Ailing Kennedy Returns For Senate Vote

Battling Brain Tumor, Mass. Senator Cheered During Medicare Vote

(CBS/ AP)  Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, battling a brain tumor, walked through a wall of applause into the Senate on Wednesday and cast a stunningly unexpected vote on long-stalled health care legislation.

"Aye," the 76-year-old Kennedy said in a loud voice, and he made a thumbs-up gesture as he registered his vote.

Spectators in the galleries that overhang the chamber burst into cheers - a violation of decorum that drew no complaints.

"It's great to be back. I love this place," he said after his brief visit.

Kennedy made his way into the Senate on his own power, appearing little the worse for his illness. A patch of scalp was clearly visible amid his familiar white hair, although it was not clear whether that was a result of surgery he underwent or the effects of chemotherapy that is part of his treatment.

He walked into chamber accompanied by Sen. Barack Obama, his party's presidential nominee-in-waiting, as well as fellow Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry and his own son, Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island.

Democratic senators, who had been tipped to his presence, burst into applause when he entered. Some Republicans looked around quizzically, then joined in the applause when they saw Kennedy.

Kennedy's wife Victoria and niece Caroline Kennedy watched from the Senate gallery, reports CBS News correspondent Chip Reid. Victoria wiped away tears during the standing ovation, and Sen. Kennedy looked up and waved to her from the floor.

So did many of Kennedy's colleagues and several Senate clerks.

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Read the Couric & Co. blogpost on Sen. Ted Kennedy's return to the Senate floor

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I return to the Senate today to keep a promise to our senior citizens and that's to protect Medicare," Kennedy's office said in a statement it released as the vote on the health care bill was unfolding.

"Win, lose or draw, I wanted to be here. I wasn't going to take the chance that my vote could make the difference."

Officials said Kennedy left Boston immediately after his daily cancer treatment for a flight to Washington. He was expected to return home immediately, in time for Thursday's treatment.

Kennedy's dramatic return gave Democrats the impetus they needed to free Medicare legislation from gridlock. It had received 59 votes on an earlier test, one short of the 60 needed to advance. Kennedy made 60, and when Republicans saw the outcome was sealed, several of them joined Democrats to pad the margin. The House already has overwhelmingly approved the measure.

Lawmakers are under pressure from doctors and the elderly patients they serve to void a 10.6 percent pay cut for doctors treating Medicare patients. It kicked in July 1 because of a funding formula that establishes lower reimbursement rates when Medicare spending levels exceed established targets. Some doctors say they'll quit taking new patients if the cuts stand.

Officials said Kennedy left Boston immediately after his daily cancer treatment for a flight to Washington. He was returning home immediately, in time for Thursday's treatment.

"It was a very important day. This whole issue of Medicare is something that's been enormously important to me since I've been in the United States Senate," a smiling Kennedy told reporters on returning home Wednesday evening. "This was a key vote on this issue, so I was glad to be able to participate.

He said he was touched by the reception from colleagues.

"It's nice to be able to get a good round of applause from even those that you differ with from time to time," he said.

Asked what his doctors thought about the trip, he said, "Well, that's another story for another time."

One official said Kennedy has been in regular contact with Majority Leader Harry Reid, and had asked his doctors earlier this week whether he could make a quick trip to Washington. He told Reid on Tuesday he would be there.

Kennedy was last in the Senate in mid-May. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor this spring after suffering unexplained symptoms that resulted in his being taken to a hospital on Cape Cod, Mass., and then flown to Boston.

He later underwent surgery at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C.,

[lochlan-2009]

McCain was suspiciously AWOL on this vote.

[harpoot]

He probably wanted the travel allowance to go from his estate to D.C. All these idiots care about are their perks.

[antoniof123]

Posted by Nearl4511

Hero no. I say he is a Zero. He let that girl drown to save himself from getting popped for DUI.
Posted by kmccliment at 11:38 PM : Jul 09, 2008

This in 2008 is the only thing you can come up with, especially Knowing that this was SIMPLY an accident that had happenned. Besides, we don''''t see you posing about Laura Bush''''s killing (as you imply) ??

Posted by parrot123 at 11:01 AM : Jul 10, 2008

I agree have you ever noticed how neo cons are so full of hate and when someone says something about their heros like Bush they alway cry foul. No wonder more and more Americans are seeing the true neo cons.

[parrot123-2009]

It''''s a shame that a man of Sen. Kennedy''''s stature, who is suffering from a debilitating disease, is forced to come to the Senate to break GOP created gridlock and free legislation that is vitally important to over 44 million Americans. I guess the GOP hopes that those 44 million (most of whom are registered voters) won''''t remember this act of inhumanity in the fall. Well, GOP nuts your hopes are like those of the little boy, who whistles as he walks past a graveyard, hoping that his induced ignorance will keep him safe. We will remember. Obama 08!!!
Posted by caliguy55 at 10:11 AM : Jul 10, 2008

Thanks Much !

[parrot123-2009]

Posted by Nearl4511

Hero no. I say he is a Zero. He let that girl drown to save himself from getting popped for DUI.
Posted by kmccliment at 11:38 PM : Jul 09, 2008

This in 2008 is the only thing you can come up with, especially Knowing that this was SIMPLY an accident that had happenned. Besides, we don''t see you posing about Laura Bush''s killing (as you imply) ??

[caliguy55]

It''s a shame that a man of Sen. Kennedy''s stature, who is suffering from a debilitating disease, is forced to come to the Senate to break GOP created gridlock and free legislation that is vitally important to over 44 million Americans. I guess the GOP hopes that those 44 million (most of whom are registered voters) won''t remember this act of inhumanity in the fall. Well, GOP nuts your hopes are like those of the little boy, who whistles as he walks past a graveyard, hoping that his induced ignorance will keep him safe. We will remember. Obama 08!!!

[sandy19731]

I don''t which is more stunning his returning to vote or the hate in this thread.

[wardoglrs]

That S O B Neo Con loser Pro Amnesty anti constitution WarHawk is still alive?

[antoniof123]

Posted by scorp79 at 09:04 AM : Jul 10, 2008

So you hate him you are moron you don''t even know him. You are like the right wing fanatics and spread hate and lies. Of course you bible thumpers should remember how God dealth with arrogant Egypt. When the king said to kill the first born they were given the punishment.

I wonder what yours will be Jesus said love your enemy. Of course you wing nuts have your own bible that has nothing to do with God only hate and iles.

As I recall Satan is the father of a lie.

Have a good day.

[fstop100]

this is why our politicians should be FORCED to retire at 65.

old croanies shouldn''t be allowed to run our country!

[dante805]

What is it with these politicians that cant give up control and work past their prime. do they think the world needs them to save us from ourselves. watch this guy walk and you cringe. he''s worse than the hunchback of Notre dame. and with his cancer he should have immediately retired and live out his last days in peace. Note to Kennedy: we dont need you stubmling around the senate, just like we dont need Robert Senile Byrd and Tim Strokeman Johnson. Give it up. You are not irreplaceable.

[liebchen21]

THIS is the reason Ted Kennedy is a great American.
Because he gives a *** about the little guy. God Bless You, Ted. ...and Thanks.


I''m sure Mary Ann, were she still alive, would definitely agree...

What a waste of good air.

[tonic1661]

S_Temper your course language and hurtful manner are signals enough of your ignorance. What meaningful legislation or useful contribution have you made to society?

Thank you Edward Kennedy for years of devoted service to the people!

[moleman--2008]

America is competing in the new global economy with both hands tied behind her back. As long as businesses are forced to offer their workers health care insurance (a shrinking minority these days) when businesses in other countries do not have to because their government sees to the insurance of their citizens, well we are at a competitive disadvantage from the get go. It is time for America to "get it" and stop what amounts to lunacy when it comes to universal (affordable) health care coverage. Kudos to Teddy K. for getting back in the game. Shame on anyone who can''t drop their politics long enough to recognize courage and conviction--no, he is NOT perfect, but this is simply a report about him not putting himself first (not easy for a Kennedy) and instead putting the welfare of millions of Americans first.

[egresor]

no matter what your politics are. edward kennedy has work hard and been consistant in his labors for the lesser americans. for those who dont have the money to hire lobbyists snd expensive lawyers to plead for them.

it''s sad to see his decline.

[irliberal]

Thanks for your strength and fortitude Ted! Hang in there!

[mgpm-2009]

THIS is the reason Ted Kennedy is a great American.
Because he gives a *** about the little guy. God Bless You, Ted. ...and Thanks.

[bobbyduck1]

am on the exact opposite side of Ted Kennedy politically (Jesse Helms supporter), but I do wish him well and the best of health.

Posted by adfolder at 09:25 PM : Jul 09, 2008

Now this is what America used to be all about - opposing views but tolerant and respectful. Cheers!

[bobbyduck1]

Geez you neocons, give it a fre&king rest! Regardless of politics, this was a memorable act. And why do you continue to insist that the last holdout modern country on Earth should continue to shun health care for all of it''s citizens? What, we need useless, trumped up wars so badly but can''t afford to take care of our own citizens? Tax breaks for the ultra-rich? This current crop of neo-dweebocons is far worse than the McCarthy-ites of the 50''s - what used to be the worst blight in our political history until you weenies showed up! Can''t wait ''til Barack hands you your &sses in a sling! With a filibuster-proof majority we will have a chance to fix this awful mess you have made! And it will sure be a job ''cuz it sure is a mess!

[sistatee-2009]

With only half a brain he can still blither and totter. Impressive.