Sen. Edward M. Kennedy '54-'56 (D-Mass.), who expressed his support for the living wage campaign at a rally on Friday, will personally meet with University President Neil L. Rudenstine today in Washington at an afternoon reception along with his fellow Harvard graduates serving in Congress.

The Harvard-affiliated members of Congress are also set to receive a letter from AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney urging them to support the 37 members of the Progressive Students Labor Movement (PSLM) who have been occupying Mass. Hall for more than six days in the hope of winning a living wage of at least $10.25 per hour for all Harvard employees.

Kennedy, who will be introducing Rudenstine at today's reception, made an appearance at Mass. Hall following an afternoon rally in the Yard on Friday, and he used the opportunity to pledge to contact Rudenstine about implementing a living wage.

"I'll call. Absolutely," he said.

PSLM member Emilou H. Maclean '01 said Kennedy has made good on his promise-after the rally, Kennedy called and left a message on Rudenstine's voice mail urging the president to implement a living wage.

Maclean said Kennedy's contribution to the campaign has been significant.

"Kennedy has expressed a desire to be heavily involved until the end," she said.

University spokesperson Joe Wrinn confirmed Rudenstine's appearance at the event tomorrow, and said Rudenstine would expect the issue of a living wage to be addressed.

"He's always been willing to talk about the process we went through," Wrinn said. "I'm sure he'd expect something like that."

The sit-in received an additional boost today from the second member of the Mass. senatorial delegation-Sen. John Kerry registered his support for the sit-in yesterday, in addition to Reps. Michael A. Capuano (D-Mass.) and Barney Frank '61 (D-Mass.).

The students occupying the building also gained allies from major sources within the University.

On Monday, all 13 House masters submitted an open letter to the Harvard community urging administrators to negotiate with those inside Mass. Hall, and last night the United Ministry, encompassing virtually every major religious group on campus, voted to endorse the masters' letter. The letter falls short of urging the University to adopt a $10.25 an hour living wage.

The sit-in has also received local political support.

Last night the Cambridge City Council unanimously passed a measure in support of a living wage at Harvard and requested a meeting with Rudenstine to discuss resolution of the sit-in.

Cambridge Mayor Anthony D. Galluccio visited the students occupying the building during a candlelight vigil held last night.