Obama: Congress must act before August recess on health care overhaul

Obama praises progress on health care overhaul

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says his administration will push through an overhaul of the nation’s health care system and is urging Congress to finish the work before leaving for an August recess.

Obama on Wednesday praised House and Senate versions of a bill to expand health care coverage to millions of Americans. During a Rose Garden speech, Obama said the progress from Congress makes him hopeful but should not let lawmakers become complacent.

Obama says leaders must step up and meet their responsibilities. He says health care overhaul has been put off too long and that it’s no longer an option to defer to another day.

Obama stood with nurses who support his broad plan.