Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Leah Valencia, University of New Mexico - Talk Radio News Service

"Last night, President Obama delivered what I believe to be one of the greatest speeches ever delivered in the congress of the United States," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday at her weekly press conference. Pelosi said she is confident that few obstacles stand in the way of healthcare reform passing.

Congressional members understand the importance of this piece of legislation and they are willing to work hard to achieve healthcare reform, Pelosi said. "We have to resolve the remaining pieces of it, that is very much within range," she said. "We will take the time it needs to do that, and when we are ready we will take our legislation to the floor."

Pelosi said it is likely Obama will pass a bill by the end of the year. "It will be legislation...that will work for the American people," she said. ""I'm confident the President will sign a bill this year."

As a steadfast advocate of a public option provision, Pelosi said last week that a healthcare reform bill would not pass without one. "A public option is the best option to lower costs, improve the quality of health care, ensure choice and expand coverage,” she said.

However, Pelosi said that the current plan is not perfect, and that she is open to suggestions on how to improve it. "I don't think you ever really go into a negotiation and say that some things are non-negotiable," she said. "So far we haven't seen a better plan, but it could be out there."