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Edward M. Kennedy
U.S. Senate Massachusetts
Senator Edward M. Kennedy has represented Massachusetts in the United States Senate since he was first elected in 1962 to finish the term of his brother, President John F. Kennedy. Since then, he has been re-elected seven times, and he is now the second most senior member of the Senate. Senator Kennedy serves on the Judiciary Committee, where he is the Ranking Democrat on the Immigration, Border Security, and Citizenship Subcommittee.
Throughout his career, Senator Kennedy has fought
for issues that benefit the people of Massachusetts
and the nation. He is a strong proponent of immigrant
rights and civil liberties. Senator Kennedy is
co-sponsor of the Security
and Freedom Ensured Act of 2003 (S 1709) .
A bill that amends the Patriot Act to place reasonable
limitations on the use of surveillance and the
issuance of search warrants. Senator Kennedy also
co-authored an amendment to the 2003 Omnibus Appropriations
Bill, which cut the funding for the controversial
National Security Entry-Exit Program (NSEERS).
The program required non-immigrant male citizens
and/or nationals from 25 countries, including
Iranian nationals, to report to local INS offices
in order to be "voluntarily" questioned,
photographed and fingerprinted. The registration
program led to the detention and harsh treatment
of hundreds of Iranian males who were arrested
by the INS because of procedural infractions.
In his speech at the IAPAC kick-off reception in Washington , DC , Senator Kennedy spoke of his efforts to combat hate crimes against Iranian and other Americans. In these difficult times for our country, we know that the threat of terrorism against our country has not ended. We have to keep doing all we can to see that our borders are secure, that our immigration laws are enforced, and that law enforcement officials have the support they need. But, we must do so in ways that respect fundamental rights.
Background Information
Party: Democrat
Term: 8 th
First Elected: 1962
Committees: Armed Services ; Joint Economic ; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions ; Judiciary
Prev. Occupation: Attorney
Prev. Political Exp.: no prior elected office
Education: AB Harvard University, 1956; LLB University of Virginia, 1959
Military: USA, 1951-53
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