WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today made the following statement after learning about the death of Senator Ted Kennedy, who served in the Senate for 47 years.

Sen. Landrieu said:

"Senator Kennedy was one of the finest men and public servants I have ever known. I have the deepest respect for him and his service to Massachusetts and our nation.

"While he faced many challenges in his life and career, he proved himself to be an extraordinary and almost peerless Senator. Sen. Kennedy was masterful in his capacity to handle complex legislation and forge principled compromises. His voice and his heart will be missed not just in the Senate, but by people around the world who have been impacted by his life and work.

"Here in Louisiana we fondly remember Sen. Kennedy's commitment to our recovery and rebuilding effort following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He was one of the first Senators to visit our region following the 2005 disasters. In addition, he and Sen. Mike Enzi worked together to bring $2 billion in aid to our education system when our schools were crippled in the aftermath of Katrina and Rita. Sen. Kennedy was a tremendous champion in our recovery effort, and his dedication to our region will never be forgotten.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Vicki, the Reggie family in Crowley and the entire Kennedy family."