Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

The year-long debate over health care reform could enter its final stages Sunday as the House prepares to vote on the reform legislation passed by the Senate in December, coupled with a reconciliation bill to add key amendments.

Democrats expressed optimism Saturday that they will have the 216 votes needed to pass the legislation, despite wariness exhibited by a number of those within the party and virtually no Republican backing.

"We’re on the threshold," President Barack Obama told the Democratic Caucus during an afternoon trip to the Capitol to shore up support. "After a year of debate, after every argument has been made, by just about everybody, we’re 24 hours away."

However, some Republicans are less convinced that Sunday's vote will favor Democrats.

"We still have yet to see an official whip count that they have the 216 needed to pass," a senior Republican aide told Talk Radio News. "Until [Democratic] leadership confirms the vote and/or the vote happens, it is still losing."

Republican Conference Chair Mike Pence (R-Ind.) conceded that the majority party may pass the controversial legislation, but argued that Republicans could still ultimately benefit.

"I don't know ... whether victory will come on the third Sunday in March or on the first Tuesday in November, but victory will come," Pence said, referencing November's mid-term elections.

If the legislation passes, the Senate health care legislation will become law. The upper-chamber will then hold a vote to approve the reconciliation bill.