DeGette Statement on Senator Kennedy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statement today on the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA).

"The nation has lost a true champion for the poor and the powerless with the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. His influence on health care can be seen in everything from mental health parity to community health centers to our current work on comprehensive health insurance reform. Given Senator Kennedy's knowledge and experience, I sought his guidance early on as I crafted my stem cell bill. His advice was key to ensuring passage of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. Senator Kennedy's legacy will be firmly ingrained in our nation's history when it comes to health care, immigration, and civil rights."