From Sickbed, Kennedy Crafts Health Plan

(AP) - Employers would be required to offer health care to employees or pay a penalty, and all Americans would be guaranteed health insurance, under a draft bill being circulated today by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's health committee. The bill would provide subsidies to help poor people afford care, and give patients the right to select any doctor they want. More»

'Stars are better aligned' with friendly president, business community

(NEWSER) - Recent praise of Ted Kennedy has “the feeling of a grand farewell,” but don't bury the cancer-stricken senator just yet, Eleanor Clift writes in Newsweek. Far from it—the liberal lion is "burning up the phone lines" as the third and best shot at enacting his cherished dream of universal health care comes into view. With business interests on board and a sympathetic president, this is “one of those rare moments in history where something dramatic can be done.” More»

President thinks Republican ideas will look worse in the spotlight

(NEWSER) - President Obama threw Washington a curve yesterday when he invited the GOP to a televised bipartisan health care discussion, and even though he might wind up right back where he started, it’s a good move. “It is a call-the-bluff moment, with the president daring Republicans to put their cards on the table,” writes Steve Benen of Washington Monthly . The White House apparently believes Republican ideas will look worse in the daylight. More»

'Liberal lion' invoked by both left and right, but what would he think?

(NEWSER) - The memory of Ted Kennedy was a vivid presence today on both sides of the aisle as the Senate passed its version of his signature issue, health care reform. The late Massachusetts senator “remained the Democrats' spiritual floor leader,” Dana Milbank writes in the Washington Post , and almost everyone credited him for the success. The tributes didn't sit well with some Republicans. More»

Measure passes 220-215, with only one Republican in favor

(AP) - The House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation tonight to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. The measure passed 220-215 with only one Republican—Louisiana's Joseph Cao—in favor and 39 Democrats opposed. "Oh, what a night," said a triumphant Nancy Pelosi. The vote clears the way for the Senate to begin debate on its own bill. More»