Senator Edward M. Kennedy, one of the most influential senators in American history, died late Tuesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Mass. He was 77. "The inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever,” the senator’s family said in a statement. “Ted Kennedy will go down in history as one of the giants of the U.S. Senate and one the most accomplished legislators in American history,” Senator Bernie Sanders said. “He will also be remembered, by those who knew him, as an extremely warm and caring human being whose public service was a brilliant reflection of his love and devotion to his country, his friends and his family. As a member of the Senate health and education committee, I was always impressed by his intelligence, knowledge and seriousness of purpose.  His career in public service was driven by a deep sense of compassion and a belief that, in this great country, every American should be entitled to quality health care, education and other basic needs as well as equal justice under the law. Ted Kennedy devoted his lifetime to protecting those most in need, and tens of millions of Americans have been the beneficiaries. His absence from the Senate leaves an enormous void.  His colleagues and the nation will miss him greatly.”

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