Obama, flanked by professionals supportive of his efforts, emphasized the need for action following the long debate.

“Every idea has been put on the table. Every argument has been made,” he said. “Everything there is to say about health care has been said and just about everybody has said it.”

He added, “Now is the time to make a decision about how to finally reform health care so that it works, not just for the insurance companies, but for America’s families and America’s businesses.”