Medicare freed from gridlock

Sen. Edward Kennedy , recovering from surgery, arrived in the Senate today to cast a vote to break up the gridlock on legislation affecting cuts to physicians in the Medicare program.

"I return to the Senate today to keep a promise to our senior citizens, and that's to protect Medicare," the senator said in a statement issued by his office as the vote 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."

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. via USAToday.com

Accompanied by his niece Caroline Kennedy, the senator returned home after the important vote.

Our prayers are with him.