[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   ON THE OCCASION OF THE 78TH BIRTHDAY OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I offer these few words in observation and 
in celebration of the birthday of a man who remains very much with us 
as we go about the people's business--Senator Ted Kennedy.
  No one fought harder for the causes in which he believed, but he also 
believed in working across the aisle and in reaching out to find common 
ground.
  No one believed more deeply in providing universal health care to all 
Americans and I know that if he were still in the United States Senate, 
he would have been working overtime to help us find a way to make 
health care a reality for everyone.
  Those of us who are blessed to have known him and to be wrapped in 
his special embrace of friendship miss him deeply.
  But we can feel him at our shoulder, urging us on, helping us find 
joy in battle, satisfaction in doing our best, and taking inspiration 
from the people who need us most and who cannot speak for themselves. 
And we can still be touched by his example, his belief in a common 
respect that each of us is here to do our best to make our nation 
better.
  On this day when Senator Kennedy would be 78, let us give ourselves a 
gift--let us be worthy of his unfailing optimism--let us work together 
a little harder, get along a little better, and spend the few precious 
moments we are allotted bringing all Americans freedom to live a 
healthy life.
  Happy birthday, my friend, and God bless you.

                          ____________________