US House Democrats Cite Progress In White House Talks

The meetings began at 10:30 a.m. EST and lasted until 6:40 p.m., although House lawmakers briefly returned to Capitol Hill for a series of votes. Participants in the White House meetings included House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.), along with several other House and Senate leaders and committee chairs.

President Barack Obama attended most of the marathon session, but left occasionally to deal with the situation in Haiti.

"We made significant progress in bridging the remaining gaps between the two health insurance reform bills," Pelosi, Reid and Obama said in a joint statement released by the White House. "We're encouraged and energized, and we're resolved to deliver reform legislation that provides more stability and security for those with insurance, extends coverage to those who don't have coverage, and lowers costs for families, businesses, and governments."

Members of Congress and staff will continue to meet in the coming days, according to the White House, which hopes to forge a deal quickly on one of its top domestic priority.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D., Md.), who participated in the meetings, also cited headway in the talks.

"I think we're making progress and I think this president's participation in the details is an indication of how critically important he thinks it is...to make sure every American has access to affordable health care," Hoyer said. "He's walking the walk."


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