Remembering Senator Edward Kennedy

Floor Speech

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, in this chamber we have witnessed incredibly moving eulogies and remembrances of our departed colleague Senator Edward Kennedy. Obituaries in national and international newspapers convey the historic milestones of his life that none could forget, as well as more personal stories of the man that fewer knew.

So much has been said and written since Senator Kennedy's death August 25, 2009. Many of these stories paint the picture of his family, his life, his accomplishments, his legacy all of it extraordinary. Many of us are students of history. Indeed Senator Kennedy lived history.

I am reminded of the recollections of one of my predecessors as U.S. Senator for Wyoming, and a dear friend of Senator Kennedy, Senator Al Simpson. In an interview from 1997 given to the Institute of International Studies at the University of California as part of their ``Conversation of History'' project, Senator Simpson was asked: Who was the finest legislator he had ever worked with? Senator Simpson replied:

The finest legislator I ever worked with was Ted Kennedy. He had a magnificent staff, he even had a parliamentarian on that staff of his. So when you were in the legislative arena and you were bringing your lunch and staying late, you wanted to get Ted on your side or at least use some of his expertise. I would go to him sometimes early on and say look, you'll have to trust me, what the hell do I do right now to move this bill? Boy I'll tell you he had ways to do it and as you can see he uses those skills on issues in which I was totally on the other side. I can't remember them all there were so many. We were never on the same side. But he is a legislator.

And so he was. He was a quintessential legislator. There is no question about that.

Most of those who have so eloquently written and spoken since his death knew the Senator much better than I Presidents, Senators, world leaders, and other dignitaries, members of his family and friends back in New England. They recall the Senator all of us in the Senate knew, even if only briefly a kind, caring, passionate, and deliberate figure.

Others have detailed his accomplishments they are legendary and lasting. What can I add to these recollections?

I was neither a close friend, confidante, nor legislative partner to Senator Kennedy. I was a new Senator from Wyoming when I first met him. But the story I have, I would like to share, as it is meaningful and illustrates his larger than life personality in the U.S. Senate.

On June 25, 2007, I was sworn in to the U.S. Senate. Senator Kennedy was one of a handful of Democrats in the Chamber. As you would expect, I had a lot of family members in the gallery. Later, they joined me along with Malcolm Wallop, former U.S. Senator for Wyoming, and Senator Mike Enzi in a reception off this floor.

As I was walking up the center aisle to leave the Chamber, there was a booming voice that reverberated through the Chamber. ``Senator, Senator!'' I was new. I had been a U.S. Senator at that point for all of 60 seconds, so I ignored the calls. At that moment a hand grabbed my shoulder, I turned and heard this booming voice again ``Hi, I'm Ted Kennedy.'' Senator Kennedy through his voice and his presence knew how to get your attention.

All of those who came to see me sworn in--family, friends from Wyoming--they heard it too and we all broke out laughing. ``Senator Kennedy, we know who you are.''

Senator Kennedy began to tell me stories of his life and about his visits to Wyoming. He spoke about a trip to Rock Springs, WY, when his brother John was running for President. He spoke of Wyoming casting the votes to secure the nomination for John.

He told me about the people he had met--members of the Wyoming Democrat Party at the time--relationships he had built nearly 50 years ago. He named one after another as if he was reading from text. It was a stunning moment to watch Senator Kennedy recall places, events, and people in my home State from 1960.

At my welcoming reception he took personal time with my son Peter and my daughter Emma, both in college. He said to them, ``So you're the brother and you're the sister--you know I had some brothers.'' He talked about John and Robert and Joe. A living history lesson. He invited them up to his office to show them pictures and other memorabilia.

In his office in the Russell Building he must have spent half an hour with Peter and Emma going over pictures of his father Joe, mother Rose, and the Kennedy kids. He shared letters, notes from history.

I think he enjoyed it nearly as much as we did. He beamed when he spoke about his family.

Senator Kennedy leaves behind an astonishing legislative record of accomplishment. He achieved his goals to a degree that perhaps no other Senator in history has. As a public servant, he has few equals.

But he was so much more. Ted also leaves us with the memory of the man--the memory of his kindness and grace, his humility.

Books will detail Ted Kennedy's legislative victories. His moments in history. I will remember the moments he took to warmly and unexpectedly welcome this new Senator and touch the lives of my family that day as well.

To Vicki, we extend our family's sympathy and hope the coming days are filled with more love, God's grace and strength to go on. Bobbi and I wish the Kennedy family our best and our prayers are with you.

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