Dodd, HELP Cmte Democrats Hold Press Avail After the Affordable Health Choices Act

WASHINGTON (AP) ― The Senate health committee cast a milestone vote Wednesday to approve legislation expanding insurance coverage to nearly all Americans, becoming the first congressional panel to act on President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.

The 13-10 party line vote advanced a $600 billion measure that would require individuals to get health insurance and employers to contribute to the cost. The government would provide financial assistance with premiums for individuals and families making up to four times the federal poverty level, or about $88,000 for a family of four. The health committee legislation is but one piece of broader Senate legislation that's still under development.

"This time we've produced legislation that by and large I think the American people want," said Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., who stood in for committee chairman Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. Kennedy, who's made health care legislation a lifelong priority, is being treated for brain cancer.

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