October 29, 2009 Pelosi presents health care bill that would extend coverage to 36 million Play video

(NECN: Washington) - House Democrats this morning unveiled sweeping legislation to extend health care coverage to millions of Americans who lack it and create a new option of government-run insurance.

A vote is likely next week on the plan patterned closely on President Barack Obama's own.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress was "on the cusp of delivering on the promise of making affordable, quality health insurance available to every American, and laying the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come."

Pelosi spoke on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Across the Capitol, Senate Democrats, too, are hoping to pass legislation by year's end.

*Material from The Associated Press used in this report*