WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), the dean of the New England and Massachusetts House congressional delegations issued the following statement after the passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver:

“The life of Eunice Kennedy Shriver is a testament to the power of the human spirit, as she touched countless lives through her tireless advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities,” said Markey. “Through the Special Olympics, the legacy of this incredible woman will live on, inspiring our nation and the world. She became a one-woman international public interest movement. My thoughts and prayers are with Sargent Shriver and the entire Shriver and Kennedy families.”