As part of his talk, Sen. Kennedy also blasted President Bush's health care agenda. "The Bush administration has no program to control health care costs," he charged. "Why not? Because it might upset the drug industry and the insurance industry," he said.

Sen. Kennedy said that under his bill, no employer would have to spend more than 12 percent of payroll for employee health insurance.

If health costs rise faster than a fair average of other costs, the government will cover the difference, he said.

"We will protect America's ability to compete in the world, and we will keep wages and profits from being consumed by health care costs," Sen. Kennedy said.

For individuals without employment-based coverage, he said, coverage will be available through the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program, with premiums based on ability to pay.[@@]

Sen. Kennedy said that for decades the nation has required employers to contribute to Social Security and to Medicare. Employers, he said, must also pay a minimum wage and contribute to unemployment insurance.

"Now, it is time to say that they also have an obligation to contribute to the cost of health insurance for their employees," he said.

Sen. Kennedy said that his legislation will have provisions aimed at reducing health care costs.

For example, he said, the use of new information technology, improving quality and a new emphasis on prevention will reduce health care costs for society as a whole.