Chairman Lynch just release this statement:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sen. Kennedy. Today, the senate has lost a giant and America’s working families have lost a champion. The senior senator from Massachusetts was always a true friend to the people of Rhode Island, and I will miss this great and honorable public servant who spent decades fighting for the underdog and championing the causes of the voiceless.

My thoughts and prayers are with Congressman Patrick Kennedy today, and the entire Kennedy family.”

Rep. Patrick Kennedy is announcing funding for U.S. Army vehicles.

Kennedy’s office says he secured a $2.5 million appropriation for the project. He’ll announce the funding at a news conference Tuesday morning in Warren.

The funds will be used in a partnership between TPI Composites, a maker of composite structures, and the Volvo Group.

TPI will create composite cabs that can be used inside Army vehicles and also as commercial sleeping cabs for truckers.

Kennedy says the funding will improve Rhode Island’s defense industry and equip the Army with a product that could save lives. (News 10).

Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy will vote in support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Authorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 6063) today on the House floor. The bill authorizes appropriations to NASA for the fiscal year of 2009.

“Ever since President Kennedy issued his historic challenge 47 years ago, the space program has captured the attention of the American people, created entire generations of scientists, researchers and astronauts, and paved the way for scientific breakthroughs here on Earth. It is appropriate that this legislation will carry us through the 40^th anniversary of the moon landing. We need to adequately support NASA’s programs that encourage research and nationwide participation in experiments which collect valuable medical and scientific data. We should also continue to fund educational programs, such as the enormously successful Space Grant program, which bring the excitement of space into schools across the nation, encouraging a new generation of researchers and astronauts,” adds Kennedy.

The NASA Authorization Act of 2008 approves funds to be used for science, aeronautics, exploration, education, space operations, cross-agency support programs, and the inspector general.

Here is a glimpse of the press release from Congressman Kennedy’s office:

Congressman Patrick Kennedy today announced his support for H.R. 5749, the Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008, which is being considered today by the House of Representatives. The legislation, effective through March of 2009, will offer much needed relief to 3.8 [million] unemployed workers. It will immediately provide up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits in every state to workers exhausting the 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. The additional benefits would be paid for out of the federal unemployment compensation trust fund.

“Rhode Island has an unemployment rate that ranks the highest in New England and among the highest in the country. Rhode Islanders are suffering, and unfortunately it looks like our national economy may get worse before it gets better. We cannot lose sight of the fact that our current economic woes are affecting people in profound ways. In addition to providing an additional safety net to help out-of-work Rhode Islanders through our current economic downturn, this legislation will bolster our economy by putting money directly into the hands of consumers, offering some assistance with cost of living expenses,” said Congressman Patrick Kennedy.

Below are some highlights from the meeting.

Senator Whitehouse

Senator Reed

Attorney General Lynch

Congressman Langevin

Congressman Kennedy

Congressman Kennedy and the Providence Bruins have partnered up with HealthNet Federal Services and Tri-Care to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Special recognition will be awarded to Hospital Corpsman Second Class Joshua Chiarini and Lieutenant Commander Justin Clancey.

“This country owes a great deal of gratitude to its veterans in recognition of their sacrifice, bravery, and human spirit. They are the epitome of what this country stands for and this night is a small token to show our appreciation.”

Over 400 Armed Services Veterans from across the state will be joining Kennedy at the event as the Providence Bruins take on the Springfield Falcons.

“Thousands of Liberians who live in Rhode Island and America have rebuilt their lives here, have contributed to their communities, and have raised American-born children,” said Congressman Patrick Kennedy. “Furthermore, from within the United States, they are in a much stronger position to not only continue their contributions to American society, but at the same time, they can also continue to play a pivotal role in furthering Liberia’s recovery from years of strife and turmoil.”

Advocates of this legislation include bipartisan Members of Congress, as well as, Charles A. Minor, Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, and Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf who explains, “For those unable to come back home now, we must appeal to you to grant them continuing protection status, and residency where appropriate, to put them in a condition to contribute to their country’s reform and development.”

Currently, 3600 Liberian refugees living in the United States have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until October of this year, when it is due to expire. Thousands of Liberians –– including the estimated 7,000 to 15,000 who live in Rhode Island (the largest concentration of Liberians per capita in the U.S.) –– have resided here in the United States since the outbreak of civil war in the African nation in March 1991, with many already achieving legal citizenship.

“This bill is about fundamental fairness. This bill is about keeping hard-working families together. This is a bill that strengthens our foreign policy. It would be unfair for families who have lived in the United States for over 10 years serving in all facets of society, from nurses and doctors to Marines and NFL Players, to face deportation to a country that is not yet ready for their return,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy has been recognized as a national leader in the mental health parity movement.

The Democratic Party of Rhode Island is looking for volunteers interested in serving in the RIDP Women’s Caucus to promote gender equality and a number of other issues important to all Rhode Islanders. If you’re interested in getting involved, all you have to do is email the party.