Kennedy missed in healthcare debate

WASHINGTON, July 17 (UPI) -- Observers say the healthcare reform debate in Washington has both sides lamenting the absence of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., who is battling brain cancer.

Both Republicans and Democrats agree that the presence of the veteran lawmaker could make a big difference as a divided Senate struggles over healthcare legislation, The New York Times reported Friday.

"He could lend a gravitas to the issue that we're kind of missing right now," says Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa.

GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah called the healthcare measure approved by the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, one-sided.

"I know that Ted would not have done that had he been able to be here," Hatch said.

The 77-year-old Kennedy remains at his home on Cape Cod as he undergoes chemotherapy treatments for his brain cancer.

His office says he is in touch with his staff and has been monitoring the progress of the healthcare legislation.