WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama says now is the time for Congress to "answer the call of history" and approve legislation revamping the country's health care system.

After meeting for nearly an hour with House Democrats, Obama went to the White House Rose Garden and said opportunities like passing a major health overhaul "come around maybe once in a generation."

The president made his remarks as the House was debating a bill reshaping the nation's health care system in a vote that was expected to be close.

He said the bill was the kind of change the country needs. He said lawmakers should repay the trust the voters placed in them, "even when it's hard. Especially when it's hard."