Rep. Kennedy: Health bill's passage the best tribute to my father

The healthcare bill passed Sunday night by the House is the best tribute to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), his son, Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) said.

Kennedy, whose father was invoked by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in her speech before votes started on the bill, said he was moved by the tribute.

"The bill itself is the best tribute my father could ever have," Kennedy said. "I'm just proud to have been part of it."

The late senator had called health reform the cause of his life, a cause he could not see through to final passage when he died in August after a battle with brain cancer.

The congressman, who will retire next year at the end of his term, praised Pelosi for her leadership on the legislation.

"She's been an absolute inspiration to me," he said. "Her voice was heard loud and clear when the votes were on the board."