Sen. Kirk urges passage of health care bill

Kirk, who was a friend of Kennedy's, pointed to a 1969 speech by Kennedy in which he called for "bringing adequate health care to all our citizens."

"The world has progressed in many ways since he spoke those words four decades ago," Kirk said. "But our health care system has not."

"Ted Kennedy's voice still echoes in this chamber. His spirit of hope and strength, of determination and perseverance is still felt here," Kirk said. "Let each of us in this Senate be moved by the better angels of our nature and make that future a better one for our generation and the generations to come. As Ted Kennedy said 40 years ago, 'All we need is the will.' This is our time ... let us pass this legislation now."

Senate Democratic leaders abandoned the last vestige of a government health plan on Tuesday but pledged to move ahead on the sweeping health care overhaul, infuriating many liberals but pleasing President Obama, who said victory on his highest domestic priority was within sight, the Globe reported today.

Kennedy, the liberal lion of the Senate, died in August after serving 47 years representing Massachusetts in Washington. Kirk, a lawyer and former Democratic National Committee chairman, was appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to hold his seat until a special election takes place Jan. 19.