WASHINGTON, D.C. –

Today, Senator Richard Burr (R-North Carolina) issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy:

“I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Senator Ted Kennedy’s passing.  While we did not always see eye to eye on the issues of the day, he was a devoted and ardent champion of the causes he believed in.  I enjoyed the opportunities I had to work with him on issues that we shared a passion for, particularly our ongoing efforts to strengthen our nation’s public health system.  Brooke and I extend our thoughts and prayers to Vicki and the Kennedy family.”

U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) today commented on the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who died late Tuesday.

“Ted Kennedy went out of his way to make me feel welcome, giving me incredible advice about how to work in a bipartisan and congenial manner with all of our colleagues in the Senate,” Hagan said. “He truly cared about fostering a sense of community and connecting with his fellow Senators, regardless of any political disagreements they might have.

“Ted Kennedy devoted his entire life – nearly 47 years of it in the Senate – to helping America’s working families. Last night, our country lost a true public servant.

“My family and I want to extend our thoughts and prayers to his wife Vicki, his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews during this extremely difficult time.”