The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“REMEMBERING SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Senate section on pages S10476-S10482 on Oct. 15, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
REMEMBERING SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY
Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, yesterday evening, President Obama delivered another eloquent tribute to Senator Edward M. Kennedy. I am sure my colleagues will be pleased and touched to see it, and I ask unanimous consent that excerpts from the tribute may be printed at this point in the Record. I also ask unanimous consent that a series of tributes to Senator Kennedy from ``The Hill'' newspaper on August 29, 2009 may be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
Excerpts From Remarks by the President at an Event Celebrating the
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
(Ritz Carlton Hotel, Washington, DC, Oct. 14, 2009)
The PRESIDENT: Thank you so much. Thank you, Patrick, for that generous introduction, and for ensuring that the Kennedy family spirit of public service lives on as strong as ever. .
. .
And to Vicki and all the members of the Kennedy family--to Ted and Kara, obviously Patrick--there are few who are not inspired by the grace and love that all of you have shown throughout a difficult time.
Our friend Ted left us less than two months ago. In the days that followed, we gathered in Boston to celebrate his life--with a joyous Irish wake of sorts at the John F. Kennedy Library, and with heavy hearts on Mission Hill. We watched as mourners lined the streets of Massachusetts and Washington in the rain to say a final thank you; and as decades' worth of his colleagues and staff lined the steps of the Capitol to say a final goodbye. We smiled as the Caucus Room in the Russell Building, a room where so much American history was made, was renamed for the three Kennedy brothers who served there.
And over those days, there was some small measure of comfort in the fact that millions of Americans were reminded of Ted Kennedy's legacy, and a new generation came to know it. His legacy as a man, who loved his family and loved his country. His legacy as a senator, who crafted hundreds of pieces of legislation and helped pass thousands more, all with an incalculable impact on the lives of millions.
His legacy as a mentor, who not only taught so many young senators, including myself, but inspired so many young people and young staffers, some who entered public service because of Teddy, others who--because of him--just plain refused to leave. . . .
When Teddy first arrived in the United States Senate, he immersed himself in the issues of the day and the concerns of folks back home. But he also threw himself into the history of the chamber. He studied its philosophical underpinnings; he studied its giants and their careers; the times that influenced its members, and how its members influenced the times. He became fluent in procedure and protocol, no matter how obscure, until he could master the Senate as easily as he mastered the oceans.
No one made the Senate come alive like he did. He loved its history and its place in our American story. Rarely was he more animated than when he'd lead you through the living museums that were his office and his hideaway office in the Capitol. They held memories that stood still, even as he refused to. And he could--and he would--tell you everything there was to know about each artifact, each object that you were seeing.
Any of us who've had the privilege to serve in that institution know that it's impossible not to share Teddy's feeling for the history that swirls around us. It's a place where you instinctively pull yourself a little straighter and commit yourself to acting a little nobler.
I still remember the first time I pulled open the drawer of my desk and saw the names like Taft and Baker; Simon and Wellstone--and Robert F. Kennedy. I thought of the great battles they'd waged and how they still echoed through the Senate chambers. And one can't enter the chamber without thinking of the momentous debates that have occurred within its walls--questions of war and peace; of tangled bargain between North and South; federal and state; of the origins of slavery and prejudice; of the unfinished battles for civil rights and equality and opportunity.
It was where Americans of great eloquence deliberated and discussed the great issues of the age; where Webster and Clay and Calhoun fought and forged compromise; where LBJ stalked the aisles, imposing his will and collecting votes; and where Ted Kennedy raged at injustice like a force of nature, even after a staffer would hand him a note saying, ``Sir, you're shouting.''
At its worst, it could be a place where progress was stymied. There was a time, of course, when there were no desks for women, or African Americans, or Latino Americans, or Asian Americans. There was a time when a Senator might have referred to another as a--I like this--``noisome, squat and nameless animal,'' just to name one instance of the occasional lack of decorum. And we should all view it as a positive sign that there hasn't been a caning on the Senate floor in more than 150 years. That's good.
But at its best, it was what Ted Kennedy loved; a place of community and camaraderie where Senators inspired their colleagues to seek out those better angels and work collectively to perfect our union, bit by bit. And in my time in the Senate, I never met a colleague, not even one with whom I most deeply disagreed, who didn't have a deep sincerity in his or her beliefs, an abiding love for this country, and a genuine desire to leave it stronger and better.
Still, I know that many of us, from both parties, shared Ted's sentiment that something vital about the Senate has been lost. Where it once was a more personal and more collegial place, it's become more polarized and more confrontational. And gone, sometimes, is that deeper understanding of one another; that ideas that there are great battles to be won and great battles to be waged--but not against the person on the other side of the aisle, rather to be waged on behalf of the country.
What Ted wanted to save, above anything else, is that sense of community and collegiality and mutual responsibility--to our constituents, to the institution, and to one another.
``As senators,'' he wrote, ``we need to be vigilant that we don't lose track of the whole essence of what the Senate is; of what our involvement in it signifies; of our relationship with people; and of what all of that should lead to, which is the unfettered and vital exchange of ideas.''
That's why whenever heartbreak struck a colleague--he was always the first to call. That's why whenever a stalemate needed to be broken--he was the first to visit another senator's office. That's why whenever debate got fierce he never got personal--because that was the fastest way to ensure nothing got done. Once, after he and Strom Thurmond went at each other for a few rounds--as you'd imagine Ted and Strom might do--Ted put his arm around him and said, ``C'mon, Strom. Let's go upstairs and I'll give you a few judges.''
The thing is, even though he never technically ran the Senate, it often felt like Teddy did. It was his arena. That's why, if you came to the Senate hoping to be a great senator someday, he was who you went to see first. I know that's who I went to see first. Because rather than lord over it, Teddy sought to mentor others to better navigate it. Rather than to go it alone, he sought cooperation, he never hesitated to cede credit. Rather than abandon course when political winds got rough, he always followed his north star--the cause of a society that is more fair, more decent, and more just. And through all of it, his seriousness of purpose was rivaled only by his humility, his warmth, his good cheer, his sense of humor.
That is who Ted Kennedy was. That's what he did. And that's why he's so missed. . . .
For it is now--especially now--that we need to get people interested in our public problems, and reignite their faith in our public institutions, bring Americans together to forge consensus and understand not just the United States Senate's role in our government--but their role in it at well.
Today, the Senate is engaged in another important battle on one of the great causes of our time, and the cause of Ted Kennedy's life--the battle to make health care not a privilege for some, but a right for all. He has been so sorely missed in this debate; especially now that we're closer than we've ever been to passing real health reform. But even though we took a critical step forward this week, we've got more work to do. And I hope and believe that we will continue to engage each other with the spirit of civility and seriousness that has brought us this far--a spirit that I think Teddy would have liked to see.
More than a half century ago, a Senate committee was set up to choose the five greatest senators of all time. No, it wasn't an exercise in the Senate's own vanity--it was because there were five empty spaces designated for portraits in the Senate Reception Room.
``There are no standard tests to apply to a Senator,'' the chairman of that committee wrote. ``No Dun & Bradstreet rating, no scouting reports. His talents may vary with his time; his contribution may be limited by his politics. To judge his own true greatness, particularly in comparison with his fellow senators long after they are all dead, is nearly an impossible task.''
When John F. Kennedy wrote those words, I doubt that he imagined his 25-year-old-brother would one day stand as indisputably one of the finest senators of this or any age. But here's the thing: Teddy--Teddy didn't earn that distinction just because he served in the United States Senate for nearly one out of every five days of its existence. He earned it because each of those days was full, and passionate, and productive, and advanced the life of this nation in a way that few Americans ever have. And he did it all by bridging the partisan divide again and again in an era that someday may be recalled as one where bipartisanship was too rare an achievement.
There will never be another like Ted Kennedy. But there will be other great senators who follow in his footsteps. That's not an insult to his legacy--it is, rather, the legacy he sought to leave, both with this institute and with his example.
``Being a senator changes a person,'' he wrote in his memoirs. ``Something fundamental and profound happens to you when you arrive there, and it stays with you all the time that you are privileged to serve. I have seen the changes in people who have come into the Senate. It may take a year, or two years, or three years, but it always happens: it fills you with a heightened sense of purpose.''
In all our debates, through all our tests, over all the years that are left to come--may we all be blessed with a sense of purpose like Edward M. Kennedy's. Thank you, Vicki, thanks to all of you. Thanks for making this such a success. God bless you, God bless America.
____
Ted Kennedy: A Life of Service
(By Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.))
With the passing of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), this nation lost a great patriot, a force for justice and equality and a passionate voice for a brighter future.
Sen. Kennedy was the beloved patriarch of a beautiful family. At this moment of mourning, our thoughts and prayers are with his loving, caring and devoted wife, Vicki; and with his children, Kara, Teddy Jr. and our colleague Patrick. Surely it was a highlight for both father and son to see the Kennedy-Kennedy Mental Health Parity bill become law last year--ending discriminatory treatment toward mental health coverage--and a true tribute to the Kennedy family's unyielding commitment to the common good.
Above all else, Sen. Kennedy was a champion--of the poor and the oppressed, of the forgotten and the voiceless, of young and old. Over a lifetime of leadership, Sen. Kennedy's statesmanship, passionate arguments and political prowess produced a wealth of accomplishment that expanded opportunity for every American and extended the blessings of prosperity to millions of his fellow citizens.
He had a grand vision for America and an unparalleled ability to effect change and inspire others to devote themselves to that change. And no one did more to educate our children, care for our seniors and ensure equality for all Americans.
The reach of Sen. Kennedy's achievements extends far beyond any one state, issue or group. And the light of his example shone bright across lines of party or philosophy. Because of his work, countless students can afford to reach for a college diploma.
Because he returned to the Senate floor for one day last July, once-fierce opponents of Medicare understood their responsibility not to politics, but to the people they serve--and today, America's seniors have a stronger and more enduring safety net to keep them healthy.
Because he believed in the need for bold action to rescue our economy, from his hospital bed he played a pivotal role in ensuring the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, putting people back to work and setting our nation on the road to recovery. And because of his stirring words of optimism, vitality and courage at the Democratic convention exactly one year before he passed away, he laid a foundation for the election of a president who shared his ideals and intellect--and personified his vision of an America where race was no longer a barrier or qualification.
Sen. Kennedy's deep faith remained a palpable force in his life. It inspired his belief in social justice. It demanded action on behalf of the least among us. It sustained him, and offered a refuge from the spotlight of elected office. When his daughter, Kara, was diagnosed with lung cancer, Sen. Kennedy turned to his faith for solace, going to Mass each morning in the same house of worship where his funeral service will be conducted--a basilica that became a source of hope and optimism for him in recent years.
Throughout his career, Ted Kennedy spoke of a new hope; of holding fast to our ideals and fulfilling the promise of our country. He carried on the legacy of an extraordinary family--a family defined by service and a family that inspired an entire generation, including myself, to take action and to serve a cause greater than our individual interests. And with the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act now the law of the land, another generation of teachers and volunteers, students and community organizers will put those values into action.
Perhaps more than any other issue, Sen. Kennedy never stopped fighting for what he called ``the cause of my life''--ensuring quality, affordable healthcare for every American. He believed it was a moral imperative. He viewed it
``as a fundamental right, not a privilege.'' It is a tribute to him--but really to the Americans for whom he fought every day--that this dream will become reality this year.
____
One of a Kind
(By Rep. Dale E. Kildee (D-Mich.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on
Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education)
I have a lot of acquaintances in Congress and many friends, but one who stood out above the rest and to whom I always felt close was Ted Kennedy. It was a privilege to know him as a friend, and it was an honor to work with one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable senators I ever met. His passing is truly a great loss for our country. I am hopeful, however, that in mourning his death, we will be inspired to continue to fight for the causes to which he dedicated himself so tirelessly and work together to pass the comprehensive healthcare reform that he called ``the cause of my life.''
My relationship with the Kennedys started back in 1960 when I was a volunteer on John F. Kennedy's campaign for president and had the privilege of meeting his mother Rose, who was nothing but gracious and kind. When Rose came to my hometown of Flint, Mich., to campaign for her son, it was my responsibility to get her to Mass at St. Michael's. It wasn't even Sunday, but Rose went to Mass every day. I met John later that year when he was campaigning for the presidency and again in October of 1962 when he came to campaign for the midterm congressional elections. Shortly thereafter he went back to Washington claiming he had a ``bad cold,'' even though he appeared to be the picture of health. We learned later that we weren't completely misled, but that it was a different kind of cold flaring up--the Cuban Missile Crisis, one of the most heated moments of the Cold War.
Ted was the last member of the Kennedy family whom I actually met, but my relationship with him lasted the longest. Like his brothers, Ted was born into a life of privilege, but instead of choosing a comfortable life of leisure, he chose to work hard in the U.S. Senate, fighting to improve the lives of American families. Ted successfully fought to raise the minimum wage, protect Americans with disabilities, expand health insurance for low-income children and improve educational opportunities for all students, regardless of family income. His legislative accomplishments were so wide in scope that his work has changed the life of nearly every American for the better.
Ted and I shared a passion to improve education and we worked together often, particularly during the Head Start Reauthorization of 2007, which he and I authored. During many of the other conferences we worked on together, when differences arose that were slowing down the passage of legislation, Ted was a skilled and fair negotiator who would keep the conversation going until late into the night to make sure things were resolved. From Ted, I learned that compromise is often necessary to achieve the greater good. But above all, he taught me that we must never stop fighting for what we believe in.
While Ted achieved greatness in his political life, he was no stranger to personal tragedy and suffering. The country mourned with him as first John and then Bobby were taken from us in acts of violence, leaving Ted as the only remaining Kennedy brother. A 1964 plane crash broke his back and left him with terrible pain that plagued him for the rest of his life, but he never let his condition get in the way of his goals for the country. His discomfort was evident on the trips he often took with me to Flint, where he always enjoyed visiting Buick UAW Local 599. It was difficult for him to stand for long, but he would patiently pose for pictures and sign autographs for the workers there, who greeted him as a hero. He would stay until his back became too painful and then he would turn to me and say, ``Dale, you have to get me out of here, now,'' and we would make a quick exit so he could rest in my campaign van, which he referred to as the
``Kildee Express.'' Even while in pain, he always had a smile on his face and was an inspiration to those around him.
I have never known another senator like Ted Kennedy, and we may never see another like him again. He carried on the torch of his family's political legacy, masterfully reaching across the aisle to shepherd important and often difficult pieces of legislation through Congress. As we mourn the passing of our friend Ted, let us celebrate his numerous achievements and remember him for the great humanitarian and leader that he was. Let us honor his memory by never giving up the fight for social justice, never resting until every child has an equal chance to learn, and never backing down until every American has access to quality affordable healthcare. He often called universal healthcare ``the cause of my life'' and it is a tragedy that he will not be around to vote for the legislation for which he fought so tirelessly. So let's continue the fight in his honor and pass healthcare reform so that all Americans, regardless of income, age or pre-existing condition, will have access to quality, affordable healthcare. Let's realize this dream for Ted and for America.
____
A Dedicated Servant and a Dear Friend
(By Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, former Secretary of the Interior)
As a very junior senator from Idaho, I selected an office on the third floor of the Russell Building, which happened to be next door to Sen. Ted Kennedy's office. The first day that we were allowed to officially occupy the space, in came Sen. Kennedy, walking through each of the offices and introducing himself to all of my staff and welcoming each of them to the Russell. Later that day, a beautiful bouquet of flowers showed up for my wife, Patricia, with a note saying,
``Welcome to the neighborhood--Ted.'' With that, Patricia and I began a wonderful and enduring relationship with Ted and Vicki Kennedy.
Our offices shared a common balcony, and I had a friend from the Kennedy offices who used that route to come see me every day . . . Blarney, his Jack Russell Terrier. I began keeping a box of Milk Bones for Blarney's morning visits--and he gladly accepted these treats. In his classical Boston accent, Ted would pretend frustration with Blarney's habit of taking the treats back down the balcony and eating them in his office while leaving all the crumbs on his floor!
When I decided to come home to Idaho and run for governor, Sen. Kennedy said he completely understood my decision. There was no second-guessing why I would want to return to a beautiful state like Idaho and be closer to the people there. He wished me well and said that he would miss me. Little did we both know that in 2006 President George W. Bush would nominate me to become the 49th Secretary of the Interior. One of the very first calls I received after the announcement was from Ted Kennedy, who said he was so glad I was coming back and he asked what he could do to help with my confirmation. That was the kind of man he was and the kind of friend he was. It didn't matter that I was a conservative Republican or he was a liberal Democrat. We were friends, and he wanted to help. And he did.
Several months later, I got another call from Ted Kennedy telling me he had been invited to speak at the Ronald Reagan Library. Nancy Reagan was going to host an intimate dinner for him in her residence at the library and she said he could invite a few friends. He was calling to see if I would go. After extending the invitation, he started laughing and said,
``What a pal I am, right? Inviting you to dinner 2,500 miles from here!'' We both laughed, and I said I wouldn't miss it for anything.
The night of the speech, I was seated in the front row along with Nancy Reagan and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sen. Kennedy commented on how three of his favorite Republicans were there for him. I don't think many people realize how much Ronald Reagan and Ted Kennedy liked each other, but it was very apparent that night at the dinner that Nancy gave for her friend, Ted, and his great wife Vicki, and a few of their friends.
After Sen. Kennedy was diagnosed with his illness and it was made public, I wrote him a two-page letter recapping some of the positive and enjoyable things we had done together. I received an immediate call from Vicki saying how it had brightened his day. That was followed by a handwritten note from Ted, and that was followed by a phone call from him. It was a good visit on the phone, but, as usual, he also had some business he wanted to discuss. He always worked so diligently for his constituents. I last spoke to him in January of this year. It was that same jovial voice of a friend with no hint of the personal health battle he was fighting.
It is universally noted how hard he worked as a senator. He also worked hard at affirming and maintaining friendships. Wouldn't this be a better place if we all worked a little harder at affirming and maintaining friendships? Perhaps this, too, was one of Ted Kennedy's lasting legacies.
I will miss my friend.
____
In Memory of Ted Kennedy
(By Nancy Reagan)
Sometimes the best friendships are made under unlikely circumstances. Such was the case with the Kennedys and the Reagans.
Of course there were differences in our political beliefs, and some believed that those differences would make it impossible for us to get along. Most people are very surprised to learn that our families are actually quite close.
Ted and I have corresponded regularly for years. He always wrote lovely letters of support, encouragement and appreciation. He phoned often--I'll never forget that he managed to track me down in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to wish me a happy birthday one year. I enjoyed working together with him over the past few years on behalf of a cause that was important to both of us, stem cell research.
As a Republican president and a Democratic senator, Ronnie and Ted certainly had their battles. There were conflicts to overcome, disagreements to settle and compromises to be made, but in doing so, the mutual respect that came from struggling to work together led to a deeper understanding and friendship. Both were men of strong convictions, but they understood an important principle: Politicians can disagree without being disagreeable.
When Ronnie and I were presented with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2002, Ted gave a beautiful tribute to Ronnie. As I reread that speech today, I was struck by how some of the wonderful things he said about Ronnie also describe Ted:
``He was a fierce competitor who wanted to win--not just for himself, but for his beliefs. He sought to defeat his opponents, not destroy them. He taught us that while the battle would inevitably resume the next morning, at the end of each day we could put aside the divisions and the debates. We could sit down together side by side . . . And above all, whatever our differences, we were bound together by our love of our country and its ideals.'' That was Ronnie, all right--and that was Ted, too.
Ted and Ronnie were the kind of old-fashioned politicians who could see beyond their own partisan convictions and work together for the good of the country. I wish there were more of that spirit in Washington today. I am encouraged to see how many politicians ``from across the aisle'' spoke of their admiration for Ted after his passing, so maybe it isn't really lost. Maybe we can all be inspired by Ted and Ronnie to renew that spirit of bipartisan cooperation.
Ted Kennedy was a kind man, a great ally and dear friend. I will miss him.
____
Kennedy and the GOP: A Marriage of Mutual Respect
(By J. Taylor Rushing)
Despite his affinity for liberal policymaking, Republicans on Capitol Hill greatly admired Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.).
``He's a legislator's legislator,'' Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) told The Hill last May, immediately after Kennedy's diagnosis of brain cancer. ``At the end of the day, he wants to legislate, he understands how, and he understands compromise. And it's worth talking about because it shows how people with drastically different points of view can come together.''
In April, The Hill conducted a survey of all sitting senators to ask which member of the opposing party they most enjoyed working with. The most common answer among Republicans was Kennedy, being specifically mentioned by Kyl, Orrin Hatch of Utah, Kit Bond of Missouri, Richard Burr of North Carolina, Sam Brownback of Kansas, Mike Enzi of Wyoming, Johnny Isakson of Georgia and Jeff Sessions of Alabama.
``I'd love to co-sponsor every piece of legislation with Ted Kennedy,'' Burr said at the time. ``When Ted says he's going to do something, he's committed to it.''
Kennedy's 47 years in the Senate began as his brother, Democrat John F. Kennedy, was president and were marked by a legislative record of liberalism long and prominent enough to earn him his ``Liberal Lion'' moniker. Republican Party leaders even used him as a fundraising tool for years in races across the country.
In the Senate itself, though, the Massachusetts senator was mostly known by Republicans for his bipartisanship--for diligent, patient and consistent reaching across the aisle to find common ground on the country's most pressing concerns. Eventually, some of the chamber's most conservative Republicans, from Alan Simpson of Wyoming to Hatch to Kyl, came to discover that while Kennedy may have had the heart of a liberal, he possessed the mind of a pragmatist.
Republican leaders such as Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander of Tennessee recalled that Kennedy was known for reaching out since his earliest days in Congress. Alexander came to Congress in 1967 as an aide to then-Sen. Howard Baker of Tennessee and worked with Kennedy near the end of his first term.
``I've known and worked with him for 40 years. He's results-oriented. He takes his positions, but he sits down and gets results,'' Alexander said last May.
In recent years, examples of Kennedy's bipartisan efforts included teaming up with Kansas Republican Nancy Kassebaum on healthcare in 1996, with President George W. Bush on education reform in 2001, and on unsuccessful attempts with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and other Republicans to pass immigration reform in the 110th and 111th Congresses.
____
Kennedy Brought Intensity, Passion to the Senate
(By Jim Manley)
Coming from a wealthy, famous family, Sen. Kennedy could have taken shortcuts. But he never did that--he brought a passion and intensity to his work the likes of which I will never forget.
His staff accepted the long hours and dedication he demanded from us because he stood with us working twice as hard.
Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell (D-Maine) once accurately remarked that Sen. Kennedy was better-prepared than any other senator. His No Child Left Behind briefing book was legendary--a huge binder full of studies and analyses. It seemed every page was dog-eared, heavily underlined and carefully tabbed.
One Friday, there was a lull in a debate over a minimum-wage increase. On pure impulse, he went to the Senate floor and delivered one of the most impassioned speeches I had ever heard from him. At one point, he voice echoed through the chamber so loud that I had to leave the floor because my ears were ringing.
As Sen. Kennedy said of his brother Robert, the same can be said of him. He ``need not be idealized, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life, to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it, saw war and tried to stop it.''
____
Bayh Remembers 1964 Plane Crash
(By J. Taylor Rushing)
If not for former Sen. Birch Bayh of Indiana, Sen. Edward Kennedy very well may have died on the night of June 19, 1964.
Both nearly died in a plane crash the night the Senate passed the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Delayed by the vote, the two men were flying through a thunderstorm to get to the Massachusetts state Democratic convention.
``We were bounced around so much we couldn't see the moon in any steady way,'' said Bayh, who served in the Senate from 1963 to 1981 and is now a partner in the D.C. law firm Venable LLP. ``Then I looked out and saw this black line coming. I thought it was another storm, but it was the tops of trees.''
Pilot Ed Zimy pulled out of the trees but quickly lost control again, crashing into an apple orchard just short of the Springfield airport. Bayh said he thought the plane had been hit by lightning, and was convinced he was dead. When he woke up, Bayh said, his wife Marvella was screaming, the pilot and Kennedy aide Ed Moss were both mortally wounded and Kennedy was barely responsive.
Bayh said he resisted initial thoughts of leaving Kennedy in the wreckage, but was later amazed at how he carried the hefty senator.
``We've all heard adrenaline stories about how a mother can lift a car off a trapped infant. Well, Kennedy was no small guy, and I was able to lug him out of there like a sack of corn under my arm,'' Bayh said.
Kennedy spent five months in the hospital, re-emerging barely in time to win reelection in November 1964.
``A lot of the older senators were wondering if they were going to have to kiss his ring. I mean, he could have been a pariah,'' Bayh said. ``But he had no airs, and just did a remarkable job of ingratiating himself not only to his new colleagues but the older members.
``He was a Kennedy, and you could say he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but he was determined to spend his life helping the little people. That tells you what he was made of.''
____
Boehner Found Kennedy a Generous Partner in Faith
(By Christina Wilkie)
Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) needed a favor.
In 2003, Boehner wanted to support Washington's Catholic schools, which were suffering severe budget shortfalls. He needed an A-list Democrat willing to lend his name to the effort.
What he got instead was access to one of the most powerful Democratic fundraising machines in politics.
The GOP congressman was setting up a gala dinner complete with celebrities, politicos and media personalities. He went for the most powerful Catholic in Congress, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), to be his partner at the event and balance the politics.
Presented with Boehner's request to co-chair the inaugural gala dinner, Kennedy ``didn't blink'' before signing on; and true to his reputation for generosity, Kennedy's response went well beyond that.
Kennedy threw himself into the project, offering Boehner the use of his entire fundraising staff to assist with the event. He wrote letters and made personal appeals on behalf of the struggling schools. And perhaps most importantly, Kennedy pulled in real talent: NBC's Tim Russert to emcee the inaugural evening and comedian Bill Cosby to keep the guests laughing.
Boehner and Kennedy were both lifelong Catholics and graduates of Catholic schools. They had recently worked together on the House and Senate versions, respectively, of the 2002 education law known as the No Child Left Behind Act.
As colleagues, they enjoyed a comfortable rapport, which, according to a staff member, was strengthened by the fact that ``Boehner and Kennedy always knew what the other had to do to get legislation passed.''
This dinner was no exception. It marked the start of a five-year collaboration between two men who served radically different constituencies, but who found common ground in their shared commitment to education, service and their faith.
Both lawmakers also believed they had an obligation to give back to the citizens of Washington, their ``adopted city.'' To help illustrate this point, each year at a pre-gala breakfast Kennedy would share the example of his brother, former President John F. Kennedy, who instructed his entire Cabinet to visit Washington's public schools and read books to the students.
Dubbed the Boehner-Kennedy Dinner, the annual event takes place each September, and since its inception has raised more than $5 million for the District's Catholic schools.
Much of the credit for this success belongs to Kennedy. As one Boehner staff member told The Hill, ``This event may have been John Boehner's idea, but it was Sen. Kennedy who really got it off the ground.''
During the last year of his life, Kennedy's illness forced him to scale back his commitments. As a result, former Washington Mayor Anthony Williams assumed the co-chairman's role alongside Boehner in 2008.
This year's Boehner-Williams Dinner will be held on Sept. 23 at the Washington Hilton. Discussions are under way about how best to honor Kennedy at the event.
____
Tributes to Edward M. Kennedy
We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it's hard to imagine any of them without him.--The Kennedy family
____
Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Sen. Ted Kennedy.
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.
I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.
An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Sen. of our time.
And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad.
Our hearts and prayers go out to them today--to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.--President Barack Obama
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It was the thrill of my lifetime to work with Ted Kennedy. He was a friend, the model of public service and an American icon.
As we mourn his loss, we rededicate ourselves to the causes for which he so dutifully dedicated his life. Sen. Kennedy's legacy stands with the greatest, the most devoted, the most patriotic men and women to ever serve in these halls.
Because of Ted Kennedy, more young children could afford to become healthy. More young adults could afford to become students. More of our oldest citizens and our poorest citizens could get the care they need to live longer, fuller lives. More minorities, women and immigrants could realize the rights our founding documents promised them. And more Americans could be proud of their country.
Ted Kennedy's America was one in which all could pursue justice, enjoy equality and know freedom. Ted Kennedy's life was driven by his love of a family that loved him, and his belief in a country that believed in him. Ted Kennedy's dream was the one for which the founding fathers fought and his brothers sought to realize.
The liberal lion's mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die.--Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)
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Today, with the passing of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the American people have lost a great patriot, and the Kennedy family has lost a beloved patriarch. Over a lifetime of leadership, Sen. Kennedy's statesmanship and political prowess produced a wealth of accomplishment that has improved opportunity for every American.
Sen. Kennedy had a grand vision for America, and an unparalleled ability to effect change. Rooted in his deep patriotism, his abiding faith, and his deep concern for the least among us, no one has done more than Sen. Kennedy to educate our children, care for our seniors, and ensure equality for all Americans.--House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D)
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It is with great sadness that Elaine and I note the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy, 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.--Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
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Ted Kennedy was my friend. While there were few political issues on which he and I agreed, our relationship was never disagreeable, and was always marked by good humor, hard work, and a desire to find common ground. Ted Kennedy was also a friend to inner-city children and teachers. For the better part of the last decade, Ted and I worked together to support struggling Catholic grade schools in inner-city Washington. By helping these schools keep their doors open and helping them retain their committed teachers and faculty, this joint effort made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of inner-city children, who otherwise would have been denied the opportunity for a quality education. 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 many years. I'm proud to have worked with Sen. Kennedy on this project, and I will dearly miss his friendship and his partnership in this cause.--House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio)
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Teddy spent a lifetime working for a fair and more just America. And for 36 years, I had the privilege of going to work every day and literally, not figuratively sitting next to him, and being witness to history.
In 1972 I was a 29 year old kid with three weeks left to go in a campaign, him showing up at the Delaware Armory in the middle of what we called Little Italy--who had never voted nationally by a Democrat--I won by 3,100 votes and got 85 percent of the vote in that district, or something to that effect. I literally would not be standing here were it not for Teddy Kennedy--not figuratively, this is not hyperbole--literally.
He was there--he stood with me when my wife and daughter were killed in an accident. He was on the phone with me literally every day in the hospital, my two children were attempting, and, God willing, thankfully survived very serious injuries. I'd turn around and there would be some specialist from Massachusetts, a doc I never even asked for, literally sitting in the room with me.
He's left a great void in our public life and a hole in the hearts of millions of Americans and hundreds of us who were affected by his personal touch throughout our lives.--Vice President Joe Biden, in remarks at an event Wednesday at the Department of Energy
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Laura and I are saddened by the death of Senator Ted Kennedy. Ted Kennedy spent more than half his life in the United States Senate. He was a man of passion who advocated fiercely for his convictions. I was pleased to work with Senator Kennedy on legislation to raise standards in public schools, reform immigration and ensure dignity and fair treatment for Americans suffering from mental illness.
In a life filled with trials, Ted Kennedy never gave in to self-pity or despair. He maintained his optimistic spirit, his sense of humor, and his faith in his fellow citizens. He loved his family and his country--and he served them until the end. He will be deeply missed.--Former President George W. Bush
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Sen. Ted Kennedy was one of the most influential leaders of our time, and one of the greatest senators in American history. His big heart, sharp mind, and boundless energy were gifts he gave to make our democracy a more perfect union.
As president, I was thankful for his fierce advocacy for universal health care and his leadership in providing health coverage to millions of children. His tireless efforts have brought us to the threshold of real health care reform. I was also grateful for his efforts, often in partnership with Republicans as well as Democrats, to advance civil rights, promote religious freedom, make college more affordable, and give young Americans the opportunity to serve at home in Americorp. I am glad the bill President Obama signed to expand Americorp and other youth service opportunities is named the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. Through it, his commitment to public service will live on in millions of young people across our nation.
Hillary and I will always be grateful for the many gestures of kindness and generosity he extended to us, for the concern he showed for all the children and grandchildren of the Kennedy clan, and for his devotion to all those in need whose lives were better because he stood up for them.--Former President Bill Clinton
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Barbara and I were deeply saddened to learn Ted Kennedy lost his valiant battle with cancer. While we didn't see eye-to-eye on many political issues through the years, I always respected his steadfast public service--so much so, in fact, that I invited him to my library in 2003 to receive the Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service. Ted Kennedy was a seminal figure in the United States Senate--a leader who answered the call to duty for some 47 years, and whose death closes a remarkable chapter in that body's history.--Former President George H.W. Bush
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Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the Kennedy family. Sen. Kennedy was a passionate voice for the citizens of Massachusetts and an unwavering advocate for the millions of less fortunate in our country. The courage and dignity he exhibited in his fight with cancer was surpassed only by his lifelong commitment and service to his country.--Former President Jimmy Carter
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I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy last night. Ted Kennedy will be remembered with great affection and enduring respect here in Ireland. Ted Kennedy was a great friend of Ireland.
In good days and bad, Ted Kennedy worked valiantly for the cause of peace on this island. He played a particularly important role in the formative days of the Northern Ireland Peace Process. He maintained a strong and genuine interest in its progress. He used his political influence wisely. He was the voice of moderation and common sense. He was unequivocal in his rejection of violence at all times and from all quarters. He believed that only politics would provide a sustainable and enduring way forward. His belief that the United States could play a strong role in solving our problems has been vindicated by the success of the Peace Process.
Today, America has lost a great and respected statesman and Ireland has lost a long-standing and true friend.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.--Brian Cowen, prime minister of Ireland
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Sen. Edward Kennedy will be mourned not just in America but in every continent. He is admired around the world as the Senator of Senators. He led the world in championing children's education and health care, and believed that every single child should have the chance to realise their potential to the full. Even facing illness and death he never stopped fighting for the causes which were his life's work.
I am proud to have counted him as a friend and proud that the United Kingdom recognised his service earlier this year with the award of an honorary knighthood.--Gordon Brown, prime minister of the United Kingdom
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I'm not sure America has ever had a greater senator, but I know for certain that no one has had a greater friend than I and so many others did in Ted Kennedy.
I will always remember Teddy as 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.
He worked tirelessly to lift Americans out of poverty, advance the cause of civil rights, and provide opportunity to all. He fought to the very end for the cause of his life--ensuring that all Americans have the health care they need.
The commitment to build a stronger and fairer America, a more perfect union, was deeply ingrained in the fiber of who he was, and what he believed in, and why he served.
That's why he stands among the most respected senators in history. But it was his sympathetic ear, his razor wit, and his booming, raucous laugh that made him among the most beloved.
Whatever tragedy befell Teddy's family, he would always be there for them. Whatever tragedy befell the family of one of his friends, he would always be there for us.--Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), a close friend who in Kennedy's absence took over the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee
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I had hoped and prayed that this day would never come. My heart and soul weep at the lost of my best friend in the Senate, my beloved friend, Ted Kennedy.
Sen. Kennedy and I both witnessed too many wars in our lives, and believed too strongly in the Constitution of the United States to allow us to go blindly into war. That is why we stood side by side in the Senate against the war in Iraq.
Neither years of age nor years of political combat, nor his illness, diminished the idealism and energy of this talented, imaginative, and intelligent man. And that is the kind of Sen. Ted Kennedy was. Throughout his career, Sen. Kennedy believed in a simple premise: that our society's greatness lies in its ability and willingness to provide for its less fortunate members. Whether striving to increase the minimum wage, ensuring that all children have medical insurance, or securing better access to higher education, Sen. Kennedy always showed that he cares deeply for those whose needs exceed their political clout. Unbowed by personal setbacks or by the terrible sorrows that have fallen upon his family, his spirit continued to soar, and he continued to work as hard as ever to make his dreams a reality.
In his honor and as a tribute to his commitment to his ideals, let us stop the shouting and name calling and have a civilized debate on health care reform which I hope, when legislation has been signed into law, will bear his name for his commitment to insuring the health of every American.
God bless his wife Vicki, his family, and the institution that he served so ably, which will never be the same without his voice of eloquence and reason. And God bless you Ted. I love you and will miss you terribly. In my autobiography I wrote that during a visit to West Virginia in 1968 to help dedicate the ``Robert F. Kennedy Youth Center'' in Morgantown, ``Sen. Kennedy's voice quivered with emotion as he talked of his late brothers and their love for West Virginia. `These hills, these people, and this state have had a very special meaning for my family. Our lives have been tightly intertwined with yours.'
I am sure the people of the great state of West Virginia join me in expressing our heartfelt condolences to the Kennedy family at this moment of deep sorrow--Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.)
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Many have come before, and many will come after, but Ted Kennedy's name will always be remembered as someone who lived and breathed the United States Senate and the work completed within its chamber. When I first came to the United States Senate I was filled with conservative fire in my belly and an itch to take on any and everyone who stood in my way, including Ted Kennedy. As I began working within the confines of my office I soon found out that while we almost always disagreed on most issues, once in a while we could actually get together and find the common ground, which is essential in passing legislation.--Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), one of Kennedy's closest Republican friends in the Senate
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He had a gregarious personality. He had a keen sense of how to position himself with people. He had an old Irish wit and was a great storyteller. But all of those things probably pale in--in comparison to the fact that once he was on an issue, he was relentless. And he--once he gave his word, then there was never any--any variance from that, to the point where he would cast votes on amendments that really were against his own position in order to keep a carefully crafted compromise intact. And when others from his own party and our party didn't do that, I've seen him chastise them rather severely.
History judges all of us. And after a period of time, I think history will make a judgment about Ted Kennedy. All of us had our failings and weaknesses. But the fact is that Ted Kennedy was an institution within the institution of the Senate. And all of my colleagues, no matter how they felt about his causes or his positions, I think, would agree with that.--Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who often referred to Kennedy as a ``good friend'', talked about what made the liberal senator likable to his GOP adversaries, about their time working together on immigration legislation and about his spirit in the end, in an interview with CNN's ``Larry King Live'' on Thursday
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We have known for some time that this day was coming, but nothing makes it easier. We have lost a great light in our lives and our politics, and it will never be the same again. Ted Kennedy was such an extraordinary force, yes for the issues he cared about, but more importantly for the humanity and caring in our politics that is at the center of faith and true public service. No words can ever do justice to this irrepressible, larger than life presence who was simply the best--the best senator, the best advocate you could ever hope for, the best colleague, and the best person to stand by your side in the toughest of times. He faced the last challenge of his life with the same grace, courage, and determination with which he fought for the causes and principles he held so dear. He taught us how to fight, how to laugh, how to treat each other, and how to turn idealism into action, and in these last fourteen months he taught us much more about how to live life, sailing into the wind one last time. For almost 25 years, I was privileged to serve as his colleague and share his friendship for which I will always be grateful.--Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.)
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Ted Kennedy was a mentor, a guiding light, and a close friend--we all loved the man. In the Senate, Ted Kennedy was our sun--the center of our universe. To be pulled by his strong gravitational field, to bask in his warmth was a privilege, an honor, and, for many of us, even a life changing experience. His death leaves our world dark but, as he said in his own words, ``the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.'' Ted, we will not let your flag fall.--Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.)
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Ted Kennedy was at once the most partisan and the most constructive United States senator. He could preach the party line as well as bridge differences better than any Democrat. I will especially miss his cheery disposition and his devotion to United States history of which he was such a consequential part.--Senate Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
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With the passing of Sen. Kennedy the United States Senate has lost one of its most effective and respected voices.
Sen. Kennedy's colleagues--Republicans and Democrats--greatly enjoyed working with him and respected his views.
A handshake from Sen. Kennedy was all that was ever needed. His word was his bond.
When the history of the United States Senate is written, his name will be toward the top of the list of senators who made a tremendous impact on the institution.
Sen. Kennedy was never afraid to work across the aisle to get things done. We can all learn from the example he set and work together to build a stronger nation.--Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
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Today, America mourns the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy. He was one of the most dynamic and influential legislators in our Nation's history, and his legacy will live on in the work of the colleagues he inspired, and in the lives of the millions of Americans for whom his passion for social justice made a difference. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends; even though this day was anticipated, I am sure that little can soften the blow. Throughout his final illness, Sen. Kennedy was privileged to have the best doctors and the best treatment. But he never forgot, in this as in all cases, those who were not similarly privileged: those waiting hours in emergency rooms this morning for a doctor's care; those who went to sleep last night unsure that they were covered, uncertain that their families could cope with the financial burden of an illness. For their sake, health care reform was the cause of Ted Kennedy's life. For their sake, and his, it must be the cause of ours.--House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer
(D-Md.)
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I have known Ted Kennedy for more than 47 years. In that time, it has been my greatest pleasure to work with him in the Congress to try to tackle many human problems, but I am especially gratified by his contributions to the cause of civil rights and voting rights.
At some of the most tragic and difficult moments in this nation's history, Ted Kennedy gathered his strength and led us toward a more hopeful future. As a nation and as a people, he encouraged us to build upon the inspirational leadership of his two brothers and use it to leave a legacy of social transformation that has left its mark on history.--Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.)
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Sen. Kennedy devoted his entire life to public policy. At any point he could have accepted a life of leisure. Instead he carried on his family's commitment to public service.
The Senate will be a smaller and sadder place without his enthusiasm, his energy, and his persistent courage.--Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.)
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The loss of Sen. Ted Kennedy is a sad event for America, and especially for Massachusetts. The last son of Rose Fitzgerald and Joseph Kennedy was granted a much longer life than his brothers, and he filled those years with endeavor and achievement that would have made them proud. In 1994, I joined the long list of those who ran against Ted and came up short. But he was the kind of man you could like even if he was your adversary. I came to admire Ted enormously for his charm and sense of humor--qualities all the more impressive in a man who had known so much loss and sorrow. I will always remember his great personal kindness, and the fighting spirit he brought to every cause he served and every challenge he faced. I was proud to know Ted Kennedy as a friend, and today my family and I mourn the passing of this big-hearted, unforgettable man.--Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney
(R), who ran against Kennedy in 1994
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I would like to extend our sympathies to the Kennedy family as we hear word about the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy. He believed in our country and fought passionately for his convictions.--Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R)
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Maria and I are immensely saddened by the passing of Uncle Teddy. He was known to the world as the Lion of the Senate, a champion of social justice, and a political icon.
Most importantly, he was the rock of our family: a loving husband, father, brother and uncle. He was a man of great faith and character.--California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
(R) and wife Maria Shriver, a niece of Kennedy
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