WASHINGTON (AP) - A White House official says President Barack Obama told House Democrats that Congress has a historic opportunity for making big changes to the country's health care system.

Obama met privately with Democrats for about an hour on Capitol Hill on Saturday as the House began debate on a health care overhaul.

A White House official who was in the meeting says Obama told lawmakers they have the great chance now to provide stability and security for people with insurance - and offer affordable coverage for the uninsured, too, while bringing down costs for everyone.

He told lawmakers he wants to sign a bill by year's end.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the closed-door session.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama has ended his Capitol Hill meeting with House Democrats as he tries to round up Democratic votes for his health care overhaul.

The House plans to vote Saturday evening. Republicans are voting against the bill, but Democrats who control Congress hope their party will supply enough votes to pass it.

Obama was accompanied by top political adviser David Axelrod as he walked into the Cannon House Office Building around 11:30 a.m. for the meeting. Obama left about an hour later for the White House.

11/07/09 12:42 © Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.