Obama Urges Congress To Pass Health-Care Reform Bill

"It is a bill that is fully paid for and will actually reduce our federal deficit," Mr. Obama said. He cited endorsements from groups representing seniors, doctors, nurses and even farmers as evidence the bill has wide backing.

Obama made a final visit to House Democrats before their scheduled Saturday vote on major health-care legislation, telling them that the vote was a historic opportunity. No Republicans are expected to vote for the measure, and Democratic leaders are trying to ensure that they have the needed 218 votes among their ranks to pass the bill.

According to participants in the meeting, Obama did not discuss still- simmering debates among Democrats on abortion and immigration. Instead, he made an emotional appeal, comparing the bill to Congress' past efforts to pass Social Security and Medicare legislation.

"It was an inspirational speech," said Rep. Jan Schakowsky, (D, Ill.), who said that Obama told Democratic lawmakers that "this was the moment and that we have the opportunity to make a really big change, to provide and offer health care to all Americans."

Democratic leaders wouldn't say how many votes they'd secured to pass the bill, but they projected confidence. "We will pass health care reform," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said after the meeting.

The House is expected to vote on an amendment offered by Rep. Bart Stupak (D., Mich.) to put in place further restrictions intended to bar federal funding of abortions through an "exchange" created by the bill. Pro-choice Democrats have objected to the amendment, but House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman, (D, Calif.), said he expected the amendment to pass despite their protests.

In order for the bill to pass, the vast majority of opponents of the Stupak amendment will have to vote for the final passage of the bill. But pro-choice Democrats spoke favorably of the bill Saturday and appeared energized by Obama's visit.

Obama "knows it's a real stretch for some people, but it's an important stretch," said Rep. Lynn Woolsey, (D, Calif.), who opposes the Stupak amendment. "Doing the right thing is more important being worried for the moment."

-By Patrick Yoest, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-3554; patrick.yoest@ dowjones.com

(Janet Adamy of the Wall Street Journal contributed to this article.)

  (END) Dow Jones Newswires
  11-07-091401ET
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