Black Lawmakers Praise Sen. Kennedy

Black lawmakers praise the late Sen. Ted Kennedy.

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn - “America mourns the loss of a legendary leader and public servant, Senator Edward M. Kennedy. His body of work spans a near half-century, but will live forever. He was the protector of the least of these and the champion of equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all Americans. Whether it’s civil rights, education, public health or a livable minimum wage, his work has improved American lives in a myriad of ways."

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House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn - “America mourns the loss of a legendary leader and public servant, Senator Edward M. Kennedy. His body of work spans a near half-century, but will live forever. He was the protector of the least of these and the champion of equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all Americans. Whether it’s civil rights, education, public health or a livable minimum wage, his work has improved American lives in a myriad of ways."

On the Hill - Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and 21 other lawmakers introduced a bill late last week that would prevent funding to increase the amount of troops in Afghanistan (H.R. 3699). This legislation follows a request by Afghanistan commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal for as many as 40,000 additional troops to boost U.S. engagement in the nation.

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Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) - “His body of work spans a near half-century, but will live forever. He was the protector of the least of these and the champion of equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all Americans. Whether it’s civil rights, education, public health or a livable minimum wage, his work has improved American lives in a myriad of ways.”

Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-Mo.) - “My father [Rep. William Lacy Clay, Sr.] and I revered Ted Kennedy as a friend and colleague. We send our thoughts and prayers to his wonderful family who must bear this terrible burden."

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Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-Mo.) - “My father [Rep. William Lacy Clay, Sr.] and I revered Ted Kennedy as a friend and colleague. We send our thoughts and prayers to his wonderful family who must bear this terrible burden."

Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (D-Ohio) - “He was and will always be one of the single most important public figures in American history for his courage to unfailingly stand for what was right."

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Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (D-Ohio) - “He was and will always be one of the single most important public figures in American history for his courage to unfailingly stand for what was right."

Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D- Va.) - “Last year, in spite of his personal health challenges, Senator Kennedy worked tirelessly to elect Barack Obama our nation’s 44th President, because he felt President Obama embodied the same spirit, hopes and dreams that the Kennedys have represented for over a generation. His absence on Capitol Hill will be especially felt as Congress and President Obama work towards one of his most important life goals – providing affordable access to health care for all Americans.”

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Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D- Va.) - “Last year, in spite of his personal health challenges, Senator Kennedy worked tirelessly to elect Barack Obama our nation’s 44th President, because he felt President Obama embodied the same spirit, hopes and dreams that the Kennedys have represented for over a generation. His absence on Capitol Hill will be especially felt as Congress and President Obama work towards one of his most important life goals – providing affordable access to health care for all Americans.”

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Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) - “I will miss Ted’s partnership, particularly on the most important District issues. Ted was always there with us and for us. No matter how deep the controversy - from public funds for public schools to our struggle for D.C. Statehood, and when statehood was not then possible, for the House and Senate vote, and today for the D.C. House Voting Rights Act of 2009 we are so close to achieving.”

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Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) - “I will miss Ted’s partnership, particularly on the most important District issues. Ted was always there with us and for us. No matter how deep the controversy - from public funds for public schools to our struggle for D.C. Statehood, and when statehood was not then possible, for the House and Senate vote, and today for the D.C. House Voting Rights Act of 2009 we are so close to achieving.”

Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-Fla.) - “From strengthening the quality of education for our students, to improving the quality of health care for our seniors, to ensuring equality and civil rights for all Americans, Senator Kennedy was a leader unparalleled in our nation.”

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Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-Fla.) - “From strengthening the quality of education for our students, to improving the quality of health care for our seniors, to ensuring equality and civil rights for all Americans, Senator Kennedy was a leader unparalleled in our nation.”

Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) - “Today, I join the world in mourning the loss of a man who will forever be a true American hero. For decades, Senator Kennedy has been a stalwart in our community, fighting for our children, for our seniors, and for the best interests of millions of families across the nation. Through his last day, we witnessed in him the same courage, determination, and selfless service that have characterized his constant efforts to lift up the lives of all Americans.”

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Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) - “Today, I join the world in mourning the loss of a man who will forever be a true American hero. For decades, Senator Kennedy has been a stalwart in our community, fighting for our children, for our seniors, and for the best interests of millions of families across the nation. Through his last day, we witnessed in him the same courage, determination, and selfless service that have characterized his constant efforts to lift up the lives of all Americans.”

Rep. Diane Watson (D-Calif.) - “The world mourns the enormous loss of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, a giant among public servants, and the last of a generation of Kennedy brothers who leave a peerless legacy of public service. With his passing, Camelot’s flag furls at half-mast for the lion and closes an era of vast accomplishments."

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Rep. Diane Watson (D-Calif.) - “The world mourns the enormous loss of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, a giant among public servants, and the last of a generation of Kennedy brothers who leave a peerless legacy of public service. With his passing, Camelot’s flag furls at half-mast for the lion and closes an era of vast accomplishments."