House Democrats move ahead on health care reform

WASHINGTON -- Later this morning, top House Democrats convene again, trying to iron out more of the problems that could derail the health care reform bill that President Barack Obama so badly wants.

Leaders are trying to soothe lawmakers worried that if they vote yes, they will pay a price at the polls this November.

There's pressure from the White House to have the completed bill on Obama's desk by March 18th. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is suggesting that's doubtful, saying lawmakers first need final figures from the Congressional Budget Office.

House members also have given up trying to placate anti-abortion lawmakers by changing the abortion language in the bill. And that will mean a bigger effort to get the 216 votes needed to pass the bill.

In the Senate, Democratic leaders plan to use budget reconciliation rules to short-circuit Republican filibusters.

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