Kennedy in dramatic Senate return

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Senator Edward Kennedy won a standing ovation from the Senate

Veteran US politician Edward Kennedy, recently operated on for a cancerous brain tumour, has returned to the Senate to cast a vital vote.

Mr Kennedy, 76, flew to Washington from his Boston home to back a key bill concerning the US Medicare system.

He arrived in the Senate to a standing ovation from both sides of the chamber.

The bill - to cancel a pay cut for doctors treating Medicare patients - passed by 69 votes to 30. President Bush has threatened to veto it.

Arriving in the Senate chamber to sustained applause from Democrats and Republicans, Mr Kennedy eventually steadied himself to raise his hand and pronounce a loud "Aye" in favour of the bill.

There were loud cheers from the public gallery as he cast his vote.

Strong support

In a written statement released by his office, Mr Kennedy said he returned to the Senate to keep a promise he had made to senior citizens to protect the Medicare system.

Medicare, a US government scheme, provides health insurance for those aged over 65.

EDWARD MOORE KENNEDY 1932 Born, youngest of nine siblings 1962 Becomes country's youngest senator 1963, 1968 Brothers President John F Kennedy and Senator Robert F Kennedy both assassinated 1969 "Chappaquiddick incident" - Kennedy flees scene after road crash in which his young female passenger dies 1980 Runs unsuccessfully for Democratic nomination against sitting President Jimmy Carter Profile: 'Teddy' Kennedy What is Kennedy's diagnosis?

"Win, lose or draw, I wanted to be here. I wasn't going to take the chance that my vote could make the difference."

In the event, 18 Republicans voted for the bill, nine more than did so on its previous reading in the Senate, clearing a procedural hurdle.

Mr Kennedy, a senator for Massachusetts, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in May following a seizure.

He underwent surgery and is now receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

The second longest-serving member of the Senate, Mr Kennedy has been an active supporter of Senator Barack Obama who is set to be the Democratic presidential candidate in November's election.

Mr Kennedy was first elected senator for Massachusetts in November 1962 - shortly after turning the requisite 30 years of age - to replace his brother, John F Kennedy, who had been elected president in 1960.

Since then he has been re-elected seven times.