Kennedy health reform 'dream' will be real this year: Pelosi
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed Wednesday to push through embattled health reform legislation this year following the death of Senator Ted Kennedy, who called the effort "the cause of my life".
"Ted Kennedy?s dream of quality health care for all Americans will be made real this year because of his leadership and his inspiration," Pelosi said in a statement.
President Barack Obama's sweeping plan to provide health insurance to all Americans, the top domestic priority of his administration, has met with stiff public and political opposition amid concerns over the costs of the plan and the role of government in providing medical care.
Pelosi, one of Obama's top Democratic allies, was reminding Americans that reforming the health care system was a cause dear to the heart of Kennedy, who died late Tuesday after losing a long battle with brain cancer.
"Sadly, Senator Kennedy left us exactly one year after he inspired the nation with his speech of optimism, vitality, and courage at the Convention in Denver," she said.
Cancer-stricken, Kennedy climbed on stage at the Democratic National Convention in August 2008 to give an emotional speech in support of Obama as he campaigned for the presidency and their shared commitment to health care reform.
"This is the cause of my life," Kennedy said of the 46 million Americans who do not have health insurance.
"The work begins anew. The hope rises again. And the dream lives on," said Kennedy in passing the torch to Obama.
Pelosi said that: "Today, with the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the American people have lost a great patriot, and the Kennedy family has lost a beloved patriarch.
"Over a lifetime of leadership, Senator Kennedy?s statesmanship and political prowess produced a wealth of accomplishment that has improved opportunity for every American."
