Dems pare differences over health-care overhaul

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama delayed a scheduled Asian trip today as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi forecast final passage of sweeping health care legislation in days.

"It's going to be historic," she said as House and Senate leaders and the White House reached for final agreement on the measure.

Pelosi said it appeared a second administration priority, far-reaching changes in the student loan industry, would be added to the legislation. The measure would have the government originate assistance to needy college students, ending a system that has allowed banks and other private lenders to do so at a fee.

The change is estimated to save tens of billions of dollars over a decade, money that would be plowed back into higher Pell Grants and other student aid.

The health care legislation is designed to extend health care to millions who lack it, while banning insurance company practices such as denial of benefits on the basis of pre-existing conditions.

Republicans are implacably opposed to the measure, which they say would amount to a government takeover of the health care system, financed by cuts to Medicare and higher taxes.