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House Democrats clear impasse holding up vote

FILE - In this Oct. 29, 2009, file photo House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Md. speaks during a news conference about health care on Capitol Hill in Washington. "We're very close" to having enough votes to prevail, said Hoyer of the health care reform bill Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, although he added a scheduled Saturday vote could slip by a day or two. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, FILE)

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FILE - In this Oct. 29,2009, file photo Crystal Chiu places a placard on the podium on Capitol Hill in Washington, prior to a news conference about health care. House Democratic leaders struggled Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, for the final votes needed to pass sweeping health care legislation, working to ease concerns among Hispanic holdouts and abortion foes. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

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By RICARDO ALSONSO-ZALDIVAR, The Associated Press 12:06 AM Saturday, November 7, 2009

WASHINGTON — House Democrats have cleared an impasse over abortion that has been holding up a vote on sweeping health care legislation.

A vote is expected on Saturday — after President Barack Obama makes a late morning trip to the Capitol to make one final pitch for the legislation.

According to Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan, he and other abortion opponents will be given a chance to insert tougher abortion restrictions into the legislation during debate on the House floor.

The leadership hopes that no matter how that vote turns out, Democrats will then unite to give the health care bill a majority over unanimous Republican opposition.

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November 07, 2009 05:00 AM EST

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