President Barack Obama has urged members of the US House of Representatives to "rise to this moment" and approve his healthcare legislation. Skip related content
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Pelosi: Healthcare reform bill 'will be passed'
After talks with House Democrats on Capitol Hill, Mr Obama made remarks in the White House Rose Garden, saying the bill would bring the United States "one step closer" to quality healthcare for Americans.
"Now is the time to finish the job," he said. "I urge members of Congress to rise to this moment, answer to the call of history and vote yes for health insurance reform for America."
The bill, bringing in a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system, has now cleared its first hurdle in the House of Representatives, as Democrats approved a rule setting the terms of the debate.
The procedural vote was a critical test of support for the legislation to overhaul the $2.5 trillion healthcare system, which is President Barack Obama's top domestic priority. A vote on the legislation itself could come later on Saturday.
President Obama needs 218 supporters in the vote on the healthcare bill, which will be reconciled with a separate Senate bill if it passes. The US leader says the changes he proposes will give insurance to 36 million more Americans, as well as providing affordable healthcare to 96 per cent of the country.
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