[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 125 (Tuesday, September 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              MOURNING THE DEATH OF SENATOR EDWARD KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
express my deep sadness and regret for the passing of Senator Edward 
Kennedy. The world has lost a tremendous leader and an exceptional 
spirit. Senator Kennedy's voice was a unique source of inspiration on 
the Senate floor, and he will be greatly missed for his public service 
and work to improve the lives of the less fortunate.
  Senator Kennedy was arguably one of the most influential Senators in 
United States history. He was an exceptionally accomplished legislator 
who authored roughly 2,500 pieces of legislation over the course of his 
46-year-long career in the United States Senate. More than 300 of 
Senator Kennedy's bills went on to become law, and he had a rare 
ability to reach across party lines in the interest of passing 
important pieces of legislation. He was always well versed on policy 
issues and highly prepared for committee hearings and floor debates.
  As the Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions 
Committee, Senator Kennedy courageously led the push to reform our 
nation's failing health care system. He strongly believed that all 
Americans deserved to have access to affordable health care options and 
supported a number of initiatives, including America's Affordable 
Health Choices Act of 2009. Senator Kennedy also helped enact the State 
Children's Health Insurance Program, the Medicare prescription drug 
benefit, the Ryan White Care Act and the Family Medical Leave Act.
  Although health care was Senator Kennedy's passion, he was also 
committed to combating discrimination. Even when it was politically 
unpopular, Senator Kennedy believed in an America where ethnic 
minorities and women were treated equally. He supported Title IX, which 
outlawed discrimination on the basis of sex in institutions of higher 
education and the renewal of the Voting Rights Act, which banned 
racially discriminatory voting requirements.
  My prayers go out to the Kennedy family in this time of profound 
grief. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in remembering the life of 
a true American hero who dedicated his life to improving the lives of 
others.

                          ____________________