Throughout his career in the United States Senate, Senator Kennedy authored more than 2,500 bills, including several hundred that became Public Law, and many that made a significant difference in the quality of life for the American people.
Following are what I consider his 15 great priorities/successes (in no particular order):
1.) Fighting for Quality, Affordable Health Care
2.) Championing Civil Rights
3.) Promoting Fairness and Equal Opportunities for All
4.) Fighting for Fair Elections and Protecting Voting Rights
5.) Retaining America's Leadership in the Global Economy
6.) Reforming the Federal Criminal Code
7.) Ensuring Safer Communities
8.) Ensuring High-Quality Education for All
9.) Advocating National and Community Service
10.) Fighting for Workers’ Rights and a Fair Minimum Wage
11.) Promoting the Right to Organize and Associate Freely
12.) Protecting the Environment and Promoting Energy Efficiency
13.) Providing Voice for Human Rights and Democracy worldwide
14.) Supporting the Troops and Defending the Nation
15.) Ensuring Disabled Americans Can Live Productive Lives
Government officials on both sides of the aisle expressed their regret, sympathy and admiration following the announcement of Kennedy's death on Tuesday, August 25, 2009.
“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... Senator Kennedy’s legacy stands with the greatest, the most devoted, the most patriotic men and women to ever serve in these halls... As we mourn his loss, we rededicate ourselves to the causes for which he so dutifully dedicated his life."
-- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
"For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore [Edward Kennedy's] name and resulted from his efforts... 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 Senator of our time."
-- President Barack Obama
"Today America lost a great elder statesman, a committed public servant, and leader of the Senate... Ted Kennedy was an iconic, larger than life United States senator whose influence cannot be overstated."
-- Republican Senator Orrin Hatch
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