As mourners remember Ted Kennedy's work on legislation, Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) is now proposing re-naming the health care legislation in honor of Kennedy.

In his honor and as a tribute to his commitment to his ideals, let us stop the shouting and name calling and have a civilized debate on health care reform which I hope, when legislation has been signed into law, will bear his name for his commitment to insuring the health of every American.

Just earlier this week, former presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said that the absence of Kennedy in the debate over health care has made a "huge, huge difference."

Byrd proposes renaming health care bill after Ted Kennedy [Think Progress]
McCain: Health debate hurt by Kennedy's absence [AP]