Ted Kennedy’s Leadership in the Senate.

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Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Ted Kennedy has served in a variety of leadership roles. 

From 1969 – 1971 Kennedy served as Majority Whip in the Senate.  He he was succeeded by Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia. 

From 1978 – 1981, Kennedy chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee.  When the Republicans regained control of the Senate, following the 1980 election, Strom Thurmond was named Chairman.  Senator Kennedy has remained a “high ranking” Senator on the Committee, which is currently chaired by Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont. 

Since 1987 Senator Kennedy has served as Chairman of the “Health Committee” – that is, he has served as Chairman while the Democrats have maintained a majority in the Senate.  Following the elections of 2006, Kennedy regained his title of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. 

Senator Kennedy is also a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee where he serves alongside Chairman, Carl Levin (D, MI) and Ranking Member, John McCain (R, AZ).

Additionally, Ted Kennedy is one of 6 Democratic Senators that serve on the Joint Economics Committee.