Statement from Congresswoman Matsui on the Passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

CONTACT: Mara Lee

(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-CA), issued the following statement today after learning of the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts:

"Senator Ted Kennedy's passing is heart-breaking news to all of us - to those in public service, and to everyone who believes in the promise of this country. Senator Kennedy has carried the torch for civil rights, national service, education for the American people, and challenged us always - that we can do better. The lion in the Senate, he will always be our champion for quality, affordable health care, proving to us that this is an economic, and a moral obligation.

"Senator Kennedy has shaped so much of the last 50 years in American political life, and we all awoke today understanding that our country has lost a wise and visionary leader. I feel a personal loss, as have many others, who have benefited from his acts of kindness throughout the years. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Kennedy family, his wife, Vicki, and their children, Ted Jr., Kara, and my colleague Patrick, as well as to the First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, who have undoubtedly been influenced by this great man we have been so fortunate to have in our lives."