August 26, 2009 – Washington, DC – Congressman José E. Serrano released the following statement on the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy:
“Our nation has lost one of its greatest leaders today, a champion of the poor, the voiceless, and the downtrodden. Ted Kennedy was an advocate for so many issues and an inspiration to millions of Americans. He was a tireless defender of the least of us and one of my inspirations for entering public service.
“The interesting thing about Senator Kennedy and his brothers is that they did not have to become advocates for the poor and the powerless. But their parents taught all the Kennedy brothers and sisters that with great power and success come a responsibility to help others. Ted Kennedy exemplified this call to service with his work in the Senate.
“It is his tireless advocacy and hard work in that body that he will always be remembered for. On any number of issues important to Americans, Ted Kennedy led and succeeded. He worked for universal health care, to raise the minimum wage, to spark humane immigration reform, to promote civil rights, to expand educational opportunities, and to provide equal opportunities for those with disabilities, among many others. The list of issues Senator Kennedy championed is endless.
Many of us remember when Ted Kennedy conceded the Democratic Presidential nomination at the 1980 convention. He concluded with the words: “For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.” As we mourn his passing, we must also pledge to continue to fight for his values: fairness, tolerance, and compassion. Ted Kennedy left us today, but his cause endures, his hope still lives, and his dreams shall never die.”
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Congressman José E. Serrano has represented the Bronx in Congress since 1990.
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