IAFF On Senator Kennedy’s Timetable for Returning to Senate

September 9, 2008 – Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), the U.S. Senate’s foremost champion of working people and a great friend to America’s fire fighters, has announced he will continue seeking treatment for his health challenges in Massachusetts instead of returning to Washington for the brief Senate session scheduled for this month.

“Our primary concern is for Senator Kennedy to get well so he can return at full strength to fight on behalf of our members, and we fully support his decision to place his health first," says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "While we understand this development postpones Senate consideration of our national collective bargaining bill, it is far more important that Ted is able to return to the Senate next year where we look forward to once again working with him to pass this important legislation. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the Senator and his wife, Vicki, and we look forward to seeing him in January for the next chapter in his storied career.”