The House of Representatives should finish voting on the historic health care overhaul bill by 7 or 8 p.m. Saturday night, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Friday.

But, Hoyer warned, that timetable could slip is "there are delaying tactics or something interferes." He would not say he had the 218 votes needed for passage, but said "We're  very close."

The hangups are largely over abortion and immigration. Anti-abortion Democrats want it clear that federal money will not be used for elective abortion services, and Hoyer has been trying to include language in the legislation to make that crystal clear.

He also is trying to satisfy wavering members on immigration. There is concern that illegal immigrants will have access to government money to help them pay for health care; Hoyer insists that won't be the case.

The talks will continue, and at the moment, plans are to begin debate Saturday morning. Republicans are expected to be allowed an hour to debate their alternative, followed by a vote. There would also be three hours set aside for general debate, and an hour to debate the rules on how to proceed.