Senate, Health Care | featured news

A cancer-stricken Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has asked Massachusetts leaders to change state law to allow a speedy replacement if it becomes necessary for him to surrender his seat, fearing a months-long vacancy would deny Democrats a crucial vote on President Obama's health care overhaul.

Democrats pushed healthcare reform legislation forward in a key House of Representatives panel on Friday but overall progress for President Barack Obama's top policy goal has slowed ahead of a monthlong August recess.

As his committee has taken center stage in the battle over health-care reform, Sen. Max Baucus has emerged as a leading recipient of campaign contributions from the industry.

White House budget director Peter Orszag said on Sunday the administration was sticking with its goal of having the Senate and House of Representatives pass their versions of a healthcare overhaul bill before they break for their August recess.

One of several proposals to overhaul the U.S. health care system passed a Senate committee Wednesday, with its ailing chairman praising the $600 billion plan as a step toward his longtime goals.

Almost 30 key lawmakers helping draft landmark health-care legislation have financial holdings in the industry, totaling nearly $11 million worth of personal investments in a sector that could be dramatically reshaped by this summer's debate.

This time it's really going to happen. Or so they claim. Senators get down to work this coming week on turning ideas into legislation ...

Majority Leader Harry Reid indicated Wednesday he's willing to move sweeping health care legislation through the Senate with a procedural maneuver that would block a GOP filibuster. The prospect of the controversial tactic has already ignited Republicans' ire, and key Senate Democratic chairmen have said they don't want to do it.