Dems Proceed on Health Care Without Ailing Kennedy

Dodd takes senator's place in meetings

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 5, 2009 6:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – Ted Kennedy's absence is being keenly felt as Senate Democrats and the White House prepare to move ahead on health care legislation without him, the Los Angeles Times reports. The senator, whom lawmakers from both sides had hoped could craft a bipartisan compromise, is being treated for a brain tumor and not expected back for another week or two; in the meantime, Connecticut's Chris Dodd is acting as his stand-in.

Kennedy—who has spent much of career fighting to improve the nation's health care system—was expected to introduce his version of the health care bill this week. He has consented to having it proceed without him, though many lawmakers fear that his continued absence could lead to political deadlock on the issue. "I'm here replacing someone who is irreplaceable," Dodd said before a meeting with President Obama this week.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (2)]

Sen. Ted Kennedy listens as President Barack Obama speaks at the White House Forum on Health Reform in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President Obama stands with Sen. Ted Kennedy at the White House Forum on Health Reform in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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I don't know of any other lawmaker who has the standing with liberal groups that he has and can work with Republicans like me. I pray for him. I hope he comes back. But he has a terrible, terrible illness. - Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah)

We are a little bit behind the Finance Committee because obviously Senator Kennedy hasn’t been with us, our chairman, our leader in all of this. We have got a little catching up to do.
- Senator Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

JonmarkP

Jun 6, 2009 5:52 AM CDT

I'd just like to have what the good Senator has - call it Congress Care. But that's not what he has in mind for us; Kennedy wants to be sure the predatory insurance companies continue to get their fat cut. Thanks Ted. Have a drink on me, my besotted friend.

IndependentThinker

Jun 5, 2009 6:09 AM CDT

http://www.senate.gov/general/... The above link will take you to the page where you can find and contact your Senators.

IndependentThinker

Jun 5, 2009 6:06 AM CDT

Your a true hero of the American people lo9an. Please listen to his words and consider his request.

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health care • Senate Democrats • Ted Kennedy • Senate Health Committee • Chris Dodd • health care reform • brain cancer

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Dems Proceed on Health Care Without Ailing Kennedy