Honolulu, Hawaii -- U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie tonight issued the following statement on Senator Ted Kennedy:

“We have lost one of our nation's greatest progressive leaders in Senator Ted Kennedy, but we have made tremendous gains through his compassion, courage and vision. Senator Kennedy was a life-long advocate for those who needed a voice in the halls of Congress, working tirelessly to advance America's social and economic progress and to raise the quality of life for all of us. We have lost him at a critical crossroads in the national debate on health care--an issue that he cared about deeply. It will be a fitting tribute that we pass a health care bill to honor his work and legacy.”

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