[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 154 (Thursday, November 6, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11858-S11859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TED KENNEDY'S 35TH YEAR IN THE SENATE

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, 35 years ago today, the people of 
Massachusetts made the very wise decision to send Edward M. Kennedy to 
Congress. For 35 years, Ted Kennedy has fought for their interests--and 
for the interests of all working people.
  It is said that some people seek public office to be someone; others 
seek it in order to do something. Ted Kennedy is a pre-eminent example 
of the latter. For 35 years, he has fought unwaveringly to improve the 
living standards of working families and to make sure that, in America, 
if you're sick, you can see a doctor--no matter how much money you 
have, or how little.
  He has used his great, booming voice to speak for those who have no 
voice, and he has never wavered in his principles. Ted Kennedy does not 
change his politics with the season. He is a man of principle.
  At the same time, he is a pragmatist who wants, more than anything, 
to get things done.
  I will never forget how he looked after the balanced budget agreement 
was signed and the new children's health care program was created. He 
came into my office. His Irish eyes were smiling. To everyone he passed 
he said, ``Isn't it wonderful?'' He looked so much like a proud new 
father--I half-expected him to start handing out cigars.
  When he spoke about that victory, he didn't talk about how many votes 
his plan had gotten. He talked about how many children it would help.
  In 35 years, he has never forgotten the reason he is here. It's not 
about strategy, or abstract policy. It's about people.
  The struggle to create the children's health plan also illustrates 
another of the basic truths about Ted Kennedy. There are those who view 
my friend as an inflexible liberal. While he would claim the liberal 
label with pride, Ted Kennedy is one of the most flexible people in 
this Chamber.
  Ask his friend, Orrin Hatch. People call them the Odd Couple. I'll 
let my colleagues decide for themselves who is Felix Unger, and who is 
Oscar Madison.
  Ted Kennedy takes his work seriously, but he doesn't take himself too 
seriously. His staff Christmas parties and his costumes are legendary 
on the Hill. But not many people off the Hill know that one year he 
came as Milli--or was it Vanilli?--and last year he and Vicki appeared 
as 2 of the 101 dalmations.
  Sometimes when I am on this floor, I look up to the gallery to see 
the people who have come here to see this great institution at work. I 
can always tell when Ted Kennedy has walked on to the floor by the 
reactions of the people in the gallery. Invariably, people will sit up. 
Someone will lean over and whisper to the person next to them, ``Look, 
Ted Kennedy.''
  He is, undoubtedly, the best known and most recognized Member of this 
body. Yet, he remains a modest man. He is a worker among workers.
  No one in our caucus works harder. He's often the first one to work 
in the morning, and the last person to leave at night.
  No job is too small for Ted Kennedy.
  At the same time, no challenge is too big.
  He comes from a family that understands the American dream. And he is 
determined to keep that dream alive for a new generation of Americans.
  Senator Kennedy's family also understands heartbreak. Carved into the 
desk in which he sits are the names of his two brothers who sat there 
before him, John and Robert. Two brothers who were taken from him, and 
us, because of their commitment to public service.
  Many people--perhaps most people--who had suffered such loss might 
withdraw from public service, in fear or anger. They might conclude, 
rightly, that their family had given enough.
  But not Ted Kennedy.
  He has stayed here and he worked.
  To some of us, he is an inspiration. To others, he is, frankly, an 
irritation. But he is the same sort of irritation that the speck of 
sand is to the oyster. Because of him, we have produced pearls.
  We passed the Kennedy-Kassebaum Health Care Portability Act and the 
Children's Health Care Act.
  We raised the minimum wage.
  As long as here is here, I know that Ted Kennedy will continue to 
fight for better health care for all Americans, for educational 
opportunity, and economic justice.
  If history is any guide, he will move this body, and this Nation, 
forward on all those fronts.
  I am proud to call him my colleague and my friend.

[[Page S11859]]

  I congratulate him today on 35 years of service in the Senate to his 
State and to his country.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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