Dems seek agreement, quick vote on health careWhy Rush Limbaugh would go to Costa Rica if Obama's h

Under White House pressure to act swiftly, House and Senate Democratic leaders reached for agreement Friday on President Barack Obama's health care bill, sweetened suddenly by fresh billions for student aid and a sense that breakthroughs are at hand. "It won't be long," before lawmakers vote, predicted Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She said neither liberals' disappointment over the lack of a government health care option nor a traditional mistrust of the Senate would prevent passage in the House. At the White House, officials worked to maximize Obama's influence over lawmakers who control the fate of legislation that has spawned a yearlong struggle. They said he would delay his departure on an Asian trip for three days — until March 21 — and he will go to Ohio next week for a campaign-style pitch for his health care proposals. The delay gives congressional leaders much-needed breathing room to finish the legislation and nail down support from wavering lawmakers.