The Lion of the Senate

Having served nine terms and over 46 years on Capitol Hill, Senator Kennedy rose in the ranks of the Senate to become one of most influential and iconic democrats, while at the same time remaining well-regarded for his innate ability to form bipartisan coalitions and favorable compromises for both parties. He was always a pioneer in the Senate, focusing on issues that other legislators did not want to touch: such as civil rights, women’s rights, and the plight of the disabled community. His support and influence was integral to the passing of the paramount Civil Rights Act of 1964, which effectively banned racial segregation in schools and public workplaces.

Senator Kennedy speaks during a Hearing of the Senate Armed Services CommitteeSenator Kennedy speaks during a Hearing of the Senate Armed Services CommitteeThe Senator took on many leadership positions on Capitol Hill, both within the Democratic Party and as a leader on various Committees. From 1969 to 1971, Kennedy served as the Senate Majority Whip for the Democratic Party. Up until his death, he served as Chairman of the Senate Health Subcommittee, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chairman of the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee and the Chairman of the Health, Labor, Education, and Pensions Committee. He has also been a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
 
His colleagues in Congress, republicans and democrats alike, all agree that Kennedy had an innate ability to bring senators to the bargaining table and form compromises in order to take steps in the right direction, small as they may be. Rather than focus only on the bigger picture of what he hopes to achieve, Senator Kennedy always struggled to pass legislation that may not be perfect, but is necessary in the short-term and can be reformed and amended in the long-term. Vice President Joe Biden has called him the "best strategist in the Senate". Upon his passing, President Barack Obama called him the "Greatest Senator of our time". He was widely considered to be one of the easiest Senators to work with, and one of the most affable as well. Kennedy possessed an innate ability to form unlikely yet meaningful friendships with Republican leaders in Congress, which helps unify the chamber and foster a bipartisan atmosphere, where members are committed to working on both sides of the aisle.  His compromising nature as well as his affable, likeable qualities will surely be missed in the Senate chambers.
 

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