Today the Senate Finance Committee, by a vote of 14-9, said yes to a $820 billion health care reform package.

Voted mostly on partisan lines between Democratic supporters and Republican opponents – only one Republican or Democrat crossed lines on the vote - U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) voted against the bill.

While supporters of the bill say it will save money overtime, Roberts criticized the bill, saying it will cut current coverage and raise taxes.

"This bill will be rewritten by the majority in conference, behind closed doors," Roberts said. "In this proposal, many Americans will lose the coverage they have now, Medicare will be cut by $500 billion, and new taxes will be levied to pay for a bill that will actually restrict access to care, leave 25 million uninsured and do nothing to address the rising costs of care. This is not reform.”

The next step for the bill, which was drafted by U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, is debate on the Senate floor.

UPDATE: While U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (and likely future governor) did not have an official vote on the Senate Finance Committee, he did release a statement expressing his opposition to the plan.

Here it is in full:

“I have very serious concerns about the bill that passed out of committee today. Health care reform is a critical issue today, and I support targeted incremental reforms.  The president’s initial goal was to lower health care costs.  This hugely expensive bill will not lower costs and will not cover all uninsured.  There is an outcry from my constituents in Kansas against this trillion dollar bill that amounts to a government takeover of health care and will take money from Medicare to do it while leaving 25 million people uninsured.  I will be aggressively involved in this debate when it comes to the floor.”
 

Today's a big day for Wyandotte County Republicans and conservatives as U.S. Sen. John McCain has chimed in on a local race in Kansas.

McCain endorsed U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran today for the U.S. Senate. McCain, the Republican Party's candidate for president last year, announced his endorsement today.

“I’m proud to endorse my friend Jerry Moran in his candidacy for U.S. Senate," he said. "Moran has a proven record of fiscal responsibility - he has stood up to irresponsible spending on both sides of the aisle and is not afraid to oppose wasteful earmarks that cheat the American taxpayer."

Moran, in a very competitive battle with U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt for the party's nomination, welcomed the endorsement.

“Senator John McCain is an inspiration to countless Kansans and our entire nation.  His courage and valor make him one of America’s true heroes – he is a man who has truly put his country first against all odds,” Moran said.  “His strong endorsement for my candidacy is very humbling and gives our campaign great momentum in the months ahead.”