Congressional leaders today mourned the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., one of the last lions of the Senate, by honoring his contributions to health care, social justice, and his devotion to a life of public service.
Senate Majority Leader Reid described working with Kennedy as "the thrill of my lifetime," saying his "mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die."
"Today there is an empty chair in our Senate and an empty feeling in our hearts," Senate Majority Whip Durbin said. "We all waited expectantly during Ted's struggle with cancer for the Senate doors to swing wide and that great Irish spirit to once again return."
Kennedy was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May 2008 and returned to the chamber floor in July of that year to a standing ovation. He endorsed President Obama early in his presidential campaign and went on to speak at the Democratic National Convention last year in Denver.
Senate Banking Chairman Christopher Dodd, a close friend of Kennedy's, called him "the ultimate example for all of us who seek to serve, a hero for those Americans in the shadow of life who so desperately needed one."
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said he came to the Senate "filled with conservative fire in my belly and an itch to take on any and everyone who stood in my way, including Ted Kennedy" but the Democrat helped him learn the importance of compromise in passing legislation.
The pair alternated as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Labor Committee, now the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, for nearly two decades. Hatch called Kennedy "a rare person who at times could put aside differences and look for common solutions."
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., called him "irreplaceable in the institution he loved and in the affections of its members."
"Many of his fellow senators, Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, will note today that Ted was sincerely intent on finding enough common ground among us to make progress on the issues of our day, and toward that end he would work as hard and as modestly as any staffer," said McCain.
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., said Kennedy was an "extraordinary force" for issues he cared about and for "the humanity and caring in our politics that is at the center of faith and true public service." He added that "no words can ever do justice to this irrepressible, larger-than-life presence who was simply the best."
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine announced that the Democratic Party will pay tribute to Kennedy at its fall meeting in Austin, Texas, next month.
"The legacy he will be most remembered for will be his work to improve the plight of ordinary Americans, to empower the powerless and to end the scourge of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and economic background that was all too prevalent in an earlier time," Kaine said.
President Obama issued a statement early Wednesday saying he and First Lady Michelle were "heartbroken" to hear of Kennedy's death the night before.
"For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts," Obama said in a statement, noting that he appreciated Kennedy's counsel in the Senate and his confidence and support during his presidential campaign.
Obama followed that with a verbal statement this morning in which he said Kennedy's "ideas and ideals are stamped on hundreds of laws" and that "his extraordinary life on this earth has come to an end. The extraordinary good he did lives on."
The first family is vacationing in Martha's Vineyard, Mass., about an hour away from the Hyannis Port compound where the 77-year-old lawmaker lost his battle with cancer.
Other Republicans also reflected on Kennedy's passion for politics and public service.
Senate Minority Leader McConnell said Kennedy was "one of the giants of American political life, a longtime Senate colleague, and a friend."
"No one could have known the man without admiring the passion and vigor he poured into a truly momentous life," McConnell added.
House Minority Leader Boehner said while there were few political issues on which he and Kennedy agreed, "our relationship was never disagreeable, and was always marked by good humor, hard work, and a desire to find common ground."
Boehner took special note of the effort he and Kennedy made to help Catholic schools in inner-city Washington. "It wouldn't have been possible without Sen. Kennedy and his genuine desire to give something back to help inner-city students in the city in which he'd served for so many years," Boehner said.
Senate Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander of Tennessee said Kennedy "was at once the most partisan and the most constructive" senator who could "preach the party line as well as bridge differences better than any Democrat."
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who worked with Kennedy to expand the Pell grants that help low-income families afford college, said he was "a warm, big-hearted, generous friend."
House Speaker Pelosi said Kennedy's lifetime of statesmanship and political prowess produced a wealth of accomplishment that has improved opportunity for every American. She vowed his dream of quality health care for all "will be made real this year."
Service Employees International Union President Andy Stern said passage of a sweeping healthcare overhaul would be a fitting tribute to Kennedy's legacy.
"Congress stands closer now than ever before to achieving what Kennedy called the cause of his life," said Stern. "Let us continue his cause. Let us take action this year to pass healthcare reform."
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