As we all know, a very sad day for America. The Kennedy family issued the following statement early Wednesday on the passing of the liberal lion, Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy.

"Edward M. Kennedy - the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply - died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port. We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it's hard to imagine any of them without him."

And here are the press releases from a couple of our Asian American Congressmembers. First, Bobby Scott (VA-03):

"Today our nation has lost one of its greatest public servants. Throughout his more than four decades in the United States Senate, Senator Kennedy was a champion for the American people. His legislative legacy includes the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Early Head Start Program, the State Children's Health Insurance Program and  raising the federal minimum wage for millions of American workers.

"Last year, in spite of his personal health challenges, Senator Kennedy worked tirelessly to elect Barack Obama our nation's 44th President, because he felt President Obama embodied the same spirit, hopes and dreams that the Kennedys have represented for over a generation. His absence on Capitol Hill will be especially felt as Congress and President Obama work towards one of his most important life goals - providing affordable access to health care for all Americans. I offer my condolences to Senator Kennedy's wife Vicki, my friend and colleague Congressman Patrick Kennedy and the entire Kennedy family."

And Congressmember Doris Matsui (CA-05)

“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.” 

UPDATE - Here is Judy Chu's (CA-32) statement:

“It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy, the ‘Lion of the Senate,’ this morning.

“My fellow Congressmembers and I, and indeed our entire nation, have lost today an irreplaceable and tenacious leader who always led by example, always stayed true to his principles, and always fought for what was right and just for all of our citizens.

“We will especially miss Senator Kennedy's leadership as we work toward reforming our health care system, an issue that was near to his heart and one of his biggest legislative priorities. We owe it to Sen. Kennedy's legacy to pass lasting, meaningful healthcare reform this year, and to ensure that his dream of stable, affordable and quality health coverage for all Americans becomes a reality.”

UPDATE 2 - A statement from CA Assemblymember Ted Lieu:

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Senator Edward Kennedy late last night. My condolences go out to his wife and family and all those he leaves behind.

 

Senator Kennedy built a legacy for himself as one of the most passionate and effective legislators in American history. Despite suffering many personal tragedies, he dedicated his life to serving the least among us, a champion for civil rights, health care and education.

 

Unwavering in his beliefs and dedication to the ideals of the Democratic Party, Senator Kennedy led the fight for groundbreaking social policy in the US Senate for 47 years. I was lucky enough to meet the Senator at a rally for President Obama in Los Angeles last year. His devotion to public service will continue to serve as an inspiration for me in my own legislative work.

 

The “Lion of the Senate” will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on.