Steny Hoyer: House Health Care Vote May Be Delayed, Abortion Funding Key Sticking Point

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Friday the vote by the House of Representatives on health care reform, expected to come on Saturday, could slip into next week as conflicts over insurance coverage for illegal immigrants, as well as federal funding for abortion, continue to bog down Democrats' efforts to secure 218 votes for final passage.

Hoyer said it was never the intent of the bill to open the possibility of funding for abortion, and he still does not believe the measure would allow it. "We want to make sure members are comfortable with that reality." On the question of benefits for illegal immigrats, he said, "We want to make sure that undocumented immigrants do not receive federal assistance through this program."

Hoyer said he expects the House will finish its business late Saturday night, but leaders are preparing for the possibility that the vote may come on Monday or Tuesday.

In addition to Hoyer's news of a possible delay, President Obama canceled a trip to Capitol Hill, planned for today to secure final commitments on the bill, to focus on the aftermath of Thursday's shootings at Fort Hood.

Even after the House passes its bill, Hoyer predicted conference-committee work to combine the House and Senate versions will be "relatively lengthy and difficult because of the differences."

Finally, Hoyer warned that continued delay on the bill will only hurt Americans who are struggling to pay for health insurance and health care. "We simply cannot afford not to act," he said.