House Leader Predicts Passage of Health Care Overhaul Bill WASHINGTON, DC (Associated Press) -
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer predicts the House will pass historic health care overhaul legislation Saturday to extend coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and ban insurance companies from turning people away.

The Maryland Democrat said in an interview with wire service reporters Thursday that House leaders will have the 218 votes needed to pass the sweeping bill, presuming a couple final issues are resolved. He acknowledged that the vote will be close.

Hoyer said language on abortion and illegal immigrants was still being worked out but predicted those issues could be solved in time for Saturday's debate and vote on the legislation that President Barack Obama has made his top domestic priority. © Copyright 2009, Associated Press