Washington - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) released the following statement on the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy:

"We have lost one of the greatest public servants in our nation's history - a man who affected as much progress from his position in the Senate as anyone ever has. Ted Kennedy's causes were the causes that make a real difference in the lives of American families. From health care to education, workers' rights to civil rights, his record of accomplishment was prolific and profound. Our colleague is now gone; may we be able to carry the torch with the strength, determination and wisdom for which we admired him so greatly. "I consider it an honor and a privilege to have served in the Senate side-by-side with Senator Kennedy. To have collaborated closely with him at the negotiating table and in Senate debate on legislation to protect our nation's workers and reform our immigration system was an inspiring experience for a new Senator. I will always cherish that work and will never forget what I learned from joining with Senator Kennedy to move our nation forward. I considered him not only a colleague, but a true friend in the Senate. "Today, millions of our nation's Latinos are mourning the loss of one of their greatest champions. Senator Kennedy will always have a place of honor in the Latino community as someone who stood up and fought for the rights of immigrants and the issues that affected the community at a time when few others would. From farm worker legislation to voting rights and civil rights that impacted the Latino community, we saw the strength of Senator Kennedy's beliefs. For this, Latinos across the country will always remember him.
"As millions of Americans mourn Senator Kennedy's passing, may his life's work be an inspiration. May we always seek to form a more perfect union, as he did. My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy's beloved wife Vicki, his children and the entire Kennedy family. The Lion of the Senate will be deeply missed."

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