Kennedy steps down from Judiciary Committee

Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), who returned to the Senate last month while battling brain cancer, said Friday that he will give up his seat on the Judiciary Committee to focus on healthcare reform.

In announcing the move, Kennedy said that he expects to lead a “very full agenda” as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

{mosads}The agenda will include working with President-elect Obama on an effort to “guarantee affordable healthcare, at long last, for every American,” Kennedy said in a statement.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I intend to make the most of it,” he added.

Kennedy is the second-ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, behind Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and chaired a subcommittee on immigration, border security and citizenship.

“Ted has always been a giant on the committee,” Leahy said Friday. “I will miss his wise counsel, but am thankful that we serve together in the Senate.”

Kennedy, 76, suffered a seizure in May and was subsequently diagnosed with brain cancer. He spent the next five months recuperating at his home in Hyannis, Mass. He returned to the Senate on a full-time basis last month, after Democrats captured the White House and increased their majorities in Congress.

Liberal civil rights advocacy group People for The American Way called Kennedy “irreplaceable” after his office announced he’d be leaving the committee.

“During his years on the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Kennedy proved himself to be one of the Constitution’s staunchest defenders,” said Kathryn Kolbert, the group’s president. “His passion for justice and his deep commitment to equality under the law have helped to better our nation in countless ways.”

J. Taylor Rushing contributed to this article.