September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21341 had a hard time agreeing on the color moved Clay away from party rivalry, on me in politics back in 1962 when, as of the carpet when we were in the he said, and toward a new goal. ‘‘I want a young, about-to-be college student, I Chamber together. Yet despite his pub- no office, no station in the gift of had the privilege of working as a vol- lic image as a liberal firebrand, he was man,’’ he said, ‘‘[except] a warm place unteer in his first campaign for the fascinated by the hard work of creating in your hearts.’’ Senate. consensus and jumped into that work, Every man has his own story. Ted It is difficult to look at his desk now even toward the end, with the enthu- Kennedy never moved away from party cloaked in the velvet and the roses, a siasm of a young staffer. Ted’s high rivalry. He was a fierce partisan to the desk from which he championed so school teammates recall that he never end. But over the years, he reminded many important causes, a desk from walked to the huddle; he always ran. the world of the great potential of this which he regaled us, educated us, and Anyone who ever sat across from Ted institution and even came to embody befriended us for so many years, and at a conference table believed it. it. We will never forget the way he even more difficult for us to think of Ted realized Senators could do an filled the Chamber with that booming this Chamber, our Nation’s Capital, or awful lot once they got past the mag- voice, waving his glasses at his side, our country without him. netic pull Pennsylvania Avenue has on jabbing his fingers at the air, or the On many occasions in the Senate, he was the indispensable man. On every so many Senators. His brother Jack many times we saw him playing out- occasion in this Chamber and out, he once said that as a Senator, he thought side with his dogs. How many times did was a man whose heart was as big as the President had all the influence, but we spot him coming through the door- heaven, whose optimism could over- it wasn’t until he was President that way or onto an elevator, his hair white whelm any doubter, and whose joy for he realized how much influence Sen- as the surf, and think: Here comes his- life was a wonderfully contagious and ators had. It was a similar insight that tory itself. completely irresistible thing. led Ted to tell a group of Boston Globe As the youngest child in one of the Ted loved poetry, and though the reporters in 1981 that for him, the Sen- most influential political families in verse was ancient, the poet could have ate was fulfilling, satisfying, chal- U.S. history, Ted Kennedy had enor- had Ted in mind when he wrote: lenging, and that he could certainly mous shoes to fill. Yet in nearly 50 One must wait until the evening to see how spend his life here, which, of course, he years of service as a young Senator, a splendid the day has been. did. Then, when it was winding down, candidate for President, a legislative Our day with Ted Kennedy was, in- he saw what he had done as a Senator force, and an elder statesman, it is deed, splendid, its impact immeas- and what the Senate had done for him. hard to argue that he didn’t fill those urable. Just think for a moment what He wanted others to see it too, so he shoes in a part he wrote all by himself. a different country we lived in before set about to establish the Edward M. It is hard to imagine the Senate Ted Kennedy came to the Senate in Kennedy Institute for the United without Ted thundering on the floor. It 1962 and what a more perfect Union we States Senate, a place that would focus will be harder still, I am sure, for the live in for the 47 years he served here. on this institution the way Presi- Kennedy family to think of a future Before Ted Kennedy had a voice in the dential libraries focus on Presidents. without him. You could say all these Senate and a vote in the Senate, there The Founders, of course, envisioned things and more about the late Senator was no Civil Rights Act, no Voting the legislative and executive branches from Massachusetts, and you could Rights Act, no Medicare, no Medicaid, as carrying equal weight. Article I is also say this: Edward Moore Kennedy no vote for 18-year-olds, no Martin Lu- about Congress, after all, not the Presi- will always have a warm place in our ther King, Jr., holiday, no Meals on dency. His life and legacy help restore hearts. Wheels, no equal funding for women’s that vision of a legislative counter- Mr. President, I yield the floor. collegiate sports, no State health in- weight of equal weight. That is an im- f surance program, no Family Medical portant institutional contribution Leave Act, no AmeriCorps, no National every Senator can appreciate. It is RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME Service Act. All of these are literally something he did through hard work, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- just a part of Ted’s legislative legacy. tenacity, and sheer will. It was not the pore. Under the previous order, the It is why the Boston Globe once wrote legacy most expected, but it is the leg- leadership time is reserved. that in actual measurable impact on acy he wrought, and in the end he the lives of tens of millions of working could call it his own. f families, the elderly, and the needy, Toward the end of his life, one of the MORNING BUSINESS Ted belongs in the same sentence with great lawmakers of the 19th century, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Franklin Roosevelt. Henry Clay, was asked to speak to the Ted’s season of service spanned the pore. Under the previous order, the Kentucky General Assembly. Thanks administrations, as we heard from the Senate will proceed to a period for the to Clay’s efforts, the Compromise of minority leader, of 10 Presidents. He 1850 had just been reached, and Clay transaction of morning business until served with more than 350 Senators, in- had become a national hero through a 12:30 p.m., with the time equally di- cluding those for whom our principal job he had spent most of his career try- vided and controlled between the two office buildings are named: Richard ing to escape. His speech received na- leaders or their designees. Russell, Everett Dirksen, and Philip tional coverage, and, according to one The Senator from Massachusetts. Hart. He cast more than 16,000 votes. biographer, all acknowledged his privi- Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I yield He wrote more than 2,500 bills. He had leged station as an elder statesman. myself such time as I might use. an important hand in shaping almost For years, Clay had wanted nothing The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- every single important law that affects more than to be President of the pore. The Senator is recognized. our lives today. He helped create near- United States. But now, after this last f ly every major social program in the great legislative victory, something last 40 years. He was the Senate’s sem- else came into view. Clay told the as- REMEMBERING SENATOR EDWARD inal voice for civil rights, women’s sembled crowd that day that in the M. KENNEDY rights, human rights, and the rights of course of months and months of in- Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I thank workers. He stood against judges who tense negotiations leading up to the Majority Leader REID and Minority would turn back the clock on constitu- Great Compromise, he had consulted Leader MCCONNELL for the time they tional freedoms. He pointed America with Democrats just as much as he had have set aside for us today to remem- away from war, first in Vietnam and with members of his own party and ber Ted Kennedy, our beloved col- last in Iraq. And for three decades, in- found in them just as much patriotism league, my senior Senator for nearly a cluding the last days, he labored with and honor as he had found with the quarter of a century, a friend, a man I all his might to make health care a Whigs. The whole experience had met first and who had great influence right for all Americans.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21342 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 Through it all, even as he battled, he ‘‘There will be order in the Senate and Ted Kennedy was such a stone who showed us how to be a good colleague, in the cloakroom.’’ It was the first actually changed the scheme of things always loyal, always caring, always time I ever heard that call for order. on so many issues for so many people. lively. His adversaries were never his His pranks were also works of art and Over the years, I have received hun- enemies. And his friends—his friends— usually brilliantly calculated. One dreds of handwritten notes from Ted— always came first. night after a long series of Thursday some funny, some touching, all of them In my office there is a photograph of night votes that had pushed Senators treasures. the two of us on day one—1985—my past the time to catch commercial Just before Thanksgiving Ted sent first day in the Senate. Ted signed it: flights home to the Northeast, Senator me a note that he would be spending As Humphrey Bogart would have said: FRANK LAUTENBERG had arranged for a the holiday with his beloved sailboat, This is the beginning of a beautiful private charter for himself in order to the Maya. He added: If you are out on friendship. For almost 25 years it was a get up to Massachusetts. It turned out the sound, look for the Maya. She will beautiful friendship, as I worked at his a number of Senators needed to travel be there. Indeed, I will never sail the side learning from the best. And, yes, in that direction, and when FRANK sound again without thinking of the like any colleague in the Senate, there learned of it, he kindly offered Senator Maya and her big hard skipper. were moments when we had a dif- Claiborne Pell, Ted, and myself a ride There is an anonymous quote that I ference on one issue or another, but we with him. There was no discussion of once read, which because of Ted’s always found a way to move forward in sharing the cost. Everyone thought faith—which was grounded and deeply friendship and in our efforts to rep- FRANK was being very generous. important to him—I think it describes resent the State. But the next week, when we were re- how we should think of his departure Teddy was the best natural teacher assembled on the floor of the Senate, from the Senate. It says: anyone in politics could ask for. I may official looking envelopes were deliv- I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at not always have been the best student, ered to each of us under FRANK LAU- my side spreads her white sails to the morn- but he never stopped dispensing the TENBERG’s signature with exorbitant ing breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She lessons. I came to the Senate out of an expenses charged for this flight. Sen- is an object of beauty and strength. I stand activist grassroots political base, ator Pell roared down the aisle, came and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and where the coin of the realm was issues up to me sputtering about this minor sky come down to mingle with each other. and policy positions. Activists are little aircraft and how could it possibly Then, someone at my side says; ‘‘There, she sometimes, as I learned, so issue fo- cost so much money. Senator LAUTEN- is gone!’’ ‘‘Gone where?’’ Gone from my cused and intent that they can inad- BERG was red faced, protesting he knew sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast vertently look past the personal touch nothing about it, when out of the cor- and hull and spar as she was when she left or the emotional connection for fear ner of my eye I spotted Ted Kennedy my side and she is just as able to bear her that it somehow distracts from the up there by his desk with this big load of living freight to her destined port. agenda. But Teddy, through his ac- Cheshire cat grin starting to split a Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my tions, showed us how essential all of gut, so pleased with himself. The mys- side says, ‘‘There, she is gone!’’ There are those other elements of political life tery was solved. Ted had managed to other eyes watching her coming, and other are. secure a few sheets of Lautenberg sta- voices ready to take up the glad shout; Yes, Tip O’Neill taught a generation tionery, and he sent false bills to each ‘‘Here she comes!’’ And that is dying. of Massachusetts politicians that all of us. That is the way Ted Kennedy will politics is local. It was Teddy who went He once told me his earliest recollec- live in the Senate—his spirit, his beyond that and taught us that all pol- tions were of pillow fights with his words, and the fight that still comes. itics is personal. All of us knew the brother Jack and, in the years fol- Mr. President, I yield the floor. kindness of Ted Kennedy at one time lowing, sailing with Jack. At the end of The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- or another, Mr. President. the day Ted’s job was the long and te- pore. The Senator from New Mexico. During my first term in the Senate, I dious task of folding and packing the Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, first, came down with pneumonia. I was then sails away. In politics and in the great let me thank my colleague from Mas- single and tired and Ted deemed me progressive battles that were his life’s sachusetts for his eloquent statement not to be getting the care I ought to work, Ted never packed his sails away. which I have had the privilege to hear. get. So the next thing I knew, he lit- Were he here today, he would exhort us Let me make a short statement myself erally instructed me to depart for Flor- to sail into the wind, as he did so many about my friend and colleague, Ted ida to stay in the Kennedy home in times. There is still so much to do, so Kennedy. Palm Beach and be cared for until I got much that he wanted to do, and so I came to the Senate in January of well. Indeed, I did exactly that. much that he would want us to do now, 1983, and my first real opportunity to He also showed up at my house the not in his name but in his spirit. work with Ted came in the Armed evening of Inauguration Day of 2005, When Ted was 12 years old, he spent Services Committee at the beginning and together with CHRIS DODD we hours with his brother Jack taking of that service. Although he had al- shared laughter and stories from the turns reading the epic Civil War poem ready been in the Senate for 20 years, campaign trail. We were loud enough ‘‘John Brown’s Body,’’ by Steven Vin- he had chosen that year to go on the and had enough fun that someone cent Benet. It is book length and filled Armed Services Committee. Since we might have wondered if we were some- with great and terrible scenes of battle were both going on that year, in 1983, how mistaken and thought we had won. and heartbreaking vignettes of loss and we were considered the two freshmen He understood the moment. He knew privation and home. It surprises me to committee members. Ted and I were the best tonic was laughter and friend- read it now and find so much in it that able to work together on the Armed ship. Many times that is all he needed in fact reminds me of Ted. Benet wrote: Services Committee for many years. to do, just be there. You couldn’t help Sometimes there comes a crack in time He has been described as a visionary but feel better with him around. itself. Sometimes the earth is torn by some- leader, a great orator, the keeper of the All of us who served with him were thing blind. Sometimes an image that has faith for the liberal wing of the Demo- privileged to share Ted’s incredible stood so long it seems implanted on the cratic Party. All of those descriptions, love of life and laughter. In the cloak- polar star is moved against an unfathomed of course, are true. But the Ted Ken- room, sometimes the roars of laughter force that suddenly will not have it any- nedy I came to know and with whom I were so great they could be heard out more. Call it the mores, call it God or Fate, had the great opportunity to work was call it Mansoul or economic law, that force on the Senate floor. Once I remember exists and moves. And when it moves it will a passionate, committed advocate and Ted was holding forth—I will not share imploy a hard and actual stone to batter was the workhorse of the Senate. the topic—and the Presiding Officer into bits an actual wall and change the ac- Frankly, Ted Kennedy set a very high pounded the gavel and demanded, tual scheme of things. standard for himself in the effort that

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21343 he made on each and every issue that This is a hall noted for a robust Out he went, and, of course, the first ques- came up for debate. He set a high amount of noise, and it seems quiet tion was something like this: ‘‘Senator, standard for the homework he did in today because Teddy is not here. So we you’ve served the Commonwealth of Massa- preparation for that debate. All of us gather to share a few thoughts. chusetts for nearly 35 years in the United who served with him found ourselves States Senate. Explain, then, why this race Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- is so close.’’ trying to meet a similar standard. The sent to have printed in the RECORD Teddy paused. And paused. And paused. result was that he raised the level of some remarks I made at the memorial Five seconds. Ten seconds. performance for those of us who served service for Senator Kennedy at the Finally, after what seemed like an eter- with him by the example he set. John F. Kennedy Library. nity, he answered. In addition to serving with Ted Ken- There being no objection, the mate- After the debate, I said, ‘‘Good Lord, nedy on the Armed Services Com- rial was ordered to be printed in the Teddy, I didn’t mean pause that long after the first question! What were you thinking mittee for many years, in May of 1990, RECORD, as follows: following the death of Senator Matsu- about?’’ WHAT A GOLDEN FRIEND I HAD naga, I had the good fortune to be as- He looked at me and replied, ‘‘I was think- signed to what was then called the By Sen. Chris Dodd ing—that’s a damn good question! Why is Tonight, we gather to celebrate the incred- this race so close?’’ Labor and Human Resources Com- In these last months of his life, I have so mittee—Ted’s committee. As chair- ible American story of a man who made so many other American stories possible, my treasured our conversations. man, Ted gave a whole new meaning to friend Teddy Kennedy. At 6:30 in the morning of July 16th, the the word ‘‘proactive’’ in that com- Unlike his beloved brothers, his sister morning after his Senate health care com- mittee. The volume of useful legisla- Kathleen, and his nephews, Teddy was grant- mittee finished five weeks of exhausting tion he was able to move forward ed the gift of time—he lived, as the Irish work on the bill he had written, and that I through the committee was truly im- poet suggested, not just to comb gray hair, believe will be the greatest of his many leg- pressive. A major key to his success but white hair. acies, my phone rang. was the way he found to underscore for And if you look at what he achieved in his There was Teddy, beyond ecstatic that we all members the importance of what 77 years, it seems, at times, as if he lived for had finished our work, and that his com- centuries. mittee had been the first to report a bill. the committee was working on. As Always the competitor. chairman, he rightly saw it as his job Generations of historians will, of course, chronicle his prolific efforts on behalf of oth- Teddy was never maudlin or self-pitying to put together the agenda and the pri- ers. I will leave that to them. about his illness, but he was always fully orities for the committee’s work. But Tonight, I just want to share some aware of what was happening. before doing that he would sit down thoughts about my friend. Over the last year or so, Teddy got to with the rest of us over dinner at his And what a friend he has been—a friend of enjoy what is, of course, every Irishman’s house to get our views on what those unbridled empathy, optimism, and full- dream—and that is to attend your own eulo- priorities needed to be. The serious ap- throated joy. gies. That’s why we call the obituary page proach he took to the committee’s Examples of that friendship are legion. the Irish sports page. work inspired those of us who served I remember, many years ago, a close friend And I know he enjoyed a uniquely Celtic kick out of hearing people who abhorred his there to elevate the importance of that of mine passed away. Teddy didn’t know him. politics say incredibly nice things about work in our own minds as well. I was asked to say a few words at the fu- him. During the course of our work in the neral. Volumes, of course, will be published by Senate, each of us gets the opportunity As long as I live, I will never forget that, those attempting to unlock the mystery of to interact with many colleagues, to as I stood at the pulpit and looked out over why Teddy was such an effective legislator. form judgments about those col- the gathering, there was Teddy, sitting in Was it his knowledge of parliamentary pro- leagues. During my 27 years I have the back of the church. cedure? His political instincts? His pas- served with many capable and dedi- He obviously wasn’t there for my friend. sionate oratory? His staff? cated public servants who deserve rec- He was there for me, at my time of loss. Please let me save the pundits and polit- ognition and praise. But it is clear to That was what it was like to have Teddy in ical scientists some time—and all of you me none of us exceeds Ted Kennedy in your corner. some money—and tell you what Teddy’s se- cret was: People liked him. our passion or commitment for accom- When our daughters Grace and Christina were born, first call I received was from Now, he always had a great staff, and great plishing the work we have been sent to Teddy. ideas, but that only counts for so much in do. When I lost the Iowa caucuses last year, the United States Senate, if you lack the re- Hendrick Hertzberg wrote a short not that anyone thought I was going to win, spect and admiration of your colleagues. piece in the New Yorker last week that first call I received was from Teddy and And Teddy earned that respect. captures well the Ted Kennedy with Vicki. He arrived in Washington as the 30–year- whom I was privileged to know and When my sister passed away last month, old brother of a sitting president and the at- serve. Mr. Hertzberg wrote: first call I received was from Teddy, even torney general of the United States. The second half of his 47-year senatorial though he was well into the final summer of Many people drew their conclusions about career was a wonder of focused, patient, un- his own life. him before he spoke his first words in the wavering service to a practical liberalism And two weeks ago, as I was coming out of Senate. that emphasized concrete improvements in surgery, I got a call from Teddy, his unique And over the years, he became a target of the lives of the poor, the old, the disabled, voice as loud and booming as ever. ‘‘Well,’’ partisans who caricatured him as a dan- children, the uninsured, the undocumented, he roared, ‘‘Between going through prostate gerous liberal. the medically or educationally disadvan- cancer surgery and doing town hall meet- Now, liberal he was, and very proud of it. taged. ings, you made the right choice!’’ But once you got to know him, as his Sen- And though he was dying, and I was hurt- ate colleagues did, you quickly learned he That phrase—focused, patient, un- ing, he had me howling with laughter in the was no caricature. wavering service—is a good description recovery room as he made a few choice com- He was a warm, passionate, thoughtful, of the Ted Kennedy I knew as my ments, I cannot repeat this evening, about tremendously funny man who loved his coun- chairman and my friend, and I will catheters. try, and loved the United States Senate. miss him very much. As we all know, Teddy had a ferocious If you ever needed to find Teddy in the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- sense of humor. Senate chamber, all you had to do was to lis- pore. The Senator from Connecticut. In 1994, he was in the political fight of his ten for that distinctive thunderclap of a Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I also want life against Mitt Romney. laugh, echoing across that hallowed hall as to rise this morning to share some Before the first debate, held in Boston’s he charmed his colleagues. brief thoughts about our colleague historic Faneuil Hall, I was with Teddy and He served in the Senate, as you all know, Vicki and his team and, along with everyone for almost a half-century alongside liberals from Massachusetts. I want to com- else, offering him advice. and conservatives, Democrats and Repub- mend JOHN KERRY and JEFF BINGAMAN ‘‘Teddy,’’ I cautioned, ‘‘We Irish always licans, and he befriended them all with equal for their comments capturing the good talk too fast. Even if you know the answer to gusto. qualities of the Senator from Massa- a question, you have to pause, slow down, It’s great, of course, to see his friends Sen- chusetts. and at the very least appear thoughtful.’’ ators Orrin Hatch and John McCain here.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21344 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 It is to their credit that they so often sup- And in all the years I knew and loved him, to the post-World War II foreign policy ported Teddy’s efforts. that eternal flame has never failed to burn of our Nation, along with Senator Wag- And, I say in some jest, it is to Teddy’s brightly in Teddy’s eyes. ner of New York, who back in the 1920s great credit that he so rarely supported Now, as he re-joins his brothers on that theirs. hillside in Arlington, may the light from and 1930s and 1940s was the author of But Teddy’s personal friendships with that flame continue to illuminate our path much of the social legislation that we Orrin and John, and so many others, weren’t forward. celebrate in this country today, were simply the polite working relationships that And with the work of our own hands, and fine additions to those who had already make politics possible. the help of Almighty God, inspired by Ted- been recognized in this reception room They are the real and lasting bonds that dy’s example, may we lift up this great coun- just off the floor of the Senate. make the United States Senate work. try that my friend Teddy loved so much. One day it will be appropriate to add That’s what made Teddy one of our great- Mr. DODD. I was very honored to be our colleague and friend from Massa- est Senators ever. Some people born with a famous name live asked by Mrs. Kennedy and her family chusetts, who deserves to be in that off of it. Others enrich theirs. Teddy en- to share some thoughts that evening, hall of celebrated heroes, having made riched his. and I was proud to do so. a significant contribution to this insti- And, as we begin the task of summing up I commend my colleague from Rhode tution and to the people of our coun- all that he has done for his country, perhaps Island, PATRICK KENNEDY, for his com- try. we can begin by acknowledging this: ments at his father’s funeral, and Ted- But there are other ways to celebrate John Fitzgerald Kennedy, inspired our dy’s son Edward Kennedy, as well, who him as well. I suspect that Senator America; Robert Kennedy, challenged our made wonderful comments about their America; and our Teddy, changed our Amer- Kennedy, if he had a chance to weigh in ica. father at that funeral service. on how he would like to be recognized Nearly every important law passed in the A few short thoughts this morning, and remembered, might choose other last half century bears his mark, and a great and a proposal I wish to make to our means. many of them bear his name. colleagues as we recognize the con- There are very few issues over the Teddy was defined by his love of our coun- tribution of Senator Kennedy. When we last half century on which Senator try, his passion for public service, his abid- consider how to pay tribute to our col- Kennedy did not leave his mark, and a ing faith, and his family. leagues, we often try to devise monu- good many of the most significant His much-adored Vicki, his children Kara, Teddy, and Patrick, his step-children Caro- ments, to celebrate the work of those pieces of legislation that passed this line and Curran, his grandchildren, nieces who served here and made a significant Senate in his time not only bear his and nephews—all of you need to know, you contribution to our country. It is not mark but bear his name as the author. brought him unbounded joy and pleasure. an easy task. I have tried to think That, in a sense, is a monument, one Teddy was a man who lived for others. about what would be an appropriate with a meaning far broader than any- He was a champion for countless people way to celebrate, in some concrete thing we might inscribe on any wall. who otherwise might not have had one, and way, the work of Ted Kennedy. He cer- Across America there are people who he never quit on them, never gave up on the tainly has been, as our colleagues and might have lacked for an advocate had belief that we could make tomorrow a better day. Never. others have pointed out over these last Ted Kennedy not stood up for them, Last August in Denver, one year to the day couple of weeks, one of the greatest people who can now stand up for them- before his passing, Teddy spoke at our na- Members to ever serve in this body. selves with dignity and hope and a tional convention. I had the distinction and honor of chance to make it in America because His gait was shaky, but his blue eyes were serving as the chairman of the Rules they had a friend by the name of Ed- clear, and his unmistakable voice rang with Committee a few years ago. I was ward Moore Kennedy. strength. asked to complete some of the ovals in These Americans are also a monu- As he passed the torch to another young president, Teddy said: ‘‘The work begins the reception room. For those who ment that I think Senator Kennedy anew. The hope rises again. And the dream have not been to Washington, or to the might say is fitting enough—that there lives on.’’ Capitol, there is a room a few feet from are people today doing better, living He spoke of the great fight of his life—en- where I am speaking here this morning more secure lives, growing up with a suring that every American, regardless of called the reception room. It was de- sense of confidence and optimism their economic status, is guaranteed the signed by the great artist, Brumidi, about their future and the future of our right to decent health care. and he intended that work to celebrate country because of his contribution. We are all so saddened that he did not live the work of the Senate. to see that won. That in itself is a great monument. But in a few short days, we will return to In the mid-1950s, John Fitzgerald Perhaps we could consider the flood our work in Teddy’s Senate. Kennedy, then a freshman Senator of tributes that have come from across The blistering days of August will be re- from Massachusetts, was asked by the the aisle as well as across the globe, placed, I pray, by the cooler days of Sep- leadership of this body to form a com- from those who shared in his crusade tember. mittee to identify the five most signifi- for social justice and those who spent And we will prevail in the way Teddy won cant Senators who had served up until their careers opposing him, and those so many victories for our country: by listen- the 1950s. Then-Senator John Kennedy who never enjoyed the privilege of ing to each other; by respecting each other and the seriousness of the institution to of Massachusetts went to work, review- working alongside him. All understood which we belong, and where Teddy earned an ing the contributions of the people who how important Senator Kennedy was, immortal place in American history. served in this body since the founding not only to this Nation but to millions As he so eloquently eulogized his brother of our Republic in 1789. He concluded of people around the globe who today Bobby 40 years ago, Teddy doesn’t need to be there were five Members who deserved lead better lives because he stood up enlarged in death beyond what he was in life. recognition. The first three were the for them even though they were not We will remember him for the largeness of obvious ones: Clay, Calhoun, and Web- citizens of our own country. his spirit, the depth of his compassion, his He understood that the Founders of persistence in the face of adversity, and the ster. The last two, Senator LaFollette breadth of his achievement. of Wisconsin and Senator Taft of Ohio, our Republic, when they talk about in- We will remember him as a man who un- were more controversial, but were ac- alienable rights, were not limiting derstood better than most that America is a cepted as fine contributions to that those rights in our minds to those who place of incredible opportunity, hope, and re- room that celebrates those who have happen to enjoy the privilege of being demption. contributed the most to this body and citizens of our country but knew that He labored tirelessly to make those dreams our country. they were God-given rights that every a reality for everyone. I was asked a couple of years ago to human being is endowed with upon Those dreams, the ones he spoke of throughout his life, live on like the eternal help add a couple more names to that birth, regardless of where they live. flame that marks President Kennedy’s grave, honor roll of renowned Members of this Ted Kennedy understood that intu- the flame that Teddy and Bobby lit 46 years body. We concluded that Senator Van- itively, deeply, and passionately. That ago. denberg, who made such a contribution in itself, I suppose, could be a great

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21345 tribute, knowing there are people your children and family do well and that Teddy and his brothers brought to whom he never met, never even knew stand up and make a difference in the this body. what he looked like, who lead better lives of other people, what better trib- This was Teddy’s wish and desire. I lives today because of his contribution. ute; what higher form of compliment asked him what could we do to recog- Then perhaps we might consider could you have, or form of flattery, nize him, and he said, I would like to these tributes offered by our colleagues than to know that your children, your have you recognize my brothers as well here and others, the literally thou- family, your nieces or nephews, your for their contribution. sands who lined up in those long hours sisters and brothers are out making a Ted Kennedy believed in impassioned to pay tribute to their Senator from difference in the lives of others? debate. He believed in pounding that Massachusetts at the John F. Kennedy In a way, it is hard to decide what is podium when it was appropriate. But Library, the more than 50,000 people in an appropriate way to celebrate the life he also believed that at the end of the Massachusetts who had known and re- of someone who filled the room on so day we best serve the people of our spected, elected and reelected and re- many occasions, not only with his great Nation when we respect each elected and reelected, over and over booming voice—as we all are familiar other and work together in common again, their Senator. They appreciated with here, particularly the staff of the cause to solve the problems of our day. him immensely for the work he did for Senate who would, many times, be the Whatever history is made in the caucus them and their Commonwealth for al- only ones in this room as Ted Kennedy room of the Russell Senate Office most 50 years. In itself that is a great would be pounding that podium back in Building in the next century, I would tribute. It would be enough, I think, that corner, expressing his passionate like to believe it will be guided by that for many of us, being recognized by the views about some great cause of the spirit of respect and good humor that people of your State for having fought country. But we remember also his de- Teddy Kennedy brought to this institu- on their behalf. termination that this country live up tion for almost a half century. Thus, Teddy’s monument can be found in to its expectations, that it become the may the Kennedy Caucus Room stand his talented and wonderful family as more perfect union that our Founders as one monument to the contribution well. JOE BIDEN talked about this in described more than two centuries ago. of a family what has made such a dif- the memorial service in the John Ken- Today, I wish to make a suggestion ference to our country. They devoted nedy Library. When you consider this to my colleagues. I talked to the lead- their considerable talents and energy remarkable family of Senator Kennedy ership about it and to the Republican and their lives to serving our Nation and those of his brothers, their chil- leadership as well. Never before in the that they loved and that loved them dren, their nieces and nephews, it is a history of this country have three back. source of inspiration when you think of brothers served in this Chamber: Jack I yield the floor. what each of them has done, the con- Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and, of The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- tributions they have made. course, Teddy Kennedy. That has never pore. The Senator from Rhode Island is A few short weeks prior to Teddy’s happened before in the history of our recognized. passing, he lost his sister Eunice, who Nation. One of the rooms that has been Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise along was a wonderful friend of mine over of similarly historic significance to our with my colleagues to pay tribute to many years. She did remarkable things Nation is the caucus room in the Rus- an extraordinary American, probably as an individual. To think, millions of sell Office Building. It has been the site the greatest Senator to serve in this people who suffer from mental disabil- of remarkable hearings and meetings. body. I think time will confirm that as ities enjoy a greater respect today be- Since its building almost a century we go forward. I particularly want to cause of one individual, Eunice Ken- ago, that room has been very impor- express my deepest sympathy to Vicki nedy Shriver. Teddy’s brother Joe lost tant. The hearings on the Titanic were and Kara and PATRICK and Ted Jr. I his life in World War II, defending our held in that room; the Watergate hear- have had the privilege now of serving country and fighting for freedom. His ings, going back years ago, were held with Senator Ted Kennedy but also sister Jean has done a remarkable job in that room. It is there that we have with Congressman PATRICK KENNEDY, with the very special arts in her con- commemorated tragedies. We have met and both of these gentlemen have dem- tribution to the country. And then to celebrate triumphs in that room. We onstrated zeal for public service and look at his wonderful wife Vicki, who have gathered as Members with our commitment and passion to help peo- was such an incredible source of spouses from time to time to share ple that has been emblematic of the strength and inspiration for him during some quiet moments with each other Kennedy family. their life together and particularly as we reflected on our responsibilities I particularly am proud of PATRICK, over the last 15 months. There is no here as Senators. We have held some of his words at his father’s funeral. His doubt in my mind Teddy lived as long the greatest debates that have ever oc- continued dedication to the people of as he did with brain cancer because curred in that room. It is there that Rhode Island is not only commendable Vicki was at his side and took such Senator Kennedy’s Health Committee, but inspiring to me and to all of us. nurturing care of him and has done a in which I was privileged to act as sort Like so many of my generation, I remarkable job providing all of us the of a fill-in for him over the last number grew up with the Kennedy family. In opportunity to celebrate his life as we of months, held 5 weeks of hearings and 1960, John Kennedy carried the banner all wished to do. debate and markup of a bill that con- of the Democratic Party as the Presi- His children, grandchildren, nieces, cluded in the adoption of the health dential candidate. He won, but, as we nephews all are following Teddy’s ex- care reform legislation that he au- understood then and now, we got the ample by making a difference in this thored. whole family, not just President John country. His son PATRICK I mentioned It is in that room that Senator Ken- Kennedy, and it was a remarkable fam- already, serves in the other body. His nedy’s brothers each announced their ily—his brother Robert, the Attorney son Teddy is a great friend of mine, candidacies for the Presidency of the General and later the U.S. Senator lives in Connecticut and is making a United States. Both Jack Kennedy and from New York, and then, of course, significant contribution as citizen of Robert Kennedy, in that very room, an- Ted Kennedy. our State. He holds no office, doesn’t nounced that they intended to seek His contribution to the country and have any title. He and his wife make a that office. And it is there that I pro- to the world is probably unmatchable wonderful difference on many issues in pose we affix the Kennedy name, not as we go forward in every area: health our State every single day, and his just as a monument to the things these care, which was his particular passion daughter Kara, for whom he has such three brothers did as Senators and as and on which President Obama spoke great affection, has also made her con- colleagues of ours here, but in the spir- so movingly last evening about his tributions as well. That in itself can be it of compassion and compromise, the commitment to moving forward in this a monument. How many would say if fierce advocacy and tender friendship Congress and finally achieving a dream

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21346 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 that has alluded our country for years that his first major speech was in favor country, in constant service to the peo- and years and years; his work with his of the 1964 Civil Rights Act because he ple who do not have a voice, and con- son PATRICK on mental health parity, understood that the talent of America stant service to those who need a which is so important. was not restricted to any group and chance to help themselves, to help On education, I had the privilege of that to meet the challenges of this Na- their family, and to make the Nation a serving with him on the Education tion and this world, we need the con- better place. It reminded me of words Committee and as a Member of the tribution and the participation of spoken about Franklin Delano Roo- House to collaborate with him on edu- every American, regardless of race, re- sevelt. His cortege was moving through cation bills, and every major education gardless of gender. Washington, DC, and a man was visibly initiative in this country bears his He also was someone who understood shaken and weeping. stamp, his input, his inspiration. He that for the working men and women A reporter went up to him and said: worked very closely with my prede- of this country, they needed help, they You know, you are so upset, did you cessor, Senator Claiborne Pell, for the needed to share in the bounty of this know the President? creation of the Pell grants and for so country. What we have seen over the He said: No, I did not know him, but many other initiatives in education. He last decade has been growth, up until he knew me. not only worked with Senator Pell, the crisis of last September, but that Ted Kennedy knew us all. He knew they developed a very deep and abiding growth was not shared fairly or evenly, our strengths, he knew our weaknesses, friendship. executives getting huge salaries and he knew that this government could One of the impressive things about bonuses and working men and women make a difference, a positive difference Ted Kennedy is that the public persona were barely keeping up. In order to in the lives of people. He had shared was impressive, the private persona have a strong, prosperous economy, we the same difficulties and challenges we was equally impressive and extraor- need a strong, prosperous middle class. face: children stricken with cancer, the dinarily endearing. He was someone His work in terms of education and loss of his brothers and one of his sis- who had a great sense of camaraderie health care and labor—all of that had a ters in an airplane crash, the human and friendship and good humor. purpose not only of helping individuals reality. I can recall being invited to join Sen- but, wisely, trying to establish an envi- And because he knew us, he never ator Kennedy at the Pells’ home in ronment for economic growth that we stopped working for us. Newport after Senator Pell retired. all could share. His legacy is extraordinary. It will Every year, unannounced, without any He also served on the defense com- inspire and sustain us as we go forward. fanfare, Senator Kennedy would sail mittee with me. And he was very per- His loss, not just to his family, which his boat up into Newport and insist on ceptive. He had spent many years view- is considerable, but for all of us, is bal- taking Senator Pell out for a cruise, ing the world, and his understanding of anced by how much he made us better, and then they would all retire to the not only the military but the forces, more attuned to the challenge of serv- Pell home for a delightful supper. I was economic and cultural, that shape our ing America and leading the world. We privileged to be there on a couple of oc- interaction with other countries was will miss him. But our task now is to casions. Toward the end of his life, Senator profound in its insights. He was, very take up his work, to continue his ef- Pell had difficulty moving around, but clearly, opposed to the operation in fort. That is the greatest tribute we Senator Kennedy would insist on com- Iraq because he understood that it was can pay. Let us begin with this debate ing every summer. The last outing, we a strategic deviation from the real on health care. literally had to carry Senator Pell task, which continues in Afghanistan, I yield the floor. aboard. Senator Pell at that time was to root out al-Qaida, to stabilize the re- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. not communicating as effectively as he gion, the most volatile region in the GILLIBRAND.) The Senator from Kansas. was previously, but he didn’t have to country. That is just one example of Mr. BROWNBACK. Madam President, because Senator Kennedy could take his insight into the international I rise to add my voice to those who both parts of the conversation—in fact, arena. have already paid tribute to our friend he could take multiple parts of the There is a story, and it is attributed and colleague, the late Senator Ted conversation. There was never a lost to either his brother John or to Sen- Kennedy, who passed away this last word or a dull moment. It was a great ator Kennedy, but I think it might be month after a courageous battle with opportunity to see an extraordinary apropos for both. It might be slightly cancer. statesman but an extraordinary gen- apocryphal, but either John or Ted, ac- He was quite an institution. I came tleman at the same time. cording to the story, was standing out- into this body in a seat held by an indi- He said famously about his brothers side a factory and a worker came up vidual who was quite an institution as that they lived to see the American and said: They tell me you have never well. Bob Dole was in this seat. So I dream become reality, and he said fa- worked a day in your life. know that when people look to the per- mously that the dream lives on. But he And Kennedy was taken aback. son who follows after Ted Kennedy, also, more than dreaming, tried to give Then shortly, the worker said: Don’t you just can’t replace an individual substance, shape, and texture to that worry, you haven’t missed anything. like that who was such a towering fig- dream, effectively to try to ensure that A family of great privilege, of great ure in this body, was the lion of the opportunity was available to every opportunity, in fact worked every day Senate, as many have noted, and cer- American family, that they could use of their lives, and particularly Ted tainly deserved that topic and that ac- their talent to build their family and Kennedy, hard, relentlessly to ensure colade. to secure their future and to contribute that person coming out of the factory While Senator Kennedy and I did not to a better America. That was why he had a chance. see eye to eye on most political issues, led on health care, because without Finally, what I sensed when I was at I admired him greatly as a colleague adequate health care, you cannot real- the funeral service, which was extraor- and certainly as a dedicated public ize your talents, your potential, and dinarily moving and inspirational, the servant. Ted Kennedy fought for what you cannot contribute as much to this outpouring of affection and regard for he believed and did so with passion and great country. He led on education be- Senator Kennedy, not by the dig- conviction and incomparable ability. cause it is the great engine that pulls nitaries who assembled but by ordinary When he was your opponent on an this Nation forward and individually citizens of Massachusetts and here lin- issue, you knew you had a fight on gives people an opportunity to move up ing the route to Arlington, bespeaks a your hands, and when he was on your and to help their families move for- connection and a validation by the side, you knew you had an advocate ward. American people of an individual who who worked hard and effectively. On civil rights, he was a strong advo- had trials and tribulations but rose His skills as a legislator were un- cate. In fact, I think it is fair to say above it in constant service to the matched. I think really what was at

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21347 the core of that was he really enjoyed ter Eunice and talked with her about sible to disagree with Ted Kennedy but working with other people. He had it. And I went to Ted. I remember how never to dislike him. His sense of built relationships across the aisle effective his sister Eunice would be on humor was contagious, and his concern with individuals, so that he could per- lobbying Ted on this piece of legisla- for those around him, from fellow Sen- sonally go to other individuals with tion. Just this past year, when we were ators to staff, to the many often that relationship he had built. Even able to move things forward with it, I unheralded people who make the Sen- though there were huge disagreements met with Eunice. She was obviously ate function, ensured that he was loved on policy issues on many other fronts, getting more difficult and failing of as well as respected throughout this he had the personal relationships. To health at that point. She said: Is Teddy body. That love extends across lines of him, I think, in many cases, it was a being helpful? Is Teddy working with party and ideology, in part because of lot more about the person rather than you and helping? I would say: Yes, he that good humor and genuine concern policy. I think that is a good lesson for is, but you can always help us more for others for which he is so rightly many of us to learn. He mastered the and push him more. And she did. What known. legislative process, became one of the an effective team that was on pro- But it was not just these qualities most effective Members of this body viding help for those especially with that endeared Ted Kennedy to figures and that this body has ever known. One mental disabilities, even on this pro- of all political persuasions. It was the of the keys of his effectiveness was his life piece of legislation that I hope will seriousness and good faith with which tenacity and perseverance and attend- result in more people getting here who he approached ideas that differed from ing to, in many cases, the unglamorous have disabilities so that they are not his own. In 1983, this liberal Catholic details and the sometimes tedious killed in utero but instead that they from Massachusetts traveled to the work that goes into crafting and pass- get here and, if people can’t handle conservative Liberty Baptist College in ing a bill. that issue in their families, that they Virginia where he told the students: He also understood that getting put them up for adoption. We have The more our feelings diverge, the more things done as a politician means com- adoption registries ready to go for peo- deeply felt they are, the greater is our obli- promise. He had a great sense of when ple who want to adopt a child who may gation to grant the sincerity and essential to fight on principle and when to reach have more difficulties. Working to- decency of our fellow citizens on the other side. out to the other side and arrive at an gether we were able to find common Ted Kennedy lived out that senti- agreement in order to advance the ground on protecting the dignity of ment every day. We salute his ability cause for which he was fighting. I these precious Americans by providing to work across party lines to achieve think you can probably look back over parents who receive a pre- or postnatal consensus, to work on a piece of legis- the last decade or 15 years of this body diagnosis of genetic disability with re- lation until doubters became enthusi- and no major piece of legislation sources, information, and a network of astic supporters. He excelled in trans- passed without Ted Kennedy’s finger- support. prints somewhere around or on that I am so pleased to know Senator Ken- forming nays to yeas. Senator Kennedy piece of legislation. nedy lived to see this bill passed and was a master of our own specialized Despite our political differences, I al- signed into law. It stands as an exam- world, and his legislative legacy stands ways found him to be professional, ple of how we can find common ground with those of the giants of this Cham- courteous, thoughtful, and a caring in- to advance the interests of all Ameri- ber. He tackled what some see as the dividual. He was always looking for cans in spite of differences. This body great game of politics with gusto. But Ted Kennedy’s life’s work was ways to find common ground and had a truly will not be the same place with- not a game. Politics was not a contest wonderful ability to win others over to out Ted Kennedy, without his rhetoric staged for its own sake or in pursuit of his side with that charm, Irish wit, his and his strong voice, his abilities as a power or prestige. Ted Kennedy was a fellowship, and gregarious nature. And legislator. once he made an agreement, you could My thoughts and prayers go out to master not of the politics of the mo- depend on him to be true to his word him and his family and friends. ment but of the politics of meaning. Ted Kennedy’s task was to touch and honor in public an agreement he I yield the floor. lives. He touched the family whose had made in private. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Over the years, I had the opportunity ator from Michigan. children have health insurance because to work on several legislative issues Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, I join of the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- with Senator Kennedy. As many testi- today with colleagues to pay tribute to gram he helped establish; the child who fied, he was the best ally one could the life and legacy of Senator Ted Ken- has a better chance at an education be- ever hope for. nedy. Each of us has lost a friend with cause of his work on the No Child Left Most recently we worked together to his passing—and all Americans—but es- Behind law. More Americans can fully pass the Prenatally and Postnatally pecially those in need have lost a participate in our democracy because Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act, a champion of government’s ability to of the civil rights and voting rights pro-life piece of legislation. When I bring light to dark places. All of us legislation he pushed forward. We saw Ted Kennedy’s passion for would travel around the country say- stand in awe of the lengthy record of justice, tolerance, and understanding ing that Ted Kennedy and I had intro- accomplishment Senator Kennedy again recently when we were working duced a pro-life piece of legislation to- leaves us. It was a great privilege to on the Matthew Shepard Local Law gether, many people would be quite serve many years with Ted Kennedy on Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention startled. I would explain what this was. the Armed Services Committee and to legislation. I quoted him during that It was a piece of legislation that would witness firsthand the traits so well debate on that legislation when the De- encourage people, once they had a diag- known to Members of the Senate: the fense authorization bill was on the nosis that their child had Down Syn- tireless preparation, the intimate floor, and I quote him again now. He drome in utero, not to abort the child knowledge of the legislative process, said: but instead to have the child, put to- the relentless focus on justice and gether an adoption registry of individ- equality. We want to be able to have a value system that is Worthy for our brave men and women uals who were willing to adopt children Today our citizens are safer, our to defend. They are fighting overseas for our with Down Syndrome. We have this military more capable, our troops bet- values. One of the values is, we should not, terrible plague in the country where 90 ter equipped because of his service. in this country, in this democracy, permit percent of our children who are diag- Senator Kennedy approached his the kind of hatred and bigotry that has nosed with Down Syndrome never get work with diligence and dedication. stained the history of this Nation over a con- here; they are aborted. But he also knew that work goes more siderable period of time. In our office we went to the dis- smoothly when it is accomplished with The children of our men and women ability community. We went to his sis- friendship and good humor. It was pos- in uniform have some of the best

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The Army Medical Center when we passed signment to sit in this row because be- moral courage to take on the most ur- the wounded warrior legislation in 2008. hind me was Paul Wellstone and then gent moral question of his time no The lesson of Ted Kennedy’s life and Ted Kennedy. One never had any better matter how controversial, the deter- career is that politics at its best is not back-benchers than those two men. mination to pick up his brother’s fallen a game to be refereed by TV pundits. It Now they are both gone. standard, the prodigious amount of is not a contest of poll numbers or a As I reflect on the absence, particu- work behind the scenes building alli- scorecard of grievances to nurse and fa- larly of Senator Kennedy, I recall for ances, and an optimist’s unshakable vors to return. Senator Kennedy struck history his first speech on the floor of faith that his beloved America would many deals. He brokered many com- the Senate. It was April 9, 1964. Here is become an even more just and decent promises. He won many votes. But the the amazing fact: This speech took Nation. true majesty of his career is not to be place 16 months after he took his Sen- Listening to Senator Kennedy’s found in this Chamber, though his ate seat. That booming voice and pres- speech that day were some of the gi- work was done here. His lesson for us is ence, which was so dominant in the ants of the Senate—Hubert Humphrey, that democracy is best understood in Senate for decades, waited patiently a man who more than anyone brought the homes and lives of its citizens. It is for his turn, 16 months after the special me to public life when he allowed me in the homes of families less burdened election in Massachusetts that gave to serve as an intern in his Senate of- by want. It is in the minds of children him the Senate seat once held by his fice. The first to speak was a man freed by education. It is in the relief of brother John. When he rose to make whom I would come to know well, Sen- parents who no longer fear for a child his first speech on April 9, 1964, he said ator Paul Douglas of Illinois. He said: in need of medical care. It is in the he planned ‘‘to address issues affecting I have never heard an address of a more souls of Americans who find inspira- the industry and employment in my truly noble and elevated tone. tion in his triumph over tragedy and home state [of Massachusetts],’’ a He called the young Senator from over his own shortcomings. It is in the thoughtful decision by someone re- Massachusetts: hearts of the colleagues he leaves be- cently elected, to make sure that your A worthy continuer of the great traditions hind who will be inspired to rededicate first speech touches issues important of the seat which he occupies in the Senate, ourselves to a politics that recognizes to the friends at home. He said he beginning, I believe, with John Quincy our common humanity and seeks com- would make that speech one day. But Adams, Daniel Webster and Charles Sumner and through . . . to his beloved and lamented mon ground in the pursuit of justice. he decided his first speech would be My wife Barbara and I will always brother . . . much different. keep in our hearts Vicki, the love of Senator Wayne Morse stood to speak On that day, with his first speech, Ted’s life, and we will always remem- as well, and he made a prediction on conscience and the cause of freedom ber Ted’s love affair with the American the first day Ted Kennedy spoke in this compelled Ted Kennedy to speak in- people. Chamber. He said: I yield the floor. stead in eloquent support of the bill the Senate was then debating. It was a [I]n my judgment, the junior Senator from The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Massachusetts has already demonstrated Democratic whip. measure President Kennedy proposed that before he leaves the U.S. Senate, he will Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, nearly a year earlier. Now, less than 5 have made a record in this body that will list there was a historic moment on Capitol months after that terrible day in Dal- him among the great Senators in the history Hill last night. The President of the las, TX, when his brother was assas- of the Senate. United States asked for a joint session sinated, the youngest Kennedy brother That prediction was made 45 years of Congress to address one of the most stood at the same desk his brother ago by Senator Wayne Morse of Or- important and controversial issues of John had used when he served the Sen- egon. our time. Emotions were running high ate, the same desk Ted Kennedy used Edward Moore Kennedy was one of in the House Chamber as Members of for the 47 years he served in the Sen- the greatest Senators not only of our the House and Senate gathered to hear ate. He presented more than a dozen time but of all time. There was no bet- the President. We know they ran high letters he had received from religious ter advocate and no more determined because there were expressions of sup- leaders all urging Congress to pass the fighter for civil rights and human port and disapproval during the Presi- Civil Rights Act and end the evil of rights. He was a son of privilege, but he dent’s speech. I sat with Harry Reid segregation in America. That was Ted was a man, despite that background, and other leaders from the Democratic Kennedy’s first speech in the Senate. who identified with the poor and the side in the Senate and watched care- He said: dispossessed and the voiceless in Amer- fully as the speech unfolded. I thought When religious leaders call on us to urge ica. the President was at his best, even passage of this bill, they are not mixing reli- His fingerprints can be found on sig- under fire, with the high emotions in gion and politics. This is not a political nificant legislation of the last half cen- the Chamber. I wondered what the end- issue. It is a moral issue to be resolved tury: health care, voting rights, wom- ing would be and how it would be re- through political means. en’s rights, gay rights, immigration re- ceived. He continued. form, worker safety, fair housing, con- If Members will recall, at the end of Religious leaders can preach, they can ad- sumer protection, campaign finance re- the speech, the President referred to a vise, they can lead movements of social ac- form, sensible gun laws, national serv- letter that had been sent to him by the tion. But there comes a moment when per- ice, minimum wage—the list goes on late Senator Ted Kennedy to be read suasion must be backed up by law to be ef- and on. after the Senator had passed away. As fective. In the field of civil rights, that point He was a protector of the vulner- has been reached. the President referred to that letter, able—of widows and orphans, the an amazing thing happened in that He concluded by saying: wounded and maimed, the grieving and Chamber filled with hundreds of hun- My brother was the first President of the dispossessed. He was a champion of dreds of people. The emotions quieted United States to say publicly that segrega- people with disabilities. He believed we tion was morally wrong. His heart and soul down. At one point, one could have are in this bill. If his life and death had a should all be judged by what we can do, heard a pin drop in the House Chamber meaning, it was that we should not hate but not by what we cannot do. as President Obama recalled the legacy love one another; we should use our powers When I was asked by my local media and the promise of the life of Senator not to create conditions of oppression that in Illinois, after Ted Kennedy’s pass- Edward Kennedy. lead to violence, but conditions of freedom ing, if there was something about him

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21349 that I knew that other people did not they would receive would be from Ted the civil rights bill in honor of his know, I said there was one thing most Kennedy, regardless of which side of brother, the fallen President, we all people did not know. As a result of an the aisle you were on. He would be the know that Senator Kennedy, were he airplane crash early in his Senate ca- first to talk about some misfortune or here today, would urge us to finish the reer, where his broken body was illness in your family. How he learned cause of his life and make affordable dragged out of the plane by his Senate this so quickly we never figured out, health care for every American a right, colleague, Senator Birch Bayh of Indi- but the Kennedy network was there not a privilege. ana, whose son now serves in this gathering that information, making It is our obligation to search in good Chamber, Ted Kennedy, with a broken certain he always offered a helping faith, as he did so often, for the prin- back and ribs, went through a long pe- hand and a pat on the shoulder if you cipled compromise that will enable us riod of convalescence and a lifetime of needed it. to finish this urgent moral challenge of problems as a result of that almost Health care was such an important our time in the name of Ted Kennedy. fatal accident. part of his public career—decent, af- I was fortunate to attend the memo- Those of us who were around him fordable health care, as a right but not rial service in Boston at Our Lady of every day knew that Ted was in pain a as a privilege. And he did more than Perpetual Help—a packed church with lot of the time—physical pain—because anyone in our Nation’s history to ad- hundreds standing in the rain outside, of his back problems. If you had a press vance that noble cause. wishing they could attend. Thousands conference with Ted Kennedy, you He voted to create Medicare and had passed by to see his remains and to brought a little stool that he could Medicaid, protecting those programs pay a tribute to him over the final perch on because standing caused pain. for decades. Community health centers days. It was a great sendoff to a great You watched him as he labored to get were a Kennedy initiative in 1966. How man. out of a chair trying to make sure he much good that has done for America I was so touched by his family—that could stand and speak. But never a is incalculable. extended Kennedy family—starting word of complaint—not one. A physical He was the chief architect of the WIC with Vicki, his best ally in his life, a condition that might have created a program, the COBRA law, and the woman who stood by him through total disability for some other people Ryan White Act. Fewer Americans are those tough times in the closing did not stop him. In addition to the in- forced to make the agonizing choice of months of his life, his children, neph- tellectual part of this man, there was keeping their job or caring for a loved ews, nieces, grandchildren. All of them this physical commitment that he one who is sick because Ted Kennedy gathered. As they went to take Com- would give whatever it took to serve helped pass the Family and Medical munion, JOHN MCCAIN leaned over to his people in Massachusetts and serve Leave Act. me and said: You can see the map of the causes and values which motivated Eleven million children of low-in- Ireland on all those faces. And you his public life. come working parents are able to see a could. It was a great gathering of the He was an advocate for the elderly doctor this year—11 million of our Kennedy clan. throughout his career. Little did he re- young kids in America—because Ted I want to express my condolences not alize his passion would eventually af- Kennedy helped create the Children’s only to the family but to the great fect him personally, as he served long Health Insurance Program. Kennedy staff, always regarded as the enough to qualify for Social Security He was the driving force behind can- best on Capitol Hill. Ted Kennedy not and Medicare. cer research and speedier approval of only did great work, he helped build He believed education was the key to drugs. He helped lead the fight to end great people, who continue to serve us the American dream and he worked discrimination by insurance companies in public careers. They have done so tirelessly to extend it, helping to cre- against people with mental illness and much for this Nation. They will con- ate programs from Head Start for pre- addiction, which his son PATRICK has tinue to do so, inspired by his example. schoolers to the Direct Lending pro- managed to pick up that standard and We are saddened by his passing, but gram for college students. help, with his father, pass that legisla- we are determined to carry on. We He helped bring an end to apartheid tion, a bill which meant so much to know if he were here today his voice in South Africa and violence in North- Senator Paul Wellstone and so many would be booming on this floor for the ern Ireland. others, Pete Domenici included. extension of unemployment benefits, His office wrote more than 2,500 bills During the last few months of his making sure COBRA deductions are and more than 300 of them became law. life, he expended what little energy he still there for those who have lost In addition, some 550 bills he cospon- had left to urge us to pass health care, work, not forgetting to increase the sored became law. Nearly every major and that is why the President’s speech minimum wage, making sure health legislative achievement of his was ad- last night struck a chord with so many care does not forget the tens of mil- vanced with a Republican partner. people. He continued to work hard at lions who are being left behind without He was a genius at compromise, prin- his job, even on the phone, during the health insurance in this country. cipled compromise. As someone said, last days of his life. We are going to miss that booming he was able to maintain a sense of His son PATRICK said that while his voice, but he is going to continue to be idealism in setting goals and realism in father was hospitalized this last year an inspiration to all of us. achieving them. He had an optimist’s for treatment in North Carolina and Last year, at the Democratic Na- willingness to settle for progress, not Massachusetts, he would roam the tional Convention in Denver there was perfection. halls of the hospital—you can just see a little breakfast for Ted. He gave a It was from his bother Jack, he said, him—asking other cancer patients and great speech at the convention, even that he learned the most important their families how they were doing and though there was a question at the last lesson: that you have to take issues se- how they were managing their bills. moment as to whether he would be able riously, but do not take yourself too Some of the answers, they said, broke to physically do it. At that breakfast, seriously. As we all know, he was gra- his heart. Vicki, his wife, came up to me and she cious and generous in sharing credit for He was ready to come back and vote handed me this little plastic bracelet, success. But he also, because of the suf- on health insurance reform if the vote and she said: I thought you might want fering in his life through his family and was needed. Even in the closing days of to have this. It has written on it one personally, developed this heart of his life, Senator REID, reaching out to word: ‘‘Tedstrong.’’ gold, this empathy for other people and Vicki, knew that Ted would be there if Well, I put that bracelet on, and I their own misfortunes. his vote made the difference, even if it just took it off for the first time since If one of his colleagues in the U.S. was the last physical act of his life. then at this moment. I will not be Senate had something bad come their Just as he implored the Senate in his wearing this bracelet, but it will be in way, you could almost bet the first call first speech so many years ago to pass my Senate desk, and each time I open

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21350 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 it, I will remember that great man, Ted He and I and David McCullough had Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I am Kennedy. breakfast, for example, and talked deeply honored to pay tribute to Ted Thank you, Madam President. about David McCullough teaching a Kennedy today and to honor his ex- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- group of teachers about John Adams at traordinary legacy. ator from Tennessee. the John Adams House in Massachu- I will always think of Ted Kennedy Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam President, setts, as one example. Then, of course, as many think of him—as the lion of the assistant Democratic leader, in his that turned to what was Ted Kennedy the Senate. From that seat, in that eloquent remarks, mentioned Ted Ken- going to do about finding an appro- seat in the back of this beautiful Sen- nedy’s maiden address, which is a tra- priate place to honor John Adams in ate Chamber, he used his powerful dition we have here in the Senate. We Washington, DC. That was another voice to speak out for those whose try to wait for an appropriate time be- piece of unfinished business Ted Ken- voices were rarely heard. I also have fore we say much, and then we try to nedy left that others of us will have to described Ted as the drummer in a say something we think makes a dif- continue to work on. That is why he large orchestra. Ted Kennedy was a ference. got along so well here. steady drumbeat—a steady drumbeat I waited an appropriate time and When he cast his 15,000th vote, I re- for justice, for fairness, for compassion, made some remarks on the floor in sup- member saying the sure-fire way to and for progress. On days when the port of legislation that would help put bring a Republican audience to its feet Senate wasn’t that interested in listen- the teaching of American history and was to make an impassioned speech ing; on days when maybe the polls were civics back in its rightful place in our against high taxes, against more Fed- against him; on days when his compas- schools so our children could grow up eral control, and against Ted Kennedy, sion might not have been in fashion, learning what it means to be an Amer- and he laughed that great big laugh of that drumbeat got louder and louder ican. I know the Presiding Officer has a his. But it was true. But almost every- and louder because Ted Kennedy knew great interest in that subject as well, one on this side will say there was no that at the end of the day, the values and she and I have worked on that to- one on that side who we would rather he stood for would be embraced again. gether. I proposed that we create sum- work with on a specific piece of legisla- Ted never let us forget why we are mer academies for outstanding teach- tion because no matter how much we here—never. He always reminded us to ers and students of United States his- might disagree with him—and we cer- be courageous. He always reminded us tory. tainly did on many issues—when it got to be strong in fighting for the causes Ted Kennedy was on the floor. He was to the point where it was time to de- we believe in, not by lecturing us about the chairman or ranking member of cide: Can we do something? he was it but by being brave, being strong, the committee that handled that at the ready to do something. And his word being courageous, taking on the tough time. He came over afterwards and was good. And his ability to help pass issues. He spent 9 long years standing said: I will get you some cosponsors. an important piece of legislation was in the back of the Chamber talking The next thing I knew, he had 20 Demo- unquestioned. Plus, we liked him. We about raising the minimum wage and cratic cosponsors for my little bitty liked his spirit, and we liked his per- explaining why people needed it—9 long bill that I had introduced. However sonality. years—but he knew the drumbeat My first engagement with Senator well I thought of him before that, I would go on until we passed it. And we Kennedy was as a very young man thought even better of him after that. did. when I came here in 1967 as a young I think it is a small example of why he Ted Kennedy had genuine and deep aide to then-Senator Howard Baker. was so effective here in what he cared friendships in the Senate on both sides Senator Baker, who was the son-in-law about. of the aisle. His greatest legislative of Senator Dirksen, then the Repub- I remember him talking about taking skill was to know every Senator and to lican leader, teamed up with Ted Ken- his family—his extended family—once know their passions. When I first came nedy, the younger brother of the a year to some important place in to the Senate in the early 1990s, I had former President, and they took on the America, some place that made a dif- spent 10 years in the House and Sen- lions of the Senate, Sam Ervin of ference. He was especially taken with ator Kennedy was already an icon, but North Carolina and Everett Dirksen, their trip to Richmond, I believe it he knew I was passionate about health and won a battle over one man, one was, where they went to the place issues and, in particular, women’s vote. I was the legislative assistant on where Patrick Henry went down on one this side and Jim Flug, the longtime health issues. So even though I was knee and made his famous address. I friend and aide of Senator Kennedy, new to the Senate, he came to me when guess one reason he was so interested was the legislative assistant on that he was managing a bill on the floor to in U.S. history was because he and his side. protect the rights of women who were family were and are such a consequen- I am here today, as we all are, to pay trying to get into reproductive health tial part of it, but he made a big dif- our respects to Senator Kennedy. care clinics. At that time, protesters ference in what we call the teaching Maybe some of us can help with some were blocking the entrances to the and learning of traditional American of that unfinished business, such as health care clinics so the women could history. helping to make sure we expand the not get in and get treated. So Senator On another occasion, he called me up idea of teaching American history in Kennedy wrote a bill that simply said: to his hideaway—he had been here long our national parks to larger numbers It is fine to express your views, but you enough to have a great room some- of outstanding teachers and to out- cannot block women or individuals where; I do not know where it is, but it standing students of U.S. history; and from entering those clinics. It is dan- has a great view of the Capitol—to talk continuing the effort to do something gerous, it is wrong, and you are deny- about Gettysburg and what we could do about the long lines of adults in Amer- ing women health care. Senator Ken- to preserve that. ica who are waiting to learn our com- nedy asked me if I would be his lieuten- Then, we were working together, mon language—English. Ted was very ant—that was his word, his ‘‘lieuten- when he died, with Senator BYRD, who interested in that, as I am. But most of ant’’—and help him manage that bill has been such a champion through U.S. all, what I wish to say is what I believe on the floor of the Senate. Well, clear- history, on legislation that would tie most of us feel: We will miss him. We ly, I was so pleased. It was such a thrill the teaching of American history to will miss his big voice, we will miss his to watch him work and, as did so many our national parks, which we are cele- big smile, and we will miss his big pres- of Ted Kennedy’s bills, it passed and it brating this year, with Ken Burns’ new ence. became the law of the land and women movie, and with other ways to try to Thank you, Madam President. I yield can get health care without being in- help use those nearly 400 national park the floor. timidated and frightened and harmed. sites we have to teach American his- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Later, when he was championing the tory. ator from California. bill to increase the minimum wage—

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21351 and he did it year after year after is a message to all of us on both sides Thank you. year—he asked me and the other of the aisle. If you believe something in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- women of the Senate to come to the your heart is right, you don’t give up. ator from Mississippi. floor and to organize and speak about You don’t give up because progress Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, it the impact raising the minimum wage takes time. Piece by piece, every year, is difficult to imagine or accept the would have on women and families for almost half a century, he advanced fact that Ted Kennedy is no longer across the country. He said: BARBARA, the causes he believed in: expanding serving in the Senate. He was such a you know, 60 percent of the people access to health care, educating our presence here, a big man with a big earning minimum wage are women. A children, extending civil rights, help- smile and a bigger heart. He was sym- lot of our colleagues think it is teen- ing our society’s least fortunate. pathetic to those in need and willing to agers. That is not true. It is women. I will say, if we were in danger of los- do all he could to address their needs. They are supporting their families. Can ing our way in the Senate, Senator Ted He got results, improving and expand- you help me with this? I said: Senator, Kennedy held steady. He stayed true to ing Federal programs to make avail- I am all over it. I am with you. his ideals. That is why it is fitting that able education and nutrition benefits The women of the Senate had a spe- his new biography is entitled ‘‘True to more Americans than ever before. cial role to come to the floor—unfortu- Compass.’’ In many ways, he was a I first met the Senator from Massa- nately, for 9 years in a row—until we compass in the Senate. chusetts when he was running in his made the case that it was important I wish to thank the people of Massa- first campaign for the Senate in 1962. It America’s families, working so hard, chusetts for sending Ted Kennedy to us was a happenstance meeting. I was an can actually afford to live in this, the for these last 47 years. He loved his instructor at the Naval Officer’s Can- greatest country of all. State. He fought for you and he fought didate School in Newport, RI, and a Although Ted had deeply held views, for all Americans. friend had invited me up to Hyannis he worked beautifully with Members I wish to thank his wife Vicki, who Port during the weekend. I ended up at across the aisle. We have colleague gave him so much joy, and the entire Ted and Joan Kennedy’s house. He was after colleague coming down to speak Kennedy family for sharing Ted Ken- there working with his friends from about their experiences. He was an ex- nedy with us. Massachusetts on fund-raising activi- pert at finding the thread of common I will miss his warm and engaging ties. We exchanged greetings. He said: ground. Sometimes it was just a tiny presence, his sense of humor, his bel- You are in law school? lowing laughter, and the way he I said: Yes, I am. little strand of commonality, but he He said: It is hard as hell, isn’t it? could weave it into something bigger reached out to all Senators in friend- I said: It sure is. and bigger and come to an agreement ship. No one person will ever be able to Well, that was about all the con- without losing his principles. fill his shoes. No one. He was one of a versation we had that day and I had no Ted’s legislative work has touched kind and irreplaceable. But we know idea, first of all, how his campaign the lives of every American, and I how to honor his legacy. We know how would turn out and certainly the most think it is going to take 5, 6, 7, 10 of us to fill this void and that is by con- remote thing in my mind would have to pick up this void he has left. I am so tinuing his life’s work. I believe the been my being a Member of the Senate. proud that TOM HARKIN, who has come most fitting tribute we can give him is But he and his wife Joan were spending to the floor, will be the chairman of to carry on his fight for a quality edu- the summer in Hyannis Port near the the HELP Committee because TOM cation for all our children, affordable other Kennedy family members, so I shared with Ted those deep feelings health care our families can rely on was getting to see some of them as well about us being here not to champion and an economy that works for every- as enjoying the New England weather; the voices of those who have a strong one. the ambiance in the summer was a real voice and are heard but for those who Ted Kennedy came from a privileged treat. But instead of politics, we talked don’t have a strong voice: the middle and renowned family, but he saw so about how hard law school was. class, the workers, the working poor, much suffering in his lifetime, so much I didn’t think I would ever see him the families, the children. They don’t loss. He saw what happens in your fam- again. I had no reason to think I would, have a voice here. ily when two of your three children much less end up serving in the Senate Ted Kennedy worked to help get 18- have cancer. Even though you have with him and serving the day he took year-olds the right to vote. He made it every bit of financial stability to give charge as chairman of the Judiciary easier for Americans to change jobs them what they need, he saw how hard Committee from my predecessor in the and keep their health insurance. He ex- it was. And then to have another child Senate, James O. Eastland. It was a panded Head Start Programs. He wrote with an addiction and the pain of that. day that attracted a lot of attention. the law creating Meals-on-Wheels. He So what Senator Ted Kennedy under- The hearing room was absolutely full was the driving force behind the Civil stood is, if it is so hard for me to see of people. As a matter of fact, the news Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with my children suffer, what must it be media was all over the place. It was Disabilities Act, and the Family and like for someone without the financial hard to get near the seats of the com- Medical Leave Act. Many of these Sen- resources or someone who had an in- mittee members. ator HARKIN and he partnered up on. He surance company walk away from I remember when Alan Simpson and I led efforts to reform the Nation’s im- them at the time they needed it the were the two most junior Republicans, migration system—never a popular most, they needed help the most. and as we were trying to get situated issue, a tough, hard issue. He worked to Ted Kennedy could put himself in there at the end of the row of seats of increase competition in the airline in- other people’s shoes, and that is what committee members, one of the camera dustry. He worked to protect women he did every single day. Even when it men bumped Al’s head with his camera, from violent crime. was hard for him to get up from his and Al told him he should not do that Virtually every major health care ad- chair, he stood and he fought. As he again because he might have a hard vance of the last four decades bears his said during his concession speech at time finding his camera—or some mark—Whether it is the CHIP pro- the 1980 Democratic National Conven- words to that effect. But what a day of gram, the Ryan White CARE Act, tion: ‘‘For all those whose cares have excitement and interest. That is the COBRA, the mental health parity bill been our concern, the work goes on, kind of excitement Ted Kennedy or increased funding for cancer re- the cause endures, the hope still lives, brought not only to the Judiciary Com- search. The list goes on and on and on. and the dream shall never die.’’ mittee and his leadership as a brand Senator Kennedy was once asked I say to Ted and to his family, I be- new chairman, but his entire career re- what his best quality was as a legis- lieve these words are true. The hope flected that kind of exuberance. People lator, and he answered with a single still lives and the dream shall never responded and reacted to him in a very word: ‘‘Persistence.’’ Persistence. That die. positive way in the Senate.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21352 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 We could make a long list of the shake my hand after being sworn in Kennedy, who was Attorney General, things he did in terms of legislative ac- was Ted Kennedy, then Mike Mansfield when he invited me down to the De- complishments and political leadership and Howard Baker. I was awed to think partment of Justice. I was a young law in the Senate. But he was a good per- I was in the presence of such people. student, and he talked to me about the son. He was a thoughtful person and After serving with Ted for 35 years possibility of a career in the Depart- generous with his house. He invited all and speaking with him almost every ment of Justice. That talk meant so the members of the Judiciary Com- single day, I look over at his desk, at much to me, and his brother told me mittee to come out for dinner at his something I have seen over the 35 years how independent the Department of house in Washington. What a nice, when we have lost colleagues, but I Justice must be, even from the Presi- thoughtful thing to do, and what an ex- don’t know of any time it has hurt so dent of the United States. We never citing evening it turned out to be. Ev- much to see the black drape across the have enough time in this body, and a eryone enjoyed it enormously. desk, to see the vase of white flowers. rollcall started and that conversation Ted Kennedy became a very deter- I went by there yesterday and just put stopped. But I remember every bit of mined advocate for serious reforms, my hand on the desk. I will admit I was that so much. and he left an impressive record of leg- overcome with emotion and left the I remember after that time we cam- islative accomplishments and pro- floor. paigned for Robert Kennedy, the next tecting and enlarging the civil rights of I have so many memories, as we all time I saw him was here when I was a ordinary citizens. do, of my friendship with Ted. Senator Senator-elect. As a former young pros- I came to respect Senator Kennedy DURBIN spoke about how Ted Kennedy ecutor, I walked into his office with and appreciate his friendship over the had a way of—no matter who you were, trepidation and almost thinking I was years we served together in the Senate. if you had tragedy in your family or an going into the inner sanctum. I was His personal qualities, his generosity, illness or something had happened, he going to talk with him about what and his serious commitment to fairness would call or write, and he would offer committees I might go on. This great and assistance for those who needed help. It made no difference who you voice said: Good morning, Senator. help from their government will long were. Coming from him, I turned around, be remembered and appreciated. I was very close to my father. He had assuming another Senator was walking May he rest in peace. met Ted a number of times. When my in behind me, and I realized he was The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- father passed away, virtually the first talking to me. ator from Vermont is recognized. telephone call my mother received that Ted’s wonderful wife Vicki was part Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I morning was from Ted Kennedy. I re- of a small book club, and my wife thank my dear friend from Mississippi member my mother taking comfort in Marcelle was in that. The days they for his kind words. I know they will be that. would meet, Ted would come up and appreciated by the Kennedy family. Senator Kennedy’s office is just one put his arm around my shoulder and Madam President, when I heard the floor below mine in the Russell Senate say, ‘‘PATRICK, we are in trouble today. Senator from Mississippi, and before Building. We both have stayed there all Our wives are meeting, and tonight we him the Senator from Illinois, the Sen- these years. On many occasions, espe- are going to get our marching orders.’’ ator from California, the Senator from cially when he was going for a vote, we You know what, Madam President. He Massachusetts, and others who have could hear his great laugh echoing was right. spoken, it brought back so many down the halls, and it would change All of the years I served on the Judi- memories. On August 26, very early in our whole mood, our whole day. We ciary Committee, until this past year, the morning, we heard the news about often talked about the bond of the New I sat beside him. I am going to miss Senator Kennedy. Marcelle and I knew England Irish and spoke about that him on that committee. I am going to that day was coming. We knew the day again when we came back from Pope miss his help and advice. I am going to was coming and that we would lose a Paul John II’s funeral and refueled the miss him on the Senate floor because close friend of over 35 years, but our plane in Ireland. It was like following not having him with us in the Senate is farmhouse in Vermont was still filled the Pied Piper at Shannon Airport. going to make a huge difference in ne- with grief upon the learning of the There were paintings of President Ken- gotiations on legislation, whether it is news. We walked back and forth on the nedy there. The Senator from Iowa re- on a current issue of health care re- road in front of the house, looking out members that. form or any other issue. over the mountains and finding it hard As we walked through, Ted Kennedy I remember one meeting with Ronald to put into words how we felt. and CHRIS DODD were telling Irish sto- Reagan when he was President. The We left Vermont to come down and ries. There are memories of when Ted President turned to Ted—and several of join Vicki, such a dear and wonderful was walking the dogs outside of Russell us, Republicans and Democrats, were person, and all of Senator Kennedy’s Building, and we would talk and chat, meeting with him—and said, ‘‘Thank family at the memorial service in Bos- saying: How is your family? How is this goodness you’re here, Ted. You are ton, where so many offered touching one or that one? bringing us together.’’ stories of how they remembered Sen- After Ted died, one of our newspapers That difference extended beyond our ator Kennedy. in Vermont had a front-page picture shores. He personally made such a dif- Ted Kennedy, Jr., gave an incredibly that my wife Marcelle had taken back ference in bringing peace to Ireland moving tribute to his father. I told him in 1968. It showed a young Ted Kennedy and ending apartheid in South Africa. I afterward that was the kind of eulogy in Vermont campaigning for his broth- remember going with President Clinton Senator Kennedy would have liked. It er Robert and talking with an even after the peace agreement, and every- was so Irish. Ted Kennedy, Jr., made us younger State attorney. We talked body—while they would thank the all laugh, and he made us all cry, al- about Robert Kennedy—the two of us— Prime Minister of Ireland and Great most in the same sentence. How Irish, and I gave that photograph to Ted a Britain and President Clinton, they all how Kennedy, but how true were the few years ago because I found it in my wanted to come over and thank Ted emotions of every man and woman in archives. He chuckled and talked about Kennedy. that church—from the President, to how young we looked, and then he His sense of history and of our coun- the Vice President, to former Presi- asked for another copy so he could sign try and his firm and constant belief in dents, to Senators, to Members of the one to me. That day we sat there and America’s promise and America’s fu- House, to close friends, and to so many talked about his brothers—obviously, ture was inspiring. His willingness to of the Kennedy family. the President, John Kennedy; Senator spend time with the most junior Sen- I think of being sworn into this body Robert Kennedy; and also his brother, ators as with all others of both parties as a 34-year-old nervous Senator. One Joe Kennedy, who had died. I talked made him a Senator’s Senator. I think of the first people who came up to about being interviewed by Robert every single Senator, Republican or

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21353 Democrat, would agree he was a Sen- about that. But the truth be told, he Kennedy Serve America Act, which I ator’s Senator. and I really didn’t agree on a lot of was pleased to name after Senator Ken- It is easy in politics to appeal to the things. Over the years, Senator Ken- nedy right here on the floor. He came self-interests in each of us. Ted Ken- nedy and I were on opposite sides of up afterward, and we hugged each nedy appealed to the best in us, to the some of the fiercest battles in this other. Then we went back to the Presi- American verities that are written not Chamber’s history. While we have long dent’s Room, and he had pictures, even on water but in stone. He appealed to been good friends, we did not pull any though he was not feeling well. He had our sense of justice, to our sense of re- punches on one another. If we were op- so many pictures with so many people sponsibility to each other, and to our posing one another in a debate, Sen- who were involved. uniquely American sense of hope and ator Kennedy would come to the floor All of our bills passed because of the possibility. In the Senate, he labored to and, in his classic style, he would lay willingness of Senator Kennedy and help reach bipartisan progress on into me with his voice raised—and he myself to put consensus ahead of par- health care, education, civil rights, had a terrific voice—and his arms flail- tisanship—something we see far too in- voting rights, immigration reform, and ing. Of course, I would let him have it frequently in Washington. so much more. right back. Then, after he finished, he It is axiomatic in politics that tim- Madam President, the powerful have would finally come over and put his ing is crucial. No one understood or never lacked champions. Ted Kennedy arm around me and say: How was that? practiced that principle better than was a champion for ordinary Ameri- I would always laugh about it, as we Senator Kennedy. He had a sixth sense cans and for those who struggle, those did. We laughed at each other all the and an open mind to notice when the who do not have a champion. He be- time. time was ripe for the key compromise. lieved everyone in this great land de- That is what set Senator Kennedy He knew when to let events sift and served the opportunity to pursue the apart from many in Washington. For when it was time to close the deal. American dream. him, politics rarely got personal. He More importantly, he knew when he I thought last night at the Presi- was never afraid to voice his disagree- should stick to his guns and when he dent’s speech—I talked before the ment with the views of a fellow Sen- needed to reach across the aisle to get speech with Mrs. Kennedy and after the ator. But, in the end, I believe he al- the help of his Republican colleagues. speech with Senator Kennedy’s three ways maintained a warm and cordial He was always able to recognize and children. It was just impossible to fully relationship with almost every one of work with those who shared his goals, put into words how much I miss him. his colleagues. That is difficult to do even if they had different ideas on how Marcelle and I miss our friend dearly, sometimes, particularly when partisan to achieve them. but we know it was a privilege to call tempers flare up, but it always seemed I will never forget, after I had made him our friend. It was a privilege to to come easy for Senator Kennedy. the deciding vote on civil rights for in- Despite our tendency to disagree on stitutionalized persons—it was a Birch serve alongside such a public servant almost everything, Senator Kennedy Bayh-Hatch bill, and Birch had led the dedicated as he was to making better and I were able to reach common fight on the floor, and so did I. the lives of millions of his fellow Amer- ground on many important occasions Later came the Voting Rights Act. I icans. and on some important issues. felt very strongly about not putting It is a sad passing of an era, but Ted As I mentioned at the recent memo- the effects test in section 2. I had no Kennedy would also tell us it is a time rial service, one of my defining mo- problem with it in section 5, but I did to look to the future. ments as a Senator came when I met not want it in section 2 so that it ap- Madam President, I close with this. I with two families from Provo, UT. The plied to all the other States. I lost in always thought when I left the Senate parents in these families were humble committee. I voted for the bill out of I would say farewell to this body and and hard working, and they were able committee because I considered the Ted Kennedy would be here to wish me to provide food and clothing and shel- Voting Rights Act the most important Godspeed. I wish him Godspeed. ter for their children. But the one ne- civil rights bill in history. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- cessity they could not afford was The day they were going to have the ator from Utah. health insurance. Their children were bill signed at the White House, he Mr. HATCH. Madam President, I children of the working poor. The caught me right inside the Russell thank all of our colleagues who have struggles of this family touched me Building where we both had offices, and taken the time to come to the floor to and inspired me to work with Senator he said: You are coming with us, aren’t speak for and on behalf of our great Kennedy to create SCHIP, which con- you? friend and colleague, Senator Ted Ken- tinues to provide health care coverage I said: Well, I was against the change nedy. I particularly enjoyed the re- to millions of children of the working in section 2. marks of the distinguished Senator poor and others throughout the coun- He said: You voted for it and were from Vermont who served with him for try and which passed with broad bipar- very helpful in getting that bill passed, 35 years. I only served 33 years with tisan support. and I know how deeply you feel about Ted. I thank them for the remarks and Over the years, Senator Kennedy and it. the reverence most everybody has had I worked successfully to get both Re- I did go down with him. I would not for our departed colleague. publicans and Democrats on board for a have gone without Senator Kennedy I rise today to offer my remarks on number of causes. We drafted a number recognizing I did feel deeply about the the passing of my dear friend and col- of pieces of legislation to provide as- Voting Rights Act. And even though I league, Senator Ted Kennedy. Over this sistance to AIDS victims, including the lost on what I thought was a pivotal past recess, America lost one of its Ryan White AIDS Act. I named that constitutional right, the fact is I voted greatest leaders and this Chamber lost bill right here on the floor with Mrs. for the bill. one of its most dynamic and important White sitting in the audience. We At the risk of riling my more liberal Members. I mourn the loss not only of worked together, along with Senator colleagues in the Senate, I would like a respected colleague but of a dear per- HARKIN, to craft and pass the Ameri- to point out that Senator Kennedy sonal friend. I think I speak for all my cans with Disabilities Act. There was shared an utterly optimistic view of colleagues when I say that Senator also the Orphan Drug Act, as well as the American experiment with Presi- Kennedy will be missed and that the the FDA Modernization Act, and a dent Ronald Reagan. They both deeply Senate is a lesser place without him whole raft of other bills that would believed that whatever the current here. take too much time to speak about, all trials or challenges we must face as a People have often remarked about of which bear the Hatch-Kennedy, Ken- nation, America’s best days were ahead the working relationship I had with nedy-Hatch name. of her. That is something many people Senator Kennedy, oftentimes calling us Our final collaboration came just do not appreciate well enough about the ‘‘odd couple.’’ We used to laugh this year in the form of the Edward M. Senator Kennedy.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21354 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 Because of his optimism and hope for I am saddened by the loss of my dear there with the flowers and the drape, our Nation’s future, Senator Kennedy friend Senator Kennedy. I will miss rest in peace, dear Ted, and just know was, throughout his career in the Sen- him personally. I will miss the fights in that a lot of us will try to carry on, ate, a great practitioner of the Latin public. I will miss his sense of humor in and hopefully, with some of the things motto ‘‘carpe diem,’’ ‘‘seize the day.’’ private and public. And perhaps more you taught us and helped us to under- Few worked harder day-in and day-out significantly, I believe this Chamber stand, we can do it better than we have than Senator Kennedy. As a result, will miss his talents as a legislator in the past. every Senator had to work a little bit and, most of all, his leadership. I yield the floor. harder, either to follow his lead if you While I cannot say I hope more of my The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. were on the same side of the issue or to colleagues will adopt his views on pol- BURRIS). The Senator from Maryland. stand in his way if you were the opposi- icy, I hope more of us can adopt his ap- Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I wish tion. I have been in both positions. I proach to the legislative process. to speak about Senator Ted Kennedy. am not saying it was inherently dif- I was in California giving a speech at Clearly, I would have been proud to be ficult to work with Senator Kennedy. a fundraiser when they came in with a on my feet to give such a testimonial, But as anyone who has negotiated a cell phone and said: Senator Kennedy but as many of my colleagues know, I tough piece of legislation can tell you, is on the line, and he sounds very agi- had a fall a few weeks ago coming out it can be sheer drudgery, even when tated. of church. I am ready to be at my duty you agree on most issues. But Senator So I went out on the plaza and I said: station, but I can’t quite stand to be 4 Kennedy brought a sense of joy even to Ted, what is the matter? foot 11 and give these remarks. the most contentious negotiating ses- He said: Oh, I have great news for I do wish to speak and speak from my sions. And when you were working with you. heart, speak from my memory, and Senator Kennedy, you knew he would I said: What is that? speak with my affection. I have known keep his word. If after these long ses- He said: I am going to get married Ted Kennedy a very long time. He has sions an agreement was reached, he again. been my friend, my pal, my comrade in would stick by it no matter how much I said: Do I know her? arms. I have enjoyed everything from heat he would have to take. He said: No, but you would love her. working with him on big policy issues All this was no doubt the result of his She is a wonderful, wonderful person, to sailing off the coast of Hyannis. I love for this great institution and his and she has two wonderful children. I have been with him in his hideaway commitment to the American people. am going to adopt them and treat them while we strategized on how to move Political differences notwithstanding, as my own. And I am so happy. an agenda of empowerment, and I have there can never be any doubt about I said: Ted, why would you call me in danced at his famous birthday parties. Senator Kennedy’s patriotism. Few had a presence in the Senate as California? We have had a good time together. large as Senator Kennedy’s. More often He said: Well, her daughter was brag- I remember one of the first parties than not, you could hear him coming ging to her elementary school teacher was the theme from the 1960s, and I down the hall—a mini-hurricane with a at that time that her mother was going came with a big wig, hoping I would bevy of aides in tow, a batch of amend- to marry Ted Kennedy. look like Jackie Kennedy. Ted was a ments in one hand and a stack of talk- The elementary school teacher was chunky Rhett Butler because Vicki and ing points in the other. He was almost married to a Washington Post reporter. he were coming as Rhett Butler and always effective but seldom very quiet. So he said: I wanted you to become Scarlett O’Hara. As we jitterbugged, I I also want to share a few thoughts one of the first to know. I am very said: Do you think I look like Jackie? about his staff. While at the end of the happy. I am going to marry Vicki He said: Well, nice try. day the full responsibility of the Sen- Reggie. The last party we went to was a ate falls squarely on the shoulders of I have come to know Vicki very well. movie theme, and I came with one of each Senator, it is also true that dur- She has made such a difference in his those big bouffants. It was to be a ing the day and often long into the life and in his family’s life. She is a movie theme, as I say, and I looked night and on many weekends much of tremendous human being, as are his like something out of ‘‘Hair Spray.’’ I the work of the Senate is conducted by children. They are terrific. will not tell you his comments, but, a group of the most committed team of I was happy to be in the Catholic again, he said: Your hair gets bigger staff members of any institution any- church where Teddy went to pray for with every one. I can’t wait until my where. Throughout his career, it was his daughter every day he could when 80th. known that the Kennedy staff was she was suffering from cancer. I know Well, unfortunately, there will not be comprised of one of the most formi- how deeply he feels about PATRICK and an 80th birthday party, but we will al- dable and dedicated collections of indi- Teddy, Jr. I thought they did a terrific ways carry with us the joy of friend- viduals of the Senate. Many of them job at the mass at his funeral. He has ship with Ted Kennedy. have gone on to have distinguished ca- to be very proud of them. I am very It is with a heavy heart that I give reers, including now-Justice Stephen proud of them. this salute to him. I first met him as a Breyer; Dr. Larry Horowitz, who man- I think Vicki Kennedy deserves an young social worker. I testified before aged his health care right up to the end awful lot of credit for all of the later his committee. As a young social work- and loved Ted Kennedy deeply; Nick happy years of my friend Ted Kennedy. er, I was there to talk about a Littlefield, who ran the Labor Com- I want her to know that I love her brandnew program called Medicare, mittee for Senator Kennedy and was an dearly for what she did and as an indi- about what was working, what were adviser right up to the time Senator vidual herself. the lessons learned—once again from Kennedy passed away; and, of course, I love Ted Kennedy’s entire family. A being on the ground; what was hap- Michael Myers—just to name four, number of them have come to me at pening in the streets and neighbor- with no intention of leaving out the times where I was able to help them be- hoods—and how to help people get the others. Senator Kennedy would be the cause he could not as a member of the medical and social services they need- first to recognize how their efforts con- family. I have to say that I was close ed. He listened, he was intent, and he tributed to his success. I salute them to a great number of the members of asked many questions. Little did I for their hard work over the years. I his family, and I really appreciate know I would join him in the Senate to cannot exactly say I have always been them as well and the influence they fight for Medicare, to fight for health totally pleased with all of the Kennedy had on him and he had on them. care, and to fight for those senior citi- staff all of the time, but, as was true of He had a great influence on me as zens. their boss, while we might have been well. I want to personally thank him Similar to so many others of my gen- frequent adversaries, we were never en- for it and say to my dear friend and eration, I was inspired by the Kennedys emies. colleague, as I look at his desk over to pursue a life in public service. I

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21355 chose the field of social work and then I spoke of small businesspeople try- As we walked down the street, there went into politics because I saw poli- ing to just keep their doors open and was the man who came up and who tics as social work with power. As a the returning war vet who is unem- talked about his mother’s problem Congresswoman, I was on the Energy ployed, and that while his brother has with Social Security. Take it down, he and Commerce Committee. That was a signed up for a tour of duty, he is said. Let’s see what we can do. We counterpart to what Ted was doing in standing in the unemployment line. walked down a few feet more. Oh, my the Senate. We got to know each other I said during that speech that, day grandson wants to go to West Point; at conferences working together. Those after day, Edward Kennedy has spoken how does he apply? He said: He is going were the great days of bipartisanship. out for those people; that he has been to love it and he is going to love my As we would come in from the Energy there talking about the economy, en- process. Let’s see how we can do that. and Commerce Committee, there would ergy policy, and jobs, long before many A few feet on down, the small business be Ted Kennedy and Jacob Javits others. I talked about how Edward guy said: Keep on fighting, Ted. You working to make sure we could pass Kennedy said that when Black freedom know I can’t buy this health insurance. good legislation. I saw there that good riders were being attacked and beaten, Can I call you? Always call me, he said. legislation came from good ideas that he was the one who fought for racial And by the way, don’t forget to call could be pursued with good humor in justice and helped to get the Voting Barbara—the legendary Barbara an atmosphere of civility. Rights Act through. I said that as a Souliotis. And all of us know Ted Ken- As we got to know each other, I ad- young social worker, working in the nedy had an outstanding staff, whether mired his verve, his tenacity, and he neighborhoods during the dark Nixon it was the staff in Massachusetts, who admired me because I could dish it out years, and wondering how old people took care of casework and projects and with the best of them as well. When he were going to get the services they day-to-day needs, or the staff in Wash- ran for President in 1980, he asked me needed, Ted Kennedy introduced the ington who helped Ted Kennedy take first nutrition program for the elder- to nominate him at the Democratic the ideas that came from the people, ly—a program that guaranteed senior Convention. I was thrilled and honored their day-to-day struggles, and con- citizens at least one hot meal a day. It to do so. Remember the drama of that. verted them into national policy. That was Ted Kennedy, I said, who won the Jimmy Carter was an incumbent Presi- is what it was—people, people, people. dent. Ted Kennedy was an upstart. I passage of programs such as neighbor- When I came to the Senate, it was backed Kennedy. Well, it didn’t work hood health centers, who fought the only Nancy Kassebaum and I. We were out and Ted called me and said: I am war on cancer, who led the fight to the only two women. He was a great withdrawing from the race. We are save nurses’ scholarships and save friend, along with Senator Sarbanes. them he did. In his fight for legislation, going to support President Carter 100 They were people I called my Gala- he was always there. percent. But though you are not going hads—people who helped me get on the In my fight to help battered women, to nominate me for President, I hope right committees, show me the inner you will still introduce me at the con- Senator Kennedy was one of the first to be a strong and active ally. He said workings of the Senate. Ted was deter- vention. I said: Absolutely. But one mined I would be on his Committee on day I hope to be able to nominate you. he knew very early on that all Amer- ican women work but that too many Health and Education to get the ideas That night, as I took the podium, it passed, but he also was determined I was the famous speech that everyone women work for too little or are paid unequal pay for their work. I said then, would get on the Appropriations Com- remembers Ted Kennedy giving about mittee to make sure we put those ideas the work going on, the cause enduring, and I say again, Ted Kennedy wanted to change Social Security to make it into the Federal checkbook. He was my the hope still living, and the dream advocate. never dying. What was amazing about fairer for women and to extend the Equal Rights Amendment so we would One of the things that was clear is, that speech was the way Ted Kennedy he was the champion for women. He used a moment in his life—which some be included in the Constitution. It was amazing the issues he fought was a champion for this woman in viewed as a defeat—as a time to rede- for then and that he continued to fight helping me get on those committees. fine himself in public service and to for all his life. In the time I knew him, And during those sometimes rough claim the mantle of being one of the I knew him not just as a news clip, but days getting started, he would take me best Senators America has ever seen. I found him to be truly gallant in pub- to La Colline with Senator DODD, and He used that speech not as a retreat lic and in private—caring about others while he drank orange juice with a lit- but as a reaffirmation and a recommit- and modest about himself, always tle vodka—so no one would know he ment of what he would do. about grace, courage, and valor. had a little vodka—he was giving me That night I did introduce him. While When I came to the Senate, I was the shooters of Chardonnay to boost my all my colleagues were in Boston, and I only Democratic woman, and he was spirits. He and CHRIS would give me a watched the funeral from my rehabili- there for me, but I saw how he was pep talk, and I felt like I was Rocky. tation room, mourning his death and there for so many other people. In 2004, They would say: Get out there, fight; feeling sad that I could not join with when we were in Boston, Ted Kennedy don’t let it get you down. Pick yourself my colleagues there, I had that speech and I had lunch in the North End. It up. I felt like I was going to spit in the and I read it then and, as I looked at it, was one of our favorite things, to get bucket and get back on the floor. He I realized I could give it again and together for a meal and for conversa- lifted my spirits, just like he lifted the again. Because when I took the floor of tion. What I realized then—as we en- spirits of so many. the 1980 convention, I first said: I am joyed ourselves with big plates of anti- The story I wish to conclude with— not here for BARB MIKULSKI. And I am pasto; always vowing that we would eat because there are so many issues we here today for all those people who more of the salad and less of the worked on together—is when I went to would like to say what they knew pasta—as we got up and left and him and said: Ted, did you know that about Teddy Kennedy, and I am going walked around the North End, is that women are not included in the proto- to say some of those words I said then his best ideas came from the people. It cols at NIH? He said: What do you that would be appropriate for now. was his passion for people. I knew he mean? I said: In all the research we do, I said: represented those brainy people in women are not included in the proto- I am here on behalf of a lot of people who Cambridge who went to Harvard and cols. They just finished a famous study want to be here but can’t: Old women des- who often came up through the Ken- which said to take an aspirin a day, perately trying to use their Social Security keep a heart attack away. It included checks to pay for food and medicine and yet nedy School with those great ideas. frightened about their energy bills. Students But as I walked around the neighbor- 10,000 male medical students and not whose tuition has gone up so much they are hoods with him, I saw he actually lis- one woman. I said: I want to change going to have to work two jobs just to stay tened to people, trailed by a staff per- that. Teaming up with Nancy and Pat in school. son who was actually taking notes. Schroeder and OLYMPIA SNOWE and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21356 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 Connie Morella, who were in the House, country. Without his leadership, things family for their great loss. The Senate he helped me create the Office of Wom- would have been much more difficult has lost a great warrior and a great en’s Health at NIH so women would al- for sure. champion of American values. ways be included in those protocols. I have a vivid memory of him—pre- I yield the floor. Then we spoke out and said: Ted, the siding as I did when I first came to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- health care research for breast cancer Senate, a duty given to the younger, ator from Iowa is recognized. is low. That is why they are racing for newer Members—in the night, Ted Ken- Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask the cure. He helped us, working with nedy, alone on the Senate floor, roar- unanimous consent the period of morn- TOM HARKIN, to boost the money for re- ing away for the values he believed in. ing business be extended to 2:30 p.m., search and to also get mammogram It was just something to behold, in my with Senators permitted to speak quality standards through so that when view. I saw nothing like it from, therein for up to 10 minutes each. a woman would get her mammogram, maybe, any other Member. He had The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without it would be safe. served so many years in the Senate— objection, it is so ordered. But here is one of the most profound and I learned today from our chairman Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, as I look things we did, again working on a bi- on Judiciary, Senator LEAHY, that he around this Chamber, I see men and partisan basis. Dr. Bernadine Healy, served on the Senate Judiciary Com- women of remarkable talents and abili- who was the head of NIH, wanted to do mittee longer than any other Senator ties. I also have a strong sense, we all a study on the consequences of hor- in history. But even as his years went do, that there is a tremendous void mone therapy. Ted and I and TOM did by, many years in the Senate, he did now in our midst. A very special Sen- not believe we should earmark NIH— not lose the drive, the will, the energy, ator, a very special friend, a Member and I believe that today—but we made the commitment to give of himself for who played a unique role within this sure we put money and a legislative the values he believed in. body for nearly a half century is no framework in place so Dr. Healy could As I told one reporter after his death, longer with us. institute the famous hormone therapy I would just hope to be somewhat as ef- We have had many glowing and rich- study. Well, let me tell you the con- fective in promoting the values I be- ly earned tributes to Senator Ted Ken- sequences of that. That study has lieved in as he was in promoting those nedy over these last couple of weeks. changed medical practice. That study values. If we disagreed, and sometimes He was not only the most accomplished has resulted in breast cancer rates we certainly did, people continued to and effective Senator of the last 50 going down 15 percent. admire him, I think, to a unique de- years, he was truly one of the towering So when someone says: What did Ted gree. There were no hard feelings. You figures in the entire history of the Sen- Kennedy do to help women? What did would battle away, and then afterwards ate. Yet for all his accomplishments, Teddy Kennedy do to work with BAR- it would be a respectful relationship for all the historic bills he authored BARA MIKULSKI? Tell them we worked between Senators. I think that is pret- and shepherded into law, for all the ti- together and we worked to save the ty unusual and something that is wor- tanic battles he fought, I will remem- lives of women, one million at a time. thy of commenting on. ber Ted Kennedy first and foremost as This is my final salute to Senator Ken- He talked to me about being a co- just a good and decent human being. nedy on the floor, but I will always sa- sponsor, his prime cosponsor on a bill. I remember his extraordinary gen- lute him every day in the Senate to He said he wanted to work with me on erosity, his courage, his passion, his make sure we continue what he said something important. It was a bill we capacity for friendship and caring, and, about how the dream will continue on. commonly referred to as the prison of course, that great sense of humor. I I ended my speech at the Democratic rape bill. There was a lot of concern remember one time I was in my office Convention in 1980 when I said this— that in prisons, people who are arrested and we had a phone conversation. It and I end my remarks today by saying were subjected to sexual abuse. That, was about a disagreement we had. It this: Edward Kennedy has kept his in my view, is not acceptable. I know was right at St. Patrick’s Day so we faith with the American people. He the Presiding Officer, a prosecutor, were having this discussion on the hasn’t waited for a crisis to emerge or knows people deserve to do their time phone and tempers got a little heated. a constituency to develop. He always in jail, but they should never be sub- I think I was holding the phone out led, he always acted, he always in- jected to those kinds of abuses. So we about like this. He probably was too. I spires. passed a pretty comprehensive bill. I think our voices got raised to a very God bless you, Ted. And God bless the was proud of it and proud to be with high decibel level, sort of yelling at United States of America. him at the signing ceremony. each other, and pretty soon we just The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I also talked to him and we met and hung up on each other. ator from Alabama is recognized. talked at some length about a major I felt very badly; I know he did too. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I piece of legislation to increase savings So several hours later, when I came on would like to take a moment to join in America, savings for the average the Senate floor and I saw Ted at his with my colleagues, and I see quite a working American who had not been desk, I went up to him, I pulled up a number on the Senate floor now, to pay able to share in the growth of wealth chair next to him. He would get that tribute to Ted Kennedy. He was a truly that so many have been blessed with in kind of pixie smile on his face, have a remarkable force in the Senate, a this country. I thought we had some twinkle in his eye. champion of liberalism—perhaps the pretty good ideas. Savings at that time I said: Ted, I’m sorry about that con- Nation’s leading champion of lib- had fallen below zero—actually 1 per- versation we had. I should not have eralism. He believed government could cent negative use of people’s savings lost my temper as I did. I said: My staff serve the people, and it ought to do which were going away. I guess now we is a little concerned about our relation- more to serve people. On that we some- are at 5 or 6 percent savings rate after ship. times disagreed, but he believed it with this turmoil we have had economically. He sort of got that great smile and a sincerity and he battled for it with a I do not think the idea should go away. chuckled. Well, he said, forget about it. consistency that is remarkable. He Maybe it lost a little steam in the fact I just told my staff that is just the way constantly sought to utilize the ability that we have seen a resurgence of sav- two Irish men celebrate St. Patrick’s of government to do good for the Amer- ings today, but I was very impressed Day. ican people, and that is admirable. with his commitment to it, the work of That is just the way he was. He could He also was a champion of civil his fine staff, and his personal knowl- disarm you immediately and you would rights. He was a force during the civil edge of the issue. move on. He had a great disarming rights movement, and his activities, I see my other colleagues. I will join sense of humor. his personal leadership, truly made a with them in expressing my sincere Ted came from a remarkable fam- difference in making this a better sympathy to Vicki and their entire ily—so many tough breaks, so many

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21357 triumphs, so many contributions to ways appreciated that. He had already suring quality, affordable health care our Nation—both in war and in peace. had this great, extensive record on dis- for every American. Ted and his siblings were born into ability issues. Yet he let me take the I yield the floor. great wealth. They could have lived lead. Then when the Americans with The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- lives of luxury and leisure, but they Disabilities Act came up, he could have ator from South Carolina. chose instead to devote themselves to taken that himself. He was the chair- Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, it is public service. They devoted them- man of the committee. my understanding that we are going selves to making the world a better As I said, he had this long history of back and forth. If Senator LAUTENBERG place for others, especially those in the championing the causes of people with will let me go, I will not talk long, if shadows of life. disabilities. Yet he knew how passion- that is appropriate. There are so many things I could ately I felt about it, and he let me au- Today is a day to remember a col- focus on this morning in my brief re- thor the bill. He let me take it on the league, a friend, someone whom it was marks, but I want to focus on just one floor. He let me be the floor manager of a challenge to oppose and a joy to work aspect of Ted Kennedy: all that he did it and put my name on it. He didn’t with, and I wish we were not here to improve the lives of people with dis- have to do that. He was the chairman. today talking about the passing of Sen- abilities in our country. I thought He could have had his name on it. He ator Kennedy. about this: With the death of Eunice could have floor-managed it. But he let We disagreed on most things but Kennedy Shriver on August 11, and all me do it in spite of the fact that I was found common ground on big things. she did to found the Special Olympics just a freshman Senator. And everyone has a story about Sen- now being carried on by her son Tim, He was an indispensable leader in ator Kennedy. There has been a lot of then the death of Ted on August 25, bringing disparate groups together to discussion about his life, the legacy, people with disabilities in this country get the Americans with Disabilities his human failings, which we all have, lost two great champions. Act passed. I will never forget that his self-inflicted wounds, and his con- Their sister Rosemary lived her en- great act of generosity on his part in tribution to the country. But I want to tire life with a severe intellectual dis- letting me take the lead. talk about what will be missing in the ability. The entire Kennedy family is Ted always insisted that our focus Senate. well acquainted with the joys and should be not on disability but on abil- We had a giant of a man who was struggles of those with disabilities. ity; that people with disabilities must very principled but understood the Those of us who were in the church in be fully included in our American fam- Senate as well as anyone I have ever Boston at the funeral—and those prob- ily. Americans with disabilities had no met; he understood the need to give ably watching on television—heard the better friend, no tougher fighter, no and take to move the country forward. very eloquent speech by Teddy Jr. more relentless champion than Ted My experience with Senator Kennedy about his battle with cancer at a young Kennedy. was, I used his image in my campaign age, losing his leg and his confronting Yesterday I accepted the chairman- to get elected, like every other Repub- his disabilities, and how Ted helped ship of the Senate HELP Committee, lican did. We do not want another per- him get through that. the Health, Education, Labor and Pen- son up to help Ted Kennedy. And he In 1975, Senator Kennedy helped to sions Committee. It is a great honor loved it. He got more air time than the pass what is now called the Individuals and a great challenge and, I must add, candidates themselves. He loved it. with Disabilities Education Act— somewhat daunting to carry on the leg- I remember him telling me a story IDEA. In 1978 he passed legislation ex- acy of Senator Ted Kennedy. He dedi- about Senator Hollings. The tradition panding the jurisdiction of the Civil cated his life to making our economy in the Senate is when you get re- Rights Commission to protect people work for all Americans, to secure a elected, you have your fellow Senator from discrimination on the basis of dis- quality education for every child and, from that State follow you down to the ability. In 1980 he introduced the Civil of course, securing quality, affordable well. He went over to Senator Hollings Rights for Institutionalized Persons health care for every citizen as a right and said: I want you to come down and Act, protecting the rights of people in and not a privilege. escort me. government institutions, including the In the Democratic cloakroom, there He said: Why? I am from South Caro- elderly and people with intellectual is a page from the Cape Cod Times with lina. and mental disabilities. a wonderful picture of Ted and a quote He said: In my campaign you were. Nineteen years ago he was one of my from him. Here is the quote: You were the other Senator from most important leaders and partners in Since I was a boy I have known the joy of South Carolina. passing the Americans with Disabil- sailing the waters of Cape Cod and for all my Ted got a lot of fun out of that. I ities Act—1990. I will never forget, years in public life I have believed that think he appreciated the role he after I had been in the Senate for 2 America must sail toward the shores of lib- played, and Republicans, almost to a years, Republicans were in charge, and erty and justice for all. There is no end to person, would use Senator Kennedy in then in 1986 Democrats came back, that journey, only the next great voyage. their campaigns. took charge, and Senator Kennedy We have heard many eloquent trib- But when they got here, they under- wanted me on his education and health utes to Senator Kennedy. But the trib- stood Senator Kennedy was someone committee. I sort of played a little ute that would matter most for him you wanted to do business with. If you hard to get. would be for his colleagues to come to- had a bill that you thought would need I said: Well, maybe, but I am really gether, on a bipartisan basis, to pass a some bipartisan support, Senator Ken- interested in disability issues. He knew strong, comprehensive health reform nedy is the first person you would about that. He knew about my work on bill this year. think of. And you had to understand some of the stuff I had done in the It is time for us to sail ahead on this the limitations on what he could help House before I came here, especially next great voyage to a better and more you with. He was not going to help you for people with hearing problems. I said just and more caring America. So as we with certain things, because it ran I would like to come on his committee, sadly contemplate the empty desk counter to what he believe in. But but I said I would be interested in draped in black, we say farewell to a where you could find common grounds working on disability issues. beloved colleague. He is no longer with on the big issues, you had no better He got back to me and said: Tell you us, but his work continues. His spirit is ally than Senator Kennedy. what, I have the Disability Policy Sub- here. And as he said, the cause endures. We met in the President’s Room committee and you can chair it. May Ted Kennedy rest in peace. But every morning during the immigration I am a freshman Senator. He didn’t may we not rest until we have com- debate, and at night he would call me have to do that for me. I was astounded pleted the cause of his life, the cause up and say: LINDSEY, tomorrow in our at his great generosity. So I have al- he fought for until his last breath, en- meeting you need to yell at me because

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21358 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 you need to get something. I under- We failed for the moment. But we are I saw that gift firsthand in 1982 when stand that. I will fight back. But you going to reform our immigration sys- I was making my first run for the Sen- will get it. tem. And the guts of that bill, the bal- ate. A rally was being held for me in The next day he would say: I need to ance we have achieved, will be the Newark, NJ, and it drew a crowd of yell at you. It was sort of like all-star starting point for a new debate. Most thousands. I wanted to think that they wrestling, to be honest with you, and of it will become law one day, because were there for me, but it was obvious that was fun. Because he understood it is the ultimate give and take and it that they were there for Ted Kennedy. how far I could go, and he challenged made a lot of sense. The warmth, the affection with me to go as far as I could. But he never I say his wife Vicki, I got to know which he was received in this city far asked me to go farther than I was capa- Ted later in his life. Through him I got from the borders of Massachusetts, far ble of going. And, in return, he would to know you. I know you are hurting from the halls of power in Washington, walk the plank for you. now. But I hope that all of the things was amazing to witness. It was fitting We had votes on the floor of the Sen- being said by his colleagues and the that Ted came to Newark to help me ate on emotion-driven amendments de- people at large are reassuring to you, campaign because he inspired me to de- signed to break the bill apart from the and that as we move forward as a Sen- vote myself to public service. He en- right and the left. I walked the plank ate, when you look at the history of couraged my entry into the Senate. on the right because I knew he would this body, which is long and distin- As soon as I joined the Senate, Ted walk the plank on the left. He voted guished, around here there are all Kennedy became a source of knowl- against amendments he probably kinds of busts of people who have done edge, and information, and wisdom. He agreed with, but he understood that great things during challenging times. was a seatmate of mine here in the the deal would come unraveled. I will bet everything I own that Sen- Senate, and freely offered ideas on cre- The only thing I can tell you about ator Kennedy, when the history of this ating and moving legislation that I Senator Kennedy, without any hesi- body is written, will be at the top ech- thought of or sponsored. tation is if he told you he would do elon of Senators who have ever served. Even though he was born into privi- something, that is all you needed to The point is that you can be liberal as lege and was part of a powerful polit- hear. A handshake from him was better you want to be, you can be as conserv- ical family, his fight was always for than a video deposition from most peo- ative as you want to be, and you can be the workers, for justice, and for those ple. I do not how to say it any more di- as effective as you want to be. If you often forgotten. He was never shy to rectly than that. want to be liberal and effective, you chase one down and demand your vote Opposing him was a lot of fun be- can be. If you want to be liberal and in- or to call you on the phone and insist cause he understood that a give-and- effective, you can choose that route on your support. Sometimes he would take to move a ball forward was part of too. The same for being conservative. try to bring you to his side through democracy, but standing your ground You do not have to choose. That is reason, other times it was through and planting your feet and telling the what Senator Kennedy taught this righteous fury. Ted was such a tena- other side, in a respectful way, to go to body, and I think what he dem- cious fighter for a cause in which he hell, was also part of democracy. And onstrated to anybody who wants to believed that he would often put on the he could do it with the best of them. come and be a Senator. So if you are a gloves no matter who the opponent But he could also take a punch as well left-of-center politician looking for a as give one. might be. role model, pick Ted Kennedy. You But he never let disagreement turn So what we are missing today in the could be liberal, proudly so, but you Senate is the spirit of Ted Kennedy into a personal vendetta. No matter also could be effective. how bitter the fight, when it was done, when it comes to standing up for what What I am going to try to do with my he could walk across the Chamber you believe and being able to work time up here is be a conservative who ready to shake hands with his oppo- with somebody who you disagree with can be effective. That is the best trib- nents, and was received with affection on an issue very important to the ute I can give to Senator Kennedy— and respect. country. being somebody on the right who will Despite his reputation as a divisive If he were alive today, the health meet in the middle for the good of the figure, he was at the top of the list of care debate would be different. That is country. not a slam on anybody involved, be- Ted will be missed but he will not be popular Senators beloved by both Re- cause this is hard. I do not know if he forgotten. publicans and Democrats. He carried a could deliver, but I think it would be I yield the floor. great sense of humor. He liked to play different and I think it would be more The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- pranks, one of which I saw up close and hopeful. ator from New Jersey. personal. One Thursday night after a The immigration bill failed. But he Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, long series of votes, we chartered an told me: I have been through this a lot. this corner of the Senate has become a airplane to take Ted Kennedy, JOHN Hard things are hard for a reason, and lonely place. I sat next to Ted Kennedy KERRY, Senator Claiborne Pell, and me it will take a long time. He indicated here for a number of years. We miss north to join our vacationing families to me that the immigration debate had him. We miss his camaraderie, his in the area. all the emotion of the civil rights de- humor, his candor, most of all his cour- A week later we were here in the bate. And that was not something he age. And though he will not be here to Chamber, and Claiborne Pell came over said lightly. join us in the future, the things he did to me, hands shaking, with a letter in We sat in that room with Senator will last for decades because they were his hand. I looked at the letter. It was KYL and Senator Salazar and a group so powerful. He was a constant pres- my stationery. On that stationery it of Senators who came and went, and ence here. It is hard to imagine the asked for Claiborne Pell, a frugal man, the administration officials, Homeland Senate without Ted Kennedy’s vibrant to pay a far greater share of the total Security Secretary Chertoff, and Com- voice resounding throughout this floor than was originally agreed to. I was merce Secretary Gutierrez, and we or his roaring laughter spilling out of embarrassed, mortified. I quickly de- wrote it line by line with our staffs sit- the cloakroom. clared that it was wrong and apolo- ting on the wall. Without doubt he was one of the fin- gized profusely. And then I went to Ted It was what I thought the govern- est legislators ever in this Chamber’s to assure him that if he got a letter ment was supposed to be like in ninth history. Throughout his more than 46 such as that, the letter was incorrect. grade civics. It was one of the high- years of service, Ted introduced 2,500 Ted turned belligerent. He reminded lights of my political life to be able to bills and shepherded more than 550 of me of the help he provided in my first sit in that room with Senator Kennedy those into law. He was a man of many election and asked: How could I nickel and other Senators and literally try to gifts, but his greatest had to be his re- and dime him after all of that help. He write a bill that was difficult. markable affinity for ordinary people. turned on his heel, walked away red-

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21359 faced, and then I realized it was part of frailties, who remained a tower of nedy succumbed to a malignant brain the creation of a plot to embarrass me. strength despite crippling personal tumor after an 18-month battle for his The two of us broke into laughter so tragedy. life. As I look now at his desk, draped loud, so boisterously, that the Pre- Nothing symbolized his fortitude with black cloth and covered with flow- siding Officer demanded that we leave more than his first major speech on the ers, I still have difficulty believing the Chamber. Senate floor, which came on the heels that he is gone. My ebullient Irish-to- Ted Kennedy’s love of life was always of President Kennedy’s assassination. the-core friend has departed this life obvious in the Senate. Even though he Then, despite all he was facing per- forever. How bleakly somber. How ut- could rise above partisan division, his sonally, he fought for passage of the terly final. How totally unlike Ted life’s work was deeply personal. It was Civil Rights Act of 1964 to outlaw dis- Kennedy in life. Ted Kennedy who inherited the family crimination in employment, education Ted Kennedy in life was a force of na- legacy when two brothers were slain by and public accommodations. ture—a cheerful, inquisitive, caring assassins’ bullets. He met that chal- From there, Ted Kennedy became in- man, who never accepted somberness lenge by battling the powerful special extricably tied to the struggle for for long or the finality of anything. His interests to pass the Gun Control Act equal rights. energetic adherence to perseverance, of 1968, which made it illegal for crimi- He was the chief sponsor of the Civil his plain dogged determination, his nals and the mentally ill to buy guns. Rights Act of 1991. ability to rise from the ashes of what- Together Ted and I joined the fight Ted Kennedy was also a leader in the ever new horrific event accosted him, to keep our streets safe from the passage of the Voting Rights Act of always with grace, and usually with a scourge of gun violence. For decades, 1965. liberal dose of humor, were his trade- he was a force that shaped the national This law abolished literacy tests at marks. It was almost as if Ted Kennedy political landscape. He crafted life- the polls and guaranteed the protection were at the top of his form when coping changing legislation year after year, of all Americans’ right to vote. with adversity. Life itself inspired him. always fighting to shape public opinion In 1982, he was the chief sponsor of He believed that life was a contact toward his causes. He believed public the Voting Rights Amendments Act sport, but that it should never be service was a sacred mission and the which led the way to greater minority played without joy in the game itself. role of a leader was to make progress. representation in Congress and state That is how he saw politics as well. No matter how hard, no matter how legislatures. Ted Kennedy and I were friends and, long the journey, he persisted. That law, in no small way, made it yet, we were the oddest of odd couples. In fact, Ted Kennedy’s signature tal- more likely that Barack Obama would He was the scion of a wealthy and sto- ent was his precise, unmatched ability become President of the United States. ried family. I am a coal miner’s son to get legislation passed. And he did We are grateful the last Kennedy who had no bottom rungs in my ladder. that through the timeless require- brother had a chance to see America In earlier years we were rivals. What Ted and I discovered, though, ments of this profession: preparation, rise above racism, above prejudice. He was that somehow we had many things integrity, fairness, patience, hard had a chance, the last of the Kennedy in common—a love of history; an affec- work, a little bit of table pounding and brothers in office, to see President tion for poetry; a fondness for dogs; a a profound respect for his colleagues Obama take that oath. It was a proud commitment to the less fortunate in and his constituents. moment for him and for all of us. our society. Many will speak of Ted’s I had the privilege of working with As his life came to an end, Ted said stunning Senate career, his huge and Ted Kennedy on many pieces of he saw a new wave of change all around lasting impact on our culture, his groundbreaking legislation. We worked us. He promised us that if we kept our domination of the political scene for so closely on fighting big tobacco and compass true, we could reach our des- many, many decades. By all means, let their attempts to seduce children into tination. In the days and the weeks and us never forget Ted Kennedy’s extraor- a lifetime of addiction. We reached the the months to come, the years to come, dinary contribution to this great coun- decades to come, we have to keep Ted high watermark in that struggle ear- try. It is largely unmatched. lier this year, when a law was passed Kennedy’s cause alive. It is the cause But I will especially cherish the per- that gives the FDA the power to regu- of breaking gridlock to get things sonal side of this big man, with his in- late tobacco. It was something we done. It is the cause of expanding fectious laugh, his booming voice, and worked on together for a long time. We health care as a right and not a privi- his passion for the things and the peo- stood together on other struggles, from lege. It is the cause of bringing hope ple that he cared about. I will remem- the creation of the Children’s Health and justice and prosperity to all. ber the dog lover who brought Sunny Insurance Program to the Ryan White We are likely never to see the likes and Splash to my office to visit. I will Act, to the Family and Medical Leave of a Ted Kennedy again. But I am con- recall a considerate friend who sent Act. fident we can rise to the challenge the dozens of roses to mark my wedding Think about it: Without Ted Ken- people’s Senator set for us and carry on anniversary or a special birthday. I nedy, nearly 7 million children would for those who remember him, for those, will again enjoy a very special recita- not have health insurance. Think yes, who miss him, for those who loved tion of the ‘‘Midnight Ride of Paul Re- about it: Without Ted Kennedy, half a him, and for those who will always vere.’’ By habit, I shall immediately million Americans suffering with HIV need a champion like Ted Kennedy. look for Ted Kennedy whenever I enter would not be receiving vital services to Finally, if there was a demonstration this Chamber. In a thousand ways large cope with their disease. Think about it: of his humanity, the funeral tribute and small he will simply be deeply, Without Ted Kennedy, more than 60 was one of enormous love and respect. deeply missed. million workers would not have the It was enunciated particularly, because My heart goes out to his steadfast right to take time off from their job to I road with other Senators on the bus, wife Vickie and to his wonderful fam- care for a baby or a loved one or even by the hoards of people standing by the ily. His spirit surely lives on in all of receive personal medical treatment. curbside with signs of gratitude for his you. And he did more. He gave people as- contribution to the life and well-being Not long ago, I picked up a book of surance that the government was on of America. We are thankful for that. poetry which Ted Kennedy had given to their side. I yield the floor. me in July of 1996. It bore this inscrip- Ted Kennedy was the guardian of op- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tion: portunity. Look at his decades-long ator from West Virginia. ‘‘To Bob, the master of our legisla- campaign to increase the minimum Mr. BYRD. I thank the Chair. tive poetry who has already left so wage. Mr. President, on August 25, a tow- many extraordinary Footprints on the He will forever be remembered as a ering figure on our national political Sands of Time.’’ After that, Ted had leader who persevered despite some landscape left us. Edward Moore Ken- written, ‘‘See page 371.’’

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21360 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 I close with a few stanzas from ‘‘a the chairman. I will come to your of- I said: They are. Psalm of Life’’ on page 371 of Ted’s gift fice. He said: Well, I want my dogs to see to me: So the next day, a Senator who had them and them have a chance to meet Life is real! Life is earnest! been in office for well over 40 years my dogs. And the grave is not its goal; came to the office of a Member of the So he got out of the car and got the Dust thou art, to dust returnest, Senate who had been here a little over dogs out, and my grandchildren just Was not spoken of the soul. 40 hours and sat down and had a con- loved playing with those dogs. .... versation. That was a lesson about the Every year after that—I never called Lives of great men all remind us way the Senate works that I will never him—he called me because he knew We can make our lives sublime, forget. that when the White House picnic was And, departing, leave behind us We began working together on the going on, my grandchildren would be Footprints on the sands of time; Immigration Subcommittee, and we here, and he would insist on bringing Footprints, that perhaps another, worked for about a year—it was in ex- the dogs up when the grandchildren Sailing o’er life’s solemn main, cess of a year, I guess—on an issue we were here so they would have a chance A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, talked about the very first day in my to play with them. That is just the Seeing, shall take heart again. office. It involved the expansion of the kind of guy Ted was. It was a much Let us, then, be up and doing, L–1/H–1B visas. At that time, our econ- softer side than what we have seen so With a heart for any fate; omy was booming and businesses many times with Ted with his pas- Still achieving, still pursuing, across our country needed access to Learn to labor and to wait. sionate debates and whatnot. more employees who had a specialized Lastly, let me mention another anec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- expertise. dote I will always remember. I was ator from Georgia. We were successful in ultimately going down to speak to the Hibernian Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I striking a compromise. It was difficult have been very fortunate in my life in Society in Savannah, which has the for Ted because the leftwing of his second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade public service to witness a lot of his- party was very much in opposition to torical events, but none parallels the in the United States. It is a big deal. what we were doing, and it was some- We have about 1,000 folks who are at tribute that was just paid by one icon what, although a little bit less, dif- of the U.S. Senate to another Member the Hibernian Society dinner that I ficult for me because the rightwing of was going to speak to. All you do is of the U.S. Senate. my party was in opposition to what we I rise to pay my respects to the late you go in and you tell jokes. were doing. Well, I needed a bunch of Irish jokes, Senator Ted Kennedy. As one of my Ted called me up one day after we so I called up Ted and I told him what colleagues said earlier, it is a little bit had finished our negotiations, and he I was doing, and I said: I know you ironic, when you come to the Senate was laughing, and he said: SAXBY, I must have a book of Irish jokes. you find out that those with whom you have to tell you, we have entered into He said: I do. I am going to send it to have significant political disagree- an agreement on this, and I am going you. And he said: I will tell you some- ments are folks you get to know well to do exactly what I told you I would thing else you need to do. I know Sa- and you have the opportunity to work do, but, boy, am I ever getting beat up vannah is a very conservative part of with. by the far left in my party. They are the world, and you are going to see in I am sure during my political cam- just killing me. He said: It is to the these jokes that you will have an op- paign for the U.S. Senate Ted Kennedy point where I am up for reelection next raised me a lot of money by virtue of year, and you may have to come to portunity to point out somebody to the fact that I would cite him in my Massachusetts and campaign for me. kind of poke fun at. He said: Every fundraising mailouts because, coming We kind of laughed about that. time you have an opportunity in tell- from a very conservative part of the Well, 2 days later, I had been besieged ing these jokes, you use my name. country, it was popular to cite the lib- with phone calls from ultraconserva- Well, I took him at his word, and I eral Members of the Senate and say tive folks from my State, and I called did. And, boy, did I ever get a rousing you needed to be there to counteract Ted up, and I said: Well, Ted, you will welcome from all those Irish men in them. But when I came to the Senate— not believe this, but I am getting beat Savannah, GA. and certainly Senator Kennedy and I up over that same issue by ultra- So I have very great and fond memo- do come from opposite ends of the po- conservatives in my party. But don’t ries of a man who certainly came from litical spectrum—I learned very quick- worry, I don’t need you to come to a different part of the country than ly from Senator Kennedy what the Georgia to campaign for me. where I come from, who came from a Senate is all about. Well, he laughed about that like I very different political background I was here about, gee, it could not had never heard him laugh. The very than where I come from, and somebody have been but a couple of days—some- last conversation I had with him to who certainly had much more political thing less than 48 hours—when I was any extent was when he was here for experience than I will ever have. But notified that I was going to be on the President Obama’s inauguration, and the thing I appreciated in Ted Kennedy Judiciary Committee and that I would he reminded me of that story. He never was—and I have said this often—he was be the chairman of the Immigration forgot that. the best legislator in this body. When Subcommittee on Judiciary and my I also have a very fond memory of Ted Kennedy told you something, you ranking member would be Ted Ken- Ted by virtue of the fact that my could take it to the bank. You never nedy. grandchildren were 8 and 6 years old had to worry about it thereafter. Senator Kennedy came to me on the when I first came to the Senate, and we While we disagreed on many things, floor, within a few hours of me being had this ice cream social out in the we agreed on some things and were notified of that, and he said: SAXBY, park across from the Russell building able to work together in a very un- you and I need to sit down. Let’s dis- where his office was and my office is. usual way. Even when we disagreed, we cuss some immigration issues that we In fact, his office was directly below were able to walk out of this Chamber want to accomplish during the next 2 mine. I am walking back from the ice and still be friends. years. I just want to talk with you cream social with my grandchildren— To Vicki and PATRICK and the chil- about it, get your thoughts and give who were here for that because it hap- dren, Ted was a great American, a you my thoughts. pens at the same time as the White great guy, and he is going to be missed I said: Well, sure, Ted, that will be House picnic—and Ted is driving off in in this body. He was a true inspiration great. I will be happy to come to your his car, and he sees me coming across to a lot of us, and we are going to miss office and sit down with you. with my grandchildren. He stops the that compromising aspect of Ted Ken- He said no. He said: SAXBY, that is car, gets out, and he says: SAXBY, these nedy that will not be here even though not the way the Senate works. You are must be your grandchildren. someone else will take up the mantle.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21361 With that, Mr. President, I yield fought for people of color, for women, Birth is a beginning and death a destination. back. for gays and lesbians, for those seeking And life is a journey: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- religious liberty. His amendments to From childhood to eternity and youth to ator from California is recognized. the Voting Rights Act in 1982 led to age; Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, as I From innocence to awareness and ignorance significant increases in minority rep- to knowing; sit here and listen to the remarks of resentation in elective office. He was a From foolishness to discretion, and then, my colleagues and I look over at that major sponsor of the Americans with perhaps, to wisdom; black velvet-draped desk, with the Disabilities Act to ensure that millions From weakness to strength or strength to pristine white roses, and the poem by of disabled Americans could live pro- weakness Robert Frost, and I think about the ductive lives. These are not small bills; —and, often, back again; past 17 years I have been here and have these are big bills—the Civil Rights From health to sickness and back, we pray, looked up—and perhaps it is late at Act of 1991, which strengthened civil to health again; night, perhaps it is in the morning, From offense to forgiveness, from loneliness rights protections against discrimina- to love, from joy to gratitude, from perhaps it is in the afternoon—and tion and harassment in the workplace; pain to compassion, and grief to under- Senator Kennedy is at his desk and he again, a big bill which became law. standing— is talking about a bill he cares a great I was part of that small group of Sen- From fear to faith; from defeat to defeat to deal about—and, as Senator LAUTEN- ators who met on immigration reform defeat— BERG had said earlier, he introduced 550 hour after hour in small hot rooms. I Until, looking backward or ahead, we see bills that became law. Around here, watched Senator Kennedy with his that victory lies not in some high place you can introduce a bill, and maybe it sleeves rolled back, when he would sit along the way, but in having made the goes somewhere and maybe it does not. journey, stage by stage, a sacred pil- back and wait for just the right time to grimage. You can introduce a bill, and maybe it move or change the tenor of the discus- Birth is a beginning and death a destination. is a small bill, but introducing a big sion. True, that was one that was not And life is a journey, a sacred pilgrimage— bill that goes somewhere, that passes successful, but it wasn’t because he did To life everlasting. the House and is signed by the Presi- not try. Ted Kennedy leaves a giant legacy in dent of the United States, is not a Seventeen years ago, JOE BIDEN this body and we should not forsake it. small feat. asked me if I would be the first woman Thank you very much, Mr. President. I listened to Senator BYRD, and in on the Senate Judiciary Committee. I I yield the floor. the past he has spoken about lions of had the honor of doing it. Ted Kennedy The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. the Senate. Ted Kennedy was a lion of was No. 2 in seniority sitting on that UDALL of New Mexico). The Senator the Senate. committee. I saw his commitment from Montana is recognized. During 47 years—and this morning in firsthand. It was very special. You see, Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, fol- the Judiciary Committee, we learned I was a volunteer in the campaign for lowing the passing of President John F. he had been the longest serving mem- John Fitzgerald Kennedy. I was a full- Kennedy, Senator Mike Mansfield said: ber—during 47 years, if you look at the time volunteer for Bobby Kennedy for ‘‘He gave us of his love that we, too, in big bills: the Mental Health Systems his campaign. I saw the Nation ripped turn, might give.’’ Act of 1980, which enabled people with apart by these double assassinations. I These words ring true today as we re- mental illnesses to live in their com- saw Senator Kennedy, in addition to member the life of our late colleague, munities with minimal hospital care; being a lion in the Senate, become a Senator Ted Kennedy. the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- surrogate father to nieces and nephews. So much of this country’s history in gram, which has been spoken about, I saw him accept this mantle with the past half century can be attributed which provided health insurance to un- great enthusiasm, with great love, and to this one man. But Ted Kennedy was insured children of low-income fami- with a commitment that spanned the also a modest man, and he would not lies; the commitment to health care re- decades. That is very special. It is a have put it that way. form that did not diminish even as he very special human dimension of a Speaking almost 30 years ago at the suffered through terminal illness; his great individual. 1980 Democratic National Convention, dedication to education, he was a lead- I lost my husband Bert to cancer, and he quoted Tennyson: er in the landmark Elementary and I know well what the end is like. I I am a part of all that I have met . . . Secondary Education Act, which estab- know the good times that grow less Tho much is taken, much abides. lished the Federal Government’s com- and less and the bad times that become That which we are, mitment to fund school for poor chil- more and more. Ted Kennedy’s life was we are one equal temper of heroic hearts dren in public schools; No Child Left enriched by a very special woman, and Strong in will Behind, widely hailed as the greatest her name is Vicki Kennedy. For me, To strive, to see, to find example of bipartisan cooperation dur- she is a mentor of what a wife should and not to yield. ing the Bush administration; the bill be. I have watched her sitting with In the more than 46 years that Sen- he did with ORRIN HATCH, the Serve him, writing speeches. I have watched ator Kennedy served this body, he did America Act, the greatest expansion of her at weekend retreats. I have not yield and, in turn, he affected each national service since the New Deal—it watched her fill his life with love, com- and every American. goes on and on and on, big bills, bills panionship, understanding. During his career in the Senate, Sen- that changed people’s lives, not just in I know a little bit about what the ator Kennedy authored thousands of a county or a city but all across this last months of a cancer victim are like. bills, and hundreds of them became great land. I can only say to her that we will do law. From championing civil rights to In civil rights, as you look across at everything we can in this body to end advocating equal opportunity and high- that desk, he had no peers. He would cancer in our lifetime. er education, to fighting for access to stand up, and I would watch: The lower Yes, Ted Kennedy leaves very big affordable health care for all Ameri- jaw would quiver slightly, and he shoes, shoes that probably will never cans, Senator Kennedy’s work has would begin, and there would be the be filled in quite the same way, from a quite simply improved the quality of thunderous tones, either in the Judici- family that will probably never be rep- life for millions of Americans. Over the ary Committee or here on the floor, licated. past 2 weeks we have heard many that would fill the room, filled with I wish to end my remarks with a pas- speak of his accomplishments. passion, filled with conviction, filled sage in the Prayer Book of the High It didn’t take long for me to realize with determination. Holy Day services for Reform Judaism. when I came to this body, and more He played a major role in every civil It was written when I was a teenager and more as each year passed, that Ted rights battle in this Congress for 40 by a young rabbi I very much admired, Kennedy was probably the greatest leg- years. Who else can say that? He and I wish to share it at this time: islator in modern American political

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history. The guy was amazing, abso- BLISS, how Senator Kennedy made sure forth. I would be at a committee hear- lutely amazing; an inspiration for me he knew when Senator CHAMBLISS’s ing someplace and Ted would say: Hey, personally to try to be a very good leg- grandchildren would be here so the MAX, look. Here is the letter I am writ- islator. Many people have also said grandchildren could see his dogs. He ing your mother. Just out of the blue. that. I am not the only one who has loved his dogs and he had that very Basically, they were just reminiscing recognized his talents and that he is light touch. about Montana and again about the probably the best legislator in modern I remember not too long ago—and bucking horse sale, which is another American political history. Senator BYRD referred to it—I think it reason Ted was such a great guy. Let me just say why that was true was Senator BYRD’s 67th wedding anni- He lived life so fully. He just loved for me. First of all, it was the passion versary, and Senator Kennedy had the life. He embraced life in all of the ways of his convictions. His moral compass foresight and the caring to send 67 that life is available to a man. He was was set so true: for the average person, roses to ROBERT BYRD and Erma Byrd. just wonderful that way. the little guy, the person who didn’t It was one of the things he just did, as Back in 1960 when his brother was have representation, health care, the well as all the letters he wrote, the running for President, Ted was as- poor, civil rights. He just believed so handwritten letters he wrote. signed the Western States in the 1960 passionately, so steadfastly. His moral Here is this wonderful guy who prob- Presidential campaign. So Ted was out compass was just so firmly set. There ably never used a BlackBerry; didn’t in Montana, and they went to a Demo- is no question of what Ted Kennedy know what they were. We know what cratic gathering. There wasn’t anybody was and what he believed in, and it they were. We use them. He wrote there, so he went to the Miles City made him alive. It was his dream to notes, hundreds of notes, thousands of bucking horse sale. We in Miles City, fulfill the lives of the people he worked handwritten notes, tens of thousands of MT, have this bucking event. We take so hard for. handwritten notes. It was incredible. these horses off the prairie and buck All of us remember Ted Kennedy He would write a note to anybody at them. You bid on the horses and, obvi- working so hard to fulfill his dreams. any time—just a light touch—on their ously, the best bucking horses get the From his desk over here, he would birthday or call them on their birthday highest bid and go off with the rodeo stand up and he would thunder, red- or call somebody who was in the hos- operators and they use them. Anyway, the long and the short of it faced. He would get so involved, so pas- pital. He would just do that, more than is, Ted was there and he went to the sionate, speaking so loudly, almost any other Senator here I can think of, bucking horse sale and got in the booth shouting what he believed in. You and I would venture to say probably because he wanted to speak on behalf couldn’t help but know that here was a more than most Senators combined. He of his brother. The announcer said: guy who believed what he said and, by was just that way. Well, young man, if you want to speak, gosh, let’s listen to him. He also had Let me give one small example. Sev- first you have to ride a horse. terrific staff. Ted Kennedy’s staff had eral years ago, in my hometown of Hel- Ted said: Why not. him so well prepared. All of these brief- ena, MT, I was at a meeting and came So Ted got on a horse and there is ing books—I will never forget the brief- back late at night after the meeting, this wonderful photo of Ted at the ing books Ted took, and he read them. and my mother said: MAX, Ted Ken- Miles City bucking horse sale in Mon- He studied them. He was so well pre- nedy called. tana that somebody took. So there is pared. Along with his passion was his Really? Ted on his bronco. I don’t think he preparation, and his staff just helped Yes, Mom said. Well, I told him you made the full 8 seconds, but he sure him prepare because they were all one were out, but we had a nice chat, Ted had a great time on that horse. team. They were working so closely to- Kennedy and I. The long and short of it is, he is a gether for the causes they believed in. What did you talk about? great man for so many reasons, and we I also was impressed and found him We talked about the Miles City buck- love Ted for all he was. Again, I think to be such a great legislator because ing horse sale. It is an event in Mon- he was the greatest legislator I think, after the speeches he believed in so tana that comes up every year. Ted in modern American political history. thoroughly and passionately, he would came and rode a horse at the Miles I am touched by what a family man sit down with you and start to nego- City bucking horse sale back in 1960. he was. As the years went by, after his tiate, try to work out an agreement, A few days later I was back on the brothers were tragically lost and all try to work out some solution that floor of the Senate, and I walked up to that happened in the Kennedy family, made sense for him and made sense for Ted and I said: Ted, I understand you Ted was a rock to others in the family. you if you happened to be on the other talked to my mother. He experienced so much and he went side. It was amazing to sit and watch Oh, he said. Sometimes on the tele- through so much tragedy and it has him work, a different demeanor, a dif- phone you are talking to somebody, built so much character. ferent temperament. He would sit there you can tell who the person is. Your Ted was more than a Senate icon who and cajole, talk, tell jokes, all in good mother, she is such a wonderful person, fought for causes, more than a voice spirit, all in an attempt to try to get to so gracious, on and on talking about for the Commonwealth of Massachu- the solution. my mother and the conversation the setts. As I mentioned, he was a loving On the one hand he would be here in two of them had. son, brother, husband, father, uncle, the Chamber and he would be thun- They had never met before. My moth- grandfather, and friend. Working with dering, but in the conference room he er is a staunch Republican, and here is him for the past 30 years is one of the would be saying: OK, let’s figure out Ted Kennedy. greatest honors I have had as a Sen- how to do this. How do we get this So I went back home a few days ator. done? It was amazing. It was such a later, and I told my mother, I said: Ted, as far as I am concerned, we are lesson to learn just watching him legis- Mom, Ted was sure impressed with the going to take up your last great cause, late. telephone call you had. health care reform. We are, in the Sen- I think he is also one of the best leg- Oh, gee, that is great. That is won- ate, doing all we can to get it passed. I, islators in modern American political derful. personally, pledge every ounce of en- history because he had such a light My mom wrote Ted a note thanking ergy at my command to help get health touch. He really cared individually for him for being so—for praising her so care reform passed for all the American people, not just groups but individ- much to me, her son, just a few days people and for Ted Kennedy. ually. We have heard references to a earlier. He was a wonderful man, and he will book he gave Senator BYRD, a poetry Well, the next thing I knew, my be sorely missed. I don’t think there is book, and how Senator Kennedy would mother and Ted were pen pals. Ted going to be another man or woman in bring his dogs over to Senator BYRD’s wrote a letter back to my mother, and the Senate who will be a giant such as office; and listening to Senator CHAM- they were back and forth and back and Ted Kennedy. He was that great a guy.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21363 I yield the floor. tance to us both. He knew what he had Crimson make a great team.’’ We did, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- to have in a bill to get his side to agree and I will always remember his ator from Wyoming is recognized. on it, and I was fortunate to have a thoughtfulness and kindness in reach- Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I appreciate sense of what it would take to get ing out to me. having this opportunity to join in the votes from my side. So, together, we Ted was one of those remarkable in- celebration of the life of Ted Kennedy. were able to craft several bills that we dividuals who made all those he His loss was deeply personal to all of us were able to move through committee worked with more productive. He was a because he was a strong and vital pres- and to the Senate floor. man of exceptional abilities, and he ence not only in the day-to-day work of When I served as the chairman of the was blessed to have a truly remarkable the Senate but in our day-to-day lives Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- helpmate by his side. Vicki is a woman as well. He was interested and con- sions Committee, the partnership we of great strength, who brought a re- cerned not only about his colleagues had forged over the years helped us to newed focus and direction to Ted’s life. but our staffs and all those with whom compile a record of which we were both She was his most trusted confidant, his he worked on a long list of issues that very proud. We passed 35 bills out of best friend, and a wellspring of good will continue to have an impact on our committee, and 27 of them were signed advice and political counsel. He would Nation for many generations to come. into law by the President. Most of have never been all that he was with- That was the kind of individual Ted them passed unanimously. I remember out her, and she will forever be a spe- was—active and completely involved in attending a bill signing during which cial part of his life’s story. all things that had to do with the work the President remarked, ‘‘You are the For the Enzis, we will always remem- of the Senate. only committee sending me anything.’’ ber how thoughtful he was when my For my part, I have lost a Senate col- We checked, and he was right, and that grandchildren were born. He was al- league who was willing to work with was due, in large part, to Ted’s willing- most as excited as I was. He presented me and with Senators on both sides of ness to work with us to get things me with a gift for each of them that the aisle. He was my committee chair- done. will always be a cherished reminder man and my good friend. I will always remember two stories that Ted had a great appreciation for For those across the country who about Ted. One was a time when we all of us, and he treated both Members mourn his passing, they have lost a were working together on a mine safe- and staff with the same kindness and trusted and treasured voice in the Sen- ty law. Nothing had been done in that concern. ate, a champion who fought for them area for almost 30 years. The average Actually, we got Irish Mist training for almost 50 years. bill takes about 6 years to pass around pants for each of them as they were The political landscape of our coun- here. Thanks to Ted, we got that one born. try has now been permanently done in 6 weeks, and it has made a dif- When Ted was asked, during an inter- changed. I think we all sensed what his ference. view, what he wanted to be most re- loss would mean to the country as we Another had to do with my first leg- membered for, he said he wanted to heard the news of his passing. Now we islative initiative after I arrived as a make a difference for our country. He take this time to look back to the past newly sworn-in freshman Senator. I was able to do that and so much more. and remember our favorite stories and knew Ted had quite a good working re- He will be missed by us all, and he will instant replay memories of the Senator lationship with my predecessor, Alan never be forgotten. All those who knew from Massachusetts. Simpson. So as I began to work on an and loved him will always carry a spe- In the more than 12 years I have had OSHA safety bill, I started to discuss cial memory with them of how he the privilege of serving Wyoming in the bill with Ted and other colleagues touched their lives as he tried to make the Senate, I had the good fortune to and go through it section by section. I our Nation and the world a better come to know Ted on a number of lev- knew Ted’s support would be instru- place. els. As a Senator, he was a tremendous mental if my efforts to pass the bill Now he has been taken from us and it force to be dealt with on the floor. If would be successful. So I arranged to will always feel like it all happened too you were on his side, you knew you had meet with him. soon. He has a record of achievements a warrior fighting alongside you who Ted opened our meeting by pre- and success that will probably not be went to battle without the slightest senting me with some press clippings matched for a long time to come. He fear of failure or defeat. If you had to he had collected for me about my was a special friend and a mentor who face him from the other side of the mother’s award as ‘‘Mother of the had a lot to teach about how to get arena, you knew you had a tremendous Year.’’ That impressed me and showed things done in the Senate. I know I will battle on your hands because, when it me how he kept up on anything that miss him and his willingness to sit came to the principles he believed in, was of importance to those people he down and visit about how to get some- no one said it better or with more pas- worked with—members and staff. thing through the Senate and passed sion or more depth of understanding of Then he spent a great deal of time into law. Now he is at peace and with the issues involved. As a result, he was going over the bill with me section by God. May God bless and be with him able to notch an impressive list of leg- section. He helped me to make it a win- and continue to watch over his family islative victories. ner. Although the bill, as a whole, for years to come. During his long and remarkable ca- didn’t pass, several sections made it The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- reer, there were few initiatives that into law. I found out later that this ator from Washington is recognized. didn’t attract his attention and his wasn’t the way things are usually done Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, when I unique spirited touch that often turned around here, and in all the years Ted was young, Ted Kennedy was larger them from faint hopes for change to had been in the Senate, nobody had than life. I was just 12 years old when dreams at long last come true. Whether gone over a bill with him a section at he was first elected to the Senate as it was an increase in the minimum a time. I probably didn’t need to. the youngest son of a political dynasty wage, equal rights for all Americans or That started a friendship and a good that seemed to dominate the television the effort to reform our Nation’s working relationship with him we both each night in my house and the news- health care system, which was his cherished. I tried to be a good sounding papers every day. greatest dream, Ted operated at one board for him, and he always did the At first, he served in the shadow of speed and one direction—full speed same for me. Our friendship can best be his older brothers. But as I grew up, ahead—and it always found him mak- summed up when Ted came to my of- the youngest brother of the Kennedy ing progress on the task at hand. fice and presented me with a photo of a family did, too—in front of the entire Over the years, I was fortunate to University of Wyoming football helmet Nation. have an opportunity to work with him next to a Harvard football helmet, with For me and so many others, Ted Ken- on a number of issues of great impor- the inscription, ‘‘The Cowboys and the nedy became a symbol of perseverance

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21364 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 over tragedy—from his walk down time with his own son in the hospital To my mom, Ted Kennedy and his Pennsylvania Avenue at the side of fighting cancer and how he met so family were amazing individuals whom Jacqueline Kennedy, to the heart- many people at that time who could she followed closely throughout their breaking speech he delivered at his not afford to take time off to care for lives, through their triumphs and, of brother Bobby’s funeral, to his pledge their loved ones and how some were course, through tragedy. After I was to carry on the causes of those who had forced to quit their jobs to take care of sworn in, and my mother was up in the championed his bid for the Presidency. somebody they loved because they were gallery watching, we walked back Ted Kennedy routinely appeared be- sick. He told me that, together, we through the Halls of Congress to my of- fore the American people with great were going to work hard and get this fice. Shortly after that, we had a vis- courage at the most trying times. And bill passed. Then he showed this rookie itor. Senator Kennedy unexpectedly all the while, he was also standing in how to do it. came over to my office and gave my this Chamber each day with that same Week after week, he fought against mom a huge hug. I will never forget the grit and determination to fight for the bad amendments to get the votes we look on her face, the tears in her eyes, people of Massachusetts and the Na- needed to pass it. the clear disbelief that she had met tion. He blended the right mix of patience Ted Kennedy, and it was overpowering. On issues from protecting the envi- and passion. He spoke out loudly in It was a moment with my mom I will ronment, civil rights, increasing the speeches when he needed to, and he never forget, and it is certainly a mo- minimum wage, and health care, he whispered into the ears of colleagues ment I will never forget with my friend was a passionate and unmatched advo- when that was called for. A few days Ted Kennedy. cate and leader. after Senator Kennedy pledged to me I am going to miss him. I know our So it was with a lifetime of watching we would get it done, we did. country is going to miss him. But as he Through that effort, and many more Senator Kennedy with admiration from reminded us in his courageous speech battles on this floor, I learned so much afar that I arrived here as a freshman that he delivered last summer in Den- from him and so have all of us because, Senator in 1993. By the time I was ver, the torch has been passed to a new more than almost anyone, Senator elected, Ted was already on his way to generation, and the work begins anew. Kennedy knew the Senate. He knew becoming one of the most powerful and So today, as we honor all of his con- how to make personal friends, even influential Senators of all time. So I tributions to the Senate and the Na- with those he didn’t agree with politi- couldn’t believe it when I first walked tion, we must also remember to heed cally. He knew how to reach out and out onto this floor and he walked over that brave final call and continue his find ways to work with people to get to personally welcome me. For me, fight for all of those who cannot fight them to compromise for the greater that would have been enough—the lion for themselves. good. He knew when not to give up. He of the Senate reaching out to a rook- Mr. President, I yield the floor. knew when to change the pace or turn ie—but to Ted Kennedy it wasn’t. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the page to get things done. He knew Through calls to my office, discus- ator from New York. when to go sit down next to you or pick sions on the floor, and by taking me Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, first, I up the phone and call you. He knew under his wing on the HELP Com- thank my friend and colleague Senator how to legislate. Because of that, he mittee, he became a friend, a mentor, MURRAY for her heartfelt words, and all built an incredible legacy. and sooner than I could have ever It is a legacy that will not only live of my colleagues. The love we all felt imagined a courageous partner on leg- on in the Senate Chamber, where he and feel for Ted Kennedy is genuine. It islation that I cared deeply about. was so well loved and respected; it is a is person to person because that is how As a State senator in Washington, I legacy that will live on in the class- he was. had worked very hard before I got here rooms across America, where kids from There is so much to say. I know we to successfully change the State laws Head Start to college have benefited are limited in time. We could speak in Washington on family and medical from his commitment to opportunities forever. I think every one of us could leave. It was an issue that was ex- in education; on manufacturing floors, speak forever about Ted Kennedy be- tremely personal to me. My father had where he fought for landmark worker cause he had so many interactions with been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis safety protection; in our hospitals, each of us. It is amazing that every when I was very young. Since that where medical research that he cham- person in this body has a long list of time, my mother had always been his pioned is saving lives every day; in stories and thousands of people in Mas- primary caregiver. But a few years be- courtrooms, where the legacy of dis- sachusetts and thousands more fore I ran and became a Senator, my crimination was dealt a blow by his throughout America. One would think mother had a heart attack and had to years of service on the Judiciary Com- there were 20 Ted Kennedys. He had so undergo bypass surgery. mittee; in voting booths, where he much time for the small gesture that Suddenly, my six brothers and sisters fought for our most basic rights in a mattered so much, such as the hug, and I were faced with the question of democracy to be protected and ex- going out of his way to go to a recep- who was going to take time off to care panded for decades; and in so many tion and hug PATTY MURRAY’s mom. It for the people we loved the most, the other places that were touched by his happened over and over again. So we people who cared for us for so long. service, his passion and his giant heart. could each speak forever. A family leave policy would have al- Senator Kennedy fought for and won I know time is limited, my colleague lowed any of us just a few weeks nec- so many great battles. But for many of from Oregon is waiting. We are going essary to see them through their med- us who worked with him every day, it to shut off debate soon and others want ical crisis. But at the time, none was may be the small moments that will be to speak. I will touch on a few things. available. remembered the most—the personal I could speak forever about Ted Ken- So after running and winning and touch he brought, not only to legis- nedy. I thought of him every day while coming to the Senate, the Family and lating but to life. he was alive; I think of him every day Medical Leave Act was a bill I wanted As I mentioned a moment ago, my that he is gone. I had a dream about to stand and fight for. As it turned out, mom had to take care of my dad for him the other night where typically he it was the first bill we considered. most of his life. His multiple sclerosis was taking me around to various places Senator Kennedy was here managing confined him to a wheelchair and she in Boston and explaining a little bit that bill on the Senate floor, and I could not ever leave his side. One of the about each one with a joke, with a found out that he, too, had a personal few and maybe the only time she did smile, with a remembrance. connection to that bill. leave my dad is when I was elected to There is also nothing we can say I well remember one day when Sen- the Senate and she flew all the way about Ted Kennedy because nothing is ator Kennedy pulled me aside to tell from Washington State to Washington, going to replace him. No words can me about how he had spent a lot of DC, to see me be sworn in. come close to equaling the man.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21365 You read about history and you read them. He was very kind to me, but he I did. He picked me up at the airport. about the great people in the Senate— also knew I was the kind of guy you I flew in on a little plane. I will never the Websters, the Clays, the had to put in his place a little bit. I forget, he had his hat on. He was happy LaFollettes, the Wagners. What a would get hazed by Ted Kennedy. JAY as could be pointing out everything, privilege it was for somebody such as ROCKEFELLER told me he went through full of vim and vigor. myself, a kid from Brooklyn whose fa- the same thing when he got here. He It is obvious why the man was not ther was an exterminator, never grad- knew who I was but would deliberately afraid of death. When you know your- uated from college, to be in the pres- not mention my name. He would be self and you know you have done ev- ence and was actually a friend to a standing there saying: Senator MIKUL- erything as he did on both a personal great man. I don’t think I can say that SKI, you will do this, and Senator HAR- basis and as a leader, you are not about anyone else. It is amazing. KIN, you will do this; Senator CONRAD, afraid of death. Anyway, he was not at What I want to tell the American you will do this—I was the last one— all talking about that. people—you all read about him. There and the others will do this. It was fun. We were supposed to go out sailing, were the good times and the bad times He did it with a twinkle in his eyes. We but it was too windy. So we had and the brickbats that were thrown at loved, he and I, the give and take, lunch—he, Vicki, and I—clam chowder him, not so much recently but in the Brooklyn-Boston. and all the usual stuff. Then he said: I early days. But here in the Senate, The first year I was here, the Red want to show you something. He lived when you get to know people person- Sox were playing the Yankees in the in the big house on the compound, the ally and when you are in our walk of playoffs. Ted and I made a bet. He said: one you see in the pictures. He took me life, being a Senator, you get to know The loser will have to hold the pennant to the house by the side. That was the a lot of people personally. You get to of the winning team over his head and house where President Kennedy lived meet a lot of famous people. Some of recite ‘‘Casey at the Bat’’ on Capitol because when President Kennedy was them, frankly, are disappointing. The Hill. We had a bet. The Yankees won. I President, Joseph P. Kennedy, Ted’s fa- more you see them the less you want went over to him—and he was feigning ther, lived in the big house. to know them. But with Ted Kennedy, fear, this man who had been through For about 3 hours, he opened all the more you got to see him, the closer everything. When we went out on the these drawers and closets, things on you got, the better he looked. steps, he was hiding behind me. I have the walls, and with each one in loving, He had flaws, but he was flawless. He a picture of it on my wall. We were jok- teaching detail talked to me about the was such a genuine person and such a ing and laughing. And then he did his history of the family and of Boston, caring person and such an honorable duty. what happened from Honey Fitz, the and decent man that I wish my chil- I was only a freshman Senator, sort mayor, through his father and Ted dren had gotten to know him, that my of like PATTY or anybody else. He went growing up in all these pictures laugh- friends had gotten to know him, that out of his way for all of us. He would ing and reminiscing, and then about all of my 19 million constituents had tell me to remember the birthdays and President Kennedy as he was growing gotten to know him a little bit the way the individual happenings in each per- up, and then as President in this little I did. son’s life, in each Senator’s life, and go house and through to Ted. He was sort What a guy. There are so many sto- over and say something to them. It was of passing on the memories. He did it ries and so many memories. One day his way of teaching me. It was done again out of generosity, spirit, love, Ted and I sat next to each other—I like a father. An amazing person. and friendship. used to sit over there. I think it was As I said, the closer you got to him, As I say, he was a great man and one of the vote-aramas, a long session. the better he looked. As a legislator every one of us knows his greatness We occasionally would go up to his and as a giant in our history—and all was not only in the public eye but in hideaway to talk. I said: Why don’t we the history books record it—people the private one on one. A great man. bring some of the freshmen. This was a have referred to all his accomplish- The term is overused. There are not couple of years ago. I regret that you, ments. But I want to share with people many. He was one. I was privileged to Mr. President, and the Senator from how it was in person, one on one. You get to know him, to get to be his Oregon in the class of 2008 did not have could be a Senator or you could be two friend, to stand in that large shadow, that experience. We would go up to his guys on a street corner. He was fun and learn from him, enjoy it, and to love hideaway, and he would regale us with he was caring and he was loving. He him. stories. He would talk about the pic- was a big man, but his heart was much So, Ted, you will always be with us. tures on the wall and tell each person bigger than he was. They may take those flowers off that in caring detail what each picture He loved almost everybody. He saw desk and they may take the great meant, what each replica meant. He the good in people and brought it out. black drape off the desk, but you will would tell jokes and laugh. His caring He saw the faults in people, and in a always be here for me, for all of us, and for each person in that room, each a strong but gentle way tried to correct for our country. new freshman, was genuine, and they them. He was great on the outside, and I yield the floor. knew it. We would go up regularly. It he was even more great on the inside. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. sort of became a thing, freshman Mem- Again, I see my colleagues are wait- BROWN). The Senator from Oregon is bers of the Senate. Ted didn’t need ing. I will part with this little memory recognized. them. He could get whatever he had to that I will never forget. Ted and I be- Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I rise get done and they would support him. came good friends. We spent time to- today to remember and honor our col- But he cared about them as if they gether in many different ways. When league Senator Edward Kennedy. I first were almost family. he got sick, I felt bad, like we all did. had the pleasure of hearing Senator Whenever we had a late night, we I would call him every so often. This Kennedy speak in 1976. I wanted to would sort of gather—I would be the was October of last year. He was ill, come out to Washington, DC, to see emissary and I would go over to Ted but he was still in strong health. I how our Nation operated. I had the and say: Can we go upstairs? Of course. called him a couple of days before it great privilege of serving as an intern AMY KLOBUCHAR, SHERROD BROWN, was October. I said: We have a DSCC for a Senator from my home State, CLAIRE MCCASKILL, BOBBIE CASEY— event a couple days from now in Bos- Senator Hatfield. My father had always their faces would light up, and there we ton. I thought I would call and say talked about Senator Kennedy as would go to hear more stories about hello, let him know I was going to be in someone who spoke for the disenfran- the past, the Senate, the individuals. It his State, his territory. chised, someone who spoke for the dis- is a memory none of us will forget. He said: What are you doing before possessed, someone who cared about Ted Kennedy would size people up the event? He said: Why don’t you the working man. So I was looking for- early on, and he would care about come out to the compound at Hyannis. ward to possibly meeting him or at

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21366 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 least hearing him, when lo and behold, those types of conversations, but as we than a century ago, and people around I found out he was scheduled to speak were working on health care, Senator the world were astounded to see him as part of a series of lectures to the in- Kennedy invited a group of us to his sail into a harbor all by himself having terns that summer. So I made sure to hideaway to brainstorm. Through the crossed the broad expanse of an ocean. get there early, and what followed was course of about 2 hours we went In some ways, the life of Captain Slo- exactly the type of address you might through many of the features and cum represents a version of the life of anticipate—a roaring voice, a pas- many of the challenges and how we Senator Kennedy—someone who faced sionate spirit, a principled presen- might be able to go forward and finally great adversity, who faced great trag- tation of the challenges we face to realize that dream of affordable, acces- edy, but looked at all of it and said: I make our society better. I walked out sible health care for every single Amer- am going to go forward. I am going to of that lecture and thought: Thank ican. go forward and do something bold, goodness—thank goodness—we have When the meeting concluded, I had a something important. For Senator leaders like Senator Kennedy fighting chance to speak with Senator Kennedy Kennedy, it wasn’t literally sailing for the working people, the challenged, about the picture he had on his wall of around the world but it was sailing the dispossessed in our society. his beautiful yacht—the Maya. Senator through a host of major issues that af- Through that summer, each time I Kennedy and I both have a passion for fect virtually every facet of our lives— heard Senator Kennedy was on the sailing. It connected us across the gen- certainly the issue of public service, Senate floor I tried to slip over and go eration, it connected us from the west the National Service Act, the issue of up to the staff section so I could sit in coast to the east coast, it connected us mental health and the issue of health and see a little bit of the lion of the between the son of a millwright and care and the issue of education. Senate in action. During that time I the son of a U.S. ambassador. It was Others who have served with him never anticipated that I would have a magic to see the twinkle in his eye as have spoken in far greater detail and chance to come back and serve in the he started to talk of his love of sailing more eloquently than I ever could, but Senate with Senator Kennedy. But 33 and some of the adventures he had on I just want to say to Senator Kennedy: years later, this last January, when I various boats over time and with fam- Thank you for your life of service. was sworn in, that unanticipated, mi- ily. Thank you for overcoming adversity to raculous event of serving with him oc- I asked him if he was familiar with undertake a bold journey, a journey curred. one of my favorite stories—an auto- that has touched every one of our lives. I wanted to talk to him about the biography written by CAPT Joshua Thank you for reaching out to converse possibility of joining his Health, Edu- Slocum. Joshua Slocum had been with this son of a mill worker from Or- cation, Labor and Pensions Com- raised in a large family and, to my egon who felt so privileged to be on the mittee—a committee where so many recollection, a family of no great floor of the Senate and to have had just battles for working Americans, so means. He had gone to sea when he was a few months with this master of the many battles for the disenfranchised a young boy—as a cabin boy or a deck- Senate and who will hopefully carry Americans are waged. So with some hand—and he learned to sail the tall forward some of the passion and the trepidation I approached him on the sheets. Over time he advanced through principle he so embodied. Senate floor to speak with him and the ranks until eventually he was the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- asked if he thought I might be able to captain of a merchant tall-masted ship. ator from Georgia is recognized. serve on that committee, if he might He had amassed some considerable (The remarks of Mr. ISAKSON are whisper in the ear of our esteemed ma- amount of investment and value and printed in today’s RECORD under jority leader in that regard, if he loaned to share that ship. When the ‘‘Morning Business.’’) thought I might serve well. It was with ship went down, he lost everything. He The PRESIDING OFFICER. The sen- some pleasure that weeks later I had a saved his life, but he lost all of his pos- ior Senator from North Dakota is rec- message on my phone in which he went sessions. ognized. on at some length welcoming me to He was up in New England wrestling Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise that committee. That was the first with how to overcome this tragedy and today to remember our colleague, Sen- committee to which I received an as- what to do with his life, and Captain ator Kennedy. There is a newspaper in signment here, and I couldn’t have Slocum had a colonel of an idea. He the cloakroom that has Ted’s picture, been more excited and more pleased. was offered the gift of a ship. Not real- and it has a quote from Ted. It reads I didn’t have a chance to have a lot of ly a ship, a modest boat between 20 and this way: conversations with Senator Kennedy. I 30 feet long, single-masted. He later Since I was a boy, I have known the joy of was very struck when a bit more than overhauled it and added an after-mast. sailing the waters off of Cape Cod. And for a month ago his staff contacted me and But he thought: I can rebuild this ship. all my years in public life, I have believed said, in conversation with Senator He said he rebuilt it, in his story, Cap- that America must sail toward the shores of Kennedy, they were wondering if I tain Slocum. He rebuilt it all but the liberty and justice for all. might like to carry on the torch on the name. The Spray stayed from the be- He went on to say: Employment Non-Discrimination Act, ginning to the end. He rebuilt it and There is no end to that journey, only the a civil rights measure he cared a great went to sea to fish. But it wasn’t much next great voyage. deal about. They were asking me be- to his liking, and so Captain Slocum I like to think that Ted is on that cause it was a battle I had waged in the had an idea that he was going to per- next great voyage now. What a man. Oregon Legislature. It had been a hard haps sail around the world. I remember so well being elected in battle, fought over a number of years, He thought: Why not just sail right 1986 to the Senate and being sworn in and a battle we had won. out across the Atlantic. It was a revo- in 1987. I held a reception in a little I was more than excited, more than lutionary idea because no one had ever restaurant close by with friends and honored to help carry the torch on such tried to sail around the world by them- family from North Dakota. I will never an important civil rights measure, and selves, just a single person. But he set forget it. It was packed. You couldn’t I hope I will be able to do that in a way off and he went to Europe. move; so many people had come from he would have been satisfied and I tell you this story at some length North Dakota to be with me, family pleased. because Senator Kennedy knew this members from all over the country, The Senator from New York, Mr. story well, and we enjoyed sharing and a cousin of mine came up to me, so SCHUMER, talked about the many con- pieces of it back and forth. excited, and he said to me: Senator versations that took place in Senator He had gone forth in 1895 and taken 3 Kennedy is here. I hadn’t known he was Kennedy’s hideaway with freshmen years to circumnavigate the globe and coming. But that was so typical of Ted, Senators and the stories that were came back to New England 3 years reaching out to the most junior of us passed on. I didn’t get to share much in later, in 1898. So this was well more because he knew what his presence

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21367 would mean. My family had been long- that were being made in this Chamber. example of someone who was dedicated time supporters of the Kennedys, and it There was nothing small about Ted to the details, to the advocacy as well meant so much to my family for him to Kennedy. as to what was happening on the floor be there that day. That was so typical When he was engaged in negotia- of the Senate. It was a very important of him, taking time to do things he tions—I will never forget him saying to lesson for all of us. knew would mean a lot to others, even me: Keep your eye on what is possible. As chair of the Steering and Out- when it was inconvenient for him. Keep your eye on what is possible. You reach Committee for our Senate major- The thing I remember and will re- know, we might want to accomplish ity, one of my responsibilities is to member most about Ted is his human- more, but take what you can get to ad- bring people with various interests to- ity: that smile, that twinkle in his eye, vance the cause, to make progress, to gether, usually on a weekly basis, to that kind of mischievous grin that improve the human condition, to make meet with Members on issues from edu- would come over his face when he this a better place. That is what Ted cation to health care, clean energy, would be commenting on what was Kennedy had in mind. civil rights, veterans. People always going on here, late at night some- I want to close. I see colleagues who wanted to have Ted Kennedy in the times—you know this place defies de- are here wishing to speak as well. room. Again, as a very senior Member scription. Yet he always maintained My favorite lines from a speech by with tremendous responsibilities, that sense of humor, that joy in life. Ted Kennedy are from the 1980 conven- chairing the HELP Committee and all He communicated it. He made all of us tion, when he closed with these words: of the other responsibilities he had, he feel as if we were part of something im- For all those whose cares have been our could have easily said to me: You portant, something big. concern, the work goes on, the cause en- know, I am just not going to be able to When somebody in this Senate family dures, the hope still lives, and the dream do that. We will have more junior had a problem, had a challenge, had a shall never die. Members come and join in these meet- medical issue, very often Ted was the Ted, the dream will never die. You ings. But he came, over and over again. first to call. I had someone in my fam- are always in our thoughts. One of the things we joked about all ily who had health issues, and some- I yield the floor. the time was that he would see me how Ted found out and kind of sidled The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- coming and say: I know, there is a up to me one day on the floor and said: ator from Michigan is recognized. meeting tomorrow. I will be there. You know, I heard you have somebody Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ap- He was someone who gave his all at who has a serious health issue. I sup- preciate the opportunity to be here every moment. He also understood that pose you already have doctors, but if with colleagues, and I so appreciate the people needed and wanted to see him, you are looking for additional assist- words of the Senator from North Da- to hear him, and the important leader- ance or a second opinion and you want kota and those of the Senator from ship role he had here. It was important to people. And he treated everyone the to find people who are experts in this New York and all of our other col- same. area, I would be glad to help. That was leagues who have been here, talking He was committed to a vision of about our friend and colleague, the Ted Kennedy, over and over reaching making America the best it could be, great Senator from Massachusetts. out to others, trying to help, trying to where every child would have the I think for me, being in my second provide encouragement, trying to pro- chance to grow up and be healthy, suc- term and still a relative newcomer vide the lift. That was Ted. ceed in life, have a job, at the end of I remember so well about a decade here, one of the greatest honors of my life a pension and retirement, and be ago when we were engaged in legisla- life was the opportunity to work and able to live with dignity. His service tion on tobacco, we had a circumstance become friends with Senator Ted Ken- was great, but his legacy is even great- nedy. in which there was an important court er. decision and there had to be laws I often have been asked what was the I believe his challenge to each of us is passed to deal with it. I was asked to most surprising or exciting thing about even greater. It is true that nearly lead a task force here in the Senate to being in the Senate. I always referred every major bill that passed in the last try to bring together different sides to to Ted Kennedy, not only knowing him 47 years bears some mark from Senator deal with that legislation. Of course, and the larger-than-life way he has Ted Kennedy—the Civil Rights Act; the for a long time Ted Kennedy had been been described, which was also true, Voting Rights Act; Meals for the Elder- a leader on those issues, as was Sen- but for me the images are of sitting in ly; the Women, Infants and Children ator FRANK LAUTENBERG, and there a small room going over amendments Nutrition Program; the Violence were others as well. Ted far outstripped on the Patients’ Bill of Rights when I Against Women Act; title IX, which is me in seniority. Yet I was asked to was in my first term and having the giving so many women and girls the lead this task force. He came to me and great Ted Kennedy—not his staff but opportunity to participate and move said: Sign me up as a soldier in your ef- Ted Kennedy—sitting in a room with through education’s highest levels, in- fort. We had dozens of meetings, and advocates talking about how we needed cluding the U.S. Supreme Court, as Ted was always there, pitching in, to mobilize and get people involved and well as the wonderful athletic abilities helping to make a difference even when what we needed to do to get votes or we have seen; the Children’s Health In- he was not the person leading the ef- how to write something—doing the surance Act; AmeriCorps; the National fort—it was somebody much more jun- work behind the scenes. Health Service; the American Health ior. Of course, he had many other re- Ted Kennedy, because of who he Parity Act; legislation to allow the sponsibilities, but over and over, com- was—his family, his certainly great FDA to regulate tobacco; the Ryan ing up, stepping up, helping out. leadership and knowledge, and his White Comprehensive AIDS Act; the There was nothing small about Ted length of time here—could have simply Americans with Disabilities Act—it Kennedy. He had big plans, big ambi- stood on the floor and made eloquent goes on and on. These are just a few of tions, big hopes, and a big spirit. He speeches, which he always did—the the hundreds of bills Senator Kennedy was always reaching out to even the booming voice in the back that would sponsored or cosponsored during his most junior of us, to help out, to con- get louder and louder as he became time in the Senate, and each and every nect, to be supportive, and to show how more involved in what he was talking one of those bills made America a little much he cared about what we were about—he could have just done that, bit better. doing and to give us a sense of how we and that would have been an incredible His commitment to achieve the best were fitting into making history. Ted contribution to the Senate. But that is for America, for every child, every also had a big view, a big view of the not what he did. He was as involved be- family, every worker was unmatched. importance of the role of the Senate in hind the scenes in getting things done, We have lost the lion of the Senate, making history and a sense of how more so than in the public eye. He and he will be sorely missed. Person- critically important the decisions were worked hard and showed all of us an ally, I have lost a friend, someone for

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.000 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21368 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 whom I had the highest personal re- He reached across the aisle time and the course of a lifetime in public serv- spect and someone I cared deeply about again. When everyone said compromise ice, there was at least one victory that as a person. was impossible, Ted Kennedy did the eluded him. As I address this Chamber To Vicki, to the family, we give our impossible. When partisan politics di- today, we stand on the verge of health love and affection and thanks for shar- vided conservatives from liberals and care reform only because we are stand- ing him with us. In his maiden speech Republicans from Democrats, Ted Ken- ing on Ted Kennedy’s shoulders. in the Senate, Senator Kennedy spoke nedy was always there to bring us to- And when the time comes, I plan to of his brother’s legacy. Today, the gether in the service of the American honor his legacy and pay tribute to his same words can be spoken about him. people. service by casting the vote he did not If his life and death had a meaning, it I first met Ted Kennedy in 1962 when live long enough to see. was that we should not hate but love his brother was President and Ted was When Senator Kennedy departed this one another. We should use our powers a young man running for the U.S. Sen- life on August 25, he left more than an not to create the conditions of oppres- ate. I was a legal intern at the White empty desk in this Senate Chamber. He sion that lead to violence but condi- House and a second-year law student at left a fight for us to finish—a standard tions of freedom that lead to peace. Howard University. For me, the chance for us to bear. Long ago, he picked up Ted, we will miss you. to serve the Kennedy administration— the legacy of his fallen brothers and Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, it is and meet all three Kennedy brothers— carried it forward into a new century. with a heavy heart that I take to the was a remarkable and inspiring part of Ronald Reagan once said: floor of the U.S. Senate today. For my early career in public service. Many men are great, but few capture the each of the past 46 years, this Chamber I had the good fortune to meet Sen- imagination and the spirit of the times. The has rung with the words of a man who ator Kennedy one more time when I ones who do are unforgettable. came to be known as the lion of the was running for reelection as state He was talking about President Ken- Senate. But today, that familiar voice comptroller of the State of Illinois, nedy. But his words ring just as true has fallen silent. having become the first African Amer- when applied to John Kennedy’s young- For the first time in half a century, ican ever elected statewide to office in est brother. this Senate returns to its work without my State. I was up for reelection, and They speak to Ted’s enormous vital- Edward M. Kennedy. With his passing, ity—to his towering impact on the our country has lost a true giant—a I had a major fundraiser and I needed a lives of so many for so long. He is gone compassionate public servant who be- big draw to come and help me raise now, but his presence lingers in these came a legend in his own time, a man funds. Someone said: Well, there is a Sen- halls. whose legacy is bound up in the history In the many Senators to whom he of the U.S. Senate, whose life and ator from Massachusetts named Ted has been a friend and mentor, in the works have touched everyone in Amer- Kennedy. He will come and help you. I said: No, no Senator of his caliber dedication, faith, and love of country ica since the day he entered public would come down to our capital for a that he inspired, in the wood and stone service almost 50 years ago. Over the course of his career, he in- fundraiser for a person who is running and soul of this Senate Chamber, his fluenced more legislation than just for State comptroller. legacy is very much alive. about anyone in history. He argued Needless to say, I contacted the Sen- Now, that legacy has been passed to passionately for voting rights and ator’s office. Without hesitation, Sen- each of us. And it is time to take up helped extend the promise of our de- ator Ted Kennedy appeared at the the standard once again. This is a mo- mocracy to a new generation. He spoke fundraiser in our State capital to help ment to look to the future, not the out in defense of our Constitution and me maintain my seat as State comp- past—to meet difficult problems with the principles of fairness we hold so troller. bold solutions. dear. Time and again, he raised his During that same time, we had a lit- As the Lion of the Senate told us 1 booming voice on behalf of the less for- tle tragedy taking place that evening year ago, at the Democratic National tunate. He protected the rights and in- when our 15-year-old son in Chicago Convention: terests of the disabled. He extended had been admitted to the hospital, and The work begins anew, the hope rises health insurance coverage to children it was a question of whether I would be again, and the dream lives on. and fought to improve the American there at the fundraiser or go to Chi- Mr. President, no single voice can fill health care system, a struggle that cago to be with my son because my this Chamber as his once did. But to- would become the cause of his life. But wife, his mother, was in Minnesota. So gether, we can carry this refrain. perhaps his greatest single achieve- Senator Kennedy understood the di- Mr. President. I yield the floor. ment came early in his career when he lemma but went on with the fund- Mr. BROWN. I heard the eloquent stepped to the center of the national raiser. We got our son taken care of, speeches of Senators STABENOW, SCHU- debate and led the fight against seg- but after my son was out of the hos- MER, CONRAD, and Senator MERKLEY regation. He became a champion of the pital and home, guess who I got a call also about Senator Kennedy. civil rights movement, lending his full from days later wondering how my son I wish to tell two quick stories about compassion to a difficult and divisive was doing? It was Ted Kennedy. You him. I had the pleasure of serving on issue. just don’t see a man of this caliber his committee from 2007 on. But early Today, we live in a nation that is each and every day in this country. in my first year in the Senate, the Sen- more free, more fair, and more equal After I came to the U.S. Senate my- ators, as some know around the coun- because of Edward Kennedy. He was self, I had the honor to serve with Ted try, certainly all Members of the Sen- the single most effective U.S. Senator only briefly. In all the time I knew ate know, we choose our desks on the of our time. He did more good for more Senator Kennedy, I came to see him as Senate floor by seniority. And so in the people than anyone in the Senate has more than a living legend, more than a first month or so of 2007, the freshmen, known before. And it will be a very senior statesman, more than the lion the other 9 Members of my class, the 10 long time before we see the likes of he had become. For me, and for all who of us were choosing our seats on the him again. Ted Kennedy reminded us of were fortunate enough to meet him Senate floor. You can look around the the greatness that lives in our highest over the years, he was a genuine Senate Chamber. There is no bad place aspirations. He enjoyed wonderful tri- human being, a remarkable ally, and a to sit. umphs and endured terrible tragedy. compassionate friend. He displayed I heard from a senior Member that Through it all, he taught us to keep nothing but kindness and respect for Senators carve their names in their the fire burning, to confront every everyone he met, from his good friends desk drawers; sort of like high school, challenge with passion and hope and to his bitter opponents. perhaps. So I began to pull the drawers with undying faith in the country we But for his many accomplishments open in some of the desks that had not love so much. and for all that he accomplished over yet been chosen. I pulled open this

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.001 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21369 drawer, and it had Hugo Black of Ala- ator Kennedy could have, because of tion. All Americans have been touched bama, who was FDR’s favorite South- who he was, done just about anything. by Senator Kennedy’s work. He dedi- ern Senator, who introduced legisla- He certainly would not have had to cated his life to the nameless, the poor, tion for the 8-hour workday, making work as hard as he did. But I have and the minority voices in America, President Roosevelt’s 8-hour workday never known a harder working Senator and that dedication is legendary. He bill seem a little less radical, and suc- than Senator Kennedy. has touched the lives of all Americans cessfully made its way through the Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise to by his work in the Senate, whether it Senate; Senator Green from Rhode Is- pay tribute to my friend, our colleague, was what he did for voting rights or land, who came here in the 1960s and civil rights icon of the Senate, Senator improving educational opportunities, served more than two decades; Senator Edward M. Kennedy, our lion in the dealing with the rights of immigrants, Al Gore, Sr., from Tennessee. And then Senate. I have lost someone who has minimum wage laws, national service, it just said ‘‘Kennedy,’’ without a State been a mentor, a friend, and one of my help for the mentally ill, equality for and without a first name. So I asked heroes. The Nation has lost a great women, minorities, the disabled, chil- Ted to come over, and I said: Ted, leader. To his family, he was a rock. To dren, the gay and lesbian community. which brother is this? his wife Vicki, his children, Kara, Ed- The list goes on and on. He was there He said: It’s Bobby’s desk, I have ward, Ted, Jr., and Patrick, my former fighting for those who otherwise would Jack’s desk. colleague when I was in the House, and not have had a voice in our govern- And I, of course, fell in love with this to his sister Jean and the entire Ken- ment. He did it whether it was popular desk and got the opportunity to have nedy family, we extend our deepest or not in the State or Nation. He was sat here for the last 3 years. condolences. To his Senate colleagues true to his principles. The list goes on The other real quick story about and his constituents in Massachusetts, and on of what he did. Senator Kennedy; I know Senator KYL he was a beacon of hope and persever- I had the great pleasure of serving is scheduled to speak. I and others were ance for a better day in America. with him on the Judiciary Committee invited, from time to time, to go up to When I came to the Senate in 2007, I for 2 years. What a legacy he has cre- his study just off the Senate floor, one was frequently asked during my first ated on that committee. It was a great floor above us outside the Chamber, year—I am sure the Presiding Officer honor for me to be able to serve those and to talk to him and hear him tell has been asked this by people in his 2 years on the committee with him and stories late in the evening as we were State—what is the highlight, what is to listen to him engage. There has been voting sometimes until midnight or 1 difference, what makes this place a no greater Senator on the Judiciary or 2. special place? What did you find dif- Committee to fight on behalf of civil What struck me about his study were ferent in the Senate than you did in rights than Senator Kennedy. the photos on the wall. The photos the House? The example I gave during He was clearly the conscience of the were pictures we all recognized: Presi- my first month in the Senate, when I Senate, to make sure we used every op- dent Kennedy, Joe Kennedy, Rose Ken- was sitting by myself on the floor of portunity to advance the rights of all nedy, Ethel Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy, the Senate, Senator Kennedy came by Americans so they could achieve their Eunice Kennedy Shriver; all the people and sat next to me. He said: Do you best. He was a legislator’s legislator. whom we recognized. mind if we talk for a moment? He sat He had a gift. He had the ability to But Ted Kennedy said to us: These next to me, a new Member of the Sen- work across party lines and get work are my family photos. ate, and he said: Ben, can you tell me done. These were people we recognized in what you think we should be doing in He believed in progress and doing the the photos, but I had never seen those health care? He wanted my views. He right thing. He had a voice that carried photos, none of us had. These were not was looking to find out what this new through the halls of the Senate with the photos in LIFE magazine; these Senator from Maryland thought was such passion and yet with such grace. were the photos of the Kennedy family. possible in health care reform. That Senator Kennedy once said: But what impressed me about that was Senator Kennedy. Senator Ken- We know the future will outlast all of us, was they were the Kennedys at nedy engaged each Member of the Sen- but I believe that all of us will live in the fu- Hyannis Port, the Kennedys sailing, ate to find a common denominator to ture we make. the Kennedys in the Capitol, the Ken- move forward in solving the major Senator Kennedy stood for and nedys at the White House. What im- problems of America. It was truly a fought for a better America—even pressed me was Ted Kennedy so easily unique experience for me to see one of when it was not the popular thing to could have given up; he could have the most senior Members of the Sen- do. Senator Kennedy stayed true to his gone back to a very easy life, particu- ate, a person known internationally for principles throughout his entire life. larly after the assassination of Robert his legislative skills, seek out a new With great loss and much sadness, I Kennedy in 1968. Ted had been in the Member. give much thanks for his service, his Senate for 6 years. It would have been I remember one of my constituents friendship, and his dedication. Senator so easy for him to walk away from this asking me during my first year as to Edward Kennedy will never be forgot- job, from this kind of life, from the which Senator I most admire for his or ten. danger he faced. her work ethic. I said immediately: I thank my dear friend, Senator Ken- Instead, he stayed and he fought. He Senator Kennedy. They were taken nedy, for the contributions he made to had everything anybody could hope for aback because they didn’t realize that this institution, the U.S. Senate, where in life. He had a loving family who this senior Senator, this person who I now have the great honor of serving cared so much about him. He had all had served for over 40 years in the Sen- the people of Maryland. Senator Ken- the wealth he needed and the lifestyle ate, was a person who dedicated every nedy’s legacy will live forever, and we so many would have been so tempted day to doing his very best. Whether it thank him for his service to our Na- by. But, instead, he stayed and served was working with staff or meeting with tion. right up until his death. Members or working his committee or Mr. President, I yield the floor. That says to me everything I love making a speech on the floor of the Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise about Ted Kennedy and everything we Senate, his work ethic was one of not today to pay tribute to my friend from all should need to know about Senator wasting a single moment in order to Massachusetts, Senator Edward Moore Kennedy. deal with the Nation’s problems. Kennedy, who improved the lives of so The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Senator Kennedy served for 46 years many people during his 46 years of BROWN.) The Senator from Arizona. in the Senate and had a tremendous service in the Senate. My warm aloha Mr. KYL. I would say to my col- impact on the issues that have shaped and prayers continue to be with Vicki league from Ohio, I commented on the our Nation for almost a half century. Kennedy, staff members, the Kennedy same point. It is pretty obvious Sen- He authored over 2,500 pieces of legisla- family, and his many friends.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.001 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21370 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 Senator Kennedy’s extraordinary Continued Access to Student Loans years, my desk was next to Senator life-long commitment to public service Act to aid Americans in paying for col- Kennedy’s. He welcomed me to the produced a proud legacy that has in- lege. Throughout his efforts in edu- Senate and always provided sound ad- cluded expanding access to quality of cation policy, he recognized the needs vice and guidance. health care and education, protecting of underserved populations, and en- In 1990, despite the long journey, Sen- and empowering our Nation’s work- deavored to make education more af- ator Kennedy came to Hawaii to help force, ensuring civil and voting rights, fordable. I also appreciated his working me during my first Senate campaign. I and protecting our Nation’s natural with me on the Excellence in Econom- remember the rally that we held in and cultural resources. ics Education authorization and subse- Honolulu at McKinley High School as Before outlining several of Senator quent funding requests so that more being one of the largest ever held in Kennedy’s important achievements, I children could be better prepared for Hawaii. We also had a memorable visit want to share a story that dem- the financial decisions they will have to an early childhood development pro- onstrates our shared commitment to to make as consumers, investors, and gram. Footage of the event was re- helping working families and his opti- heads of households. cently replayed on the news in Hawaii, mistic outlook about the future despite I also greatly appreciate all of the showing Senator Kennedy and me sing- temporary disappointments. A beaming work done by Senator Kennedy to im- ing Itsy, Bitsy, Spider with the chil- Senator Kennedy flagged me down on prove the lives of members of our Na- dren. the morning of March 2, 2005. He asked tion’s workforce. Senator Kennedy We toured Kapiolani Children’s Hos- me if I had seen the Washington Post. helped increase the Federal minimum pital where we saw the devastating ef- fect that crystal meth was having on In an editorial criticizing the bank- wage 16 times. He fought for strong ruptcy overhaul under consideration in families. workplace health and safety standards, Senator Kennedy visited the Univer- the Senate, the Post indicated the bill promoted equal pay for equal work, sity of Hawaii’s John F. Kennedy The- could be made more fair by the inclu- and secure retirement benefits. Sen- atre, where he received an award for sion of several amendments by Senator ator Kennedy believed the right of his work on health care. He spoke elo- Kennedy intended to protect con- workers to unionize and bargain collec- quently about our Great Country, Con- sumers and my amendment to better tively was fundamental and was always gressional debates, civil rights, and inform consumers about the true costs a tireless advocate for this cause. In economic empowerment programs. associated with credit card use. After addition, Senator Kennedy was a cham- I, along with every Member of this my amendment was defeated, Senator pion of our Federal workers and op- body, will very much miss our friend Kennedy was the first member to ap- posed efforts to outsource Federal jobs from Massachusetts. Senator Ken- proach me. He complimented me for and erode workers’ rights. I recall his nedy’s extraordinary work has im- my work and told me that we would staunch opposition to weaken the a proved the quality of life for so many win on the amendment one day. Sen- rights of Department of Defense and people. ator Kennedy was right. It took me an- Department of Homeland Security em- We can honor his memory by con- other four years, but my credit card ployees and his strong statements in tinuing to work to address the issues minimum payment warning and credit support of granting Transportation Se- Senator Kennedy was so passionate counseling referral legislation was en- curity Administration Security offi- about such as meaningful health care acted this May as part of the credit cers real rights and protections. and immigration reform. card reform law. Senator Kennedy’s career-long dedi- I say aloha to my good friend and As an eternal optimist, Senator Ken- cation to ensuring civil and voting colleague, Senator Kennedy. nedy never stopped advocating for the rights helped bring about numerous Mr. President, I yield the floor. causes so important to working fami- changes that have made our country Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, there lies such as increasing access to qual- stronger, more equitable, and just. He are no words to express the sadness of ity health care. Senator Kennedy condemned the poll tax, led efforts to the great loss of our dear friend Sen- helped establish community health lower the voting age to 18, and removed ator Edward M. Kennedy. America has centers, the Children’s Health Insur- voting barriers. His fierce and noble op- lost a great patriot and great leader. I ance program, and programs that as- position to discrimination by race, eth- have lost a good friend. While it is difficult to say goodbye to sist individuals suffering from HIV/ nicity, gender, age, disability, sexual a dear friend, I am consoled with the AIDS. These are just a few of the many orientation, or religion guided much of certainty that Ted’s spirit and message health accomplishments that Senator his work. will continue to resonate in the Sen- Kennedy helped bring about that im- Senator Kennedy’s advocacy for nat- ate. The solemn but joyful celebration prove the quality of life for millions of ural and cultural resources helped ad- of Ted’s life reminded one and all that people in our country. Despite con- vance the protection of our environ- we should remember to help the poor, tinuing to battle cancer, Senator Ken- ment for our benefit now and into the to heal the sick, to feed the hungry, nedy’s passion to expand access to future. He was an important supporter and to be compassionate with those of energy efficiency programs, includ- quality health care never ceased. who are less fortunate than us. I will Senator Kennedy had an enormous ing those that aid Americans most in do my best to keep Ted’s spirit alive. impact on education policy. He cham- need, and he helped improve fuel econ- I offer my deepest condolences to the pioned early childhood education omy standards and energy research and Kennedy family. through his support of Head Start and development. His work led to the en- Mr. President, as America mourns, I creation of Early Head Start. His work hanced preservation of numerous treas- ask my colleagues to join me in paying in reauthorizing the Elementary and ured resources in Massachusetts in- tribute to this magnificent Senator. Secondary Education Act included im- cluding the Minute Man National His- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, the 1955 provements such as the Star Schools toric Park, the Taunton River, the New football season was not a good one for Program Assistance Act, which im- England Scenic Trail, the Freedom’s the Harvard Crimson. With only three proves instruction in critical areas Way National Heritage Corridor, the victories, it was somewhat surprising such as mathematics, science, and for- Boston Harbor Islands, the Quinebaug- that no less a team than the mighty eign languages, as well as the No Child Shetucket National Heritage Corridor, Green Bay Packers reached out to a Left Behind Act, which requires stand- Essex National Heritage Area, and the senior end with a professional job offer. ards-based assessments for elementary Lowell National Historical Park. ‘‘No thanks,’’ replied young Ted Ken- and middle school students among In addition to his accomplishments nedy, ‘‘I have plans to go into another other reforms. With regard to higher and advocacy on behalf of the people of contact sport—politics.’’ education, Senator Kennedy supported our country, I will remember Ted Ken- Few have played this rough-and-tum- the creation of the Pell Grant program, nedy as a true friend, always generous ble game with as much energy, deter- Direct Lending program, and Ensuring with his assistance and time. For many mination, and joy as Senator Edward

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.001 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21371 Kennedy. He served the people of his wealth has been wisely invested and Mr. KAUFMAN. Mr. President, I rise State and our Nation through five dec- multiplied. to join the chorus of those celebrating ades and under 10 Presidents. He au- Edward Moore Kennedy was en- the life of our dear friend and col- thored more than 300 bills that became trusted the great treasure of convic- league, Senator Edward M. Kennedy. law and cosponsored another 550. His tions, energy, and passion. He invested So much has already been said about remarkable record of legislation has that treasure wisely and multiplied its him, his life, and his contribution to touched the lives of virtually every benefits to all. Like the master in the our Nation, but I would like to take a American, always with a focus on im- New Testament, to him we say, ‘‘Well few minutes to reflect upon the legacy proving lives, bringing justice, and cre- done, good and faithful servant.’’ he left as a warm individual and an ex- ating opportunity. Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I rise emplary statesman. As we recall what he gave to our Na- today to honor the memory of one our His life was, to borrow the words of tion, we also reflect upon what we have Nation’s most dedicated public serv- Robert Frost, ‘‘a gift outright.’’ Ted lost. It is my sincere hope that the ants. For most Americans, Ted Ken- Kennedy was ours before we were his. Kennedy family will find comfort in nedy was an icon—part of an esteemed As a young man and a young Sen- the thoughts and prayers offered by so family that raised strong leaders and ator, history bequeathed to him many around the country and the committed patriots. Much has been weighty expectations. He became the world. To those who have lost a friend said since his passing of his contribu- accidental shepherd not only to a flock and to his outstanding staff, which has tions to our country and his love for of nephews and nieces but also to a sto- lost an inspiring leader, I extend my his wife, children, grandchildren, and ried legacy. deepest condolences. I considered him a extended family. Those who eulogized An ordinary person would have been dear friend as well as an esteemed col- him, at his funeral and on main streets daunted by such expectations. But Ted league. across America, have done so with Kennedy was extraordinary. He con- When I first came to the Senate in great admiration and respect. founded them and, in the process, de- 1997, I knew Senator Kennedy only by From my position on the opposite fined his life not by what others had reputation. It was a reputation that side of the aisle in this Chamber, I saw left him to complete but by the goals was not entirely flattering, based upon Senator Kennedy as every bit the leg- he set for himself. such labels as ‘‘ultra-liberal’’ and ‘‘ut- endary and tireless advocate that he For all of the rhetoric recently about terly partisan.’’ That was not the Sen- was portrayed as. I may have been ad- Kennedy as the Senate’s lion, we can ator Kennedy I came to know and ad- vocating the opposing view on many never forget that he was also a deeply mire. He was easy to work with, and issues, but in this country we should caring man with a gentle spirit. It was his heart was always in the right place. always be able to join together to rec- this dual nature of his to fight passion- I worked closely with Ted on many ognize someone who has—with the best ately and to befriend heartily that education issues, particularly by in- intentions—dedicated his life’s work to transformed adversaries into admirers creasing Pell grants which help our improving opportunities. and endeared him forever to his neediest students. In our work together I had the privilege of working on a friends. on the Armed Services Committee, we very significant piece of legislation In February of 1988, I was serving as teamed up to strengthen our Navy as with Senator Kennedy a few years ago. chief of staff to then-Senator JOE members of the Seapower Sub- It was the America COMPETES Act. I BIDEN when he suffered a serious brain committee. was, and continue to be, passionate aneurysm. After two precarious sur- I found him to be a partner who al- about making sure that our children geries, the doctors said that Senator ways sought solutions. I saw in him the remain competitive in this increas- BIDEN would need to avoid work com- same traits that drew the attention of ingly global economy. Students in Ne- pletely for a few months while in that the Green Bay Packers—a tough com- vada aren’t just competing against stu- first stage of recovery or risk another petitor and a great teammate. dents in Massachusetts anymore. They aneurysm. The lion is a symbol of courage. Cer- are all competing against students in When President Reagan called to tainly, Senator Kennedy possessed India, China, and around the world. If check up on him, we knew that if he great political courage. He fought for we don’t give our students the tools to took that call, Senator BIDEN would be his convictions, but he was always will- compete, the innovative fire and spirit obliged to take all the calls that would ing to reach across party lines. He that has always fueled America will be follow. It would have been too much for never, as he often said, let the pursuit lost. him, so his family made the decision of the perfect become the enemy of the Ted Kennedy understood this. We put that he would not take any calls, even good. together bipartisan legislation that from the President. But he also possessed courage at the was signed into law to increase invest- Ted Kennedy kept calling to check most fundamental level—the willing- ment in scientific research; strengthen on his friend, but our office wouldn’t ness to face danger. His historic trip to educational opportunities in science, put him through. One Sunday, while South Africa in 1985, conducted against technology, engineering, and mathe- Senator BIDEN was resting at home in the stern warnings of the pro-apartheid matics from kindergarten through Wilmington, Jill heard a knock on government and in defiance of violent graduate school; and help develop an their back door. To her surprise, Ken- demonstrations, helped tear down the innovation infrastructure for the 21st nedy was standing there, holding a wall of racial separatism in that coun- century. I am confident that the im- framed etching of an Irish stag. He had try. pact of this law will be felt for genera- personally taken it upon himself to Senator Kennedy often said that a tions to come. bring the gift in order to lift Senator day never went by that he did not I am also confident that Ted Ken- BIDEN’s spirits. He also had with him a think of his brothers. He did more than nedy’s decades of service, his passion bathing suit, ready to relax with his merely think of them; he strove always for health care and education, and his friend and keep him company without to emulate them. Like Jack, he asked deep love for this country will inspire a discussing Senate business. what he could do for his country. Like new generation of public servants. We shouldn’t have been surprised, Bobby, he dreamed things that never When you look at the legacy of Ted though. That was classic Ted Kennedy. were and said why not. Kennedy and at how he dedicated his With him there was always a per- The end of a life so devoted to public life to service, you can’t help but be sonal touch, especially with those he service brings to mind the Parable of moved to do more for this country. represented. In the words of one of his the Talents. The master, leaving on a Senator Kennedy will be missed in constituents, ‘‘Teddy was Massachu- journey, entrusts a servant with a por- this Chamber and in the Halls of Con- setts.’’ tion of his treasure. Upon his return, gress. God bless you, Senator Ted Ken- But his constituency was always the master is delighted to find that his nedy. larger than just the residents of the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.001 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21372 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 Bay State. He felt that it was his re- Ted Kennedy was a champion of all Just as important, he gave all of us on sponsibility to speak for those who four of these virtues; indeed, he set a the committee and in the Senate an ex- could not. Kennedy was, first and fore- new standard by which future Senators ample of how to be an effective legis- most, a representative of the poor, the will be judged. lator, a fair negotiator, and a friend to young, the silenced, and the oppressed. Whether it was leading the charge for allies and foes alike. He fought tirelessly for the rights of the Civil Rights Act, enfranchising As has been noted by many of those the disabled and those suffering dis- young people of military age, or pro- who worked alongside him, Senator crimination. Throughout decades of moting human rights around the world, Kennedy masterfully negotiated with public service, he proved to be their Kennedy pursued justice without re- others in the long process of shaping faithful champion at every turn. lent. policy but refused to retreat from his For 47 years, Ted Kennedy was the Ted Kennedy was committed to en- principles—or from his quest toward Senate’s steady compass through un- suring our Nation’s security by advo- equality and social justice for all. His certain waters. When others coasted cating for nuclear disarmament, lead- tireless advocacy on the behalf of those along, satisfied with the status quo or ing the way on energy conservation, Americans most in need of an advo- set uneasy by the prospect of change, and supporting legislation to punish cate—children, senior citizens, the he trimmed his sails and pushed for- sponsors of terrorism. sick, disabled and mentally ill, stu- ward. He worked tirelessly to bring peace dents, workers, and families—has He pushed forward by building to troubled regions, including Northern changed the course of this Nation and strong, meaningful relationships with Ireland. impacted millions of lives. Senator his colleagues on both sides of the Throughout his career in the Senate, Kennedy’s many legislative battles— aisle. He was committed to civility in Ted Kennedy did all he could to open for civil rights, voting rights, and politics. the doors of prosperity to millions of workers rights, among others—illus- That he so genuinely befriended Americans seeking fair wages, health trated that although we may differ in those who debated vigorously against insurance, or job opportunities. our politics and our ideologies, it is him on this floor testifies to Kennedy’s Furthermore, he fought to expand still possible work with each other, greatest gift to his colleagues. As his education access, fund scholarships, across the aisle and across the political son Teddy Jr. said so eloquently at his and promote community involvement. spectrum, toward the common good. father’s funeral mass, Kennedy taught Kennedy’s efforts have helped invest Although I am sad today to realize us all that all of us who serve in gov- America in a bright future in fields that we will never hear another of his ernment, regardless of party, love this such as science, technology, business, fiery speeches, many of them given just country dearly—that we share a com- and the arts. a few desks away from mine in the mon bond of responsibility and com- Even with the seven distinguished back row of this Chamber, he leaves a mitment to public service. senators now immortalized, the walls legacy behind that will endure. My hope is that the lessons Ted Ken- of the Senate Reception Room remain I extend my deepest sympathies to nedy taught his colleagues about bipar- mostly bare. They await future Senate his wife Victoria and to the rest of his tisanship will guide the Senate today commissions, following in the tradition family during this difficult time. Sen- and in the future. of John F. Kennedy’s panel, to honor ator Kennedy’s passion, diligence, good Just outside this chamber is the Sen- those serving from our generation or humor, and kindness will be greatly ate Reception Room, ornately deco- from generations yet to come. missed, by me and by many others, in rated by the 19th century immigrant I am certain that, if I could cast my this body and across the Nation. and master painter of the Capitol, vote today for the next to be so hon- Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I Constantino Brumidi. He adorned the ored, I would proudly and rise today to speak about the passing ceiling with four allegorical scenes de- unhesitatingly choose Senator Edward of our dear colleague and friend, Sen- picting what today we would call Jus- M. Kennedy. ator Edward M. Kennedy. tice, Security, Peace, and Prosperity— Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise Our great Nation has lost a true four virtues a great Senator should today with great sadness to pay tribute statesman, and the Kennedy family has promote. to my friend, colleague, and great lost its beloved patriarch. Senator Ken- It was decided that portraits of the statesman, Senator Ted Kennedy. nedy’s unparalleled leadership and dec- greatest Senators ever to serve would As many of my colleagues have noted ades spent in service to his fellow cover its walls. In the 1950s, the Senate here today, over his 47 years of public Americans will be missed by all, espe- established a panel to choose the first service in the Senate, Ted Kennedy dis- cially here in the U.S. Senate. No one five to be so honored. Chaired by a played exemplary leadership, a com- can deny that Ted was a man of convic- young, energetic senator from Massa- mitment to progress, and the vision tions, passion and resolve for doing chusetts, who had authored a Pulitzer that by working together, this body what he felt was best for the country. Prize winning book on political cour- could truly better the lives of Ameri- While I was not always in agreement age, this ‘‘Kennedy Commission’’ se- cans. with him on policy, I always knew he lected five Senators whose portraits For many years as a member of the was my friend. now grace those walls. Judiciary Committee, I had the privi- His willingness to reach across the The commission chose to recognize lege to work with and learn from Sen- aisle and find common ground serves as Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, John C. ator Kennedy. Since 1997, I sat just one an inspiration to all of us during this Calhoun, Robert La Follette, and Rob- seat away from him then-Senator pivotal moment in our Nation’s his- ert Taft. A few years ago, the Senate Biden to my right and Senator Ken- tory. Senator Kennedy and I shared a voted to extend this honor as well to nedy next to him. Senator Kennedy passion for early childhood develop- Arthur Vandenberg and Robert F. Wag- was always so encouraging. A simple ment, and together with Senator ner. ‘‘good job’’ or pat on the back might be GREGG, we worked on legislation to im- All seven earned their place in this expected from a busy Senator like him, prove the quality and availability of pantheon by placing the good of the but from time to time, he would take a early education for all children. Nation above political interest. All but moment to write a note and offer en- On a more personal note, Ted was a one ran unsuccessfully for President, couragement for a bill I was trying to guiding light for me during my late- distinguishing themselves not as com- move through committee or a concern nephew’s treatment for bone cancer. manders-in-chief, but as brilliant legis- I was expressing about an issue impor- His uplifting spirit and thoughtfulness lators and versatile statesmen. Each tant to the people of Wisconsin. We helped steer my family through a very exemplified a commitment to the four have heard so much over the past difficult time, and I will never forget virtues depicted by Brumidi on the re- weeks about what he gave to our coun- the words he shared with us: ‘‘Even ception room’s ceiling. try throughout his long Senate career. when it’s sometimes stormy one day,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.001 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21373 the sun always seems to shine the stopped reaching out to help people at safety laws at the Federal level since next.’’ every turn, in sometimes very small 1977. He, obviously, was driving the Janet and I will keep Victoria and ways. committee and driving that, as was the entire Kennedy family in our Ted and his family reached amazing Senator JOHNNY ISAKSON and MIKE thoughts and prayers during this try- heights, and they inspired a nation. ENZI. ing time, as they mourn the loss of Each and every day of his life he hon- People liked Ted. They were drawn to both Ted and his sister Eunice. Senator ored the fallen heroes we always cher- his energy and his fundamental belief Kennedy’s great shadow of leadership ish. that America’s best days were always which loomed so large across the U.S. This needs to be said: Ted traveled to ahead. I love that attitude because you Senate will continue for years to come, West Virginia often. I was personally can always pick it out. I just did a tele- and I hope the Kennedy family and my very grateful for that. It is a small vision thing and everybody was asking colleagues can find solace in the fact State, not unlike that of the Presiding me about the person who spoke out that Ted has joined our Heavenly Fa- Officer. Our State has always had very last night, interrupting the President ther. close communication with the Kennedy and saying something rather unusual, Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I family. We are them; they are us. You and the President just went right on rise today to remember and celebrate know, we put them over the top, we ahead. He had bigger things to do. Ted Edward Moore Kennedy. feel, in the 1960 election, and we did. was that way. Senator Kennedy passed away, as we When President Kennedy returned to He had hard parts of his personal life know, on August 25. The American peo- West Virginia, he, at the State’s cen- and his own family life. He was the fa- ple, in more ways than they will ever tennial, said that classic phrase which ther of endless numbers of nieces and know—as so often happens in history we have heard so many times in West nephews, as well as his own children. with historic figures, people don’t Virginia: ‘‘The Sun does not always Nothing ever stopped him. know what they had when they had it, shine in West Virginia, but the people People wanted to work with him. He and then when they no longer have it, always do.’’ never, ever talked about his own they discover how great that person People are still to this day moved by achievements. That is the incredible really was if one deserves to be so iden- that statement. It is a sentiment I thing about him. As a result of the tified, and surely Ted Kennedy did—the have always held near to my heart, plane accident, he broke his back in 12 American people lost a touchstone. The that he and his brothers felt the way places. That is a lot of places to break cause of justice lost one of its bravest they did about West Virginia. I remem- a back. He never spent another day the and boldest champions, and I lost a ber a picture of Bobby Kennedy sitting rest of his life, he once told me fairly very close friend. on a slag heap, a sort of pile of coal in recently, without being in pain. You I met Ted Kennedy back in about southern West Virginia, just sort of could see him walking across the floor 1961, which is quite a long time ago, in thinking. He wasn’t shaking hands, he of the Senate. He was always bent, and Hyannis Port. His family invited me to was doing a typical Bobby Kennedy- he walked quickly, sort of subcon- come there for the weekend. He was type thing: thinking, deep in thought; sciously, to cover up the fact that he still recovering from his back injury. philosophical, wondering about what to was hurting. But he never said any- He broke his back in 12 places. He was do in the world. thing about it. He never said anything in one of those old-fashioned circle Over the last four decades, Ted’s fre- about himself. It was always: What is things where they sort of turned you so quent visits not only strengthened going on in your life? What is hap- you wouldn’t get bed sores. We had a West Virginia’s bond with him and the pening with you? What are your nice conversation, and he wrote and Kennedy family, but he also provided thoughts? What do you think we should thanked me with his hand for coming enormous color, interest, and fun. I re- be doing on such a subject? That was to see him. member him at political rallies in West simply the way he was. Obviously, I have and will always be Virginia where some politician was He refused to be slowed. He brought thinking about Vicki, his incredible going on and on. I have an album of that iron will to everything he did. He wife, his children, and the entire Ken- photographs that were taken sequen- never quit. He never gave up. He was a nedy family who operates as one unit. tially of different faces, very long and happy fighter. He loved life. He loved Because of Ted, I think all of us are large speeches, and he is this way, he is the battle, driven not out of anger but better. I know I am. I think we are wiping his brow. He enjoyed all of it. out of passion for people and the indi- stronger. We are more inclusive as a He just loved it. vidual parts of their lives he wanted to nation. He caused us to be that way. Everywhere he went he found com- improve. It just drove him. He didn’t For 46 years, he was a legislative mon ground. He spoke honestly. People do it out of duty; he did it because he lion, as they say, who gave voice to the came out to see him. He didn’t hesitate had to. It was a natural thing. For Ted, voiceless. That is not a cliche; that is to plunge into the crowd or jump on every day was new. Everything could an extraordinary and powerful deep the back of a pickup truck. Indeed, the be made better through hard work and fact from the junior Senator from the American worker knew a strong friend dedication. Nearly every piece of legis- State of West Virginia. The people of in Ted Kennedy. That much was clear lation that has passed in this body bore West Virginia were given voice, and in the tireless work he did as an advo- his imprint or bears his imprint and re- Ted Kennedy gave them that voice. He cate for our miners, for our seniors, for flected his commitment to making life fought for working families, civil all of our people. better for every American. rights, women’s rights, health care for He has been with us in some of our It has been my honor to lock arms all, and transformed the lives of chil- very darkest hours. We had a mining with him in our efforts, including the dren, seniors, Americans of all ages, all tragedy several years ago. JOHNNY children’s health program. Interest- colors, all backgrounds. Everybody was ISAKSON, who was speaking not long ingly—we just found it—Senator Ken- part of his sphere, part of his responsi- ago, was there as were several members nedy called it the most far-reaching bility. of the HELP Committee, the Health, step that Congress has ever taken to In his private life he worked tire- Education, Labor, and Pensions Com- help the Nation’s children and the lessly to touch so many people with mittee. We had a cave-in and a blowup most far-reaching advance in health endless human acts of kindness that in a mine in Sago in Upshur County. care since the enactment of Medicare came naturally to him. He sort of He came down there. He sat with those and Medicaid a generation ago. Now, in had—he had to do it. I don’t think he families and watched them. I watched the Finance Committee we are trying chose to do these things; he just had to his hurt resonating against their hurt, to decide whether we are going to cast do them and, therefore, did do them. and the words he spoke to them had them into the melting pot along with People forget, those who didn’t know deep comfort to them. As a result, we all the other plans and take away the about what he did, but he never had the first major overhaul of mine defined benefits. I am obviously very

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.001 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21374 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 much against that. Eleven million chil- to dedicate your life to. That was the There is one particular kindness I dren’s health care is at stake. effect of the Kennedys. wanted to mention. Senator Kennedy Ted worked on the Higher Education Ted Kennedy was a giant. There was was very important to Rhode Island. Act of 1965 and to protect Federal stu- not and never will be anyone like him He was important to Rhode Island not dent loans. Again, let me get back to in American history. He shaped this in- just because of his son Patrick but be- the personal side. stitution for decades by honoring its cause Rhode Island pays a lot of atten- I have a daughter. We only have one history and pushing us forward to be a tion to Massachusetts, there is a lot of daughter and three sons. She is a better institution. overlap in the constituencies of Massa- teacher, and she is trained in special Now that he is gone, I know his leg- chusetts and Rhode Island, and Rhode ed. She teaches—she did teach at Jack- acy and inspiration make him a giant Islanders have long admired Senator ie Robinson Junior High School in Har- greater still, moving us to reach across Kennedy. When he came on behalf of lem. Ted was in New York. His chief of the aisle, hopefully, and make a dif- candidates, on behalf of his son, on be- staff at that time was my daughter’s ference in people’s lives. He was a great half of me, on behalf of others, there best friend. She said: You know, Jay friend. We are all forever grateful for was always an atmosphere of celebra- Rockefeller’s daughter teaches there. his service and his kind heart. We will tion around him and around the events Ted said: Let’s go in. miss him very dearly. Now he belongs he attended. Other speakers have spo- So here is my daughter teaching to the ages. ken of his ability to rev up a crowd and Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, class in junior high school and in walks get people fired up and enthusiastic, this would be a particularly opportune Ted Kennedy. Of course, the whole and he was really remarkable in that important time for me to say a word place just falls apart with happiness. respect. We never tired of his visits, about our friend, Senator Kennedy. I He loved doing it. He does it in the Dis- and Rhode Island always welcomed him had not planned on doing so at this trict of Columbia; he does it in Massa- with open arms. particular juncture, but someone very chusetts. He is always interacting with He had a special place for Rhode Is- students. He greets them, talks with important to him, and in a very dif- ferent way to me, is now in the gallery. land, and in particular he had a special them, and learns from them. place for somebody who was very dear The principal gave my daughter a So I will speak very briefly, but I do want to, as I have said before, thank to both Congressman KENNEDY and to very hard time. He said: Don’t you ever myself; that is, a predecessor of mine bring a United States Senator into my Senator Kennedy for his kindness to me. here in the Senate from Rhode Island, school without telling me in advance. Senator Claiborne Pell. Senator Pell Well, of course, that is the beauty of As a very senior and distinguished Senator, a person with a national and, was a political legend in Rhode Island, it. There is no way she could because it indeed, international reputation, a per- in many ways an improbable candidate. was just a natural act of Ted Kennedy. It was that commitment to service son whose standing in this body was Senator Kennedy’s brother, President unmatched, a person whose legislative that we celebrated just this spring Kennedy, at one point said, publicly prowess and capability was unmatched, when the President signed the Serve enough that it became a matter of sort he did not need to pay any attention to America Act which inspires young peo- of common discussion in Rhode Island, a new Senator of no particular senior- ple to serve their country through pub- that Claiborne Pell was the least elect- ity, clout, or renown from Rhode Is- lic service. There are a lot of ways to able candidate he had ever seen. So land. Yet he did, I think in large part remake America, but I think people, as when Claiborne Pell ran ahead of Presi- due to the friendship the new Senator the Presiding Officer has been in a va- dent Kennedy in Rhode Island in the from Rhode Island had with his son, a riety of situations—people going election, it was a matter of great pride very talented and able Member of the abroad, people meeting other people to Claiborne Pell and one that he was House of Representatives, who is senior fond of reminding all Kennedys about. who are unlike them, living with them, to me in our Rhode Island delegation eating with them, sharing with them, It was, I guess as they would say in and who represents Rhode Island with ‘‘Casablanca,’’ the beginning of a beau- coming to know them, coming to have exceptional distinction over in the very strong feelings about them—it is tiful friendship. The friendship began House of Representatives. For that rea- back then. It continued long after Sen- that kind of thing which makes people son, and for the reason of a number of want to get into public service. ator Pell had left the Senate. It contin- other family friendships, he was par- ued long after Senator Pell had lost his So he doubled the Peace Corps, he ticularly kind to me. I appreciate that doubled Legal Aid, he doubled Vista, he ability to walk around and became con- more than he could have imagined. fined to a wheelchair. It continued doubled all of those programs, a lot of It is a bit daunting to come here as a even long after Senator Pell had lost which were run by his brother-in-law, new Senator not knowing whether you his ability to speak and could barely Sargent Shriver, who is one of the will find your way, not knowing wheth- speak because of the consequences of great men of America who is never dis- er you will evince any ability, not his illness. cussed. He is a Kennedy, but he doesn’t knowing whether you will have any ef- bear that as a last name. fect, not knowing whether, indeed, you One of the ways it manifested itself He changed my life—the Kennedy will be very welcome. You have to fight is that every year Senator Kennedy family did. When I went to West Vir- yourself through that stuff as a new would take the trouble to sail his sail- ginia as a Vista volunteer, I was trying Senator. boat, the Maya, from wherever it was to figure out what I was going to do in I can remember when I was presiding, in New England to Newport, RI, and life, and I kind of wanted to be a For- where the distinguished junior Senator there take Claiborne Pell out sailing. I eign Service officer. Frankly, I wanted from Alaska is now sitting, and a col- had the pleasure to be on that last sail, to be America’s first Ambassador to league of ours who shall remain name- and you could just imagine the scene, China. This was back in 1961, so it does less was giving a speech of some with the heaving dock and the heaving really make sense. I had studied Chi- length. Senator Kennedy was waiting boat and Senator Pell in his wheelchair nese for a year, so I thought I was on to speak, and he sent a note up to me and a rather hazardous and impromptu my way. But Vista started and Sargent inquiring whether I felt that the stand- loading of Senator Pell into the sail- Shriver called me and said: Come work ards of the speech we were then being boat. And then, of course, it got under- for me at the Peace Corps. And I did treated to met the high standards of way. Because Senator Pell was having that. Then I went to southern West our common alma mater, the Univer- such trouble speaking, he really could Virginia as a Vista volunteer and it sity of Virginia School of Law. I could not contribute much to a conversation. told me what I wanted to do in life. not help but smile back and return the But Senator Kennedy had the gift of This part of your gut knows when you note, saying: No, I do not think so, but being able to handle both sides of a are doing something that is meaningful that is okay because I am waiting for a conversation and have everybody feel to you and is something that you want great speech from you. that a wonderful time was being had.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.001 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21375 So he carried on in a full, roaring dia- battles for hardworking families every- he fought all others. But the memories log with Senator Pell, essentially pro- where. His is a legacy of hope for the remain. I remember first coming to the viding both sides of that dialogue, and unemployed, the dispossessed, the Senate, sitting down with him, his Senator Pell was smiling from ear to downtrodden, the undereducated, the presence as commanding as I thought ear. uninsured; a legacy of hope for His- it would be. I looked at him to learn all It said a lot about what I appreciate panic Americans and Asian Americans, I could from him about the Senate and, so much about Senator Kennedy. First all Americans who have come to this frankly, there was no more patient or of all, Rhode Island mattered to him, country, often with little more than willing teacher. When I first sought to as it matters to PATRICK KENNEDY, as the clothes on their backs and a glo- come to the Senate, the one Member of it matters to me. Second of all, as pow- rious dream for a better life. the Senate who gave me the most time erful as he was and as important as he Ted Kennedy will be remembered by and gave me the most encouragement was, friendship mattered more than au- my generation as more than the last and the greatest opportunity to under- thority or clout or power. There was brother, more than the end of an era. stand how to be successful in the Sen- nothing any longer that Senator Pell He will be remembered as America’s ate was a person I could do the least could do for Senator Kennedy. There preeminent leader on fair, responsible, for. It was Ted Kennedy. I will never was nothing that could be done to ad- humane immigration policy that al- forget his kindness. vance his legislative interests or his ways put people first. For all of us, he We worked together to protect the political interests or his fundraising in- was the standard bearer of headier Senate restaurant employees when terests or any other aspirations he may days, of Camelot, of intellectual vital- their jobs were privatized. I learned have had. But it mattered to him to do ity, political energy, and a deep and what made him such an effective legis- this because he was loyal and because abiding commitment to public service lator—because even as he was dealing friendship counted. and to this beloved Senate. He taught with the most incredible issues the In a body in which opportunism and us through actions and deeds, in times country was facing and leading on self-promotion and self-advancement of great personal pain, the power of the many of them, he had time to remem- are not unknown, it was remarkable of human spirit to endure and prevail. He ber the importance of that little per- Senator Kennedy to give so much of his symbolized the best of an era of pro- son, people in the Senate restaurant time to this particular pursuit, to this gressive, compassionate leadership in who might have been unemployed. particular visit, taking his old, now this country and a deep belief that we We all know no one can belt out an disabled friend, out for a sail and giv- must always ask what we can do for Irish ballad quite like Teddy could. One ing him so much pleasure, with no hope the country, a torch unexpectedly of my favorite memories was of him or hint of reward or return to Senator passed to him which he carried with and I in New Jersey in a campaign Kennedy himself. dignity and humility through great where we sang Irish ballads together. I So I will conclude with that. I guess tragedy as well as great triumph. learned then what made him the I will conclude with one other thing. He understood our personal strug- unique person he is. I will never forget He loved Robert Frost. On his desk gles, however profound, ‘‘make us the sound of that voice and the warmth here right now is a poem from Robert stronger in the broken places,’’ as of that heart. Each of us has had our Frost, ‘‘The Road Not Taken.’’ Hemingway said. For every Hispanic I know he was fond of Frost’s work in own memories of the man. Each of us American and every American across has had our own deep emotions when particular. I keep a little book of this Nation whose family came here to poems and things that matter to me, we heard of his death. find a better life, whatever their eth- The editorial cartoonist, Lalo quotations, and one of them is a poem nicity or political views, Ted Kennedy Alcaraz, said when his wife heard that by Robert Frost. It is not ‘‘The Road was a leader. His deep and abiding con- Ted Kennedy had lost his battle with Not Taken,’’ which is the poem on Sen- cern for the struggles of hard-working cancer, she pulled out one of her old ator Kennedy’s desk. It is a different people was not political. It is simply buttons that her mother had worn dur- one. But I will close by reading it. It is part of the Kennedy DNA. ing the Presidential campaign in 1960. called ‘‘Acquainted with the Night.’’ I remember the images of his broth- That day, Lalo Alcaraz drew a cartoon er, Bobby Kennedy, in 1967, 6,000 people I have been one acquainted with the night. of a much younger Ted Kennedy. It is I have walked out in rain—and back in rain. surrounding him on the flatbed truck captioned with two simple words on I have outwalked the furthest city light. that held a severely weakened Cesar the campaign button: ‘‘Viva Kennedy.’’ I have looked down the saddest city lane. Chavez. Bobby Kennedy shared a piece As I sat in the basilica in Boston I have passed by the watchman on his beat. of samita with Chavez and the crowd And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain. with our colleagues last week, I cheered. They grabbed at Bobby to thought of all Ted Kennedy did to bet- I have stood still and stopped the sound of shake his hand and thank him. He ter the lives of so many Americans, feet stood in front of the crowd and said: When far away an interrupted cry and I thought of those two words over The world must know from this time for- and over again: Viva Kennedy. He was Came over houses from another street, ward that the migrant farm worker, the But not to call me back or say good-bye; Mexican-American, is coming into his own a man who truly believed in the idea And further still at an unearthly height, rights . . . and ideal that is America. Although we O luminary clock against the sky You are winning a special kind of citizen- may have come from different back- Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor ship; no one is doing it for you—you are grounds, different places, different cul- right. doing it yourselves—and therefore, no one tures, though we may speak different I have been one acquainted with the night. can ever take it away. languages, we are one Nation, indivis- Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, once Fast-forward to Washington, DC, in ible, forged from shared values and again, we mourn another Kennedy, the 2006, walking in his brother’s footsteps, common principles, each of us united last brother, a friend, a colleague, a Ted Kennedy stood in front of hundreds in our differences working for the bet- Senator’s Senator, larger than life even of thousands of marchers on the same terment of all of us, and no one worked in death, certainly the most effective ground his brothers had stood upon harder for the betterment of all of us legislator of our time and arguably the decades earlier. He stood with immi- than Ted Kennedy. most effective Member of this body in grants and faith leaders and organizers. It is my sincere belief that in his the whole of American history. He called for comprehensive immigra- passing he has once again worked his Across this Nation and across the po- tion reform. The crowd of hundreds of magic and given us an opportunity to litical divide, we have seen the impact thousands roared, and he roared back: come together, united in a deep and of his life and work in the tearful eyes Si se puede. Si se puede. profound feeling of loss and emptiness of millions of Americans. Each face a Yes, we can. as we are even at this day. It would be challenge to continue his long and last- Now he is gone, having fought his like him to be looking down upon these ing legacy of hard-fought, hard-won last battle with courage and dignity, as tributes today, nodding his head and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:53 Apr 09, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\S10SE9.001 S10SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21376 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 10, 2009 smiling, but he would be saying: Don’t 2004. And I had the opportunity to trav- upon resuming legislative session, the wait for my memorials to be laid. He el around the country with him in sup- Senate then proceed to the consider- would say: Don’t wait for my words to port of JOHN KERRY, his very good ation of Calendar No. 153, H.R. 3288, the be chiseled in marble at Arlington. friend. Department of Transportation, Hous- Don’t wait for some bronze statue in But I really got to see the difference ing, and Urban Development and Re- Washington or a bridge named after me he made in so many lives when I lated Agencies appropriations bill. in Boston. Stand up, do what is right worked with him at the Institute of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without for the American people now. Do what Politics at the Kennedy School of Gov- objection, it is so ordered. is right for hard-working families in ernment at Harvard. I had the oppor- f your States, for hard-working families tunity to be chosen to be the director in my State—in New Bedford, Brock- there, and Senator Kennedy was one of CONCLUSION OF MORNING ton, Fall River, or Worcester. I can see those people who helped make that de- BUSINESS him standing over there where he al- cision and make that happen for me. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning ways stood, committed, informed, im- What was so impressive was that it did business is closed. posing, pounding on his desk, shouting not matter how busy he was with the f at the top of his lungs. You could hear work in Washington, with what he was EXECUTIVE SESSION it when you were outside of the Cham- doing in Massachusetts, he never ber when he was in one of those mo- missed a meeting. His first concern was ments. always: What are the students doing? NOMINATION OF CASS R. Those families don’t have time to What is going to excite them? What is SUNSTEIN TO BE ADMINIS- wait for a decent job and wages. They going to get them involved in politics TRATOR OF THE OFFICE OF IN- don’t have time to wait for a better and public service, because that was FORMATION AND REGULATORY job. They don’t have time to wait for the mission of the Institute of Politics. AFFAIRS, OFFICE OF MANAGE- decent, affordable, quality care that is It was one of two memorials that were MENT AND BUDGET a right and not a privilege. That boom- established by the Kennedy family to ing voice would echo through this remember his brother, President John The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Chamber, and I think it will echo Kennedy. It was always amazing to me the previous order, the Senate will pro- through this Chamber for eternity. to see someone who was so busy, so ceed to executive session to consider When it comes down to it, we are his prominent in national life, who never the following nomination, which the legacy. We in the Senate are his memo- missed an opportunity to talk with the clerk will report. rial. We are the burning candles, and freshman student who was there who The legislative clerk read the nomi- he would tell us to have them burn wasn’t quite sure what they wanted to nation of Cass R. Sunstein, of Massa- brightly: Stand against the wind. do, to talk with and encourage the chusetts, to be Administrator of the Stand against the storm. Stand against young people who were involved at the Office of Information and Regulatory the odds. For it is up to us now to light institute to get involved in politics, in Affairs, Office of Management and the world, as he did. government, in public service. Budget. In this past week, I think we have all I know Senator Kennedy will be re- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I found new meaning in those familiar membered by so many of the suggest the absence of a quorum and words of Aeschylus, when he said: kindnesses he provided to people. He ask that the time be charged equally to And even in our sleep, pain that cannot will be remembered by the tens of both sides. forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and thousands of people whose lives he Without objection, it is so ordered. in our own despair, against our will, comes touched. But I think one of his most The clerk will call the roll. wisdom to us by the awful grace of God. significant legacies will be those young The legislative clerk proceeded to Today, in our despair, let wisdom people who are encouraged to get in- call the roll. come. Let us honor the memory of Sen- volved in politics, who appreciate that Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I ask ator Edward Moore Kennedy by not public service in government is an hon- unanimous consent that the order for only remembering the man but by con- orable profession because of his leader- the quorum call be rescinded. tinuing the good work he has done. ship and the work he did. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. STA- I yield the floor. I feel very honored and privileged to BENOW.) Without objection, it is so or- Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I am have worked with him and to have had dered. honored to be here to add my voice to the opportunity to serve with him, Mr. KYL. Madam President, Pro- so many of those who today have elo- however briefly, in the Senate. I know fessor Cass Sunstein’s academic cre- quently remembered Senator Ted Ken- we will all remember for future genera- dentials are impressive. He has taught nedy. Like so many who have spoken tions what Senator Kennedy has done. at the University of Chicago School of today, I was the beneficiary of so many f Law and at the Harvard School of Law, personal kindnesses from Senator Ken- and has been a prolific writer on a wide nedy. ORDER OF PROCEDURE variety of topics. I actually first met him on the cam- Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask He has some fine ideas on cost-ben- paign trail. In 1980, I was actually on unanimous consent that at 2:30 today, efit analysis, and I hope they will be the other side in New Hampshire when the Senate resume executive session reflected in his approach as adminis- he was running against Jimmy Carter. and consideration of the nomination of trator of Office of Information and Despite the fact that was a very hard- Cass Sunstein; that all post-cloture Regulatory Affairs. fought campaign and we won and he time be yielded back except for 75 min- I do, however, find that some of the lost, when I ran a winning campaign 4 utes, with that time equally divided arguments he has made, and the posi- years later in the New Hampshire pri- and controlled between Senator LIE- tions he has taken in his writings and mary, Senator Kennedy was one of the BERMAN and the Republican leader or speeches, fall outside the mainstream. first people to call and congratulate his designee; that at 3:45 p.m., the Sen- One theme that has appeared repeat- me. ate proceed to vote on confirmation of edly in his writings and speeches is his After that, I had the opportunity to the nomination; that upon confirma- strange belief that animals should have campaign over the years with Senator tion, the motion to reconsider be con- legal standing in court. Professor Kennedy. There was no one who could sidered made and laid upon the table, Sunstein wrote in his book Animal fire up a crowd as he could. In 2000, I no further motions be in order, the Rights: Current Debates and New Di- remember he was there for Al Gore President be immediately notified of rections that, ‘‘We could even grant when times were tough in New Hamp- the Senate’s action, and the Senate animals a right to bring a suit without shire. He was there for JOHN KERRY in then resume legislative session; that insisting that animals are persons. . . .

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