Kennedy Getting Digs Off Senate Floor

In order to make it easier for Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) to make his way from his office to the Senate floor, Democrats have decided to give the Senate lion a den just off the chamber floor.

Directly across the hall from the majority leader's office -- and next to a portrait of Abraham Lincoln -- is a room labeled "Rules and Administration" and controlled by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who heads the Rules Committee.

"She was gracious and kind enough to offer the additional space and Sen. Kennedy is very appreciative," said Anthony Coley, a Kennedy spokesman. Kennedy's current office is in the Russell building, which is either a long walk or a bumpy train ride away from the Capitol

President-elect Obama has said that his second legislative priority -- after shoring up the economy and passing alternative-energy legislation -- is to reform healthcare. Kennedy, chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee, has been a lifelong champion of healthcare reform and could more easily shepherd a bill from his new nearby office. 

Deputy Congressional Editor Martin Kady II contributed to this post.