Kennedy casts vote on Medicare measure

WASHINGTON – Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., made a dramatic return to the Capitol on Wednesday to help the Senate pass legislation that would rescind a sharp cut in Medicare payments to physicians.

Kennedy, who underwent surgery June 2 to remove a life-threatening brain tumor, appeared on the Senate floor at 4:15 p.m., the first time he was there in more than seven weeks. He brought the chamber to a halt and prompted a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.

The legislation was approved by a vetoproof margin, 69-30, after falling just one vote shy of passage less than two weeks ago. Kennedy cited that close vote, and his potential to make a difference, as the reason for his appearance.

Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, R-Maine, voted in favor of the legislation.