Democrat Hoyer: "very close" to health bill votes

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. House Democratic leader Steny Hoyer said on Friday "we're very close" to securing the 218 votes needed for passing a broad healthcare reform bill but Democrats still needed to win over some reluctant members.

One day before a scheduled debate on the health bill, President Barack Obama's top domestic priority, Hoyer said he expected a vote on the measure by Saturday night but the debate could drag on to Sunday or later.

(Editing by Doina Chiacu)