Since 1962, U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy held the chairmanship in the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee. But now there’s a unique chance for the Senator from Massachusetts to make his stand in health care reform.
For most of Kennedy’s career, he has been a strong supporter of universal health care/universal health insurance, reported the Boston Globe. And with Democrats holding overwhelming control in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Senate, and the White House, health care reform in Kennedy’s vision is more than likely.
That’s why Kennedy has decided he’ll step down from the Judiciary Chairmanship and concentrate all his energy as the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I intend to make the most of it, ” said Senator Kennedy.
There are huge implications here.
Kennedy’s announcement really underscores that Congressional Democrats see the next two (and maybe more) years in power of Washington as a wide-open door to sweeping health reform in the way they’ve been dreaming about for decades.
Expect to see a never-before-seen effort to sway public opinion and one (or two) Senate Republicans to the Democrats’ side for universal health insurance, universal access to health care for all, and heavy regulations on the health insurance industry.
Like we’ve said before, there’s little or no chance of the United States ever switching to a single-payer health care system, but mandated health insurance and heavy regulation on health insurance companies is more likely then ever before.
Agree/disagree with our analysis of Kennedy’s decision? Sound off in the comments section.