Ted Kennedy

June 20, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Edward M. Kennedy today introduced a bill to establish a senior position at the White House to coordinate, develop and implement strategies to more effectively address the plight of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons. Since the 2003 invasion, more than four million Iraqis have been displaced from their home or have become refugees. Senator Kennedy is Chairman of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Refugees.    » read more »

06/16/2008 -- BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today, along with Congressman Edward Markey, announced that Lumus Construction, Inc of Woburn has been awarded at $1.35 million contract from the United States Coast Guard. The contract includes miscellaneous asphalt and concrete repair work at the United States Coast Guard Academy.

“Our young men and women of the Coast Guard need the best possible working and training environment and I’m proud that a Woburn company was chosen to make sure the Academy stays in tip top shape. Winning a competitively rewarded contract is another reminder that Massachusetts can compete and win when it comes to delivering the best possible services for our military,” said Senator Kerry.    » read more »

June 13, 2008 -- HYANNIS PORT, MA— U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement in reaction to the passing of NBC New Bureau Chief Tim Russert:

“Tim Russert was a gentleman and giant, not just in politics and journalism, but in life. And through that life, he gave us all a model worth emulating. With a reasoned voice, a sharp mind and a fair hand, Tim took the measure of every Washington official and all those that sought to be one.

He was a great journalist and an even better friend. His passing is a tragic loss for us all, but especially for the family he loved so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim's wife Maureen and his son Luke.”

Source: Senator Ted Kennedy

June 12, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC— Anthony Coley, spokesman for Senator Edward M. Kennedy, today issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in Boumediene v. Bush.

“When Congress passed the Military Commissions Act in 2006, Senator Kennedy called the Act ‘fatally flawed’ and said ‘its evisceration of the writ of habeas corpus for all non-citizens is almost surely unconstitutional.’ Today, the Supreme Court agreed, and rejected the Bush Administration’s blatant attempt to create a legal black hole beyond the reach of the rule of law.”    » read more »

June 6, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC -- Anthony Coley, spokesman for Senator Edward M. Kennedy, released the following statement concerning today's jobs numbers, which showed a dramatic jump in the unemployment rate from 5.0 to 5.5 percent and an increase by 861,000 in the number of unemployed Americans (to a total of 8.5 million).

Kennedy, Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, is the author of pending legislation to temporarily extend unemployment benefits for millions of Americans.    » read more »

05/20/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement following Senator Edward Kennedy's malignant brain tumor diagnosis:

"Maria and I are thankful for everyone's thoughts and prayers today and over the past several days. While we are still learning the extent of Teddy's diagnosis and treatment options, what we do know is that Teddy is an incredibly courageous and tenacious man who will tackle this with the same determination with which he approaches everything in life. I encourage everyone to keep Teddy in their prayers, as we are continuing to do."

Source: California Governor

May 21, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Office of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, released the following statement in response to President Bush signing the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act into law.

Melissa Wagoner, spokeswoman for Senator Kennedy, said, "Today, the President signed what Senator Kennedy calls the first civil rights law of the century of the life sciences. This bipartisan legislation continues Senator Kennedy's ongoing commitment to a fairer and more just America, by barring discrimination on the basis of an individual's DNA code, just as the nation has previously prohibited discrimination based on race, gender or national origin."

Source: Senator Ted Kennedy's office

WASHINGTON, May 20 – After doctors said today that Senator Edward M. Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor, Senator Bernie Sanders made the following statement:

“Senator Kennedy is clearly a giant of the Senate and one of the outstanding legislators in American history. I hope that his fighting spirit and medical science will help him return to the Senate in good health. The Senate needs him and, most importantly, the country needs him.”

Source: Senator Bernie Sanders

05/20/2008 -- BOSTON – Senator John Kerry today issued the following statement on Senator Ted Kennedy’s illness.

“Ted Kennedy and the Kennedy family have faced adversity more times, in more instances, with more courage and more determination and more grace than any family should ever have to face even just once.

Senator Ted Kennedy campaigning on behalf of Barack Obama in February 2008: Photo by Dan (CC)

“He's helped millions and millions of people, in so many ways, at so many different times, from countless big pieces of legislation in Washington to the most personal of issues.    » read more »

May 20, 2008 -- “My heart dropped when I heard the news about Senator Kennedy.

On behalf of all Californians, I send him and the entire Kennedy family my sincere wishes for a speedy recovery. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

There is reason for optimism. He has great physicians, a loving and beautiful wife in Vicki, and the indomitable Kennedy spirit.

I look forward to the day when Senator Kennedy is back on the Senate floor, giving one of his famous stem-winder speeches. I hope that day will be soon.”

Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein

May 20, 2008 -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on Senator Ted Kennedy:

"Senator Kennedy is a true American hero and a leader in the Democratic Party, having spent a lifetime standing up for the values of fairness, justice and equality. On behalf of the Democratic Party, we extend our prayers and well wishes to Senator Kennedy, his wife Vicki, and the entire Kennedy family."

Source: DNC

May 17, 2008 -- ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on the news concerning Senator Ted Kennedy:

"I was very sorry to hear that Senator Kennedy has taken ill, and like millions of Americans, Cindy and I anxiously await word of his condition. Senator Kennedy's role in the U.S. Senate cannot be overstated. He is a legendary lawmaker, and I have the highest respect for him. When we have worked together, he has been a skillful, fair and generous partner. I consider it a great privilege to call him my friend. Cindy and I are praying for our friend, his wife, Vicki and the Kennedy family."

Source: John McCain campaign

05/17/2008 -- BOSTON, MA -- Senator John Kerry today released the following statement in regards to Senator Edward Kennedy. Senator Kerry is currently at Massachusetts General Hospital with Senator Kennedy and members of the Kennedy family.

"Ted Kennedy is beloved and respected on both sides of the aisle in the Senate in which he's been a giant for close to half a century, a legend in Massachusetts, and a dear friend to me and Teresa. He's also been a fighter who has overcome adversity again and again with courage, grit, and determination. Teresa and I are praying for Teddy, Vicki and all of his family and we know that everyone in Massachusetts and people throughout the nation pray for a full and speedy recovery for a man whose life's work has touched millions upon millions of lives."    » read more »

18 May 2008 -- Friends of the family report that U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy is resting comfortably in the hospital while he awaits further tests to determine what caused him to suffer a seizure on Saturday.

Associates of the Democratic senator from Massachusetts said Sunday he was resting, eating and watching sports on television.

Senator Ted Kennedy: Photo by Tim Gallagher (CC)

Kennedy's physicians said they are conducting a series of tests to try to determine the cause of his seizure.

On Saturday, the 76-year-old senator, who has served since 1962, was rushed to a hospital in Boston.    » read more »

(As Prepared for Delivery)

May 12, 2008 -- Mr. President, I would like to speak for a few moments on another issue, and I ask that my remarks be printed at the appropriate place in the Record.

Mr. President, an urgent aspect of the immigration issue is the appalling lack of medical care available for immigrants held in custody of the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Senator Menendez and I have introduced legislation today, the Detainee Basic Medical Care Act of 2008, to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to deliver timely and effective medical and mental health care to individuals in its custody.    » read more »