Tennessee Republican Senator Lamar Alexander said of Ted Kennedy, he was “at once the most partisan and the most constructive United States Senator.” He was definitely a man who will always be identified as being a liberal; however that did not stop him from reaching out with Republicans to help get legislation passed.
While health care had always been his main concern, Senator Kennedy was strategic in many other areas, helping those who needed help and giving a voice to those who had none.
He was a fighter for equality. His concerns included the poor, minorities, and women. Although it did not pass, he was a champion for the Equal Rights Amendment.
Senator Ted Kennedy was instrumental in one way or another for the following laws.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
After his brother, President John Kennedy, was assassinated, Ted Kennedy was a strong force in getting the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed and signed. This was more important to him as a senator and a man of conscience; however it was also important to get it passed as a memorial to his brother.
Head Start (1964)
The Head Start program provides pre-school children from low-income families with meals, education, and health and human services. It has been adjusted through the years.
Amendment to the Voting Rights Act in 1970
This laid the groundwork for a constitutional amendment which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.
The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971
This increased disclosure for contributions for federal campaigns and in 1974 it was amended to impose a limit on contributions. The importance of this is that it lessens the chance of one person “buying” a candidate.
Meals on Wheels Act of 1972
This provides nutritious delivered meals for house-bound senior citizens.
Title IX (1972)
Title 9 prohibits discrimination against women and provides equality for women in schools. Simply put, women and men must be able to have the same classroom and athletic opportunities.
Americans with Disabilities Act 1990
ADA says that no employer can discriminate against anyone with a disability.
The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act (1990)
Also known as the CARE Act it provides funding for low income and uninsured AIDS patients. The Ryan White programs fund treatments when it is the last resort and nothing else is available for the patient.
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty of 1991
Otherwise known as START, this treaty between the United States and the USSR drastically reduced the number of nuclear weapons. It is estimated that from 50% to 80% of the nuclear weapons possessed by these two countries have been removed and dismantled.
Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992
The MQSA requires facilities to be accredited. This is designed to insure that women receive the best quality cancer-screening tests. Later changes to this act include the requirement of the facility performing the mammogram to provide the patients with written results in easy to understand language. Patients also have the right to obtain their original mammograms if needed.
The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993
Otherwise known as FMLA, this act provides qualifying employees unpaid leave for up to twelve weeks to care for a new baby (by birth, adoption, or foster care), an ill family member, or when a serious health condition makes that employee unable to work. The worker’s job is protected under this law.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) of 1996
HIPPA protects the health insurance of American workers who lose or change jobs. This law also protects the security of health records and the privacy of patients.
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
This act provides for federal funding for schools that maintain a benchmark for students. This act sets standards for students and requires every public school to administer a standardized test annually to all students. The goal of this act is to raise the education level of the students and provide them with the tools necessary to advance in their lives.
Bioterrorism Preparedness Act 2002
This act strengthens the security of the nation’s drinking water, food and drug supply and biological agents.
Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002
This law requires that all travel documents be tamper resistant and machine readable. It also extends the communication between law enforcement agencies.
Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
This act brought prescription drug coverage to Medicare subscribers. This was the biggest change to Medicare since it was first enacted.
Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools to end the Exploitation of Children Today Act of 2003
PROTECT provides funding for Amber Alerts along the nation’s roadways and also provides for more intense security for children.
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 2005
COBRA gives workers and their families the opportunity to continue their group health insurance for a limited time when they leave their job under certain circumstances.
Cancer Access to Life-Saving Early Detection, Research and Treatment (ALERT) Act of 2009
This bill provides for funding for new research in early detection of cancer, and includes access to clinical trials and information. The intent of the bill is to strengthen research and cancer prevention and detection. Introduced after his diagnosis, Senator Kennedy was always a strong supporter of medical advancement legislation.
Read the Review of True Compass: A Memoir by Edward M. Kennedy
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