In 'priority' press releases, McKeon and Chivukula mourn the loss of Ted Kennedy

The family of the late Senator Edward Kennedy will be gratified to know that Assemblymen John McKeon (D-West Orange) and Upendra Chivukula (D-Franklin) issued statements late this afternoon paying tribute to Kennedy's lifetime accomplishments. The comments of the two legislators, issued at 4:46 PM and 5:55 PM, respectively, join similar statements made earlier today by other world leaders.

"Ted Kennedy's life and work are an extraordinary testament to public service.  Personally blessed with abundance, Senator Kennedy was always fighting for those who were not," said McKeon in what his office called a "priority" news release.   "He was a rare individual whose passion for public service and love of humanity drove his reform agenda. In his 46-year-career as a Senator, he helped millions realize the American dream of equal opportunity, civil rights, social justice, access to health care and immigration reform."

Chivukula's releases was also tagged a ‘priority," and clearly noted that the four-term Assemblyman is the "first and only South Asian lawmaker in the New Jersey General Assembly and a staunch advocate of immigration reform."

"Sen. Edward Kennedy was driven by the desire to make a difference. And he did - with landmark legislation that transformed us into a more egalitarian society and a nation of greater equality," he said.

"Perhaps one of Sen. Kennedy's greatest accomplishments was that he helped to create a more just immigration system in our nation," Chivukula said.  "The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 - the first major legislation he sponsored - was a breakthrough in how immigrants were selected for entry to the United States. It abolished the country-wide quota system that favored certain nations and provided for unlimited visas for family reunification.  Sen. Kennedy's legislation has had a profound influence on immigration reform and the demographic make-up of our country - helping make us a great nation of immigrants"