. He was a constant pres- than was originally agreed to. I was surance that the government was on ence here. It is hard to imagine the embarrassed, mortified. I quickly de- their side. Senate without Ted Kennedy’s vibrant clared that it was wrong and apolo- Ted Kennedy was the guardian of op- voice resounding throughout this floor gized profusely. And then I went to Ted portunity. Look at his decades-long or his roaring laughter spilling out of to assure him that if he got a letter campaign to increase the minimum the cloakroom. such as that, the letter was incorrect. wage. Without doubt he was one of the fin- Ted turned belligerent. He reminded He will forever be remembered as a est legislators ever in this Chamber’s me of the help he provided in my first leader who persevered despite some history. Throughout his more than 46 election and asked: How could I nickel frailties, who remained a tower of years of service, Ted introduced 2,500 and dime him after all of that help. He strength despite crippling personal bills and shepherded more than 550 of turned on his heel, walked away red- tragedy. those into law. He was a man of many faced, and then I realized it was part of Nothing symbolized his fortitude gifts, but his greatest had to be his re- the creation of a plot to embarrass me. more than his first major speech on the markable affinity for ordinary people. The two of us broke into laughter so Senate floor, which came on the heels I saw that gift firsthand in 1982 when loud, so boisterously, that the Pre- of President Kennedy’s assassination. I was making my first run for the Sen- siding Officer demanded that we leave Then, despite all he was facing per- ate. A rally was being held for me in the Chamber. sonally, he fought for passage of the Newark, NJ, and it drew a crowd of Ted Kennedy’s love of life was always Civil Rights Act of 1964 to outlaw dis- thousands. I wanted to think that they obvious in the Senate. Even though he crimination in employment, education were there for me, but it was obvious could rise above partisan division, his and public accommodations. that they were there for Ted Kennedy. life’s work was deeply personal. It was From there, Ted Kennedy became in- The warmth, the affection with Ted Kennedy who inherited the family extricably tied to the struggle for which he was received in this city far legacy when two brothers were slain by equal rights. from the borders of Massachusetts, far assassins’ bullets. He met that chal- He was the chief sponsor of the Civil from the halls of power in Washington, lenge by battling the powerful special Rights Act of 1991. was amazing to witness. It was fitting interests to pass the Gun Control Act Ted Kennedy was also a leader in the that Ted came to Newark to help me of 1968, which made it illegal for crimi- passage of the Voting Rights Act of campaign because he inspired me to de- nals and the mentally ill to buy guns. 1965. vote myself to public service. He en- Together Ted and I joined the fight This law abolished literacy tests at couraged my entry into the Senate. to keep our streets safe from the the polls and guaranteed the protection As soon as I joined the Senate, Ted scourge of gun violence. For decades, of all Americans’ right to vote. Kennedy became a source of knowl- he was a force that shaped the national In 1982, he was the chief sponsor of edge, and information, and wisdom. He political landscape. He crafted life- the Voting Rights Amendments Act was a seatmate of mine here in the changing legislation year after year, which led the way to greater minority Senate, and freely offered ideas on cre- always fighting to shape public opinion representation in Congress and state ating and moving legislation that I toward his causes. He believed public legislatures. thought of or sponsored. service was a sacred mission and the That law, in no small way, made it Even though he was born into privi- role of a leader was to make progress. more likely that Barack Obama would lege and was part of a powerful polit- No matter how hard, no matter how become President of the United States. ical family, his fight was always for long the journey, he persisted. We are grateful the last Kennedy the workers, for justice, and for those In fact, Ted Kennedy’s signature tal- brother had a chance to see America often forgotten. He was never shy to ent was his precise, unmatched ability rise above racism, above prejudice. He chase one down and demand your vote to get legislation passed. And he did had a chance, the last of the Kennedy or to call you on the phone and insist that through the timeless require- brothers in office, to see President on your support. Sometimes he would ments of this profession: preparation, Obama take that oath. It was a proud try to bring you to his side through integrity, fairness, patience, hard moment for him and for all of us. reason, other times it was through work, a little bit of table pounding and As his life came to an end, Ted said righteous fury. Ted was such a tena- a profound respect for his colleagues he saw a new wave of change all around cious fighter for a cause in which he and his constituents. us. He promised us that if we kept our believed that he would often put on the I had the privilege of working with compass true, we could reach our des- gloves no matter who the opponent Ted Kennedy on many pieces of tination. In the days and the weeks and might be. groundbreaking legislation. We worked the months to come, the years to come, But he never let disagreement turn closely on fighting big tobacco and decades to come, we have to keep Ted into a personal vendetta. No matter their attempts to seduce children into Kennedy’s cause alive. It is the cause

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S9213 of breaking gridlock to get things his passion for the things and the peo- I was here about, gee, it could not done. It is the cause of expanding ple that he cared about. I will remem- have been but a couple of days—some- health care as a right and not a privi- ber the dog lover who brought Sunny thing less than 48 hours—when I was lege. It is the cause of bringing hope and Splash to my office to visit. I will notified that I was going to be on the and justice and prosperity to all. recall a considerate friend who sent Judiciary Committee and that I would We are likely never to see the likes dozens of roses to mark my wedding be the chairman of the Immigration of a Ted Kennedy again. But I am con- anniversary or a special birthday. I Subcommittee on Judiciary and my fident we can rise to the challenge the will again enjoy a very special recita- ranking member would be Ted Ken- people’s Senator set for us and carry on tion of the ‘‘Midnight Ride of Paul Re- nedy. for those who remember him, for those, vere.’’ By habit, I shall immediately Senator Kennedy came to me on the yes, who miss him, for those who loved look for Ted Kennedy whenever I enter floor, within a few hours of me being him, and for those who will always this Chamber. In a thousand ways large notified of that, and he said: SAXBY, need a champion like Ted Kennedy. and small he will simply be deeply, you and I need to sit down. Let’s dis- Finally, if there was a demonstration deeply missed. cuss some immigration issues that we of his humanity, the funeral tribute My heart goes out to his steadfast want to accomplish during the next 2 was one of enormous love and respect. wife Vickie and to his wonderful fam- years. I just want to talk with you It was enunciated particularly, because ily. His spirit surely lives on in all of about it, get your thoughts and give I road with other Senators on the bus, you. you my thoughts. by the hoards of people standing by the Not long ago, I picked up a book of I said: Well, sure, Ted, that will be poetry which Ted Kennedy had given to curbside with signs of gratitude for his great. I will be happy to come to your me in July of 1996. It bore this inscrip- contribution to the life and well-being office and sit down with you. tion: He said no. He said: SAXBY, that is of America. We are thankful for that. ‘‘To Bob, the master of our legisla- I yield the floor. tive poetry who has already left so not the way the Senate works. You are The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- many extraordinary Footprints on the the chairman. I will come to your of- ator from West Virginia. Sands of Time.’’ After that, Ted had fice. Mr. BYRD. I thank the Chair. written, ‘‘See page 371.’’ So the next day, a Senator who had Mr. President, on August 25, a tow- I close with a few stanzas from ‘‘a been in office for well over 40 years ering figure on our national political Psalm of Life’’ on page 371 of Ted’s gift came to the office of a Member of the landscape left us. Edward Moore Ken- to me: Senate who had been here a little over nedy succumbed to a malignant brain Life is real! Life is earnest! 40 hours and sat down and had a con- tumor after an 18-month battle for his And the grave is not its goal; versation. That was a lesson about the life. As I look now at his desk, draped Dust thou art, to dust returnest, way the Senate works that I will never with black cloth and covered with flow- Was not spoken of the soul. forget. ers, I still have difficulty believing .... We began working together on the that he is gone. My ebullient Irish-to- Lives of great men all remind us Immigration Subcommittee, and we the-core friend has departed this life We can make our lives sublime, worked for about a year—it was in ex- forever. How bleakly somber. How ut- And, departing, leave behind us cess of a year, I guess—on an issue we terly final. How totally unlike Ted Footprints on the sands of time; talked about the very first day in my Kennedy in life. Footprints, that perhaps another, office. It involved the expansion of the Ted Kennedy in life was a force of na- Sailing o’er life’s solemn main, L–1/H–1B visas. At that time, our econ- ture—a cheerful, inquisitive, caring A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, omy was booming and businesses man, who never accepted somberness Seeing, shall take heart again. across our country needed access to for long or the finality of anything. His Let us, then, be up and doing, more employees who had a specialized energetic adherence to perseverance, With a heart for any fate; expertise. his plain dogged determination, his Still achieving, still pursuing, We were successful in ultimately ability to rise from the ashes of what- Learn to labor and to wait. striking a compromise. It was difficult ever new horrific event accosted him, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- for Ted because the leftwing of his always with grace, and usually with a ator from Georgia. party was very much in opposition to liberal dose of humor, were his trade- Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I what we were doing, and it was some- marks. It was almost as if Ted Kennedy have been very fortunate in my life in what, although a little bit less, dif- public service to witness a lot of his- were at the top of his form when coping ficult for me because the rightwing of torical events, but none parallels the with adversity. Life itself inspired him. my party was in opposition to what we tribute that was just paid by one icon He believed that life was a contact were doing. of the U.S. Senate to another Member sport, but that it should never be Ted called me up one day after we of the U.S. Senate. played without joy in the game itself. I rise to pay my respects to the late had finished our negotiations, and he That is how he saw politics as well. Senator Ted Kennedy. As one of my was laughing, and he said: SAXBY, I Ted Kennedy and I were friends and, colleagues said earlier, it is a little bit have to tell you, we have entered into yet, we were the oddest of odd couples. ironic, when you come to the Senate an agreement on this, and I am going He was the scion of a wealthy and sto- you find out that those with whom you to do exactly what I told you I would ried family. I am a coal miner’s son have significant political disagree- do, but, boy, am I ever getting beat up who had no bottom rungs in my ladder. ments are folks you get to know well by the far left in my party. They are In earlier years we were rivals. and you have the opportunity to work just killing me. He said: It is to the What Ted and I discovered, though, with. point where I am up for reelection next was that somehow we had many things I am sure during my political cam- year, and you may have to come to in common—a love of history; an affec- paign for the U.S. Senate Ted Kennedy Massachusetts and campaign for me. tion for poetry; a fondness for dogs; a raised me a lot of money by virtue of We kind of laughed about that. commitment to the less fortunate in the fact that I would cite him in my Well, 2 days later, I had been besieged our society. Many will speak of Ted’s fundraising mailouts because, coming with phone calls from ultraconserva- stunning Senate career, his huge and from a very conservative part of the tive folks from my State, and I called lasting impact on our culture, his country, it was popular to cite the lib- Ted up, and I said: Well, Ted, you will domination of the political scene for so eral Members of the Senate and say not believe this, but I am getting beat many, many decades. By all means, let you needed to be there to counteract up over that same issue by ultra- us never forget Ted Kennedy’s extraor- them. But when I came to the Senate— conservatives in my party. But don’t dinary contribution to this great coun- and certainly Senator Kennedy and I worry, I don’t need you to come to try. It is largely unmatched. do come from opposite ends of the po- Georgia to campaign for me. But I will especially cherish the per- litical spectrum—I learned very quick- Well, he laughed about that like I sonal side of this big man, with his in- ly from Senator Kennedy what the had never heard him laugh. The very fectious laugh, his booming voice, and Senate is all about. last conversation I had with him to

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S9214 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 10, 2009 any extent was when he was here for the best legislator in this body. When a county or a city but all across this President Obama’s inauguration, and Ted Kennedy told you something, you great land. he reminded me of that story. He never could take it to the bank. You never In civil rights, as you look across at forgot that. had to worry about it thereafter. that desk, he had no peers. He would I also have a very fond memory of While we disagreed on many things, stand up, and I would watch: The lower Ted by virtue of the fact that my we agreed on some things and were jaw would quiver slightly, and he grandchildren were 8 and 6 years old able to work together in a very un- would begin, and there would be the when I first came to the Senate, and we usual way. Even when we disagreed, we thunderous tones, either in the Judici- had this ice cream social out in the were able to walk out of this Chamber ary Committee or here on the floor, park across from the Russell building and still be friends. that would fill the room, filled with where his office was and my office is. To Vicki and PATRICK and the chil- passion, filled with conviction, filled In fact, his office was directly below dren, Ted was a great American, a with determination. mine. I am walking back from the ice great guy, and he is going to be missed He played a major role in every civil cream social with my grandchildren— in this body. He was a true inspiration rights battle in this Congress for 40 who were here for that because it hap- to a lot of us, and we are going to miss years. Who else can say that? He pens at the same time as the White that compromising aspect of Ted Ken- fought for people of color, for women, House picnic—and Ted is driving off in nedy that will not be here even though for gays and lesbians, for those seeking his car, and he sees me coming across someone else will take up the mantle. religious liberty. His amendments to with my grandchildren. He stops the With that, Mr. President, I yield the Voting Rights Act in 1982 led to significant increases in minority rep- car, gets out, and he says: SAXBY, these back. resentation in elective office. He was a must be your grandchildren. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I said: They are. ator from California is recognized. major sponsor of the Americans with He said: Well, I want my dogs to see Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, as I Disabilities Act to ensure that millions them and them have a chance to meet sit here and listen to the remarks of of disabled Americans could live pro- my dogs. my colleagues and I look over at that ductive lives. These are not small bills; So he got out of the car and got the black velvet-draped desk, with the these are big bills—the Civil Rights dogs out, and my grandchildren just pristine white roses, and the poem by Act of 1991, which strengthened civil loved playing with those dogs. Robert Frost, and I think about the rights protections against discrimina- Every year after that—I never called past 17 years I have been here and have tion and harassment in the workplace; him—he called me because he knew looked up—and perhaps it is late at again, a big bill which became law. I was part of that small group of Sen- that when the White House picnic was night, perhaps it is in the morning, ators who met on immigration reform going on, my grandchildren would be perhaps it is in the afternoon—and hour after hour in small hot rooms. I here, and he would insist on bringing Senator Kennedy is at his desk and he watched Senator Kennedy with his the dogs up when the grandchildren is talking about a bill he cares a great sleeves rolled back, when he would sit were here so they would have a chance deal about—and, as Senator LAUTEN- back and wait for just the right time to to play with them. That is just the BERG had said earlier, he introduced 550 move or change the tenor of the discus- kind of guy Ted was. It was a much bills that became law. Around here, sion. True, that was one that was not softer side than what we have seen so you can introduce a bill, and maybe it goes somewhere and maybe it does not. successful, but it wasn’t because he did many times with Ted with his pas- not try. You can introduce a bill, and maybe it sionate debates and whatnot. Seventeen years ago, JOE BIDEN is a small bill, but introducing a big Lastly, let me mention another anec- asked me if I would be the first woman dote I will always remember. I was bill that goes somewhere, that passes on the Senate Judiciary Committee. I going down to speak to the Hibernian the House and is signed by the Presi- had the honor of doing it. Ted Kennedy Society in Savannah, which has the dent of the United States, is not a was No. 2 in seniority sitting on that second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade small feat. committee. I saw his commitment I listened to Senator BYRD, and in in the United States. It is a big deal. firsthand. It was very special. You see, We have about 1,000 folks who are at the past he has spoken about lions of I was a volunteer in the campaign for the Hibernian Society dinner that I the Senate. Ted Kennedy was a lion of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. I was a full- was going to speak to. All you do is the Senate. time volunteer for Bobby Kennedy for During 47 years—and this morning in you go in and you tell jokes. his campaign. I saw the Nation ripped the Judiciary Committee, we learned Well, I needed a bunch of Irish jokes, apart by these double assassinations. I so I called up Ted and I told him what he had been the longest serving mem- saw Senator Kennedy, in addition to I was doing, and I said: I know you ber—during 47 years, if you look at the being a lion in the Senate, become a must have a book of Irish jokes. big bills: the Mental Health Systems surrogate father to nieces and nephews. He said: I do. I am going to send it to Act of 1980, which enabled people with I saw him accept this mantle with you. And he said: I will tell you some- mental illnesses to live in their com- great enthusiasm, with great love, and thing else you need to do. I know Sa- munities with minimal hospital care; with a commitment that spanned the vannah is a very conservative part of the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- decades. That is very special. It is a the world, and you are going to see in gram, which has been spoken about, very special human dimension of a these jokes that you will have an op- which provided health insurance to un- great individual. portunity to point out somebody to insured children of low-income fami- I lost my husband Bert to cancer, and kind of poke fun at. He said: Every lies; the commitment to health care re- I know well what the end is like. I time you have an opportunity in tell- form that did not diminish even as he know the good times that grow less ing these jokes, you use my name. suffered through terminal illness; his and less and the bad times that become Well, I took him at his word, and I dedication to education, he was a lead- more and more. Ted Kennedy’s life was did. And, boy, did I ever get a rousing er in the landmark Elementary and enriched by a very special woman, and welcome from all those Irish men in Secondary Education Act, which estab- her name is Vicki Kennedy. For me, Savannah, GA. lished the Federal Government’s com- she is a mentor of what a wife should So I have very great and fond memo- mitment to fund school for poor chil- be. I have watched her sitting with ries of a man who certainly came from dren in public schools; No Child Left him, writing speeches. I have watched a different part of the country than Behind, widely hailed as the greatest her at weekend retreats. I have where I come from, who came from a example of bipartisan cooperation dur- watched her fill his life with love, com- very different political background ing the Bush administration; the bill panionship, understanding. than where I come from, and somebody he did with ORRIN HATCH, the Serve I know a little bit about what the who certainly had much more political America Act, the greatest expansion of last months of a cancer victim are like. experience than I will ever have. But national service since the New Deal—it I can only say to her that we will do the thing I appreciated in Ted Kennedy goes on and on and on, big bills, bills everything we can in this body to end was—and I have said this often—he was that changed people’s lives, not just in cancer in our lifetime.

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We have heard references to a shoes, shoes that probably will never past 2 weeks we have heard many book he gave Senator BYRD, a poetry be filled in quite the same way, from a speak of his accomplishments. book, and how Senator Kennedy would family that will probably never be rep- It didn’t take long for me to realize bring his dogs over to Senator BYRD’s licated. when I came to this body, and more office; and listening to Senator I wish to end my remarks with a pas- and more as each year passed, that Ted CHAMBLISS, how Senator Kennedy made sage in the Prayer Book of the High Kennedy was probably the greatest leg- sure he knew when Senator Holy Day services for Reform Judaism. islator in modern American political CHAMBLISS’s grandchildren would be It was written when I was a teenager history. The guy was amazing, abso- here so the grandchildren could see his by a young rabbi I very much admired, lutely amazing; an inspiration for me dogs. He loved his dogs and he had that and I wish to share it at this time: personally to try to be a very good leg- very light touch. Birth is a beginning and death a destination. islator. Many people have also said I remember not too long ago—and And life is a journey: that. I am not the only one who has Senator BYRD referred to it—I think it From childhood to eternity and youth to recognized his talents and that he is was Senator BYRD’s 67th wedding anni- age; probably the best legislator in modern versary, and Senator Kennedy had the From innocence to awareness and ignorance American political history. foresight and the caring to send 67 to knowing; Let me just say why that was true roses to ROBERT BYRD and Erma Byrd. From foolishness to discretion, and then, for me. First of all, it was the passion perhaps, to wisdom; It was one of the things he just did, as From weakness to strength or strength to of his convictions. His moral compass well as all the letters he wrote, the weakness was set so true: for the average person, handwritten letters he wrote. —and, often, back again; the little guy, the person who didn’t Here is this wonderful guy who prob- From health to sickness and back, we pray, have representation, health care, the ably never used a BlackBerry; didn’t to health again; poor, civil rights. He just believed so know what they were. We know what From offense to forgiveness, from loneliness passionately, so steadfastly. His moral they were. We use them. He wrote to love, from joy to gratitude, from compass was just so firmly set. There notes, hundreds of notes, thousands of pain to compassion, and grief to under- is no question of what Ted Kennedy standing— handwritten notes, tens of thousands of From fear to faith; from defeat to defeat to was and what he believed in, and it handwritten notes. It was incredible. defeat— made him alive. It was his dream to He would write a note to anybody at Until, looking backward or ahead, we see fulfill the lives of the people he worked any time—just a light touch—on their that victory lies not in some high place so hard for. birthday or call them on their birthday along the way, but in having made the All of us remember Ted Kennedy or call somebody who was in the hos- journey, stage by stage, a sacred pil- working so hard to fulfill his dreams. pital. He would just do that, more than grimage. From his desk over here, he would any other Senator here I can think of, Birth is a beginning and death a destination. stand up and he would thunder, red- And life is a journey, a sacred pilgrimage— and I would venture to say probably To life everlasting. faced. He would get so involved, so pas- more than most Senators combined. He sionate, speaking so loudly, almost Ted Kennedy leaves a giant legacy in was just that way. shouting what he believed in. You Let me give one small example. Sev- this body and we should not forsake it. couldn’t help but know that here was a Thank you very much, Mr. President. eral years ago, in my hometown of Hel- guy who believed what he said and, by I yield the floor. ena, MT, I was at a meeting and came gosh, let’s listen to him. He also had The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. back late at night after the meeting, terrific staff. Ted Kennedy’s staff had UDALL of New Mexico). The Senator and my mother said: MAX, Ted Ken- him so well prepared. All of these brief- from Montana is recognized. nedy called. Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, fol- ing books—I will never forget the brief- Really? lowing the passing of President John F. ing books Ted took, and he read them. Yes, Mom said. Well, I told him you Kennedy, Senator Mike Mansfield said: He studied them. He was so well pre- were out, but we had a nice chat, Ted ‘‘He gave us of his love that we, too, in pared. Along with his passion was his Kennedy and I. turn, might give.’’ preparation, and his staff just helped What did you talk about? These words ring true today as we re- him prepare because they were all one We talked about the Miles City buck- member the life of our late colleague, team. They were working so closely to- ing horse sale. It is an event in Mon- Senator Ted Kennedy. gether for the causes they believed in. tana that comes up every year. Ted So much of this country’s history in I also was impressed and found him came and rode a horse at the Miles the past half century can be attributed to be such a great legislator because City bucking horse sale back in 1960. to this one man. But Ted Kennedy was after the speeches he believed in so A few days later I was back on the also a modest man, and he would not thoroughly and passionately, he would floor of the Senate, and I walked up to have put it that way. sit down with you and start to nego- Ted and I said: Ted, I understand you Speaking almost 30 years ago at the tiate, try to work out an agreement, talked to my mother. 1980 Democratic National Convention, try to work out some solution that Oh, he said. Sometimes on the tele- he quoted Tennyson: made sense for him and made sense for phone you are talking to somebody, you if you happened to be on the other you can tell who the person is. Your I am a part of all that I have met . . . Tho much is taken, much abides. side. It was amazing to sit and watch mother, she is such a wonderful person, That which we are, him work, a different demeanor, a dif- so gracious, on and on talking about we are one equal temper of heroic hearts ferent temperament. He would sit there my mother and the conversation the Strong in will and cajole, talk, tell jokes, all in good two of them had. To strive, to see, to find spirit, all in an attempt to try to get to They had never met before. My moth- and not to yield. the solution. er is a staunch Republican, and here is In the more than 46 years that Sen- On the one hand he would be here in Ted Kennedy. ator Kennedy served this body, he did the Chamber and he would be thun- So I went back home a few days not yield and, in turn, he affected each dering, but in the conference room he later, and I told my mother, I said: and every American. would be saying: OK, let’s figure out Mom, Ted was sure impressed with the During his career in the Senate, Sen- how to do this. How do we get this telephone call you had. ator Kennedy authored thousands of done? It was amazing. It was such a Oh, gee, that is great. That is won- bills, and hundreds of them became lesson to learn just watching him legis- derful. law. From championing civil rights to late. My mom wrote Ted a note thanking advocating equal opportunity and high- I think he is also one of the best leg- him for being so—for praising her so er education, to fighting for access to islators in modern American political much to me, her son, just a few days affordable health care for all Ameri- history because he had such a light earlier. cans, Senator Kennedy’s work has touch. He really cared individually for Well, the next thing I knew, my quite simply improved the quality of people, not just groups but individ- mother and Ted were pen pals. Ted

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When I served as the chairman of the Basically, they were just reminiscing His loss was deeply personal to all of us Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- about Montana and again about the because he was a strong and vital pres- sions Committee, the partnership we bucking horse sale, which is another ence not only in the day-to-day work of had forged over the years helped us to reason Ted was such a great guy. the Senate but in our day-to-day lives compile a record of which we were both He lived life so fully. He just loved as well. He was interested and con- very proud. We passed 35 bills out of life. He embraced life in all of the ways cerned not only about his colleagues committee, and 27 of them were signed that life is available to a man. He was but our staffs and all those with whom into law by the President. Most of just wonderful that way. he worked on a long list of issues that them passed unanimously. I remember Back in 1960 when his brother was will continue to have an impact on our attending a bill signing during which running for President, Ted was as- Nation for many generations to come. the President remarked, ‘‘You are the signed the Western States in the 1960 That was the kind of individual Ted only committee sending me anything.’’ Presidential campaign. So Ted was out was—active and completely involved in We checked, and he was right, and that in Montana, and they went to a Demo- all things that had to do with the work was due, in large part, to Ted’s willing- cratic gathering. There wasn’t anybody of the Senate. ness to work with us to get things there, so he went to the Miles City For my part, I have lost a Senate col- done. bucking horse sale. We in Miles City, league who was willing to work with I will always remember two stories MT, have this bucking event. We take me and with Senators on both sides of about Ted. One was a time when we these horses off the prairie and buck the aisle. He was my committee chair- were working together on a mine safe- them. You bid on the horses and, obvi- man and my good friend. ty law. Nothing had been done in that ously, the best bucking horses get the For those across the country who area for almost 30 years. The average highest bid and go off with the rodeo mourn his passing, they have lost a bill takes about 6 years to pass around operators and they use them. trusted and treasured voice in the Sen- here. Thanks to Ted, we got that one Anyway, the long and the short of it ate, a champion who fought for them done in 6 weeks, and it has made a dif- is, Ted was there and he went to the for almost 50 years. ference. bucking horse sale and got in the booth The political landscape of our coun- Another had to do with my first leg- because he wanted to speak on behalf try has now been permanently islative initiative after I arrived as a of his brother. The announcer said: changed. I think we all sensed what his newly sworn-in freshman Senator. I Well, young man, if you want to speak, loss would mean to the country as we knew Ted had quite a good working re- first you have to ride a horse. heard the news of his passing. Now we lationship with my predecessor, Alan Ted said: Why not. take this time to look back to the past Simpson. So as I began to work on an So Ted got on a horse and there is and remember our favorite stories and OSHA safety bill, I started to discuss this wonderful photo of Ted at the instant replay memories of the Senator the bill with Ted and other colleagues Miles City bucking horse sale in Mon- from Massachusetts. and go through it section by section. I tana that somebody took. So there is In the more than 12 years I have had knew Ted’s support would be instru- Ted on his bronco. I don’t think he the privilege of serving Wyoming in mental if my efforts to pass the bill made the full 8 seconds, but he sure the Senate, I had the good fortune to would be successful. So I arranged to had a great time on that horse. come to know Ted on a number of lev- meet with him. The long and short of it is, he is a els. As a Senator, he was a tremendous Ted opened our meeting by pre- great man for so many reasons, and we force to be dealt with on the floor. If senting me with some press clippings love Ted for all he was. Again, I think you were on his side, you knew you had he had collected for me about my he was the greatest legislator I think, a warrior fighting alongside you who mother’s award as ‘‘Mother of the in modern American political history. went to battle without the slightest Year.’’ That impressed me and showed I am touched by what a family man fear of failure or defeat. If you had to me how he kept up on anything that he was. As the years went by, after his face him from the other side of the was of importance to those people he brothers were tragically lost and all arena, you knew you had a tremendous worked with—members and staff. that happened in the Kennedy family, battle on your hands because, when it Then he spent a great deal of time Ted was a rock to others in the family. came to the principles he believed in, going over the bill with me section by He experienced so much and he went no one said it better or with more pas- section. He helped me to make it a win- through so much tragedy and it has sion or more depth of understanding of ner. Although the bill, as a whole, built so much character. the issues involved. As a result, he was didn’t pass, several sections made it Ted was more than a Senate icon who able to notch an impressive list of leg- into law. I found out later that this fought for causes, more than a voice islative victories. wasn’t the way things are usually done for the Commonwealth of Massachu- During his long and remarkable ca- around here, and in all the years Ted setts. As I mentioned, he was a loving reer, there were few initiatives that had been in the Senate, nobody had son, brother, husband, father, uncle, didn’t attract his attention and his gone over a bill with him a section at grandfather, and friend. Working with unique spirited touch that often turned a time. I probably didn’t need to. him for the past 30 years is one of the them from faint hopes for change to That started a friendship and a good greatest honors I have had as a Sen- dreams at long last come true. Whether working relationship with him we both ator. it was an increase in the minimum cherished. I tried to be a good sounding Ted, as far as I am concerned, we are wage, equal rights for all Americans or board for him, and he always did the going to take up your last great cause, the effort to reform our Nation’s same for me. Our friendship can best be health care reform. We are, in the Sen- health care system, which was his summed up when Ted came to my of- ate, doing all we can to get it passed. I, greatest dream, Ted operated at one fice and presented me with a photo of a personally, pledge every ounce of en- speed and one direction—full speed University of Wyoming football helmet ergy at my command to help get health ahead—and it always found him mak- next to a Harvard football helmet, with care reform passed for all the American ing progress on the task at hand. the inscription, ‘‘The Cowboys and the people and for Ted Kennedy. Over the years, I was fortunate to Crimson make a great team.’’ We did, He was a wonderful man, and he will have an opportunity to work with him and I will always remember his be sorely missed. I don’t think there is on a number of issues of great impor- thoughtfulness and kindness in reach- going to be another man or woman in tance to us both. He knew what he had ing out to me. the Senate who will be a giant such as to have in a bill to get his side to agree Ted was one of those remarkable in- Ted Kennedy. He was that great a guy. on it, and I was fortunate to have a dividuals who made all those he

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He spoke out loudly in newed focus and direction to Ted’s life. tion. speeches when he needed to, and he She was his most trusted confidant, his On issues from protecting the envi- whispered into the ears of colleagues best friend, and a wellspring of good ronment, civil rights, increasing the when that was called for. A few days advice and political counsel. He would minimum wage, and health care, he after Senator Kennedy pledged to me have never been all that he was with- was a passionate and unmatched advo- we would get it done, we did. out her, and she will forever be a spe- cate and leader. Through that effort, and many more cial part of his life’s story. So it was with a lifetime of watching battles on this floor, I learned so much For the Enzis, we will always remem- Senator Kennedy with admiration from from him and so have all of us because, ber how thoughtful he was when my afar that I arrived here as a freshman more than almost anyone, Senator grandchildren were born. He was al- Senator in 1993. By the time I was Kennedy knew the Senate. He knew most as excited as I was. He presented elected, Ted was already on his way to how to make personal friends, even me with a gift for each of them that becoming one of the most powerful and with those he didn’t agree with politi- will always be a cherished reminder influential Senators of all time. So I cally. He knew how to reach out and that Ted had a great appreciation for couldn’t believe it when I first walked find ways to work with people to get all of us, and he treated both Members out onto this floor and he walked over them to compromise for the greater and staff with the same kindness and to personally welcome me. For me, good. He knew when not to give up. He concern. that would have been enough—the lion knew when to change the pace or turn Actually, we got Irish Mist training of the Senate reaching out to a rook- the page to get things done. He knew pants for each of them as they were ie—but to Ted Kennedy it wasn’t. when to go sit down next to you or pick born. Through calls to my office, discus- up the phone and call you. He knew When Ted was asked, during an inter- sions on the floor, and by taking me how to legislate. Because of that, he view, what he wanted to be most re- under his wing on the HELP Com- built an incredible legacy. membered for, he said he wanted to mittee, he became a friend, a mentor, It is a legacy that will not only live make a difference for our country. He and sooner than I could have ever on in the Senate Chamber, where he was able to do that and so much more. imagined a courageous partner on leg- was so well loved and respected; it is a He will be missed by us all, and he will islation that I cared deeply about. legacy that will live on in the class- rooms across America, where kids from never be forgotten. All those who knew As a State senator in Washington, I Head Start to college have benefited and loved him will always carry a spe- had worked very hard before I got here from his commitment to opportunities cial memory with them of how he to successfully change the State laws in education; on manufacturing floors, touched their lives as he tried to make in Washington on family and medical where he fought for landmark worker our Nation and the world a better leave. It was an issue that was ex- safety protection; in our hospitals, place. tremely personal to me. My father had Now he has been taken from us and it where medical research that he cham- been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis will always feel like it all happened too pioned is saving lives every day; in when I was very young. Since that soon. He has a record of achievements courtrooms, where the legacy of dis- time, my mother had always been his and success that will probably not be crimination was dealt a blow by his primary caregiver. But a few years be- matched for a long time to come. He years of service on the Judiciary Com- fore I ran and became a Senator, my was a special friend and a mentor who mittee; in voting booths, where he mother had a heart attack and had to had a lot to teach about how to get fought for our most basic rights in a undergo bypass surgery. things done in the Senate. I know I will democracy to be protected and ex- miss him and his willingness to sit Suddenly, my six brothers and sisters panded for decades; and in so many down and visit about how to get some- and I were faced with the question of other places that were touched by his thing through the Senate and passed who was going to take time off to care service, his passion and his giant heart. into law. Now he is at peace and with for the people we loved the most, the Senator Kennedy fought for and won God. May God bless and be with him people who cared for us for so long. so many great battles. But for many of and continue to watch over his family A family leave policy would have al- us who worked with him every day, it for years to come. lowed any of us just a few weeks nec- may be the small moments that will be The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- essary to see them through their med- remembered the most—the personal ator from Washington is recognized. ical crisis. But at the time, none was touch he brought, not only to legis- Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, when I available. lating but to life. was young, Ted Kennedy was larger So after running and winning and As I mentioned a moment ago, my than life. I was just 12 years old when coming to the Senate, the Family and mom had to take care of my dad for he was first elected to the Senate as Medical Leave Act was a bill I wanted most of his life. His multiple sclerosis the youngest son of a political dynasty to stand and fight for. As it turned out, confined him to a wheelchair and she that seemed to dominate the television it was the first bill we considered. could not ever leave his side. One of the each night in my house and the news- Senator Kennedy was here managing few and maybe the only time she did papers every day. that bill on the Senate floor, and I leave my dad is when I was elected to At first, he served in the shadow of found out that he, too, had a personal the Senate and she flew all the way his older brothers. But as I grew up, connection to that bill. from Washington State to Washington, the youngest brother of the Kennedy I well remember one day when Sen- DC, to see me be sworn in. family did, too—in front of the entire ator Kennedy pulled me aside to tell To my mom, Ted Kennedy and his Nation. me about how he had spent a lot of family were amazing individuals whom For me and so many others, Ted Ken- time with his own son in the hospital she followed closely throughout their nedy became a symbol of perseverance fighting cancer and how he met so lives, through their triumphs and, of over tragedy—from his walk down many people at that time who could course, through tragedy. After I was Pennsylvania Avenue at the side of not afford to take time off to care for sworn in, and my mother was up in the Jacqueline Kennedy, to the heart- their loved ones and how some were gallery watching, we walked back breaking speech he delivered at his forced to quit their jobs to take care of through the Halls of Congress to my of- brother Bobby’s funeral, to his pledge somebody they loved because they were fice. Shortly after that, we had a vis- to carry on the causes of those who had sick. He told me that, together, we itor. Senator Kennedy unexpectedly championed his bid for the Presidency. were going to work hard and get this came over to my office and gave my Ted Kennedy routinely appeared be- bill passed. Then he showed this rookie mom a huge hug. I will never forget the fore the American people with great how to do it. look on her face, the tears in her eyes,

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S9218 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 10, 2009 the clear disbelief that she had met early days. But here in the Senate, The loser will have to hold the pennant Ted Kennedy, and it was overpowering. when you get to know people person- of the winning team over his head and It was a moment with my mom I will ally and when you are in our walk of recite ‘‘Casey at the Bat’’ on Capitol never forget, and it is certainly a mo- life, being a Senator, you get to know Hill. We had a bet. The Yankees won. I ment I will never forget with my friend a lot of people personally. You get to went over to him—and he was feigning Ted Kennedy. meet a lot of famous people. Some of fear, this man who had been through I am going to miss him. I know our them, frankly, are disappointing. The everything. When we went out on the country is going to miss him. But as he more you see them the less you want steps, he was hiding behind me. I have reminded us in his courageous speech to know them. But with Ted Kennedy, a picture of it on my wall. We were jok- that he delivered last summer in Den- the more you got to see him, the closer ing and laughing. And then he did his ver, the torch has been passed to a new you got, the better he looked. duty. generation, and the work begins anew. He had flaws, but he was flawless. He I was only a freshman Senator, sort So today, as we honor all of his con- was such a genuine person and such a of like PATTY or anybody else. He went tributions to the Senate and the Na- caring person and such an honorable out of his way for all of us. He would tion, we must also remember to heed and decent man that I wish my chil- tell me to remember the birthdays and that brave final call and continue his dren had gotten to know him, that my the individual happenings in each per- fight for all of those who cannot fight friends had gotten to know him, that son’s life, in each Senator’s life, and go for themselves. all of my 19 million constituents had over and say something to them. It was Mr. President, I yield the floor. gotten to know him a little bit the way his way of teaching me. It was done The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I did. like a father. An amazing person. ator from New York. What a guy. There are so many sto- As I said, the closer you got to him, Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, first, I ries and so many memories. One day the better he looked. As a legislator thank my friend and colleague Senator Ted and I sat next to each other—I and as a giant in our history—and all MURRAY for her heartfelt words, and all used to sit over there. I think it was the history books record it—people of my colleagues. The love we all felt one of the vote-aramas, a long session. have referred to all his accomplish- and feel for Ted Kennedy is genuine. It We occasionally would go up to his ments. But I want to share with people is person to person because that is how hideaway to talk. I said: Why don’t we how it was in person, one on one. You he was. bring some of the freshmen. This was a could be a Senator or you could be two There is so much to say. I know we couple of years ago. I regret that you, guys on a street corner. He was fun and are limited in time. We could speak Mr. President, and the Senator from he was caring and he was loving. He forever. I think every one of us could Oregon in the class of 2008 did not have was a big man, but his heart was much speak forever about Ted Kennedy be- that experience. We would go up to his bigger than he was. cause he had so many interactions with hideaway, and he would regale us with He loved almost everybody. He saw each of us. It is amazing that every stories. He would talk about the pic- the good in people and brought it out. person in this body has a long list of tures on the wall and tell each person He saw the faults in people, and in a stories and thousands of people in Mas- in caring detail what each picture strong but gentle way tried to correct sachusetts and thousands more meant, what each replica meant. He them. He was great on the outside, and throughout America. One would think would tell jokes and laugh. His caring he was even more great on the inside. there were 20 Ted Kennedys. He had so for each person in that room, each a Again, I see my colleagues are wait- much time for the small gesture that new freshman, was genuine, and they ing. I will part with this little memory mattered so much, such as the hug, knew it. We would go up regularly. It that I will never forget. Ted and I be- going out of his way to go to a recep- sort of became a thing, freshman Mem- came good friends. We spent time to- tion and hug PATTY MURRAY’s mom. It bers of the Senate. Ted didn’t need gether in many different ways. When happened over and over again. So we them. He could get whatever he had to he got sick, I felt bad, like we all did. could each speak forever. get done and they would support him. I would call him every so often. This I know time is limited, my colleague But he cared about them as if they was October of last year. He was ill, from Oregon is waiting. We are going were almost family. but he was still in strong health. I to shut off debate soon and others want Whenever we had a late night, we called him a couple of days before it to speak. I will touch on a few things. would sort of gather—I would be the was October. I said: We have a DSCC I could speak forever about Ted Ken- emissary and I would go over to Ted event a couple days from now in Bos- nedy. I thought of him every day while and say: Can we go upstairs? Of course. ton. I thought I would call and say he was alive; I think of him every day AMY KLOBUCHAR, SHERROD BROWN, hello, let him know I was going to be in that he is gone. I had a dream about CLAIRE MCCASKILL, BOBBIE CASEY— his State, his territory. him the other night where typically he their faces would light up, and there we He said: What are you doing before was taking me around to various places would go to hear more stories about the event? He said: Why don’t you in Boston and explaining a little bit the past, the Senate, the individuals. It come out to the compound at Hyannis. about each one with a joke, with a is a memory none of us will forget. I did. He picked me up at the airport. smile, with a remembrance. Ted Kennedy would size people up I flew in on a little plane. I will never There is also nothing we can say early on, and he would care about forget, he had his hat on. He was happy about Ted Kennedy because nothing is them. He was very kind to me, but he as could be pointing out everything, going to replace him. No words can also knew I was the kind of guy you full of vim and vigor. come close to equaling the man. had to put in his place a little bit. I It is obvious why the man was not You read about history and you read would get hazed by Ted Kennedy. JAY afraid of death. When you know your- about the great people in the Senate— ROCKEFELLER told me he went through self and you know you have done ev- the Websters, the Clays, the the same thing when he got here. He erything as he did on both a personal LaFollettes, the Wagners. What a knew who I was but would deliberately basis and as a leader, you are not privilege it was for somebody such as not mention my name. He would be afraid of death. Anyway, he was not at myself, a kid from Brooklyn whose fa- standing there saying: Senator MIKUL- all talking about that. ther was an exterminator, never grad- SKI, you will do this, and Senator HAR- We were supposed to go out sailing, uated from college, to be in the pres- KIN, you will do this; Senator CONRAD, but it was too windy. So we had ence and was actually a friend to a you will do this—I was the last one— lunch—he, Vicki, and I—clam chowder great man. I don’t think I can say that and the others will do this. It was fun. and all the usual stuff. Then he said: I about anyone else. It is amazing. He did it with a twinkle in his eyes. We want to show you something. He lived What I want to tell the American loved, he and I, the give and take, in the big house on the compound, the people—you all read about him. There Brooklyn-Boston. one you see in the pictures. He took me were the good times and the bad times The first year I was here, the Red to the house by the side. That was the and the brickbats that were thrown at Sox were playing the Yankees in the house where President Kennedy lived him, not so much recently but in the playoffs. Ted and I made a bet. He said: because when President Kennedy was

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He had gone to sea when he was teaching detail talked to me about the cation, Labor and Pensions Com- a young boy—as a cabin boy or a deck- history of the family and of Boston, mittee—a committee where so many hand—and he learned to sail the tall what happened from Honey Fitz, the battles for working Americans, so sheets. Over time he advanced through mayor, through his father and Ted many battles for the disenfranchised the ranks until eventually he was the growing up in all these pictures laugh- Americans are waged. So with some captain of a merchant tall-masted ship. ing and reminiscing, and then about trepidation I approached him on the He had amassed some considerable President Kennedy as he was growing Senate floor to speak with him and amount of investment and value and up, and then as President in this little asked if he thought I might be able to loaned to share that ship. When the house and through to Ted. He was sort serve on that committee, if he might ship went down, he lost everything. He of passing on the memories. He did it whisper in the ear of our esteemed ma- saved his life, but he lost all of his pos- again out of generosity, spirit, love, jority leader in that regard, if he sessions. and friendship. thought I might serve well. It was with He was up in New England wrestling As I say, he was a great man and some pleasure that weeks later I had a with how to overcome this tragedy and every one of us knows his greatness message on my phone in which he went what to do with his life, and Captain was not only in the public eye but in on at some length welcoming me to Slocum had a colonel of an idea. He the private one on one. A great man. that committee. That was the first was offered the gift of a ship. Not real- The term is overused. There are not committee to which I received an as- ly a ship, a modest boat between 20 and many. He was one. I was privileged to signment here, and I couldn’t have 30 feet long, single-masted. He later get to know him, to get to be his been more excited and more pleased. overhauled it and added an after-mast. friend, to stand in that large shadow, I didn’t have a chance to have a lot of But he thought: I can rebuild this ship. learn from him, enjoy it, and to love conversations with Senator Kennedy. I He said he rebuilt it, in his story, Cap- him. was very struck when a bit more than tain Slocum. He rebuilt it all but the So, Ted, you will always be with us. a month ago his staff contacted me and name. The Spray stayed from the be- They may take those flowers off that said, in conversation with Senator ginning to the end. He rebuilt it and desk and they may take the great Kennedy, they were wondering if I went to sea to fish. But it wasn’t much black drape off the desk, but you will might like to carry on the torch on the to his liking, and so Captain Slocum always be here for me, for all of us, and Employment Non-Discrimination Act, had an idea that he was going to per- for our country. a civil rights measure he cared a great haps sail around the world. I yield the floor. deal about. They were asking me be- He thought: Why not just sail right The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. cause it was a battle I had waged in the out across the Atlantic. It was a revo- BROWN). The Senator from Oregon is Oregon Legislature. It had been a hard lutionary idea because no one had ever recognized. battle, fought over a number of years, tried to sail around the world by them- Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I rise and a battle we had won. selves, just a single person. But he set today to remember and honor our col- I was more than excited, more than off and he went to Europe. league Senator Edward Kennedy. I first honored to help carry the torch on such I tell you this story at some length had the pleasure of hearing Senator an important civil rights measure, and because Senator Kennedy knew this Kennedy speak in 1976. I wanted to I hope I will be able to do that in a way story well, and we enjoyed sharing come out to Washington, DC, to see he would have been satisfied and pieces of it back and forth. how our Nation operated. I had the pleased. He had gone forth in 1895 and taken 3 great privilege of serving as an intern The Senator from New York, Mr. years to circumnavigate the globe and for a Senator from my home State, SCHUMER, talked about the many con- came back to New England 3 years Senator Hatfield. My father had always versations that took place in Senator later, in 1898. So this was well more talked about Senator Kennedy as Kennedy’s hideaway with freshmen than a century ago, and people around someone who spoke for the disenfran- Senators and the stories that were the world were astounded to see him chised, someone who spoke for the dis- passed on. I didn’t get to share much in sail into a harbor all by himself having possessed, someone who cared about those types of conversations, but as we crossed the broad expanse of an ocean. the working man. So I was looking for- were working on health care, Senator In some ways, the life of Captain Slo- ward to possibly meeting him or at Kennedy invited a group of us to his cum represents a version of the life of least hearing him, when lo and behold, hideaway to brainstorm. Through the Senator Kennedy—someone who faced I found out he was scheduled to speak course of about 2 hours we went great adversity, who faced great trag- as part of a series of lectures to the in- through many of the features and edy, but looked at all of it and said: I terns that summer. So I made sure to many of the challenges and how we am going to go forward. I am going to get there early, and what followed was might be able to go forward and finally go forward and do something bold, exactly the type of address you might realize that dream of affordable, acces- something important. For Senator anticipate—a roaring voice, a pas- sible health care for every single Amer- Kennedy, it wasn’t literally sailing sionate spirit, a principled presen- ican. around the world but it was sailing tation of the challenges we face to When the meeting concluded, I had a through a host of major issues that af- make our society better. I walked out chance to speak with Senator Kennedy fect virtually every facet of our lives— of that lecture and thought: Thank about the picture he had on his wall of certainly the issue of public service, goodness—thank goodness—we have his beautiful yacht—the Maya. Senator the National Service Act, the issue of leaders like Senator Kennedy fighting Kennedy and I both have a passion for mental health and the issue of health for the working people, the challenged, sailing. It connected us across the gen- care and the issue of education. the dispossessed in our society. eration, it connected us from the west Others who have served with him Through that summer, each time I coast to the east coast, it connected us have spoken in far greater detail and heard Senator Kennedy was on the between the son of a millwright and more eloquently than I ever could, but Senate floor I tried to slip over and go the son of a U.S. ambassador. It was I just want to say to Senator Kennedy: up to the staff section so I could sit in magic to see the twinkle in his eye as Thank you for your life of service. and see a little bit of the lion of the he started to talk of his love of sailing Thank you for overcoming adversity to Senate in action. During that time I and some of the adventures he had on undertake a bold journey, a journey never anticipated that I would have a various boats over time and with fam- that has touched every one of our lives. chance to come back and serve in the ily. Thank you for reaching out to converse Senate with Senator Kennedy. But 33 I asked him if he was familiar with with this son of a mill worker from Or- years later, this last January, when I one of my favorite stories—an auto- egon who felt so privileged to be on the

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I always referred (The remarks of Mr. ISAKSON are in which there was an important court to Ted Kennedy, not only knowing him printed in today’s RECORD under decision and there had to be laws and the larger-than-life way he has ‘‘Morning Business.’’) passed to deal with it. I was asked to been described, which was also true, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The sen- lead a task force here in the Senate to but for me the images are of sitting in ior Senator from North Dakota is rec- try to bring together different sides to a small room going over amendments ognized. deal with that legislation. Of course, on the Patients’ Bill of Rights when I Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise for a long time Ted Kennedy had been was in my first term and having the today to remember our colleague, Sen- a leader on those issues, as was Sen- great Ted Kennedy—not his staff but ator Kennedy. There is a newspaper in ator FRANK LAUTENBERG, and there Ted Kennedy—sitting in a room with the cloakroom that has Ted’s picture, were others as well. Ted far outstripped advocates talking about how we needed and it has a quote from Ted. It reads me in seniority. Yet I was asked to to mobilize and get people involved and this way: lead this task force. He came to me and what we needed to do to get votes or Since I was a boy, I have known the joy of said: Sign me up as a soldier in your ef- how to write something—doing the sailing the waters off of Cape Cod. And for fort. We had dozens of meetings, and work behind the scenes. all my years in public life, I have believed Ted was always there, pitching in, Ted Kennedy, because of who he that America must sail toward the shores of helping to make a difference even when was—his family, his certainly great liberty and justice for all. he was not the person leading the ef- leadership and knowledge, and his He went on to say: fort—it was somebody much more jun- length of time here—could have simply There is no end to that journey, only the ior. Of course, he had many other re- stood on the floor and made eloquent next great voyage. sponsibilities, but over and over, com- speeches, which he always did—the I like to think that Ted is on that ing up, stepping up, helping out. booming voice in the back that would next great voyage now. What a man. There was nothing small about Ted get louder and louder as he became I remember so well being elected in Kennedy. He had big plans, big ambi- more involved in what he was talking 1986 to the Senate and being sworn in tions, big hopes, and a big spirit. He about—he could have just done that, in 1987. I held a reception in a little was always reaching out to even the and that would have been an incredible restaurant close by with friends and most junior of us, to help out, to con- contribution to the Senate. But that is family from North Dakota. I will never nect, to be supportive, and to show how not what he did. He was as involved be- forget it. It was packed. You couldn’t much he cared about what we were hind the scenes in getting things done, move; so many people had come from doing and to give us a sense of how we more so than in the public eye. He North Dakota to be with me, family were fitting into making history. Ted worked hard and showed all of us an members from all over the country, also had a big view, a big view of the example of someone who was dedicated and a cousin of mine came up to me, so importance of the role of the Senate in to the details, to the advocacy as well excited, and he said to me: Senator making history and a sense of how as to what was happening on the floor critically important the decisions were Kennedy is here. I hadn’t known he was of the Senate. It was a very important that were being made in this Chamber. coming. But that was so typical of Ted, lesson for all of us. reaching out to the most junior of us There was nothing small about Ted As chair of the Steering and Out- because he knew what his presence Kennedy. reach Committee for our Senate major- When he was engaged in negotia- would mean. My family had been long- ity, one of my responsibilities is to tions—I will never forget him saying to time supporters of the Kennedys, and it bring people with various interests to- me: Keep your eye on what is possible. meant so much to my family for him to gether, usually on a weekly basis, to Keep your eye on what is possible. You be there that day. That was so typical meet with Members on issues from edu- know, we might want to accomplish of him, taking time to do things he cation to health care, clean energy, more, but take what you can get to ad- knew would mean a lot to others, even civil rights, veterans. People always vance the cause, to make progress, to when it was inconvenient for him. wanted to have Ted Kennedy in the improve the human condition, to make The thing I remember and will re- room. Again, as a very senior Member this a better place. That is what Ted member most about Ted is his human- with tremendous responsibilities, ity: that smile, that twinkle in his eye, Kennedy had in mind. I want to close. I see colleagues who chairing the HELP Committee and all that kind of mischievous grin that of the other responsibilities he had, he would come over his face when he are here wishing to speak as well. My favorite lines from a speech by could have easily said to me: You would be commenting on what was Ted Kennedy are from the 1980 conven- know, I am just not going to be able to going on here, late at night some- tion, when he closed with these words: do that. We will have more junior times—you know this place defies de- For all those whose cares have been our Members come and join in these meet- scription. Yet he always maintained concern, the work goes on, the cause en- ings. But he came, over and over again. that sense of humor, that joy in life. dures, the hope still lives, and the dream One of the things we joked about all He communicated it. He made all of us shall never die. the time was that he would see me feel as if we were part of something im- Ted, the dream will never die. You coming and say: I know, there is a portant, something big. are always in our thoughts. meeting tomorrow. I will be there. When somebody in this Senate family I yield the floor. He was someone who gave his all at had a problem, had a challenge, had a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- every moment. He also understood that medical issue, very often Ted was the ator from Michigan is recognized. people needed and wanted to see him, first to call. I had someone in my fam- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ap- to hear him, and the important leader- ily who had health issues, and some- preciate the opportunity to be here ship role he had here. It was important how Ted found out and kind of sidled with colleagues, and I so appreciate the to people. And he treated everyone the up to me one day on the floor and said: words of the Senator from North Da- same. You know, I heard you have somebody kota and those of the Senator from He was committed to a vision of who has a serious health issue. I sup- New York and all of our other col- making America the best it could be, pose you already have doctors, but if leagues who have been here, talking where every child would have the you are looking for additional assist- about our friend and colleague, the chance to grow up and be healthy, suc- ance or a second opinion and you want great Senator from Massachusetts. ceed in life, have a job, at the end of to find people who are experts in this I think for me, being in my second life a pension and retirement, and be area, I would be glad to help. That was term and still a relative newcomer able to live with dignity. His service

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S9221 was great, but his legacy is even great- dear. Time and again, he raised his had been admitted to the hospital, and er. booming voice on behalf of the less for- it was a question of whether I would be I believe his challenge to each of us is tunate. He protected the rights and in- there at the fundraiser or go to Chi- even greater. It is true that nearly terests of the disabled. He extended cago to be with my son because my every major bill that passed in the last health insurance coverage to children wife, his mother, was in Minnesota. So 47 years bears some mark from Senator and fought to improve the American Senator Kennedy understood the di- Ted Kennedy—the Civil Rights Act; the health care system, a struggle that lemma but went on with the fund- Voting Rights Act; Meals for the Elder- would become the cause of his life. But raiser. We got our son taken care of, ly; the Women, Infants and Children perhaps his greatest single achieve- but after my son was out of the hos- Nutrition Program; the Violence ment came early in his career when he pital and home, guess who I got a call Against Women Act; title IX, which is stepped to the center of the national from days later wondering how my son giving so many women and girls the debate and led the fight against seg- was doing? It was Ted Kennedy. You opportunity to participate and move regation. He became a champion of the just don’t see a man of this caliber through education’s highest levels, in- civil rights movement, lending his full each and every day in this country. cluding the U.S. Supreme Court, as compassion to a difficult and divisive After I came to the U.S. Senate my- well as the wonderful athletic abilities issue. self, I had the honor to serve with Ted we have seen; the Children’s Health In- Today, we live in a nation that is only briefly. In all the time I knew surance Act; AmeriCorps; the National more free, more fair, and more equal Senator Kennedy, I came to see him as Health Service; the American Health because of Edward Kennedy. He was more than a living legend, more than a Parity Act; legislation to allow the the single most effective U.S. Senator senior statesman, more than the lion FDA to regulate tobacco; the Ryan of our time. He did more good for more he had become. For me, and for all who White Comprehensive AIDS Act; the people than anyone in the Senate has were fortunate enough to meet him Americans with Disabilities Act—it known before. And it will be a very over the years, he was a genuine goes on and on. These are just a few of long time before we see the likes of human being, a remarkable ally, and a the hundreds of bills Senator Kennedy him again. Ted Kennedy reminded us of compassionate friend. He displayed sponsored or cosponsored during his the greatness that lives in our highest nothing but kindness and respect for time in the Senate, and each and every aspirations. He enjoyed wonderful tri- everyone he met, from his good friends one of those bills made America a little umphs and endured terrible tragedy. to his bitter opponents. bit better. Through it all, he taught us to keep But for his many accomplishments His commitment to achieve the best the fire burning, to confront every and for all that he accomplished over for America, for every child, every challenge with passion and hope and the course of a lifetime in public serv- family, every worker was unmatched. with undying faith in the country we ice, there was at least one victory that We have lost the lion of the Senate, love so much. eluded him. As I address this Chamber and he will be sorely missed. Person- He reached across the aisle time and today, we stand on the verge of health ally, I have lost a friend, someone for again. When everyone said compromise care reform only because we are stand- whom I had the highest personal re- was impossible, Ted Kennedy did the ing on Ted Kennedy’s shoulders. spect and someone I cared deeply about impossible. When partisan politics di- And when the time comes, I plan to as a person. vided conservatives from liberals and honor his legacy and pay tribute to his To Vicki, to the family, we give our Republicans from Democrats, Ted Ken- service by casting the vote he did not love and affection and thanks for shar- nedy was always there to bring us to- live long enough to see. ing him with us. In his maiden speech gether in the service of the American When Senator Kennedy departed this in the Senate, Senator Kennedy spoke people. life on August 25, he left more than an of his brother’s legacy. Today, the I first met Ted Kennedy in 1962 when empty desk in this Senate Chamber. He same words can be spoken about him. his brother was President and Ted was left a fight for us to finish—a standard If his life and death had a meaning, it a young man running for the U.S. Sen- for us to bear. Long ago, he picked up was that we should not hate but love ate. I was a legal intern at the White the legacy of his fallen brothers and one another. We should use our powers House and a second-year law student at carried it forward into a new century. not to create the conditions of oppres- Howard University. For me, the chance Ronald Reagan once said: sion that lead to violence but condi- to serve the Kennedy administration— tions of freedom that lead to peace. and meet all three Kennedy brothers— Many men are great, but few capture the imagination and the spirit of the times. The Ted, we will miss you. was a remarkable and inspiring part of ones who do are unforgettable. Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, it is my early career in public service. with a heavy heart that I take to the I had the good fortune to meet Sen- He was talking about President Ken- floor of the U.S. Senate today. For ator Kennedy one more time when I nedy. But his words ring just as true each of the past 46 years, this Chamber was running for reelection as state when applied to John Kennedy’s young- has rung with the words of a man who comptroller of the State of Illinois, est brother. came to be known as the lion of the having become the first African Amer- They speak to Ted’s enormous vital- Senate. But today, that familiar voice ican ever elected statewide to office in ity—to his towering impact on the has fallen silent. my State. I was up for reelection, and lives of so many for so long. He is gone For the first time in half a century, I had a major fundraiser and I needed a now, but his presence lingers in these this Senate returns to its work without big draw to come and help me raise halls. Edward M. Kennedy. With his passing, funds. In the many Senators to whom he our country has lost a true giant—a Someone said: Well, there is a Sen- has been a friend and mentor, in the compassionate public servant who be- ator from Massachusetts named Ted dedication, faith, and love of country came a legend in his own time, a man Kennedy. He will come and help you. that he inspired, in the wood and stone whose legacy is bound up in the history I said: No, no Senator of his caliber and soul of this Senate Chamber, his of the U.S. Senate, whose life and would come down to our capital for a legacy is very much alive. works have touched everyone in Amer- fundraiser for a person who is running Now, that legacy has been passed to ica since the day he entered public for State comptroller. each of us. And it is time to take up service almost 50 years ago. Needless to say, I contacted the Sen- the standard once again. This is a mo- Over the course of his career, he in- ator’s office. Without hesitation, Sen- ment to look to the future, not the fluenced more legislation than just ator Ted Kennedy appeared at the past—to meet difficult problems with about anyone in history. He argued fundraiser in our State capital to help bold solutions. passionately for voting rights and me maintain my seat as State comp- As the Lion of the Senate told us 1 helped extend the promise of our de- troller. year ago, at the Democratic National mocracy to a new generation. He spoke During that same time, we had a lit- Convention: out in defense of our Constitution and tle tragedy taking place that evening The work begins anew, the hope rises the principles of fairness we hold so when our 15-year-old son in Chicago again, and the dream lives on.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S9222 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 10, 2009 Mr. President, no single voice can fill could have given up; he could have I remember one of my constituents this Chamber as his once did. But to- gone back to a very easy life, particu- asking me during my first year as to gether, we can carry this refrain. larly after the assassination of Robert which Senator I most admire for his or Mr. President. I yield the floor. Kennedy in 1968. Ted had been in the her work ethic. I said immediately: Mr. BROWN. I heard the eloquent Senate for 6 years. It would have been Senator Kennedy. They were taken speeches of Senators STABENOW, SCHU- so easy for him to walk away from this aback because they didn’t realize that MER, CONRAD, and Senator MERKLEY job, from this kind of life, from the this senior Senator, this person who also about Senator Kennedy. danger he faced. had served for over 40 years in the Sen- Instead, he stayed and he fought. He I wish to tell two quick stories about ate, was a person who dedicated every had everything anybody could hope for him. I had the pleasure of serving on day to doing his very best. Whether it his committee from 2007 on. But early in life. He had a loving family who was working with staff or meeting with in my first year in the Senate, the Sen- cared so much about him. He had all Members or working his committee or ators, as some know around the coun- the wealth he needed and the lifestyle making a speech on the floor of the try, certainly all Members of the Sen- so many would have been so tempted ate know, we choose our desks on the by. But, instead, he stayed and served Senate, his work ethic was one of not Senate floor by seniority. And so in the right up until his death. wasting a single moment in order to first month or so of 2007, the freshmen, That says to me everything I love deal with the Nation’s problems. the other 9 Members of my class, the 10 about Ted Kennedy and everything we Senator Kennedy served for 46 years of us were choosing our seats on the all should need to know about Senator in the Senate and had a tremendous Senate floor. You can look around the Kennedy. impact on the issues that have shaped Senate Chamber. There is no bad place The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. our Nation for almost a half century. BROWN.) The Senator from Arizona. to sit. He authored over 2,500 pieces of legisla- I heard from a senior Member that Mr. KYL. I would say to my col- league from Ohio, I commented on the tion. All Americans have been touched Senators carve their names in their by Senator Kennedy’s work. He dedi- desk drawers; sort of like high school, same point. It is pretty obvious Sen- ator Kennedy could have, because of cated his life to the nameless, the poor, perhaps. So I began to pull the drawers who he was, done just about anything. and the minority voices in America, open in some of the desks that had not He certainly would not have had to and that dedication is legendary. He yet been chosen. I pulled open this work as hard as he did. But I have has touched the lives of all Americans drawer, and it had Hugo Black of Ala- never known a harder working Senator by his work in the Senate, whether it bama, who was FDR’s favorite South- than Senator Kennedy. was what he did for voting rights or ern Senator, who introduced legisla- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise to improving educational opportunities, tion for the 8-hour workday, making pay tribute to my friend, our colleague, dealing with the rights of immigrants, President Roosevelt’s 8-hour workday civil rights icon of the Senate, Senator minimum wage laws, national service, bill seem a little less radical, and suc- Edward M. Kennedy, our lion in the help for the mentally ill, equality for cessfully made its way through the Senate. I have lost someone who has Senate; Senator Green from Rhode Is- women, minorities, the disabled, chil- been a mentor, a friend, and one of my dren, the gay and lesbian community. land, who came here in the 1960s and heroes. The Nation has lost a great served more than two decades; Senator The list goes on and on. He was there leader. To his family, he was a rock. To fighting for those who otherwise would Al Gore, Sr., from Tennessee. And then his wife Vicki, his children, Kara, Ed- not have had a voice in our govern- it just said ‘‘Kennedy,’’ without a State ward, Ted, Jr., and Patrick, my former ment. He did it whether it was popular and without a first name. So I asked colleague when I was in the House, and Ted to come over, and I said: Ted, to his sister Jean and the entire Ken- or not in the State or Nation. He was which brother is this? nedy family, we extend our deepest true to his principles. The list goes on He said: It’s Bobby’s desk, I have condolences. To his Senate colleagues and on of what he did. Jack’s desk. and his constituents in Massachusetts, I had the great pleasure of serving And I, of course, fell in love with this he was a beacon of hope and persever- with him on the Judiciary Committee desk and got the opportunity to have ance for a better day in America. for 2 years. What a legacy he has cre- sat here for the last 3 years. When I came to the Senate in 2007, I ated on that committee. It was a great The other real quick story about was frequently asked during my first honor for me to be able to serve those Senator Kennedy; I know Senator KYL year—I am sure the Presiding Officer 2 years on the committee with him and is scheduled to speak. I and others were has been asked this by people in his to listen to him engage. There has been invited, from time to time, to go up to State—what is the highlight, what is no greater Senator on the Judiciary his study just off the Senate floor, one difference, what makes this place a Committee to fight on behalf of civil floor above us outside the Chamber, special place? What did you find dif- rights than Senator Kennedy. and to talk to him and hear him tell ferent in the Senate than you did in stories late in the evening as we were the House? The example I gave during He was clearly the conscience of the voting sometimes until midnight or 1 my first month in the Senate, when I Senate, to make sure we used every op- or 2. was sitting by myself on the floor of portunity to advance the rights of all What struck me about his study were the Senate, Senator Kennedy came by Americans so they could achieve their the photos on the wall. The photos and sat next to me. He said: Do you best. He was a legislator’s legislator. were pictures we all recognized: Presi- mind if we talk for a moment? He sat He had a gift. He had the ability to dent Kennedy, Joe Kennedy, Rose Ken- next to me, a new Member of the Sen- work across party lines and get work nedy, Ethel Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy, ate, and he said: Ben, can you tell me done. Eunice Kennedy Shriver; all the people what you think we should be doing in He believed in progress and doing the whom we recognized. health care? He wanted my views. He right thing. He had a voice that carried But Ted Kennedy said to us: These was looking to find out what this new through the halls of the Senate with are my family photos. Senator from Maryland thought was These were people we recognized in possible in health care reform. That such passion and yet with such grace. the photos, but I had never seen those was Senator Kennedy. Senator Ken- Senator Kennedy once said: photos, none of us had. These were not nedy engaged each Member of the Sen- We know the future will outlast all of us, the photos in LIFE magazine; these ate to find a common denominator to but I believe that all of us will live in the fu- were the photos of the Kennedy family. move forward in solving the major ture we make. But what impressed me about that problems of America. It was truly a was they were the Kennedys at unique experience for me to see one of Senator Kennedy stood for and Hyannis Port, the Kennedys sailing, the most senior Members of the Sen- fought for a better America—even the Kennedys in the Capitol, the Ken- ate, a person known internationally for when it was not the popular thing to nedys at the White House. What im- his legislative skills, seek out a new do. Senator Kennedy stayed true to his pressed me was Ted Kennedy so easily Member. principles throughout his entire life.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S9223 With great loss and much sadness, I Senator Kennedy had an enormous development. His work led to the en- give much thanks for his service, his impact on education policy. He cham- hanced preservation of numerous treas- friendship, and his dedication. Senator pioned early childhood education ured resources in Massachusetts in- Edward Kennedy will never be forgot- through his support of Head Start and cluding the Minute Man National His- ten. creation of Early Head Start. His work toric Park, the Taunton River, the New I thank my dear friend, Senator Ken- in reauthorizing the Elementary and England Scenic Trail, the Freedom’s nedy, for the contributions he made to Secondary Education Act included im- Way National Heritage Corridor, the this institution, the U.S. Senate, where provements such as the Star Schools Boston Harbor Islands, the Quinebaug- I now have the great honor of serving Program Assistance Act, which im- Shetucket National Heritage Corridor, the people of Maryland. Senator Ken- proves instruction in critical areas Essex National Heritage Area, and the nedy’s legacy will live forever, and we such as mathematics, science, and for- Lowell National Historical Park. thank him for his service to our Na- eign languages, as well as the No Child In addition to his accomplishments tion. Left Behind Act, which requires stand- and advocacy on behalf of the people of Mr. President, I yield the floor. ards-based assessments for elementary our country, I will remember Ted Ken- Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise and middle school students among nedy as a true friend, always generous today to pay tribute to my friend from other reforms. With regard to higher with his assistance and time. For many Massachusetts, Senator Edward Moore education, Senator Kennedy supported years, my desk was next to Senator Kennedy, who improved the lives of so the creation of the Pell Grant program, Kennedy’s. He welcomed me to the many people during his 46 years of Direct Lending program, and Ensuring Senate and always provided sound ad- service in the Senate. My warm aloha Continued Access to Student Loans vice and guidance. and prayers continue to be with Vicki Act to aid Americans in paying for col- In 1990, despite the long journey, Sen- Kennedy, staff members, the Kennedy lege. Throughout his efforts in edu- ator Kennedy came to Hawaii to help family, and his many friends. cation policy, he recognized the needs me during my first Senate campaign. I Senator Kennedy’s extraordinary remember the rally that we held in of underserved populations, and en- life-long commitment to public service Honolulu at McKinley High School as deavored to make education more af- produced a proud legacy that has in- being one of the largest ever held in fordable. I also appreciated his working cluded expanding access to quality of Hawaii. We also had a memorable visit with me on the Excellence in Econom- health care and education, protecting to an early childhood development pro- and empowering our Nation’s work- ics Education authorization and subse- gram. Footage of the event was re- force, ensuring civil and voting rights, quent funding requests so that more cently replayed on the news in Hawaii, and protecting our Nation’s natural children could be better prepared for showing Senator Kennedy and me sing- and cultural resources. the financial decisions they will have ing Itsy, Bitsy, Spider with the chil- Before outlining several of Senator to make as consumers, investors, and dren. Kennedy’s important achievements, I heads of households. We toured Kapiolani Children’s Hos- want to share a story that dem- I also greatly appreciate all of the pital where we saw the devastating ef- onstrates our shared commitment to work done by Senator Kennedy to im- fect that crystal meth was having on helping working families and his opti- prove the lives of members of our Na- families. mistic outlook about the future despite tion’s workforce. Senator Kennedy Senator Kennedy visited the Univer- temporary disappointments. A beaming helped increase the Federal minimum sity of Hawaii’s John F. Kennedy The- Senator Kennedy flagged me down on wage 16 times. He fought for strong atre, where he received an award for the morning of March 2, 2005. He asked workplace health and safety standards, his work on health care. He spoke elo- me if I had seen the Washington Post. promoted equal pay for equal work, quently about our Great Country, Con- In an editorial criticizing the bank- and secure retirement benefits. Sen- gressional debates, civil rights, and ruptcy overhaul under consideration in ator Kennedy believed the right of economic empowerment programs. the Senate, the Post indicated the bill workers to unionize and bargain collec- I, along with every Member of this could be made more fair by the inclu- tively was fundamental and was always body, will very much miss our friend sion of several amendments by Senator a tireless advocate for this cause. In from Massachusetts. Senator Ken- Kennedy intended to protect con- addition, Senator Kennedy was a cham- nedy’s extraordinary work has im- sumers and my amendment to better pion of our Federal workers and op- proved the quality of life for so many inform consumers about the true costs posed efforts to outsource Federal jobs people. We can honor his memory by con- associated with credit card use. After and erode workers’ rights. I recall his tinuing to work to address the issues my amendment was defeated, Senator staunch opposition to weaken the a Senator Kennedy was so passionate Kennedy was the first member to ap- rights of Department of Defense and about such as meaningful health care proach me. He complimented me for Department of Homeland Security em- ployees and his strong statements in and immigration reform. my work and told me that we would I say aloha to my good friend and win on the amendment one day. Sen- support of granting Transportation Se- curity Administration Security offi- colleague, Senator Kennedy. ator Kennedy was right. It took me an- Mr. President, I yield the floor. other four years, but my credit card cers real rights and protections. Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, there Senator Kennedy’s career-long dedi- minimum payment warning and credit are no words to express the sadness of counseling referral legislation was en- cation to ensuring civil and voting the great loss of our dear friend Sen- acted this May as part of the credit rights helped bring about numerous ator Edward M. Kennedy. America has card reform law. changes that have made our country lost a great patriot and great leader. I As an eternal optimist, Senator Ken- stronger, more equitable, and just. He have lost a good friend. nedy never stopped advocating for the condemned the poll tax, led efforts to While it is difficult to say goodbye to causes so important to working fami- lower the voting age to 18, and removed a dear friend, I am consoled with the lies such as increasing access to qual- voting barriers. His fierce and noble op- certainty that Ted’s spirit and message ity health care. Senator Kennedy position to discrimination by race, eth- will continue to resonate in the Sen- helped establish community health nicity, gender, age, disability, sexual ate. The solemn but joyful celebration centers, the Children’s Health Insur- orientation, or religion guided much of of Ted’s life reminded one and all that ance program, and programs that as- his work. we should remember to help the poor, sist individuals suffering from HIV/ Senator Kennedy’s advocacy for nat- to heal the sick, to feed the hungry, AIDS. These are just a few of the many ural and cultural resources helped ad- and to be compassionate with those health accomplishments that Senator vance the protection of our environ- who are less fortunate than us. I will Kennedy helped bring about that im- ment for our benefit now and into the do my best to keep Ted’s spirit alive. prove the quality of life for millions of future. He was an important supporter I offer my deepest condolences to the people in our country. Despite con- of energy efficiency programs, includ- Kennedy family. tinuing to battle cancer, Senator Ken- ing those that aid Americans most in Mr. President, as America mourns, I nedy’s passion to expand access to need, and he helped improve fuel econ- ask my colleagues to join me in paying quality health care never ceased. omy standards and energy research and tribute to this magnificent Senator.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S9224 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 10, 2009 Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, the 1955 to emulate them. Like Jack, he asked Kennedy and at how he dedicated his football season was not a good one for what he could do for his country. Like life to service, you can’t help but be the Harvard Crimson. With only three Bobby, he dreamed things that never moved to do more for this country. victories, it was somewhat surprising were and said why not. Senator Kennedy will be missed in that no less a team than the mighty The end of a life so devoted to public this Chamber and in the Halls of Con- Green Bay Packers reached out to a service brings to mind the Parable of gress. God bless you, Senator Ted Ken- senior end with a professional job offer. the Talents. The master, leaving on a nedy. ‘‘No thanks,’’ replied young Ted Ken- journey, entrusts a servant with a por- Mr. KAUFMAN. Mr. President, I rise nedy, ‘‘I have plans to go into another tion of his treasure. Upon his return, to join the chorus of those celebrating contact sport—politics.’’ the master is delighted to find that his the life of our dear friend and col- Few have played this rough-and-tum- wealth has been wisely invested and league, Senator Edward M. Kennedy. ble game with as much energy, deter- multiplied. So much has already been said about mination, and joy as Senator Edward Edward Moore Kennedy was en- him, his life, and his contribution to Kennedy. He served the people of his trusted the great treasure of convic- our Nation, but I would like to take a State and our Nation through five dec- tions, energy, and passion. He invested few minutes to reflect upon the legacy ades and under 10 Presidents. He au- that treasure wisely and multiplied its he left as a warm individual and an ex- thored more than 300 bills that became benefits to all. Like the master in the emplary statesman. law and cosponsored another 550. His New Testament, to him we say, ‘‘Well His life was, to borrow the words of remarkable record of legislation has done, good and faithful servant.’’ Robert Frost, ‘‘a gift outright.’’ Ted touched the lives of virtually every Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I rise Kennedy was ours before we were his. American, always with a focus on im- today to honor the memory of one our As a young man and a young Sen- proving lives, bringing justice, and cre- Nation’s most dedicated public serv- ator, history bequeathed to him ating opportunity. ants. For most Americans, Ted Ken- weighty expectations. He became the As we recall what he gave to our Na- nedy was an icon—part of an esteemed accidental shepherd not only to a flock tion, we also reflect upon what we have family that raised strong leaders and of nephews and nieces but also to a sto- lost. It is my sincere hope that the committed patriots. Much has been ried legacy. Kennedy family will find comfort in said since his passing of his contribu- An ordinary person would have been the thoughts and prayers offered by so tions to our country and his love for daunted by such expectations. But Ted many around the country and the his wife, children, grandchildren, and Kennedy was extraordinary. He con- world. To those who have lost a friend extended family. Those who eulogized founded them and, in the process, de- and to his outstanding staff, which has him, at his funeral and on main streets fined his life not by what others had lost an inspiring leader, I extend my across America, have done so with left him to complete but by the goals deepest condolences. I considered him a great admiration and respect. he set for himself. dear friend as well as an esteemed col- From my position on the opposite For all of the rhetoric recently about league. side of the aisle in this Chamber, I saw Kennedy as the Senate’s lion, we can When I first came to the Senate in Senator Kennedy as every bit the leg- never forget that he was also a deeply 1997, I knew Senator Kennedy only by endary and tireless advocate that he caring man with a gentle spirit. It was reputation. It was a reputation that was portrayed as. I may have been ad- this dual nature of his to fight passion- was not entirely flattering, based upon vocating the opposing view on many ately and to befriend heartily that such labels as ‘‘ultra-liberal’’ and ‘‘ut- issues, but in this country we should transformed adversaries into admirers terly partisan.’’ That was not the Sen- always be able to join together to rec- and endeared him forever to his ator Kennedy I came to know and ad- ognize someone who has—with the best friends. mire. He was easy to work with, and intentions—dedicated his life’s work to In February of 1988, I was serving as his heart was always in the right place. improving opportunities. chief of staff to then-Senator JOE I worked closely with Ted on many I had the privilege of working on a BIDEN when he suffered a serious brain education issues, particularly by in- very significant piece of legislation aneurysm. After two precarious sur- creasing Pell grants which help our with Senator Kennedy a few years ago. geries, the doctors said that Senator neediest students. In our work together It was the America COMPETES Act. I BIDEN would need to avoid work com- on the Armed Services Committee, we was, and continue to be, passionate pletely for a few months while in that teamed up to strengthen our Navy as about making sure that our children first stage of recovery or risk another members of the Seapower Sub- remain competitive in this increas- aneurysm. committee. ingly global economy. Students in Ne- When President Reagan called to I found him to be a partner who al- vada aren’t just competing against stu- check up on him, we knew that if he ways sought solutions. I saw in him the dents in Massachusetts anymore. They took that call, Senator BIDEN would be same traits that drew the attention of are all competing against students in obliged to take all the calls that would the Green Bay Packers—a tough com- India, China, and around the world. If follow. It would have been too much for petitor and a great teammate. we don’t give our students the tools to him, so his family made the decision The lion is a symbol of courage. Cer- compete, the innovative fire and spirit that he would not take any calls, even tainly, Senator Kennedy possessed that has always fueled America will be from the President. great political courage. He fought for lost. Ted Kennedy kept calling to check his convictions, but he was always will- Ted Kennedy understood this. We put on his friend, but our office wouldn’t ing to reach across party lines. He together bipartisan legislation that put him through. One Sunday, while never, as he often said, let the pursuit was signed into law to increase invest- Senator BIDEN was resting at home in of the perfect become the enemy of the ment in scientific research; strengthen Wilmington, Jill heard a knock on good. educational opportunities in science, their back door. To her surprise, Ken- But he also possessed courage at the technology, engineering, and mathe- nedy was standing there, holding a most fundamental level—the willing- matics from kindergarten through framed etching of an Irish stag. He had ness to face danger. His historic trip to graduate school; and help develop an personally taken it upon himself to South Africa in 1985, conducted against innovation infrastructure for the 21st bring the gift in order to lift Senator the stern warnings of the pro-apartheid century. I am confident that the im- BIDEN’s spirits. He also had with him a government and in defiance of violent pact of this law will be felt for genera- bathing suit, ready to relax with his demonstrations, helped tear down the tions to come. friend and keep him company without wall of racial separatism in that coun- I am also confident that Ted Ken- discussing Senate business. try. nedy’s decades of service, his passion We shouldn’t have been surprised, Senator Kennedy often said that a for health care and education, and his though. That was classic Ted Kennedy. day never went by that he did not deep love for this country will inspire a With him there was always a per- think of his brothers. He did more than new generation of public servants. sonal touch, especially with those he merely think of them; he strove always When you look at the legacy of Ted represented. In the words of one of his

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Kennedy was, first and fore- young people of military age, or pro- policy but refused to retreat from his most, a representative of the poor, the moting human rights around the world, principles—or from his quest toward young, the silenced, and the oppressed. Kennedy pursued justice without re- equality and social justice for all. His He fought tirelessly for the rights of lent. tireless advocacy on the behalf of those the disabled and those suffering dis- Ted Kennedy was committed to en- Americans most in need of an advo- crimination. Throughout decades of suring our Nation’s security by advo- cate—children, senior citizens, the public service, he proved to be their cating for nuclear disarmament, lead- sick, disabled and mentally ill, stu- faithful champion at every turn. ing the way on energy conservation, dents, workers, and families—has For 47 years, Ted Kennedy was the and supporting legislation to punish changed the course of this Nation and Senate’s steady compass through un- sponsors of terrorism. impacted millions of lives. Senator certain waters. When others coasted He worked tirelessly to bring peace Kennedy’s many legislative battles— along, satisfied with the status quo or to troubled regions, including Northern for civil rights, voting rights, and set uneasy by the prospect of change, Ireland. workers rights, among others—illus- he trimmed his sails and pushed for- Throughout his career in the Senate, trated that although we may differ in ward. Ted Kennedy did all he could to open our politics and our ideologies, it is He pushed forward by building the doors of prosperity to millions of still possible work with each other, strong, meaningful relationships with Americans seeking fair wages, health across the aisle and across the political his colleagues on both sides of the insurance, or job opportunities. spectrum, toward the common good. aisle. He was committed to civility in Furthermore, he fought to expand Although I am sad today to realize politics. education access, fund scholarships, that we will never hear another of his That he so genuinely befriended and promote community involvement. fiery speeches, many of them given just those who debated vigorously against Kennedy’s efforts have helped invest him on this floor testifies to Kennedy’s a few desks away from mine in the America in a bright future in fields back row of this Chamber, he leaves a greatest gift to his colleagues. As his such as science, technology, business, son Teddy Jr. said so eloquently at his legacy behind that will endure. and the arts. I extend my deepest sympathies to father’s funeral mass, Kennedy taught Even with the seven distinguished his wife Victoria and to the rest of his us all that all of us who serve in gov- senators now immortalized, the walls family during this difficult time. Sen- ernment, regardless of party, love this of the Senate Reception Room remain country dearly—that we share a com- ator Kennedy’s passion, diligence, good mostly bare. They await future Senate humor, and kindness will be greatly mon bond of responsibility and com- commissions, following in the tradition mitment to public service. missed, by me and by many others, in of John F. Kennedy’s panel, to honor My hope is that the lessons Ted Ken- this body and across the Nation. those serving from our generation or nedy taught his colleagues about bipar- Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I tisanship will guide the Senate today from generations yet to come. rise today to speak about the passing I am certain that, if I could cast my and in the future. of our dear colleague and friend, Sen- Just outside this chamber is the Sen- vote today for the next to be so hon- ator Edward M. Kennedy. ate Reception Room, ornately deco- ored, I would proudly and Our great Nation has lost a true rated by the 19th century immigrant unhesitatingly choose Senator Edward statesman, and the Kennedy family has and master painter of the Capitol, M. Kennedy. lost its beloved patriarch. Senator Ken- Constantino Brumidi. He adorned the Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise nedy’s unparalleled leadership and dec- ceiling with four allegorical scenes de- today with great sadness to pay tribute ades spent in service to his fellow picting what today we would call Jus- to my friend, colleague, and great Americans will be missed by all, espe- tice, Security, Peace, and Prosperity— statesman, Senator Ted Kennedy. cially here in the U.S. Senate. No one four virtues a great Senator should As many of my colleagues have noted can deny that Ted was a man of convic- promote. here today, over his 47 years of public tions, passion and resolve for doing It was decided that portraits of the service in the Senate, Ted Kennedy dis- what he felt was best for the country. greatest Senators ever to serve would played exemplary leadership, a com- While I was not always in agreement cover its walls. In the 1950s, the Senate mitment to progress, and the vision with him on policy, I always knew he established a panel to choose the first that by working together, this body was my friend. five to be so honored. Chaired by a could truly better the lives of Ameri- His willingness to reach across the young, energetic senator from Massa- cans. aisle and find common ground serves as chusetts, who had authored a Pulitzer For many years as a member of the an inspiration to all of us during this Prize winning book on political cour- Judiciary Committee, I had the privi- pivotal moment in our Nation’s his- age, this ‘‘Kennedy Commission’’ se- lege to work with and learn from Sen- tory. Senator Kennedy and I shared a lected five Senators whose portraits ator Kennedy. Since 1997, I sat just one passion for early childhood develop- now grace those walls. seat away from him then-Senator ment, and together with Senator The commission chose to recognize Biden to my right and Senator Ken- GREGG, we worked on legislation to im- Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, John C. nedy next to him. Senator Kennedy prove the quality and availability of Calhoun, Robert La Follette, and Rob- was always so encouraging. A simple early education for all children. ert Taft. A few years ago, the Senate ‘‘good job’’ or pat on the back might be On a more personal note, Ted was a voted to extend this honor as well to expected from a busy Senator like him, guiding light for me during my late- Arthur Vandenberg and Robert F. Wag- but from time to time, he would take a nephew’s treatment for bone cancer. ner. moment to write a note and offer en- His uplifting spirit and thoughtfulness All seven earned their place in this couragement for a bill I was trying to helped steer my family through a very pantheon by placing the good of the move through committee or a concern difficult time, and I will never forget Nation above political interest. All but I was expressing about an issue impor- the words he shared with us: ‘‘Even one ran unsuccessfully for President, tant to the people of Wisconsin. We when it’s sometimes stormy one day, distinguishing themselves not as com- have heard so much over the past the sun always seems to shine the manders-in-chief, but as brilliant legis- weeks about what he gave to our coun- next.’’ lators and versatile statesmen. Each try throughout his long Senate career. Janet and I will keep Victoria and exemplified a commitment to the four Just as important, he gave all of us on the entire Kennedy family in our virtues depicted by Brumidi on the re- the committee and in the Senate an ex- thoughts and prayers during this try- ception room’s ceiling. ample of how to be an effective legis- ing time, as they mourn the loss of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S9226 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 10, 2009 both Ted and his sister Eunice. Senator very grateful for that. It is a small and saying something rather unusual, Kennedy’s great shadow of leadership State, not unlike that of the Presiding and the President just went right on which loomed so large across the U.S. Officer. Our State has always had very ahead. He had bigger things to do. Ted Senate will continue for years to come, close communication with the Kennedy was that way. and I hope the Kennedy family and my family. We are them; they are us. You He had hard parts of his personal life colleagues can find solace in the fact know, we put them over the top, we and his own family life. He was the fa- that Ted has joined our Heavenly Fa- feel, in the 1960 election, and we did. ther of endless numbers of nieces and ther. When President Kennedy returned to nephews, as well as his own children. Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I West Virginia, he, at the State’s cen- Nothing ever stopped him. rise today to remember and celebrate tennial, said that classic phrase which People wanted to work with him. He Edward Moore Kennedy. we have heard so many times in West never, ever talked about his own Senator Kennedy passed away, as we Virginia: ‘‘The Sun does not always achievements. That is the incredible know, on August 25. The American peo- shine in West Virginia, but the people thing about him. As a result of the ple, in more ways than they will ever always do.’’ plane accident, he broke his back in 12 know—as so often happens in history People are still to this day moved by places. That is a lot of places to break with historic figures, people don’t that statement. It is a sentiment I a back. He never spent another day the know what they had when they had it, have always held near to my heart, rest of his life, he once told me fairly and then when they no longer have it, that he and his brothers felt the way recently, without being in pain. You they discover how great that person they did about West Virginia. I remem- could see him walking across the floor really was if one deserves to be so iden- ber a picture of Bobby Kennedy sitting of the Senate. He was always bent, and tified, and surely Ted Kennedy did—the on a slag heap, a sort of pile of coal in he walked quickly, sort of subcon- American people lost a touchstone. The southern West Virginia, just sort of sciously, to cover up the fact that he cause of justice lost one of its bravest thinking. He wasn’t shaking hands, he was hurting. But he never said any- and boldest champions, and I lost a was doing a typical Bobby Kennedy- thing about it. He never said anything very close friend. type thing: thinking, deep in thought; about himself. It was always: What is I met Ted Kennedy back in about philosophical, wondering about what to going on in your life? What is hap- 1961, which is quite a long time ago, in do in the world. pening with you? What are your Hyannis Port. His family invited me to Over the last four decades, Ted’s fre- thoughts? What do you think we should come there for the weekend. He was quent visits not only strengthened be doing on such a subject? That was still recovering from his back injury. West Virginia’s bond with him and the simply the way he was. He broke his back in 12 places. He was Kennedy family, but he also provided He refused to be slowed. He brought in one of those old-fashioned circle enormous color, interest, and fun. I re- that iron will to everything he did. He things where they sort of turned you so member him at political rallies in West never quit. He never gave up. He was a you wouldn’t get bed sores. We had a Virginia where some politician was happy fighter. He loved life. He loved nice conversation, and he wrote and going on and on. I have an album of the battle, driven not out of anger but thanked me with his hand for coming photographs that were taken sequen- out of passion for people and the indi- to see him. tially of different faces, very long and vidual parts of their lives he wanted to Obviously, I have and will always be improve. It just drove him. He didn’t thinking about Vicki, his incredible large speeches, and he is this way, he is do it out of duty; he did it because he wife, his children, and the entire Ken- wiping his brow. He enjoyed all of it. nedy family who operates as one unit. He just loved it. had to. It was a natural thing. For Ted, Because of Ted, I think all of us are Everywhere he went he found com- every day was new. Everything could better. I know I am. I think we are mon ground. He spoke honestly. People be made better through hard work and stronger. We are more inclusive as a came out to see him. He didn’t hesitate dedication. Nearly every piece of legis- nation. He caused us to be that way. to plunge into the crowd or jump on lation that has passed in this body bore For 46 years, he was a legislative the back of a pickup truck. Indeed, the his imprint or bears his imprint and re- lion, as they say, who gave voice to the American worker knew a strong friend flected his commitment to making life voiceless. That is not a cliche; that is in Ted Kennedy. That much was clear better for every American. an extraordinary and powerful deep in the tireless work he did as an advo- It has been my honor to lock arms fact from the junior Senator from the cate for our miners, for our seniors, for with him in our efforts, including the State of West Virginia. The people of all of our people. children’s health program. Interest- West Virginia were given voice, and He has been with us in some of our ingly—we just found it—Senator Ken- Ted Kennedy gave them that voice. He very darkest hours. We had a mining nedy called it the most far-reaching fought for working families, civil tragedy several years ago. JOHNNY step that Congress has ever taken to rights, women’s rights, health care for ISAKSON, who was speaking not long help the Nation’s children and the all, and transformed the lives of chil- ago, was there as were several members most far-reaching advance in health dren, seniors, Americans of all ages, all of the HELP Committee, the Health, care since the enactment of Medicare colors, all backgrounds. Everybody was Education, Labor, and Pensions Com- and Medicaid a generation ago. Now, in part of his sphere, part of his responsi- mittee. We had a cave-in and a blowup the Finance Committee we are trying bility. in a mine in Sago in Upshur County. to decide whether we are going to cast In his private life he worked tire- He came down there. He sat with those them into the melting pot along with lessly to touch so many people with families and watched them. I watched all the other plans and take away the endless human acts of kindness that his hurt resonating against their hurt, defined benefits. I am obviously very came naturally to him. He sort of and the words he spoke to them had much against that. Eleven million chil- had—he had to do it. I don’t think he deep comfort to them. As a result, we dren’s health care is at stake. chose to do these things; he just had to had the first major overhaul of mine Ted worked on the Higher Education do them and, therefore, did do them. safety laws at the Federal level since Act of 1965 and to protect Federal stu- People forget, those who didn’t know 1977. He, obviously, was driving the dent loans. Again, let me get back to about what he did, but he never committee and driving that, as was the personal side. stopped reaching out to help people at Senator JOHNNY ISAKSON and MIKE I have a daughter. We only have one every turn, in sometimes very small ENZI. daughter and three sons. She is a ways. People liked Ted. They were drawn to teacher, and she is trained in special Ted and his family reached amazing his energy and his fundamental belief ed. She teaches—she did teach at Jack- heights, and they inspired a nation. that America’s best days were always ie Robinson Junior High School in Har- Each and every day of his life he hon- ahead. I love that attitude because you lem. Ted was in New York. His chief of ored the fallen heroes we always cher- can always pick it out. I just did a tele- staff at that time was my daughter’s ish. vision thing and everybody was asking best friend. She said: You know, Jay This needs to be said: Ted traveled to me about the person who spoke out Rockefeller’s daughter teaches there. West Virginia often. I was personally last night, interrupting the President Ted said: Let’s go in.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S9227 So here is my daughter teaching important time for me to say a word He had a special place for Rhode Is- class in junior high school and in walks about our friend, Senator Kennedy. I land, and in particular he had a special Ted Kennedy. Of course, the whole had not planned on doing so at this place for somebody who was very dear place just falls apart with happiness. particular juncture, but someone very to both Congressman KENNEDY and to He loved doing it. He does it in the Dis- important to him, and in a very dif- myself; that is, a predecessor of mine trict of Columbia; he does it in Massa- ferent way to me, is now in the gallery. here in the Senate from Rhode Island, chusetts. He is always interacting with So I will speak very briefly, but I do Senator Claiborne Pell. Senator Pell students. He greets them, talks with want to, as I have said before, thank was a political legend in Rhode Island, them, and learns from them. Senator Kennedy for his kindness to in many ways an improbable candidate. The principal gave my daughter a me. Senator Kennedy’s brother, President very hard time. He said: Don’t you ever As a very senior and distinguished Kennedy, at one point said, publicly bring a United States Senator into my Senator, a person with a national and, enough that it became a matter of sort school without telling me in advance. indeed, international reputation, a per- of common discussion in Rhode Island, Well, of course, that is the beauty of son whose standing in this body was that Claiborne Pell was the least elect- it. There is no way she could because it unmatched, a person whose legislative able candidate he had ever seen. So was just a natural act of Ted Kennedy. prowess and capability was unmatched, when Claiborne Pell ran ahead of Presi- It was that commitment to service he did not need to pay any attention to dent Kennedy in Rhode Island in the that we celebrated just this spring a new Senator of no particular senior- election, it was a matter of great pride when the President signed the Serve ity, clout, or renown from Rhode Is- to Claiborne Pell and one that he was America Act which inspires young peo- land. Yet he did, I think in large part fond of reminding all Kennedys about. ple to serve their country through pub- due to the friendship the new Senator It was, I guess as they would say in lic service. There are a lot of ways to from Rhode Island had with his son, a ‘‘Casablanca,’’ the beginning of a beau- remake America, but I think people, as very talented and able Member of the tiful friendship. The friendship began the Presiding Officer has been in a va- House of Representatives, who is senior back then. It continued long after Sen- riety of situations—people going to me in our Rhode Island delegation ator Pell had left the Senate. It contin- and who represents Rhode Island with abroad, people meeting other people ued long after Senator Pell had lost his exceptional distinction over in the who are unlike them, living with them, ability to walk around and became con- House of Representatives. For that rea- eating with them, sharing with them, fined to a wheelchair. It continued son, and for the reason of a number of coming to know them, coming to have even long after Senator Pell had lost other family friendships, he was par- very strong feelings about them—it is his ability to speak and could barely ticularly kind to me. I appreciate that that kind of thing which makes people speak because of the consequences of more than he could have imagined. want to get into public service. It is a bit daunting to come here as a his illness. One of the ways it manifested itself So he doubled the Peace Corps, he new Senator not knowing whether you is that every year Senator Kennedy doubled Legal Aid, he doubled Vista, he will find your way, not knowing wheth- would take the trouble to sail his sail- doubled all of those programs, a lot of er you will evince any ability, not boat, the Maya, from wherever it was which were run by his brother-in-law, knowing whether you will have any ef- Sargent Shriver, who is one of the fect, not knowing whether, indeed, you in New England to Newport, RI, and great men of America who is never dis- will be very welcome. You have to fight there take Claiborne Pell out sailing. I cussed. He is a Kennedy, but he doesn’t yourself through that stuff as a new had the pleasure to be on that last sail, bear that as a last name. Senator. and you could just imagine the scene, He changed my life—the Kennedy I can remember when I was presiding, with the heaving dock and the heaving family did. When I went to West Vir- where the distinguished junior Senator boat and Senator Pell in his wheelchair ginia as a Vista volunteer, I was trying from Alaska is now sitting, and a col- and a rather hazardous and impromptu to figure out what I was going to do in league of ours who shall remain name- loading of Senator Pell into the sail- life, and I kind of wanted to be a For- less was giving a speech of some boat. And then, of course, it got under- eign Service officer. Frankly, I wanted length. Senator Kennedy was waiting way. Because Senator Pell was having to be America’s first Ambassador to to speak, and he sent a note up to me such trouble speaking, he really could China. This was back in 1961, so it does inquiring whether I felt that the stand- not contribute much to a conversation. really make sense. I had studied Chi- ards of the speech we were then being But Senator Kennedy had the gift of nese for a year, so I thought I was on treated to met the high standards of being able to handle both sides of a my way. But Vista started and Sargent our common alma mater, the Univer- conversation and have everybody feel Shriver called me and said: Come work sity of Virginia School of Law. I could that a wonderful time was being had. for me at the Peace Corps. And I did not help but smile back and return the So he carried on in a full, roaring dia- that. Then I went to southern West note, saying: No, I do not think so, but log with Senator Pell, essentially pro- Virginia as a Vista volunteer and it that is okay because I am waiting for a viding both sides of that dialogue, and told me what I wanted to do in life. great speech from you. Senator Pell was smiling from ear to This part of your gut knows when you There is one particular kindness I ear. are doing something that is meaningful wanted to mention. Senator Kennedy It said a lot about what I appreciate to you and is something that you want was very important to Rhode Island. so much about Senator Kennedy. First to dedicate your life to. That was the He was important to Rhode Island not of all, Rhode Island mattered to him, effect of the Kennedys. just because of his son Patrick but be- as it matters to PATRICK KENNEDY, as Ted Kennedy was a giant. There was cause Rhode Island pays a lot of atten- it matters to me. Second of all, as pow- not and never will be anyone like him tion to Massachusetts, there is a lot of erful as he was and as important as he in American history. He shaped this in- overlap in the constituencies of Massa- was, friendship mattered more than au- stitution for decades by honoring its chusetts and Rhode Island, and Rhode thority or clout or power. There was history and pushing us forward to be a Islanders have long admired Senator nothing any longer that Senator Pell better institution. Kennedy. When he came on behalf of could do for Senator Kennedy. There Now that he is gone, I know his leg- candidates, on behalf of his son, on be- was nothing that could be done to ad- acy and inspiration make him a giant half of me, on behalf of others, there vance his legislative interests or his greater still, moving us to reach across was always an atmosphere of celebra- political interests or his fundraising in- the aisle, hopefully, and make a dif- tion around him and around the events terests or any other aspirations he may ference in people’s lives. He was a great he attended. Other speakers have spo- have had. But it mattered to him to do friend. We are all forever grateful for ken of his ability to rev up a crowd and this because he was loyal and because his service and his kind heart. We will get people fired up and enthusiastic, friendship counted. miss him very dearly. Now he belongs and he was really remarkable in that In a body in which opportunism and to the ages. respect. We never tired of his visits, self-promotion and self-advancement Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, and Rhode Island always welcomed him are not unknown, it was remarkable of this would be a particularly opportune with open arms. Senator Kennedy to give so much of his

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S9228 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 10, 2009 time to this particular pursuit, to this must always ask what we can do for and I in New Jersey in a campaign particular visit, taking his old, now the country, a torch unexpectedly where we sang Irish ballads together. I disabled friend, out for a sail and giv- passed to him which he carried with learned then what made him the ing him so much pleasure, with no hope dignity and humility through great unique person he is. I will never forget or hint of reward or return to Senator tragedy as well as great triumph. the sound of that voice and the warmth Kennedy himself. He understood our personal strug- of that heart. Each of us has had our So I will conclude with that. I guess gles, however profound, ‘‘make us own memories of the man. Each of us I will conclude with one other thing. stronger in the broken places,’’ as has had our own deep emotions when He loved Robert Frost. On his desk Hemingway said. For every Hispanic we heard of his death. here right now is a poem from Robert American and every American across The editorial cartoonist, Lalo Frost, ‘‘The Road Not Taken.’’ this Nation whose family came here to Alcaraz, said when his wife heard that I know he was fond of Frost’s work in find a better life, whatever their eth- Ted Kennedy had lost his battle with particular. I keep a little book of nicity or political views, Ted Kennedy cancer, she pulled out one of her old poems and things that matter to me, was a leader. His deep and abiding con- buttons that her mother had worn dur- quotations, and one of them is a poem cern for the struggles of hard-working ing the Presidential campaign in 1960. by Robert Frost. It is not ‘‘The Road people was not political. It is simply That day, Lalo Alcaraz drew a cartoon Not Taken,’’ which is the poem on Sen- part of the Kennedy DNA. of a much younger Ted Kennedy. It is captioned with two simple words on ator Kennedy’s desk. It is a different I remember the images of his broth- er, Bobby Kennedy, in 1967, 6,000 people the campaign button: ‘‘Viva Kennedy.’’ one. But I will close by reading it. It is As I sat in the basilica in Boston surrounding him on the flatbed truck called ‘‘Acquainted with the Night.’’ with our colleagues last week, I that held a severely weakened Cesar I have been one acquainted with the night. thought of all Ted Kennedy did to bet- Chavez. Bobby Kennedy shared a piece I have walked out in rain—and back in rain. ter the lives of so many Americans, I have outwalked the furthest city light. of samita with Chavez and the crowd and I thought of those two words over cheered. They grabbed at Bobby to I have looked down the saddest city lane. and over again: Viva Kennedy. He was I have passed by the watchman on his beat. shake his hand and thank him. He And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain. a man who truly believed in the idea stood in front of the crowd and said: and ideal that is America. Although we I have stood still and stopped the sound of The world must know from this time for- may have come from different back- feet ward that the migrant farm worker, the grounds, different places, different cul- When far away an interrupted cry Mexican-American, is coming into his own Came over houses from another street, rights . . . tures, though we may speak different But not to call me back or say good-bye; You are winning a special kind of citizen- languages, we are one Nation, indivis- And further still at an unearthly height, ship; no one is doing it for you—you are ible, forged from shared values and O luminary clock against the sky doing it yourselves—and therefore, no one common principles, each of us united Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor can ever take it away. in our differences working for the bet- right. Fast-forward to Washington, DC, in terment of all of us, and no one worked I have been one acquainted with the night. 2006, walking in his brother’s footsteps, harder for the betterment of all of us Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, once Ted Kennedy stood in front of hundreds than Ted Kennedy. again, we mourn another Kennedy, the of thousands of marchers on the same It is my sincere belief that in his last brother, a friend, a colleague, a ground his brothers had stood upon passing he has once again worked his Senator’s Senator, larger than life even decades earlier. He stood with immi- magic and given us an opportunity to in death, certainly the most effective grants and faith leaders and organizers. come together, united in a deep and legislator of our time and arguably the He called for comprehensive immigra- profound feeling of loss and emptiness most effective Member of this body in tion reform. The crowd of hundreds of as we are even at this day. It would be like him to be looking down upon these the whole of American history. thousands roared, and he roared back: tributes today, nodding his head and Across this Nation and across the po- Si se puede. Si se puede. smiling, but he would be saying: Don’t litical divide, we have seen the impact Yes, we can. wait for my memorials to be laid. He of his life and work in the tearful eyes Now he is gone, having fought his would say: Don’t wait for my words to of millions of Americans. Each face a last battle with courage and dignity, as be chiseled in marble at Arlington. challenge to continue his long and last- he fought all others. But the memories Don’t wait for some bronze statue in ing legacy of hard-fought, hard-won remain. I remember first coming to the Washington or a bridge named after me battles for hardworking families every- Senate, sitting down with him, his in Boston. Stand up, do what is right where. His is a legacy of hope for the presence as commanding as I thought for the American people now. Do what unemployed, the dispossessed, the it would be. I looked at him to learn all is right for hard-working families in downtrodden, the undereducated, the I could from him about the Senate and, your States, for hard-working families uninsured; a legacy of hope for His- frankly, there was no more patient or in my State—in New Bedford, Brock- panic Americans and Asian Americans, willing teacher. When I first sought to ton, Fall River, or Worcester. I can see all Americans who have come to this come to the Senate, the one Member of him standing over there where he al- country, often with little more than the Senate who gave me the most time ways stood, committed, informed, im- the clothes on their backs and a glo- and gave me the most encouragement posing, pounding on his desk, shouting rious dream for a better life. and the greatest opportunity to under- at the top of his lungs. You could hear Ted Kennedy will be remembered by stand how to be successful in the Sen- it when you were outside of the Cham- my generation as more than the last ate was a person I could do the least ber when he was in one of those mo- brother, more than the end of an era. for. It was Ted Kennedy. I will never ments. He will be remembered as America’s forget his kindness. Those families don’t have time to preeminent leader on fair, responsible, We worked together to protect the wait for a decent job and wages. They humane immigration policy that al- Senate restaurant employees when don’t have time to wait for a better ways put people first. For all of us, he their jobs were privatized. I learned job. They don’t have time to wait for was the standard bearer of headier what made him such an effective legis- decent, affordable, quality care that is days, of Camelot, of intellectual vital- lator—because even as he was dealing a right and not a privilege. That boom- ity, political energy, and a deep and with the most incredible issues the ing voice would echo through this abiding commitment to public service country was facing and leading on Chamber, and I think it will echo and to this beloved Senate. He taught many of them, he had time to remem- through this Chamber for eternity. us through actions and deeds, in times ber the importance of that little per- When it comes down to it, we are his of great personal pain, the power of the son, people in the Senate restaurant legacy. We in the Senate are his memo- human spirit to endure and prevail. He who might have been unemployed. rial. We are the burning candles, and symbolized the best of an era of pro- We all know no one can belt out an he would tell us to have them burn gressive, compassionate leadership in Irish ballad quite like Teddy could. One brightly: Stand against the wind. this country and a deep belief that we of my favorite memories was of him Stand against the storm. Stand against

VerDate Nov 24 2008 05:31 Nov 11, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\S10SE9.REC S10SE9 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S9229 the odds. For it is up to us now to light kindnesses he provided to people. He Without objection, it is so ordered. the world, as he did. will be remembered by the tens of The clerk will call the roll. In this past week, I think we have all thousands of people whose lives he The legislative clerk proceeded to found new meaning in those familiar touched. But I think one of his most call the roll. words of Aeschylus, when he said: significant legacies will be those young Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I ask And even in our sleep, pain that cannot people who are encouraged to get in- unanimous consent that the order for forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and volved in politics, who appreciate that the quorum call be rescinded. in our own despair, against our will, comes public service in government is an hon- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. wisdom to us by the awful grace of God. orable profession because of his leader- STABENOW.) Without objection, it is so Today, in our despair, let wisdom ship and the work he did. ordered. Mr. KYL. Madam President, Pro- come. Let us honor the memory of Sen- I feel very honored and privileged to fessor Cass Sunstein’s academic cre- ator Edward Moore Kennedy by not have worked with him and to have had dentials are impressive. He has taught only remembering the man but by con- the opportunity to serve with him, at the University of Chicago School of tinuing the good work he has done. however briefly, in the Senate. I know I yield the floor. Law and at the Harvard School of Law, Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I am we will all remember for future genera- and has been a prolific writer on a wide honored to be here to add my voice to tions what Senator Kennedy has done. variety of topics. so many of those who today have elo- f He has some fine ideas on cost-ben- quently remembered Senator Ted Ken- efit analysis, and I hope they will be ORDER OF PROCEDURE nedy. Like so many who have spoken reflected in his approach as adminis- today, I was the beneficiary of so many Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask trator of Office of Information and personal kindnesses from Senator Ken- unanimous consent that at 2:30 today, Regulatory Affairs. nedy. the Senate resume executive session I do, however, find that some of the I actually first met him on the cam- and consideration of the nomination of arguments he has made, and the posi- paign trail. In 1980, I was actually on Cass Sunstein; that all post-cloture tions he has taken in his writings and the other side in New Hampshire when time be yielded back except for 75 min- speeches, fall outside the mainstream. he was running against Jimmy Carter. utes, with that time equally divided One theme that has appeared repeat- Despite the fact that was a very hard- and controlled between Senator edly in his writings and speeches is his fought campaign and we won and he LIEBERMAN and the Republican leader strange belief that animals should have lost, when I ran a winning campaign 4 or his designee; that at 3:45 p.m., the legal standing in court. Professor years later in the New Hampshire pri- Senate proceed to vote on confirmation Sunstein wrote in his book Animal mary, Senator Kennedy was one of the of the nomination; that upon confirma- Rights: Current Debates and New Di- first people to call and congratulate tion, the motion to reconsider be con- rections that, ‘‘We could even grant me. sidered made and laid upon the table, animals a right to bring a suit without After that, I had the opportunity to no further motions be in order, the insisting that animals are persons. . . . campaign over the years with Senator President be immediately notified of We could retain the idea of property Kennedy. There was no one who could the Senate’s action, and the Senate but also give animals far more protec- fire up a crowd as he could. In 2000, I then resume legislative session; that tion against . . . neglect of their inter- remember he was there for Al Gore upon resuming legislative session, the ests.’’ when times were tough in New Hamp- Senate then proceed to the consider- He goes on: ‘‘It seems possible that shire. He was there for JOHN KERRY in ation of Calendar No. 153, H.R. 3288, the before long Congress will grant stand- 2004. And I had the opportunity to trav- Department of Transportation, Hous- ing to animals in their own right. . . . el around the country with him in sup- ing, and Urban Development and Re- Indeed I believe that in some cir- port of JOHN KERRY, his very good lated Agencies appropriations bill. cumstances, Congress should do ex- friend. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without actly that, to provide a supplement to But I really got to see the difference objection, it is so ordered. limited public enforcement efforts.’’ he made in so many lives when I In a paper for the University of Chi- worked with him at the Institute of f cago School of Law, Professor Sunstein Politics at the Kennedy School of Gov- CONCLUSION OF MORNING wrote that, ‘‘Representatives of ani- ernment at Harvard. I had the oppor- BUSINESS mals should be able to bring private tunity to be chosen to be the director suits to ensure that anticruelty and re- there, and Senator Kennedy was one of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning lated laws are actually enforced. If, for those people who helped make that de- business is closed. example, a farm is treating horses cru- cision and make that happen for me. f elly and in violation of legal require- What was so impressive was that it did ments, a suit could be brought, on be- EXECUTIVE SESSION not matter how busy he was with the half of those animals.’’ work in Washington, with what he was Of course, no one favors animal cru- doing in Massachusetts, he never elty. That is why there are laws NOMINATION OF CASS R. missed a meeting. His first concern was against it. That should go without say- SUNSTEIN TO BE ADMINIS- always: What are the students doing? ing. But there is a big difference be- TRATOR OF THE OFFICE OF IN- What is going to excite them? What is tween having concerns about the treat- FORMATION AND REGULATORY going to get them involved in politics ment of animals and taking Professor AFFAIRS, OFFICE OF MANAGE- and public service, because that was Sunstein’s position that an animal de- MENT AND BUDGET the mission of the Institute of Politics. serves a lawyer in court. It was one of two memorials that were The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under An animal is not a person, and it can- established by the Kennedy family to the previous order, the Senate will pro- not function as a plaintiff during a remember his brother, President John ceed to executive session to consider trial. Laws and regulations that would Kennedy. It was always amazing to me the following nomination, which the give animals legal standing in court to see someone who was so busy, so clerk will report. could open the door to a flood of ridicu- prominent in national life, who never The legislative clerk read the nomi- lous lawsuits that would wreak havoc missed an opportunity to talk with the nation of Cass R. Sunstein, of Massa- on research labs, restaurants, farms, freshman student who was there who chusetts, to be Administrator of the and the like. wasn’t quite sure what they wanted to Office of Information and Regulatory Imagine what could happen if a group do, to talk with and encourage the Affairs, Office of Management and wanted to represent lab rats or farm young people who were involved at the Budget. chickens in a class-action lawsuit. institute to get involved in politics, in Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I Even if claims were found baseless in government, in public service. suggest the absence of a quorum and courts, someone, farms, laboratories, I know Senator Kennedy will be re- ask that the time be charged equally to business owners, would still bear the membered by so many of the both sides. costs of litigation.

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