The holidays are supposed to be a quiet news cycle. By the weekend before Christmas, people usually have evacuated the city as if the British were approaching in 1812. There is no place more empty, quiet and dark than DC in late December. That is unless you have a healthcare bill to pass! This year the President, Congress and lobbyists crowded around the Capitol tree frantically reading amendments while checking and revising flight plans. Rarely has the Capitol been treated to such high class drama.

The entire production was worth it. The United States Senate passed for the first time in history a healthcare bill. Now it goes to conference to work out details with the House's version but healthcare legislation reaching the President's desk is a given. History has been made this holiday season.

While I wanted more in the legislation, it is an important first step. We can build on it and improve it over the years. After its passage, I have to admit I had to work through about six charts in six different media outlets to finally get an understanding of what is included in this historic legislation. There is no question that millions of more Americans will receive healthcare, that pre-existing conditions will finally end, portability will be established and lives will be saved. Tragically, there are still millions more to be covered and great improvements on this legislation are needed down the road.

However, for decades we have attempted to get legislation passed through Congress to improve the quality of care and costs of healthcare. We certainly have taken an important step in the cost arena but hardly touched the quality of care. However, lets accept it for what it is: an important step forward.

One can't possibly write about this moment with evoking the name of Senator Edward Kennedy. Throughout the debate in the United States Senate, his presence was everywhere. His brave wife, Vicki, struggling without her husband at the holidays, wrote and called to help pass the bill. No one deserves more credit for this moment in history than Senator Kennedy. Thank you, Senator.