A liberal lion to the last, Senator Ted Kennedy was an inspiration to me, as he was to so many of my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle. For over forty years, he served the people of Massachusetts and this nation with elegance, distinction, wit, and a fervent commitment to do right by the least fortunate among us. He was a beacon of courage and compassion for all of us to steer by.

Unwavering in his principles and yet open-hearted to those who disagreed with him, the Senator always went the extra mile to fight for American workers, children, women, seniors, and families. From the minimum wage to paycheck fairness to the health reform proposals we discuss today, he time and time again led the way forward on the legislation that has transformed this nation for the better, and in so doing he changed the lives of millions of people in this country. His warmth, intelligence, and leadership in these halls will be sorely missed.

I personally will never forget Senator Kennedy calling to congratulate me on House passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act in July of 2008. Even then, as he was battling illness, he took the time to encourage us in that fight. It was that extra gesture of devotion to the cause that was so typical of the Senator. He was one of the most decent and humane statesmen I have ever met.

Health care reform was the cause of Senator Kennedy’s life, we will honor his decades of service by continuing the push to bring health care to all Americans until we see it done.