[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 145 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING SENATOR EDWARD KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2009

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Senator Edward 
Kennedy, who passed away August 25, 2009, at age 77. A leader in the 
Senate for over 46 years, Senator Kennedy dedicated his career to 
equality and justice for all.
  Senator Kennedy believed that the fight for quality and affordable 
healthcare was the cause of his life and nothing less than a moral 
obligation for us all. His courageous commitment to improving the 
welfare of all people was inspirational to me and millions of 
Americans. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, 
Labor, and Pensions, he influenced nearly every piece of legislation 
that came before the Senate. Because of his deep concern for the 
treatment of mental health patients, he helped individuals suffering 
from mental health and substance abuse disorders receive adequate 
coverage and prompted the growth of America's Community Mental Health 
Centers. Senator Kennedy was also committed to increasing access to 
health care for everyone. I wish he was with us long enough to see all 
his hard work come true.
  Senator Kennedy was a compelling advocate for equal access to 
education for all children. His leadership was instrumental in 
expanding the Head Start Program and he devoted himself to improving 
teaching quality and equality across the country.
  Senator Kennedy fought tirelessly to ensure all students who wished 
to obtain higher education were able to do so. During the 110th 
Congress, he helped enact the most substantial increase in student aid 
funding, making higher education more accessible and affordable to all.
  Madam Speaker, Senator Kennedy was a shining example of what the very 
best public servants can aspire to become and his passion for helping 
others will live on through the lives he has touched. His legacy of 
hard work, compassion, and excellence will continue to impact America 
for generations to come.

                          ____________________