Senator Edward Kennedy Leading Health Reform

Posted in Health Insurance

June 12th, 2009

Because of the “…cause of my life,” Senator Edward Kennedy is leading the health insurance reform movement that is currently being worked on in Congress. Kennedy, who is suffering from terminal brain cancer, has been a longtime champion of the cause in providing affordable health care to all American’s.

James Thurber, of American University’s Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, has stated that although a health bill could get passed without Kennedy’s assistance, “…he’s the key…He knows more about health care than anyone else in the Senate, he’s widely respected by both parties and is one of the most important senators in history.” Already to his efforts, Kennedy recently proposed a bill that is being viewed as a rough draft promoting both his, and President Barack Obama’s commitment to reform.

Currently two Senate organizations are drafting proposals that Obama wants passed in August, before a month long Senate break. Even though Kennedy is currently spearheading the project, his ultimate influence and control may be sidelined by his diminished health. Political analyst believe that the final bill will be a mix of Kennedy with the other portion coming fromSenate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus.