Obama to work to solidify support for health bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — After months of turmoil, President Barack Obama is calling Senate Democrats to the White House to say it's time to come together and pass legislation embracing a wholesale remodeling of America's health care system.

The meeting set for Tuesday afternoon comes a day after Senate Democratic leaders suggested they were ready to abandon the last vestiges of a government-run insurance program that liberals have long sought, in order to placate moderates and secure the 60 votes they need to overcome united GOP opposition.

Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is racing to finish the sweeping bill by Christmas. There's not a vote to spare in the 60-member Democratic caucus, and Obama planned to drive the unity message home.

"President Obama will tell senators that that they've come much farther than any previous reform effort, and that the lion's share of the work is behind us," said Dan Pfeiffer, White House communications director. "He'll underscore that now is the time to come together and finish shaping legislation that will garner 60 votes and pass the Senate in short order."