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Patrick J. Kennedy

U.S. Representative (January 1985-2011)

(Congress Bio Directory)

Why He Matters

The son of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), Kennedy has cut a relatively low-profile as a House member from Rhode Island.

His main legislative work included a drive for mental-health parity by insurers (enacted under President George W. Bush), as well as bringing home federal money to his eastern Rhode Island-based 1st district. ;

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At a Glance

  • Career History: Rhode Island House (1988-1994)
  • Birthday: July 14, 1967
  • Hometown: Brighton, Mass.
  • Alma Mater: Providence College, B.A., 1991
  • Spouse: Single
  • Religion: Catholic
  • Committees: House Appropriations Committee; Natural Resources Committee
  • DC Office: 407 Cannon House Office Building
  • District Office: Pawtucket, 401-729-5600
  • Email : Help complete
  • Web site
 

Path to Power

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The Issues

Health-Care Reform

Kennedy, along with his House colleague Rep. James Langevin (D) and Sen. Jack Reed (D), has promised to fight for a public- insurance option as a way to reform the health-care system. He said he believes the public option will provide competition to private insurance companies that could force them to lower their premiums.

Kennedy told The Providence Journal he would insist on the inclusion of a public option in a House health-care reform bill, he is open to supporting a compromise bill that may emerge from the Senate without the public option.

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The Network

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Additional Resources

  1. Mulligan, John, "R.I. delegates flexible on reform," The Providence Journal, Aug. 23, 2009.
  2. Almanac of American Politics, 2008 edition
  3. Mulligan, John E., The Providence Journal Bulletin, "Patrick J. Kennedy, Out of his Father's Shadow," Sept. 13, 2009
  4. Patrick Kennedy web site, Mental Health statements