Senate's Labor Leader - Edward "Ted" Kennedy

"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die." - Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democratic National Convention, 1980

Senator Edward M. KennedySenator Edward M. KennedyWidely hailed as one of the greatest Senators of all time, Edward “Ted” Kennedy selflessly committed his life to public service. For over 46 years on Capitol Hill, Kennedy determinedly fought for middle class and working families. He has become a democratic icon, bipartisan unifier, and one of the most powerful liberal voices the Senate has ever seen. He tirelessly served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as our senator and friend, and with each obstacle or setback, Kennedy seemed to battle back with intensified vigor and narrow his sights on his long-term vision for all Americans: a strong working class, efficient education system, and quality health care for all. Although Senator Kennedy ultimately lost his battle with brain cancer on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, his legacy and triumphs will live on and his life-long goal of universal health care for all may soon be realized.

 

 Click here to learn more about the life and legacy of Edward Kennedy

Click here to learn more about Senator Kennedy's successes in the Senate

Click here to read quotes of Senator Kennedy on the labor movement and the issues of importance to working families

Learn more about Senator Kennedy's legislative contributions on issues that are important to you:

To visit Kennedy's Congressional Page, click here

Senator Kennedy's staff compiled an extensive list of the great Senator's accomplishments. To view the entire list, download the following attachment.

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Kennedy Accomplishments.pdf270.27 KB
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Senator Kennedy - In Memoriam

Click here to read the official statement of the Mass AFL-CIO on the passing of the Senator

Click here to read the obituary for Senator Edward M. Kennedy in the Boston Globe

Click here to read a statement from National AFL-CIO President John Sweeney on the Legacy of Senator Kennedy

Kennedy's Awards and Achievements

  • Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, July 30, 2009
  • Lifetime Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus, February 27, 2009
  • Public Policy Leadership Award from the American Diabetes Association, December 5, 2008
  • Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society, November 21, 2008

Recent News Stories About the Senator

Patrick Kennedy-' Dad, the unfinished buisness is done' MSNBC discusses the passing of the healthcare bill and the Kennedys, March 23, 2010

Kirk Advances Kennedy's Mission Boston Globe, December 25, 2009

Working Families Mourn the Loss of Sen. Edward Kennedy AFL-CIO, August 26, 2009

Kennedy Championed Workers' Rights MSNBC summarizes just some of Kennedy's vast achievements over the years, August 26, 2009

Senator Kennedy unveils his new health care plan New York Daily News, June 10, 2009

Kennedy's Health-Care Measure to Require Employers to Chip In Washington Post, May 29, 2009

Health Bill Would Fix What's Broken Edward M. Kennedy Op-Ed in the Boston Globe, May 28, 2009

 

Videos of Senator Kennedy