Kennedy and Baucus downplay reported rift

There is no rift between Sens. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.) on how to achieve healthcare reform, the two men said Saturday.

Kennedy and Baucus issued a joint statement denying a New York Times report claiming the two, who are spearheading reform efforts, have split over the size of the public plan option to be included in the package.

“For both of us, reforming the nation’s health care system to cut cost, improve quality and provide affordable coverage remains the top priority on our two committees,” the senators said. “We have worked together closely over many months and will continue to do so.”

“We intend to ensure that our committees report similar and complementary legislation that can be quickly merged into one bill for consideration on the Senate floor before the August recess,” the two added.