The TedKennedy.com JournalAre you ready to fight?Mon Oct 8, 12:31 PM
The following email was sent by Senator Kennedy:
–Erie Meyer | Permalink Fight Bush’s VetoWed Oct 3, 01:28 PM
The following email was sent by Senator Kennedy:
–Erie Meyer | Permalink KENNEDY FIGHTS FOR HEALTH CARE FOR OUR NATION’S CHILDRENThu Sep 27, 03:56 PM
This week’s broad bipartisan vote for children’s health in the House of Representatives was a stunning rebuke for the President and the politics of fear. For months, the Administration had spared no effort to hold opposition to children’s health care and even worked to increase it. They burned the phone lines with calls to members of the House, put pressure on governors to sway the Representatives from their states, and called in every last favor from their allies on K Street to try to bring this bill down. Then, just as the House and Senate were beginning negotiations, the Administration even issued a directive form CMS that would further limit the income eligibility for CHIP and result in children across the country losing coverage. –Jill McCarthy | Permalink STATEMENT OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF CHIPWed Sep 26, 08:15 AM
–Jill McCarthy | Permalink KENNEDY DISCUSSES MASSACHUSETTS’ STRIDES IN CANCER RESEARCHMon Jun 18, 10:25 AM
BOSTON, MA- Senator Edward M. Kennedy today discussed the cutting-edge cancer research and treatments being developed by Massachusetts doctors and scientists at the groundbreaking for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Yawkey Center for Cancer Care. “In this century of the life sciences, cancer researchers are constantly expanding the boundaries of knowledge” said Senator Kennedy. “Their discoveries are opening new doors of health and expectations for the 1.3 million people who are diagnosed with cancer every year. In recent years, we’ve reaped the benefits of better treatments and new methods of prevention for breast cancer, cervical cancer, lymphoma and leukemia, to name only a few.” –Jill McCarthy | Permalink Passage of Drug Safety Bill Was Common Goal for Two Very Different SenatorsFri May 11, 10:31 AM
–Lauren Miller | Permalink STATEMENT BY SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON THE COMMITTEE PASSAGE (15-5) OF THE FDA REVITALIZATION ACTThu Apr 19, 03:09 PM
–Jill McCarthy | Permalink KENNEDY FIGHTS FOR INCREASED FUNDING FOR FDAFri Mar 23, 04:51 PM
$40 million Kennedy amendment for FDA drug safety accepted into Budget WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy proposed an amendment to the Budget resolution to increase by $40 million the amount of funding the Food and Drug Administration receives for drug safety. –Jill McCarthy | Permalink STATEMENT OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON DRUG SAFETY AND USER FEESWed Mar 14, 12:22 PM
Patients across the nation look with hope to our biotechnology and pharmaceutical research to develop medical breakthroughs for the illnesses they face. Every day that such breakthroughs are delayed is another day of hope denied for patients afflicted with cancer, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, or other serious conditions. –Jill McCarthy | Permalink KENNEDY: THE ADMINISTRATION MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE CONDITIONS AT WALTER REEDTue Mar 6, 02:33 PM
Today at the Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Senator Edward M. Kennedy questioned Administration officials about their responsibility in preventing the inexcusable conditions that our wounded troops have endured. Kennedy also focused his questions on the vast under-reporting of the number of wounded soldiers – which clearly has implications in both the long and short term care our troops receive. –Jill McCarthy | Permalink SENATOR KENNEDY DISCUSSES CRITICAL NEED FOR FUNDINGMon Mar 5, 02:51 PM
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS- Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, joined by Senator –Jill McCarthy | Permalink STATEMENT OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON MASSACHUSETTS' LOWER HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS THROUGH COMMONWEALTH CONNECTORMon Mar 5, 10:49 AM
BOSTON, MA- Today, Governor Patrick announced that the average uninsured Massachusetts resident will be able to purchase health insurance for $175 per month this spring based on new bids recently submitted to the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority. –Jill McCarthy | Permalink Chairman Kennedy Carries the BallWed Feb 14, 02:00 PM
As Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) seeks to finish up the Democrats’ initial, and much ballyhooed, legislative priorities over the next few weeks, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) is plowing full-speed ahead with the broader Democratic playbook on health and education issues. –Jill McCarthy | Permalink Chairman Kennedy Carries the BallWed Feb 14, 02:00 PM
As Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) seeks to finish up the Democrats’ initial, and much ballyhooed, legislative priorities over the next few weeks, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) is plowing full-speed ahead with the broader Democratic playbook on health and education issues. –Jill McCarthy | Permalink Politics & Economics: Mental Health Nears 'Parity' --- Bill Would Require Similar Coverage To Physical IllnessWed Feb 14, 01:22 PM
WASHINGTON—A decision by major insurance and business groups to support legislation requiring health insurers to treat mental illnesses the same way as physical ailments could mean better mental-health coverage, at least for many who already receive it. –Jill McCarthy | Permalink STATEMENT BY SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY AT MARK-UP OF MENTAL HEALTH PARITY ACT OF 2007Wed Feb 14, 09:14 AM
Almost eleven years ago, Congress passed the first Mental Health Parity Act. While that legislation was an important first step in bringing attention to discriminatory practices against the mentally ill, it did little to correct the injustices that so many Americans continue to face. The 1996 legislation required that annual and lifetime dollar limits for mental health coverage must be no less than the limits for medical and surgical coverage. But more steps are clearly needed to guarantee that Americans suffering from mental illnesses are not forced to pay more for the services they need, face harsher limitations on treatment, or be denied access to care. –Jill McCarthy | Permalink STATEMENT BY SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON PRESIDENT BUSH’S BUDGETMon Feb 5, 01:57 PM
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement on President Bush’s budget: “This first budget that the President has presented to a Democratic Congress reveals the fundamental difference in priorities of this Administration and Congress. Budgets are moral documents and reflective of what we believe is important for our nation. Sadly, the President missed an important opportunity today to put forward a budget that demonstrated that he listened to the American people last November. This budget would continue us down the wrong path, but fortunately the new congress is determined to change course – and will. –Jill McCarthy | Permalink STATEMENT BY SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON FDA RESPONSE TO INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE REPORT ON DRUG SAFETYTue Jan 30, 02:25 PM
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement on the FDA’s response to the Institute of Medicine report on drug safety –Jill McCarthy | Permalink KENNEDY DELIVERS HEALTH CARE ADDRESS AT FAMILIESUSA 7th ANNUAL HEALTH ACTION CONFERENCEFri Jan 26, 11:35 AM
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy addressed over 500 grassroots health advocates from across the country at the 7th Annual Health Action Conference. Senator Kennedy spoke about the history of the Children’s Health Insurance Program —which he authored the legislation for— and the critical importance of making its reauthorization a priority for the 110th Congress. –Jill McCarthy | Permalink STATEMENT BY SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON PRESIDENT BUSH’S HEALTH CARE REMARKS TODAYThu Jan 25, 03:30 PM
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement: “While I’m glad that President Bush is traveling the country to talk about our health care crisis, his proposal falls far short of solving the problem. I find the plan troubling because it does nothing to help people get insurance, hurts those who already have it, and provides a tax break that benefits the wealthiest Americans. Republicans and Democrats alike should come together to build on the lessons from the states to see that all Americans have quality, affordable health care – just as the President and members of Congress have already.” –Jill McCarthy | Permalink STATEMENT BY SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY IN RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT BUSH’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSTue Jan 23, 10:58 PM
Washington, DC: Senator Edward M. Kennedy issued the following statement in response to President Bush’s State of the Union Address: “Last year, the American people made it clear that they wanted change, and leaders who can work together to put the interest of the country ahead their own. With this new 110th Congress we are more determined than ever to change the course of this country for all Americans. And I have to say, two of the best words I heard tonight were “Mada\m Speaker.” –Jill McCarthy | Permalink STATEMENT BY SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON PRESIDENT BUSH’S HEALTHCARE PROPOSALSMon Jan 22, 11:21 AM
“I’m pleased the President is finally talking about the growing crisis in health care, however I am concerned that taxing health benefits may undermine the good coverage that many Americans already have, while inadequate credits will do little to make health care more affordable for those who are struggling to pay their premiums now. Americans need real solutions and effective action, so that quality affordable health care can be a reality for all, just as it is for the President and members of Congress. The bold health plans in Massachusetts, California, and other states have shown that when all sides work together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.” –Jill McCarthy | Permalink CAN CONGRESS HELP FULFILL THE PROMISE OF STEM CELL RESEARCH?Fri Jan 19, 08:36 AM
Joint hearings of committees are reserved for issues of special importance – and few issues are more important than bringing new hope and help to millions of patients in need. Today’s hearing is about hope. Hope is what stem cell research brings to millions of Americans who seek cures for cancer, diabetes, spinal cord injury and many other serious conditions. Hope for those with Parkinson’s Disease that the tremors of that disease can be cured. Hope that spinal cord injuries can be healed. Hope for children with diabetes that the constant worry and vigilance required to cope with their disease will be a thing of the past. –Tom Lopach | Permalink KENNEDY, ENZI CALL FOR CONGRESS TO ACT ON BILL TO PREVENT GENETIC INFORMATION DISCRIMINATIONThu Jan 18, 01:07 PM
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), Ranking Member of the HELP Committee, today called on Congress to act quickly on the “Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act,” a bill that will prohibit genetic discrimination by health insurers and employers who may attempt to use genetic information against persons with potential health problems. –Tom Lopach | Permalink STATEMENT BY SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON HARVARD STUDY REVEALING BIG TOBACCO EFFORTS TO KEEP SMOKERS HOOKEDWed Jan 17, 03:57 PM
“This study is an extraordinary public service by Harvard’s School of Public Health. It’s dramatic new proof that Big Tobacco is addicted to addicting millions of young smokers into lifetimes of illness and early death. –Tom Lopach | Permalink STATEMENT BY SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON HOUSE STEM CELL VICTORYThu Jan 11, 03:19 PM
–Tom Lopach | Permalink KENNEDY, ENZI JOINT STATEMENT ON PRESCRIPTION DRUG USER FEE ACTThu Jan 11, 01:31 PM
–Tom Lopach | Permalink KENNEDY HEARING STATEMENT ON EXPANDING HEALTH CARE FOR ALL BY 2010Wed Jan 10, 09:35 AM
WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, took the gavel in the Committee’s first hearing of the 110th Congress and heard from health care policy experts on the challenges and opportunities of expanding health care coverage to all citizens. –Tom Lopach | Permalink KENNEDY APPLAUDS RYAN WHITE AND BIO-TERROR BILL SIGNINGSTue Dec 19, 02:46 PM
On the Ryan White CARE Act, Senator Kennedy said, “This is an important day for people living with HIV and AIDS, and for all Americans. My hope is that as we continue to improve the Ryan White CARE Act to meet the needs of those facing this disease, the remedies we adopt will continue to come from the bright lights of science, not the dark fears of bigotry.” –Tom Lopach | Permalink New GAO Analysis of Drug Development Refutes Industry MythsTue Dec 19, 11:21 AM
“The report shows that much drug industry research doesn’t translate into real breakthroughs for patients,” said Sen. Kennedy. “The goal of Congress, FDA, the industry, and academia must be to deliver truly innovative new medicines to patients. At a time when more and more working families are struggling to afford health care, we must see that every penny of our national investment in health care is well spent, and does not go toward improperly subsidizing the marketing and promotional activities of drug companies. One major step is to help promote truly innovative new therapies. That’s why the legislation that Senator Enzi and I have introduced supports FDA’s critical path initiative, whose objectives the report identifies as important for reaching this goal.” –Tom Lopach | Permalink Senator Kennedy on the Trust for America's Health ReportTue Dec 12, 04:22 PM
“This report once again shows that too many states are not fully prepared to combat bioterrorism, natural disasters or flu pandemics. Thankfully, on Saturday Congress took action and passed the Burr-Kennedy legislation to strengthen public health preparedness. –Tom Lopach | Permalink Kennedy on NIH Reform ActMon Dec 11, 09:21 AM
Washington, D.C.—Early this morning, during the last few hours of the 109th Congress, the United States Senate passed the National Institutes of Health Reform Act. Senator Kennedy said, “The NIH gives hope to millions of Americans who need it most. We are in the era of the life sciences, and there has never been a more critical time to continue investment in medical research. This bill ensures that the vital work NIH does will continue in the years to come.” –Tom Lopach | Permalink Kennedy on Ryan White PassageMon Dec 11, 09:20 AM
Washington, DC: Early this morning as the 109th Congress took its last votes, the Ryan White Reauthorization bill was passed by Congress. Earlier in the week, Senator Kennedy announced that his proposal for the Ryan White Modernization Act has been accepted by the bipartisan negotiators, clearing the way for final passage this year. Kennedy’s proposal —which has ended the stalemate—would take the current reauthorization bill and limit to a three year reauthorization, in order to leave stable the care delivery systems while the structure of the program is truly re-vamped to reflect the disease of 2007. The bipartisan, bicameral bill reflects the balance of protecting our nation’s established systems of health care for those living with HIV and Aids and directing more resources to areas experiencing an increase in the disease. The bill passed the Senate on December 5th, 2006. –Tom Lopach | Permalink Kennedy on Children's Health Care CoverageMon Dec 11, 09:19 AM
“Last night, with strong bipartisan support, Congress acted to avert disaster for thousands of low income children around the nation. With its urgently needed action, Congress assured that states facing shortfalls in the Children’s Health Insurance Program would receive the funding needed to see that they can continue to provide quality health care coverage for low income families.” –Tom Lopach | Permalink Kennedy on Public Health Preparedness BillMon Dec 11, 09:18 AM
Senator Kennedy said, “Congress took action to improve our public health defenses, and develop new vaccines by creating an innovative new research agency. With this bill, we take many important steps to increase our preparedness and response capabilities for public health emergencies by increasing our medical surge capacity, strengthening our public health infrastructure, and clarifying the responsibilities of Federal officials.” –Tom Lopach | Permalink Kennedy on Health Care Votes in 109th CongressMon Dec 11, 09:16 AM
“Tonight, Congress put partisanship aside to do the right thing for the health of millions of Americans. For the thousands of children who would otherwise lose good health care coverage from the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Congress prevented harmful funding shortfalls. –Tom Lopach | Permalink Statement of Senator Kennedy on FDA Commissioner NomineeThu Dec 7, 11:49 AM
Mr. President, it would be hard to understate the importance of the position for which Andrew von Eschenbach has been nominated. The Food and Drug Administration oversees products that account for fully a quarter of the entire U.S. economy. –Tom Lopach | Permalink Senator Kennedy on the Passage of the Ryan White Care ACT of 2006Wed Dec 6, 10:01 AM
Today marks an important milestone in our ongoing national struggle with HIV and AIDS. Twenty-five years ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued its first warning about the disease we now know as AIDS. Today, we approve the third extension of the Ryan White CARE Act, the comprehensive legislation first enacted in 1990, for the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS. –Tom Lopach | Permalink Kennedy on Public Health Preparedness BillTue Dec 5, 06:01 PM
This afternoon, the Senate will consider legislation that will have far-reaching effects on the nation’s readiness for bioterrorist attacks, epidemics, and other public health emergencies. The passage of the bill today is the culmination of a long process that our subcommittee, under the able leadership of Senator Burr, conducted to evaluate recommendations for renewing and strengthening the public health legislation enacted in 2002 and the BioShield proposal enacted the following year. –Tom Lopach | Permalink Senator Kennedy on the Ryan White CARE ActTue Dec 5, 12:08 PM
Washington, DC: Today Senator Kennedy announced that his proposal for the Ryan White Modernization Act has been accepted by the bipartisan negotiators, clearing the way for final passage this year. Kennedy’s proposal —which has ended the stalemate—would take the current reauthorization bill and limit to a three year reauthorization, in order to leave stable the care delivery systems while the structure of the program is truly re-vamped to reflect the disease of 2007. The bipartisan, bicameral bill reflects the balance of protecting our nation’s established systems of health care for those living with HIV and Aids and directing more resources to areas experiencing an increase in the disease. After two and a half years of negotiations, Kennedy is determined to reauthorize the bill this year. –Tom Lopach | Permalink Senator Ted Kennedy on World AIDS DayMon Dec 4, 01:50 PM
AIDS is the greatest pandemic of our time. It affects men, women and children on every continent in the world. Nearly 40 million people are infected with HIV worldwide, and the disease causes 2.8 million deaths every year. Experts predict that in the next 25 years, AIDS will become the third leading cause of death worldwide, after heart disease and stroke. AIDS is a global problem that requires a global solution. Over the past decade, we have made significant progress here at home in both the prevention of the disease and its treatment. We have nearly doubled the life expectancy of people living with the HIV virus. –Tom Lopach | Permalink Kennedy on Drug SafetyThu Nov 16, 10:31 AM
“The Enhancing Drug Safety and Innovation Act, which Chairman Enzi and I introduced earlier this year, addresses these needs. Like the Institute of Medicine report, our bill emphasizes the need for a “life-cycle” approach to drug regulation, both before and after approval. The bill would require every drug approved by the FDA to have an enforceable Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, tailored to fit the risk profile of each new drug. Where appropriate, the strategy could include special requirements for labeling, post-market clinical studies, and limitations on marketing the drug directly to consumers. For drugs with the most dangerous side effects, the strategy might require that only doctors with specialized training be allowed to prescribe the drug. If a manufacturer fails to implement a precaution that it has agreed to, the FDA will have new authority to assess civil monetary penalties to enforce compliance. By providing a legally enforceable yet flexible way for the FDA to oversee safety throughout the life cycle of a drug, the bill gives the agency the authority it now lacks to take effective action to ensure safety. The legislation also creates a public-private partnership to improve the science of drug safety and drug development. It will help patients and physicians make more informed decisions by requiring the results of drug trials to be included in a public database. Our bill also takes stronger steps to avoid financial conflicts of interest by members of FDA advisory committees.” Please click here to read a summary of the Enzi-Kennedy Bill –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy on Food SafetyWed Nov 15, 02:50 PM
“In a few weeks, many of us will travel home to join our loved ones for a Thanksgiving meal that celebrates family, community, and our gratitude for the bounty that God has bestowed on our nation. We too often take it for granted that the food we eat is safe and free from dangerous contamination. Recent outbreaks of E. coli and Salmonella have shown all too clearly that network of protections we count on to protect us from deadly foodborne illness is a frayed and inadequate patchwork. These outbreaks are examples of a wider problem with food safety. According to the CDC, there are 76 million cases of foodborne illness every year. Most of them result only in mild symptoms, but diseases caused by contaminated food cause over 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths every year, which means that an average of 13 Americans die from a foodborne illness every day. Many dedicated professionals in local, state and federal health agencies worked hard to respond to these outbreaks – but responding to an outbreak means that the battle is already lost. We need to learn what must be done to prevent these outbreaks from occurring in the first place.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy, Frist Introduce Bill to Decrease Health DisparitiesSat Sep 30, 12:55 PM
Yesterday, Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Senator Bill Frist introduced the Minority Health Improvement and Health Disparity Elimination Act to improve the health and health care of racial and ethnic minority and other health disparity populations. Racial and ethnic minorities make up approximately one third of the US population but disproportionately comprise 52 percent of the uninsured and suffer a greater burden of illness and death than the white population. The Minority Health Improvement and Health Disparity Elimination Act provides grants to communities to increase public awareness about access to health care and disease prevention The bill also reauthorizes the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health and strengthens its role in coordinating and planning minority health and health disparity research. Senator Kennedy was the lead sponsor on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education Act of 2000, which was enacted into law and created the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities at NIH. Senator Kennedy said, “Heath care in our nation should be a basic right for all, not just an expensive privilege for the few. It’s a scandal that over 45 million American’s have no health insurance and that people of color have greater difficulty obtaining good health care than other Americans. Your health should not depend on the color of your skin, the size of your bank account, or where you live. In a nation as advanced as ours and with its state-of-the-art medical technology for preventing illness and caring for the sick, it is appalling that so many health disparities continue to exist.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy on Senate Passage of the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006Sat Sep 30, 09:15 AM
Late last night, the Senate passed the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006. This legislation reflects a well thought out compromise between the original House and Senate bills to improve vital services for the nation’s seniors. “The Older Americans Act has been a lifeline for senior citizens across the country for forty years, and all of us want it to continue to fulfill its important mission in the years ahead,” said Senator Kennedy. “Like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the Older Americans Act is part of our solemn commitment to care for the nation’s seniors in their golden years.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy on House Passage of Older Americans ActThu Sep 28, 06:28 PM
Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement on the House passage of the Older Americans Act: “I commend the House for passing these amendments to the Older Americans Act to strengthen the vital services and programs for our senior citizens, and I urge the Senate to pass it before Congress adjourns this week for the election. The bill combines the key provisions of the bills passed earlier by the House and Senate. It maintains the Community Service Employment program which promotes part-time employment opportunities in community service for unemployed low-income seniors. It also encourages civic engagement by all seniors, and urges the development of more effective ways for older Americans to contribute to critical needs of their local communities. The bill also addresses potential issues that may arise as a result of the retirement of the baby boom generation. It addresses the need for better outreach to seniors about the benefits available to them. It expands mental health services, and promotes the availability of long term care plans. It’s a needed measure to update the Older Americans Act and will mean better lives for both seniors and their communities in the years ahead.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy on Report that Shows 9 Million Children Lack Health InsuranceThu Sep 28, 03:38 PM
Today, the Campaign for Children’s Health Care released a report that finds that there are 9 million uninsured children in the United States, 88% of which are from working families. Senator Kennedy said, “It’s simply unacceptable that so many children remain uninsured today. But instead of expanding coverage, hundreds of thousands of children who are insured through the Children’s Health Insurance Program today face losing their health insurance because the Republican Administration and Congress won’t act.” Senator Kennedy is the author of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP faces funding shortfalls for fiscal year 2007 that puts coverage for hundreds of thousands of children currently on CHIP at risk. The legislation needs to be reauthorized in 2007. –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy, Menendez Call for Honest Accounting of Medicare Donut HoleWed Sep 27, 11:28 AM
Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Senator Robert Menendez introduced the Honest Medicare Act of 2006 to monitor the Medicare Part D donut hole and its effect on senior citizens. Under the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug benefit, also known as Part D, was designed with a coverage gap in the middle. This gap is known as the “donut hole.” After their total prescription drug costs have reached $2,250, beneficiaries must bear the full cost of those drugs alone for the next $2,850, with no assistance. Yet they are still forced to pay their monthly premiums. Senator Kennedy said, “The Bush Administration and the Republican Congress enacted a Medicare drug law designed by the drug companies and for the drug companies. Millions of seniors will be denied the medicines they need because the law includes a gaping hole in the coverage—and the Bush Administration won’t even tell Congress and the American people how many seniors are at risk. The first step toward finding a realistic solution is to honestly define the problem. Our bill requires the Administration to level with the American people on how many seniors are losing coverage for the drugs they need to protect their health.” Please click here to read the text of the bill –Tristan Takos | Permalink Seniors Fall Into Prescription Drug Coverage "Doughnut Hole"Fri Sep 22, 02:28 PM
Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement as projections indicate that more Americans than ever will fall into the doughnut hole today: “More and more seniors are waking each day and learning they’ve fallen into the dreaded ‘doughnut hole’ – the gap in prescription drug coverage that leaves them with large drug costs to pay by themselves until coverage resumes. As a result, millions of seniors can’t afford the drugs they urgently need, even though they’re paying for Medicare coverage. It’s important to have a full accounting of how many seniors are affected, so that Congress and the public can make sensible choices about Medicare. I intend to introduce legislation to require Medicare to track and publicly report how many enrollees fall into the donut hole, and how much they are spending themselves for their needed prescriptions. We wouldn’t be facing this problem if the Administration and the Republican Congress had cared more about seniors than about drug industry profits when Medicare prescription drug coverage was enacted. They refused to let Medicare negotiate drug prices, which the Veterans Administration is allowed to do for veterans. Instead of allocating adequate federal funds to the drug benefit, they made sure that HMOs received large overpayments, which enable them to force Medicare beneficiaries into their plans by offering extra benefits, while still allowing the plans to make large profits. It’s long past time to correct this glaring defect in Medicare drug coverage. Once we have up-to-date information on the damage being done by the donut hole, we can correct the problem and give seniors the Medicare coverage they deserve.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy Works to Protect Patients by Improving the Quality of Medical TestsFri Sep 22, 01:47 PM
Today as the National Genetics Policy Summit takes place in Washington, DC., Senator Edward M. Kennedy continues his work on legislation that will better protect patients by ensuring that tests developed in laboratories are of proven validity. Senator Kennedy is committed to preserving innovation in this rapidly evolving area of medical technology. He plans to introduce his bill in the coming months so that it will move through Congress next year. “Doctors and patients are making important medical decisions based on the results of clinical laboratory tests in the field of genetics. We need to ensure that they understand the clinical significance of the results, and are confident that the tests are accurately performed. My bill will focus the Congress and others on the need for an important role for FDA in this area.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy, Clinton Call for Hearing, Mark-Up on 9/11 Health LegislationWed Sep 20, 01:58 PM
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Ranking member of the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, member of the HELP Committee, today called on Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), Chairman of the HELP Committee, to a set a time for a hearing on 9/11 health effects and to mark-up legislation authorizing grants for ongoing medical and mental health monitoring and treatment. “Now that we have additional scientific evidence linking individuals’ health with their exposure to dust and toxins in New York, we believe that we must act to provide this critical assistance so that more people do not suffer and potentially die as a result of these illnesses,” the Senators wrote. Please click here to read the text of the letter –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy on Rise in Uninsured Under Bush AdministrationWed Aug 30, 12:47 PM
Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement on the rise in uninsured Americans under the Bush Administration. According to newly released Census Bureau statistics, the number of uninsured Americans was a record 46.6 million in 2005 demonstrating a 15.9% increase in those without health coverage. Below is Senator Kennedy’s statement: “On the uninsured, as in so many areas, the Bush Administration and its Republican allies in Congress are long on talk and short on action. Under this Administration, over six million Americans have lost their health insurance—and millions more have been forced to pay more and more for less and less coverage. The new census report is a clear call for change.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy on Plan BThu Aug 24, 09:30 AM
Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement on Plan B: “Time and time again this Administration has allowed politics to trump science. Millions of Americans count on the FDA to protect their health, and this agency should set the standard for putting public health above ideology. I commend Dr. von Eschenbach for his leadership in ending the long and unnecessary delay in approving Plan B, and I call on the Administration to allow FDA to make future decisions without political interference from the White House.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Enzi, Kennedy Introduce Drug Safety LegislationThu Aug 3, 04:36 PM
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, along with the Committee’s Ranking Member, Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), today introduced a bill to require drug makers to engage in better safety planning before a drug is approved for release to the public while improving the FDA’s response to risks identified after a drug is on the market. “FDA needs better authorities and more resources to monitor and manage drug safety after drug approval,” said Kennedy, “and this bill gives FDA both.” Click here to read about the bill –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy Questions Nominee on Plan BTue Aug 1, 09:59 AM
Below is Senator Kennedy’s statement at the nomination hearing of Dr. Von Eschenbach to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration: “In the controversies over antidepressants and suicidal behavior in children, the withdrawal of Vioxx, the agency’s refusal to approve the sale of Plan B over-the-counter, we’ve seen the FDA struggling with difficult scientific questions, inadequate resources and authority, and unfair pressures to ignore science. FDA needs a strong commissioner to deal with these and other issues—to refocus the agency and enable it to make decisions based solely on science, developed after an open, unencumbered scientific debate, not on ideology or political expediency. The pending decision on Plan B is a test case of FDA’s integrity. Yesterday, Dr. von Eschenbach announced that FDA would not pursue the rulemaking that the Administration had previously claimed was needed to respond to this application, in favor of a more informal negotiation with the manufacturer. If this step leads to a swift and clear decision, I applaud it – but we must make certain that the Administration does not use it as yet another delaying tactic. Serious concerns have been raised about the degree to which political pressures influenced FDA’s actions on Plan B, and I urge Dr. von Eschenbach to use the upcoming negotiations to begin to allay those concerns – not raise them anew.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy Testimony before Finance Committee on CHIPTue Jul 25, 02:07 PM
“Many of the best ideas in public policy are the simplest. CHIP is based on one simple and powerful idea – that the nation’s children deserve a healthy start in life. Since its enactment, enrollment in CHIP has steadily increased – but this positive trend will be reversed if Congress does not increase funding for the program over this baseline. Without that additional investment, 1.5 million children will be dropped from the program, according to the CMS Actuary’s own figures. If funding is not increased, states across the nation will face worsening funding shortfalls, so that by 2012, 36 states will run out of the funds required just to meet current needs.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy on President Bush's Stem Cell VetoWed Jul 19, 09:41 AM
Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement on President Bush’s veto of life-saving stem cell legislation passed by the Senate with a vote of 63-37: “With his swift veto today, the President may think he has put the issue of stem cell research behind him. He may think it is closed and forgotten. But, Mr. President, it is not over for the child with diabetes who struggles with endless injections of insulin. It is not over for those who must watch helplessly as a parent or spouse succumbs to the tremors of Parkinson’s Disease. It is not over for those in wheelchairs who dream of walking again cannot simply move on to other concerns. Mr. President, we are here to say that as long as there is a need for the hope and help that stem cell research can bring, it will never be forgotten. As long as restrictions based on a narrow ideology block progress to new cures, this issue will never be closed. Mr. President, you can veto a bill, but you can’t veto hope. We will be back again and again and again until we end the cruel restrictions on lifesaving research that are denying hope to millions of American patients and their families.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy on Stem Cell VictoryTue Jul 18, 04:18 PM
Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. The act passed today with a vote of 63-37: “This is the most important health care vote in a decade. That is because it is about hope for new cures for millions of Americans. I was here for the controversial debates over DNA research, invitro fertilization, and fetal tissue research. In each case, it took leadership and persistence to see it through. And now we see the results as we enter a new century of the life sciences with breathtaking, breakthrough medical advances each and every day. The foundation of this new century is our progress in mapping the human genome, splicing DNA, and understanding how cells work. And now, stem cells could be one of the building blocks for that new century. No vote and no veto can deny this hope forever. Already, other countries are moving ahead without us to explore the promise of stem cell therapies. We urge the President not to veto hope. Stem cell research will happen with or without this President – it’s a matter of when, not if. But if he does, we will be back and back and back to allow this life saving research to go forward.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink "The Consequences of our Vote May Last a Lifetime"Tue Jul 18, 02:29 PM
“This afternoon, the debate on stem cell research will draw to a close. For Senators, life will move on. Next week, the Senate will deal with other issues and other questions. But millions of Americans don’t have that luxury. For them, the struggle against disease isn’t something they think about for a few brief days. It’s something they confront every day of their lives. A child coping with endless injections of insulin and constant worries about blood sugar cannot simply turn away from this debate. Someone watching helplessly as a parent or spouse succumbs to the tremors of Parkinson’s Disease cannot simply move on to other concerns. For us, a vote on stem cell research may take only a few minutes in a busy day – but for millions of Americans, the consequences of our vote may last a lifetime. And should this life saving legislation pass through Congress, President Bush has said he will veto it. The President may believe that ends the debate. But it does not. This debate will continue as long as lives are diminished and cut short by diseases and injuries that stem cells might cure. This debate will go on as long as there are those of us who believe that rather than discard unwanted embryos, we should embrace them to bring fuller lives to millions of people.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy Floor Statement as Stem Cell Debate BeginsMon Jul 17, 05:25 PM
“Today’s debate is about something far more basic, something that touches the spirit of every American. Today’s debate is about hope. Hope soared anew a year ago, when the House of Representatives set aside partisan differences and courageously approved legislation to end those restrictions, and to give our scientists the tools they need to make progress in the fight against disease. The vote in the House affirmed that embryonic stem cells can promote a true culture of life by enabling fuller, longer lives for millions of our citizens. The House voted for hope, for progress, and for life. Some say that this debate is only about science, and that it is not a moral choice. I disagree. A vote on this bill involves a deeply moral choice. It is a choice between making progress toward better treatments for patients – or spurning a chance for new cures. There are deeply moral people on both sides of this debate, but I am convinced that medical progress is the right choice.” Traumatic Brain Injury Act ReauthorizationMon Jul 17, 02:17 PM
“This bill will provide valuable assistance to the millions of children and adults in our nation who are facing an array of problems because of their injuries. First, it is critical for us to acknowledge the important role which the programs authorized under this bill can play for the large number of soldiers wounded in the war. As of June 2006—almost 19,000 service members have been wounded in Iraq and data continue to demonstrate that brain injuries are approximately two-thirds of the injuries suffered in the war. On top of that, there is an extremely high incidence of traumatic brain injuries among children between birth and age 14 – approximately 475,000 a year – and some of the highest numbers of injuries are among children under the age of five. Soldiers and children… I cannot think of groups more deserving of our attention.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy, Bipartisan Senators Urge Frist to Take Up Drug Importation LegislationFri Jul 14, 12:17 PM
Today, the six lead cosponsors of consensus, bipartisan legislation in the Senate allowing for the safe importation of prescription drugs urged Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) to schedule floor time on their legislation to ensure Americans have access to more affordable, FDA approved drugs from Canada and other highly developed countries. In a letter to the Majority Leader, Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John McCain (R-AZ) cited the 68-32 vote earlier this week in support of an amendment for drug importation and urged consideration of legislation they have proposed, the Pharmaceutical Access and Drug Safety Act (S.334), before the Senate recesses in September. The Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act has 32 cosponsors and has garnered broad support from over 30 groups, including AARP and Families USA. The legislation would allow individuals to directly order medications from outside the U.S. when using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-registered and approved Canadian pharmacy. FDA would examine, register and inspect these facilities on a frequent basis. It would also allow U.S. licensed pharmacists and wholesalers to import FDA-approved medications from a number of major industrialized nations and pass along the savings to their customers. The FDA would also ensure the highest standards for such essential functions as recording medical history, verifying prescriptions, and tracking shipments. Click here to read the full text of the letter –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy on Stem Cell Legislation AgreementThu Jun 29, 07:21 PM
Today Senator Edward M. Kennedy issued the following statement in reactoin to the stem cell legislation agreement that was reached: “This important agreement brings new hope for millions of Americans awaiting new cures. For nearly five long years, the unwarranted restrictions that the Bush Administration imposed on stem cell research have delayed responsible progress toward new cures and better treatments for Parkinson’s Disease, spinal injury, diabetes, and many other serious illnesses. I commend the Majority Leader for his efforts to see that the Senate will now have the opportunity to vote to end the Administration’s restrictions, and unlock the lifesaving potential of stem cell research. I urge my colleagues to vote for patients, for progress, and for the hope that stem cell research brings.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy on Reauthorization of Older Americans ActWed Jun 28, 02:52 PM
“Like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the Older Americans Act is part of our commitment to care for the nation’s seniors in their golden years. This year, the first of the members of the baby boom generation will be eligible for the Act’s services. One in nine Americans are over age 65 today. By the year 2030, the number will be one in five. It’s clear we need to get our priorities right in this reauthorization. That means starting now to put the infrastructure in place to provide services to baby boomers who retire. This bill takes some of the necessary steps. It requires state and local agencies to acknowledge the changing demographics and to plan ahead. I hope Congress will continue to build on these efforts in the coming years and provide increased funds for the important programs in this Act. Our bill also encourages civic activities by seniors. Numerous examples exist of successful volunteer programs involving seniors, such as Senior Corps, Experience Corps, and Family Friends, and we need to build on these successes.” Click here to read a summary of the Older Americans Act –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy on the Surgeon General's New Report on SmokingTue Jun 27, 03:44 PM
Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement on the Surgeon General’s report on smoking: “Today, the Surgeon General of the United States issued a major new report documenting the fact that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke at home or at work increases the risk to non-smokers of developing lung cancer by 20 to 30% and heart disease by 25 to 30%. The scientific evidence of the toxic effect cigarettes can have on nonsmokers, as well as smokers, is overwhelming. The deadly smoke poisons not only those who choose to light up, but also the nonsmokers who live or work around them. I hope this new Surgeon General’s Report will finally spur Congress to take meaningful action to regulate cigarettes – the most dangerous consumer product in America. Congress must put the public health first.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink Kennedy on Need to Protect Rights of Injured PatientsThu Jun 22, 02:18 PM
“Today’s hearing is entitled “Medical Liability: New Ideas for Making The System Work Better for Patients.” Fair treatment for seriously injured patients is certainly the yardstick we should use to evaluate both the current system and proposals that would dramatically change it. Under close scrutiny, it becomes clear that many of the proposed “reforms” would actually harm seriously injured patients and deprive them of their basic rights. The historic right of injured persons, including victims of medical negligence, to have their claims for compensation decided by a jury is a fundamental part of our democratic process. It is the American way. The medical liability system cannot be made to “work better for patients” by denying them this basic guarantee of justice. The right to a jury trial is important to ensuring fair treatment in practice as well as in theory. It is the best assurance that an average citizen who has been injured will receive a fair hearing when he or she brings a case against often wealthy and powerful defendants. Numerous empirical studies, including those conducted by two of today’s witnesses, have shown that most juries are conscientious and do render a decision based on the evidence.” –Tristan Takos | Permalink It's Time to Take Action on Stem Cells in the SenateWed May 24, 03:39 PM
Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the passage of bipartisan stem cell legislation in the House of Representatives: “Today marks an anniversary none of us wanted to see. One year ago, the House voted for hope, for progress, and for patients. The Senate has been denied the opportunity to do the same. In that year, there have been 100 work days when the Senate has not even met—yet still we are told there is no time to bring hope to millions of Americans with the promise of stem cell research. Action is long overdue. Patients and their families will not tolerate more excuses to explain why the Senate continues to frustrate their hopes for new cures for spinal injury, Parkinson’s Disease, diabetes, and many other illnesses. America is a nation founded on hope. But the hope that stem cell research brings to millions of patients and their families has been denied—not once, but twice. First, by the arbitrary restrictions that the Bush Administration imposed on this lifesaving research, and again by the callous indifference of the Republican Senate leadership in blocking action on the bipartisan bill to end those restrictions that was approved overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives. It’s time to vote for hope.” –Crystal Patterson | Permalink Health Care Week: A Call to ActionWed May 10, 10:42 AM
Senator Kennedy Spoke about the Senate’s “Health Care Week” on the Senate Floor today: “This new age of the life sciences holds immense potential for better health for all Americans. “Senate Health Week” ought to be a time of re-dedication to bringing the promise of quality health care to every American. Our goal is to make health care a right and not a privilege—where no American must choose between a visit to the doctor and paying the rent or putting food on the table. That is the vision we are trying to achieve – but obviously, we have not succeeded yet. Time and again, narrow self-interest has defeated proposals to extend the benefits of health care to all Americans. Because of these wrong choices, the vast promise of the life sciences is being denied to millions of Americans. Even things as basic as regular visits to the family doctor are a distant dream for millions of our fellow citizens. 46 million Americans have no health insurance – that’s six million more than in the year President Bush was elected. Even for those who have coverage, health care is becoming more and more unaffordable. Insurance premiums have leaped by a shocking 73 percent since the year 2000, when the rise in wages and prices in that period was only 13.6 percent. These soaring increases in health costs come at a time when working families are under siege on other fronts. Gas prices have more than doubled since President Bush took office. College tuition is up 45 percent. Housing by 44 percent. The list goes on and on and up and up. In the face of this growing health care crisis of access and costs, “Health Week” ought to be a call for action, a summons to put forward serious proposals to solve the major health care challenges we face. But no, that’s not what this so-called “Senate Health Week” is all about.” –Crystal Patterson | Permalink Kennedy on the Misplaced Priorities of "Health Week"Tue May 9, 10:36 AM
“We are in the age of the life sciences. American ingenuity is the source of countless innovations that offer new opportunities to save lives and reduce suffering. “Health Week” ought to be a time of celebration—a time when we give thanks that the promise of quality health care has been fulfilled for every American. We ought to be able to celebrate a nation where health care is a right and not a privilege—where no American must choose between a visit to the doctor and paying the rent or putting food on the table. That is the vision we should have achieved – but obviously, we have not succeeded. Instead, time and again, narrow self-interest has defeated proposals to extend the benefits of health care to all Americans. Because of these wrong choices, the promise of this century of the life sciences is denied to millions of Americans. The miracles of modern medicine are beyond their reach, and something as basic as a regular visit to the family doctor is a distant dream. There are 46 million Americans without health insurance – that’s six million more now than in the year President Bush was elected. Nearly two thirds of those who are uninsured report that high costs deterred them from filling a prescription, seeing a specialist when needed, or getting recommended medical treatment. In hospital and out, young or old, black or white, they receive less care, suffer more, and are 25% more likely to die than those who are insured. Even for those who have coverage, health care is becoming more and more unaffordable. Health insurance premiums have leapt by a shocking 73 percent since the year 2000, but the general growth of wages and prices in that period was only 13.6 percent. These soaring increases in health care costs come at a time when working families are under siege economically. Gas prices have more than doubled since President Bush took office. College tuition is up 45 percent. Housing by 44 percent. The list goes on and on and up and up. With this growing health care crisis of accessibility and affordability, “Health Week” ought to be a call for action, a summons to put forward serious proposals to solve the major health care challenges we face. But no, that’s not what this so-called “Health Week” is all about. Instead of grasping the historic opportunity for a real debate on health care, the Senate leadership has squandered half the week trying to penalize patients who are seriously injured by medical malpractice. Instead of a debate on providing health care to every American, the leadership has devoted time to a proposal from the Chairman of our health committee that—no matter how well intentioned or honorably proposed—will worsen health care for millions of Americans.” Kennedy Fights the Republican Health BillTue May 9, 09:30 AM
Today, as the Republican health bill reaches the Senate floor, Senator Kennedy led the fight to oppose it because it would raise the premiums and lower the benefits for millions of Americans who already have health coverage today. Although the bill has been presented as legislation for small businesses, the effects of this bill go far beyond the “small business plans” and would sweep away important protections for patients in every state-regulated insurance market. Senator Kennedy opposes the plan and his colleagues have offered an alternative bill to give small business real help and assistance to provide meaningful health coverage. “The bill the Senate considers today undermines our progress on healthcare,” Senator Kennedy said. “Its supporters say that the legislation is about helping small business. But the legislation the Senate considers today isn’t an advance – it’s a retreat. It’s a retreat from our commitment to cancer. It’s a retreat from our commitment to diabetes. It’s a retreat from our commitment to mental health parity. We’re here today to say that quality, affordable health care should be the right of each and every American.” Kennedy joined a rally of leading health advocacy groups who are working to defeat the bill because it is a major step backwards in the effort to provide better healthcare in this country. In addition to the advocates, forty-one attorney generals and eighteen Insurance Commissioners oppose the bill. Democrats have offered a comprehensive alternative S.1955. The Small Employers Health Benefits Plan (S.2510) would allow small businesses with up to 100 employees to band together for lower health care prices by pooling their purchasing power and spreading their risk over a large number of participants. Attached is Senator Kennedy’s remarks from the press conference, a letter of opposition signed by 224 advocacy groups, and a summary of the bill. Kennedy Speaks Out at Rally for Health Care Letter of Opposition to the Republican Health Plan –Crystal Patterson | Permalink Kennedy Speaks Out on Unfair Medical Malpractice LegislationMon May 8, 02:59 PM
“We must reject the simplistic and ineffective responses proposed by those who contend that the only way to help doctors is to further hurt seriously injured patients. Unfortunately, as we saw in the Patients’ Bill of Rights debate, the Bush Administration and Congressional Republicans are again advocating a policy which will benefit neither doctors nor patients, only insurance companies. Caps on compensatory damages and other extreme “tort reforms” are not only unfair to the victims of malpractice, they do not result in a reduction of malpractice insurance premiums. Not only does this legislation fail to do what it claims, but it would do many things that its authors are attempting to conceal. In reality, this legislation is designed to shield much of the health care industry from basic accountability for the care it provides. While those across the aisle like to talk about doctors, the real beneficiaries will be insurance companies and large health care corporations. This amendment would enrich them at the expense of the most seriously injured patients; men, women and children whose entire lives have been devastated by medical neglect and S.22 would drastically limit the financial responsibility of the health care industry to compensate injured patients for the harm they have suffered. This legislation is extremely broad in its scope. It defines a “health care liability claim” as any claim “based upon the provision of, use of, or payment for (or the failure to provide, use, or pay for) health care services.” It is attempting to use the sympathetic family doctor as a Trojan horse concealing an enormous array of special legal privileges for every corporation which provides a health care service, or insures the payment of a medical bill. For example, this proposal would shield HMOs and health insurers that refuse to provide needed care. Less accountability will never lead to better health care. Every provision of this bill is carefully designed to take existing rights away from those who have been harmed by medical neglect and corporate greed.” –Crystal Patterson | Permalink Still No Progress on Stem CellsThu May 4, 03:17 PM
Today Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democratic Leader Harry Reid and Senators Tom Harkin and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) called upon Majority Leader Bill Frist to immediately take up the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 810) in the Senate for a vote. The legislation—designed to expand federal funding for stem cell research—passed the House of Representatives with a broad bipartisan majority on May 24, 2005. Despite bipartisan support for the measure in the Senate, the bill has never been allowed to come to the floor for a vote. The Senators released a letter signed by over 40 members of the Democratic caucus urging Frist to bring the bill up during his “Health Week” next week. “The dreams of millions of patients for a better life have been denied by the Bush Administration’s needless restrictions on stem cell research,” Senator Kennedy said. “We call on the Senate leadership, in the name of the millions of patients who cannot be here to speak for themselves, to schedule a vote on the House-passed bill on stem cell research. We’re here today to say, “The time for delay is over!” The bipartisan Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act would allow federal funding for stem cell research using stem cell lines derived under strict ethical requirements from excess in vitro fertilization embryos, regardless of the date they were derived. Below is the text of the letter signed by over 40 Democrats as well as Senator Kennedy’s floor remarks delivered today. Letter to Senator Frist Urging Consideration of Stem Cell Legislation Kennedy Floor Statement on Stem Cells –Crystal Patterson | Permalink Taking Action on the Flu PandemicWed May 3, 03:39 PM
Today, Senator Kennedy released a report, “Too Little Too Late: The Bush Administration’s Record of Failure in Preparing for Pandemic Flu.” The report details the failures of the Administration to adequately prepare the United States for a potential pandemic flu outbreak, the need for a strong liability compensation program and the steps that must be taken—both on a local and a federal level—in order for this country to be adequately prepared. The United States remains the only superpower without a comprehensive pandemic flu plan in place. Later today, the Bush Administration is introducing a revised plan initially introduced to the American public last fall. The plan to be released today is supposed to be the third and final part of the HHS plan, but still leaves us without a coherent overall national plan. Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy offered an amendment to the Emergency Supplemental bill to strengthen the compensation program for flu liability. Last December, a provision was inserted into a major spending bill to provide sweeping immunity from liability for manufacturers of experimental flu vaccines – as well as a broad range of other vaccines, drugs, and medical devices. The provision purported to provide compensation for first responders and others who might be injured by the products to which the legal immunity applied – but the promise of compensation was an empty one. Even though the provision was enacted as part of an appropriations bill, no funding was provided for the compensation program. As a result of this provision, drug companies can receive legal immunity even when they ignore basic safety precautions in the manufacture of their products, but injured patients have no access to compensation. The Kennedy amendment provides $289 million in funding available this year for the compensation program. These funds would give the assurance needed to health professionals, first responders, and others who will be first to receive experimental flu vaccines that they will be compensated if they are injured. If funds are not provided as part of this supplemental appropriation, there will be no further opportunity to assure that funds are available for the compensation program until next fiscal year. Below are Senator Kennedy’s floor remarks, a summary of his flu liability amendment and an executive summary of his comprehensive report on pandemic flu in the United States. Full reports are available upon request. Kennedy Flu Amendment PassesWed May 3, 03:16 PM
Today, in a vote of 53-46, Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s amendment providing a compensation fund for health professionals and first responders who will be the first to receive experimental flu vaccinations passed and was added to the supplemental. Below is Senator Kennedy’s statement: “Today’s vote by the Senate is a show of support and respect for America’s first responders, the courageous and highly trained men and women who protect us all in the case of emergencies. In the event of a pandemic flu crisis, they deserve a clear commitment from the government that they and their families will be compensated if they’re taken ill by a vaccine while caring for others. The passage of this obvious but essential amendment is a step in the right direction, but we are still far behind where we should be in planning for such a pandemic. Other nations have been implementing their plans for years, but the Bush Administration has only just announced its plan today. We’re far behind, and time is not on our side.” History is Made in MassachusettsThu Apr 13, 02:57 PM
Massachusetts Governor Oks Landmark Health Bill – Associated Press “Gov. Mitt Romney signed legislation Wednesday that would make Massachusetts the first state to require everyone to have health insurance, just as drivers must have automobile coverage. The law would make Massachusetts the only state with universal health coverage, employing a combination of subsidies and penalties to make insurance more affordable and to force people to buy it, too. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., who attended the signing ceremony in Boston’s historic Fanueil Hall, praised Romney for giving the state “just what the doctor ordered.” “With the signing of this landmark health reform bill, after so many years of false starts, our actions have finally matched our words and we have lived up to our ideals,” Kennedy said.”
Healthcare for All in MassachusettsWed Apr 5, 10:46 AM
Massachusetts Sets Health Plan for Nearly All – The New York Times “The bill does what health experts say no other state has been able to do: provide a mechanism for all of its citizens to obtain health insurance. It accomplishes that in a way that experts say combines methods and proposals from across the political spectrum, apportioning the cost among businesses, individuals and the government. The Massachusetts bill was hammered out with proposals and input from state Democratic legislators; Mr. Romney, a Republican; Senator Edward M. Kennedy, a Democrat; insurers; academics; businesses; hospitals; and advocates for the poor, including religious leaders.They were motivated in part by a threat by the federal government to eliminate $385 million in federal Medicaid money unless the state reduced the number of uninsured people. The state was supposed to have the bill completed by January, but state officials said they were confident that the federal government would approve of Tuesday’s bill.” Massachusetts Bill Requires Health Insurance – The Boston Globe “US Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who has worked closely on the bill with Romney and House and Senate leadership, said yesterday that he felt that a sense of history propelled lawmakers through difficult negotiations. ‘I think a lot of people in the health community understood that this was a special moment and we shouldn’t lose it or miss it,’ Kennedy said in an interview. ‘I found that at the end of the day, when it really counted, [legislative leaders] were inspired to do the right thing.’” Comprehensive Health Care Reform in MassachusettsMon Apr 3, 12:49 PM
“Massachusetts once again leads the nation with an innovative plan that will achieve our longstanding goal of expanding health care for all. We could not have achieved today’s landmark agreement without the strong leadership of Senate President Travaglini and House Speaker DiMasi. Their skill in crafting this legislation and their dedication to seeing it through have been extraordinary. I’m optimistic that it will quickly be signed into law and I’ll continue to fight to keep the federal dollars that will be critical in enabling this plan to become a reality.” Medicare for AllWed Mar 15, 11:15 AM
America faces a health care crisis. Too many Americans are uninsured, and the number of the uninsured is increasing at an accelerating rate. No American family is more than one pink slip or one employer decision to drop coverage away from being uninsured. Health care costs are too high and are rising at double-digit rates. Our dysfunctional health care financing system makes it harder for American businesses to compete in the global economy, creates incentives to outsource jobs abroad, has slowed job growth even as the economy recovers, and has been an especially heavy burden on manufacturing. America’s failure to assure the basic human right to health care to all its citizens was one of the great public policy failures of the 20th century. Recent data emphasizes the urgency of redressing this failure. Forty-six million Americans are uninsured, and the most recent Census Bureau figures show that the number of uninsured increased by nearly one million Americans in 2005 alone. After a brief period of stability in the mid-90s, health care costs are rising at unacceptable rates far in excess of inflation. Health insurance premiums have risen at double-digit rates since 2000, and have increased a whopping 73% in the last five years. Health care spending reached 16% of GDP, the highest level in our nation’s history. The high level of American health care costs combined with a financing system that places the burden of paying for coverage on employers who voluntarily choose to offer health insurance puts American firms at a competitive disadvantage. As a proportion of GDP spent on health care, America is first in the world by a large margin. By that standard, we spend 49% more than the Swiss, the next highest spending country, 88% more than the Germans, 150% more than the British, and 160% more than the Japanese, according to the latest data from the OECD. Our extraordinary level of health spending, however, is not reflected in better health outcomes. Among the world’s leading industrialized countries, the United States ranks 22nd in average life expectancy and 25th in infant mortality. Not only are our health care costs much higher than our trading competitors, but our system forces employers to finance a much higher proportion of costs than firms abroad, because foreign systems rely much more on broad-based public financing. Improving Care for Americans with Mental IllnessWed Mar 15, 11:11 AM
Approximately 50 million Americans experience some form of mental illness each year. Unfortunately too many forgo medical treatment due to the high out-of-pocket cost of treatment as private health insurance plans typically provide lower levels of coverage for treating mental illness than for treating other illnesses. This bill will eliminate the discriminatory treatment of mental illness by requiring insurers provide parity between mental health benefits and medical and surgical benefits. More background information after the jump. Working to Solve the Health Care CrisisWed Mar 15, 10:38 AM
Today, the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee continued its negotiations of a Republican plan that would raise the premiums and lower the benefits for millions of Americans who already have health coverage today. Although the bill has been presented as legislation for small businesses, the effects of this bill go far beyond the “small business plans” and would sweep away important protections for patients in every state-regulated insurance market. Senator Kennedy opposes the plan and will offer amendments to improve it, including one that would strike the language relating to state benefits. Kennedy and his colleagues have offered an alternative bill to give small business real help and assistance to provide meaningful health coverage. “Unfortunately, the bill before us includes damaging provisions to repeal existing laws that make healthcare coverage more affordable for millions of Americans. It sets up the barest of bare bones standards for benefits – sweeping aside requirements to cover cancer screening, well baby care, immunization, access to specialists and many o |
Healthcare for All has become a reality in Massachusetts, as elected officials worked out a plan that would ensure that everyone in the state has insurance coverage.