Ailing Kennedy helms nomination hearing

Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) made his first public appearance of the new Congress Thursday to chair a hearing to consider President-elect Obama’s pick for a key healthcare post.

Kennedy was diagnosed with a brain tumor eight months ago but looked fit Thursday. Little more than a slight tremor in his hands stood as evidence of the serious illnesses and traumatic medical treatments the nine-term senator has endured in recent months.

{mosads}Kennedy’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee met Thursday to consider Obama’s nomination of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) to be secretary of Health and Human Services and director of the newly created White House Office of Health Reform. The event marked the first Senate hearing of the 111th Congress.

“Reform is urgently needed and Tom Daschle is just the person for the job,” Kennedy said.

Apart from a dramatic return to the Senate this summer to serve as the tie-breaking vote on a Medicare bill and a prime-time address at the Democratic National Committee, Kennedy has kept a low public profile since his diagnosis.

But the “Lion of the Senate” has been working extensively behind the scenes on health reform, and was scarcely expected to miss the opportunity to preside over the Daschle hearing.
Kennedy did not acknowledge the significance of his appearance but his colleagues did not allow it to go without remark.

“I must say how wonderful it is to see you in that chair again,” Daschle said.

“We’re thrilled to have you here with us,” said Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.).

“Sen. Kennedy, welcome home,” said Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.).

HELP Committee ranking member Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) observed that Kennedy holding the Senate’s first hearing of 2009 is a clear sign that he’s showing no sign of slowing down.

“That’s typical Sen. Kennedy fashion to get right into it right away,” Enzi said.