**US President Barack Obama has called on Congress to “finish its work” on reforming the US health care system, and pass sweeping reforms.**In excerpts released from a speech he is to deliver later at the White House, Mr Obama says the American people are waiting on Washington’s leaders to act.
Health care has been a priority for Mr Obama but has been stalled in Congress.
Last week, a televised summit hosted by Mr Obama in Washington failed to break the deadlock between parties.
But the president is urging Congress to act on his latest proposal, updated with a number of Republican ideas.
“At stake right now is not just our ability to solve this problem, but our ability to solve any problem”
Barack Obama
The president and his allies want to expand health coverage to include millions of uninsured Americans.
“I ask Congress to finish its work, and I look forward to signing this reform into law,” Mr Obama said.
“At stake right now is not just our ability to solve this problem, but our ability to solve any problem,” he added.
“The American people want to know if it’s still possible for Washington to look out for their interests and their future. They are waiting for us to act.”
The president wants Congress to back the latest version of his $950bn (£621bn) plan to cover uninsured Americans and lower premiums.
Republicans say the country cannot afford the plan.
Both the House and the Senate voted on their own version of the package last year, but the legislation is currently stalled as the Senate Democrats no longer have the 60-seat majority required to defeat blocking tactics by Republicans.