WASHINGTON (AP) - 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.''

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

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama urged lawmakers to pass a proposed health care overhaul during a rare visit to Capitol Hill on Saturday.

Obama told lawmakers they have an opportunity to provide stability and security for those who have insurance and affordable coverage for those who don't, deputy press secretary Bill Burton said after the closed-door meeting with fellow Democrats. Obama again made the pitch that passing the proposals would bring down the cost of health care for families, small businesses and the government.

Obama met privately with Democrats for about an hour on Capitol Hill on Saturday as the House began debate on a health care overhaul and protesters objected. As Obama arrived at a House office building, protesters shouted at Obama's motorcade. One man held a ``Don't Treat on Me'' flag while others shouted at the entourage. Around the corner from Obama's entrance, protesters screamed ``Kill the bill'' and ``Kill the Pelosi bill,'' a reference to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Obama told lawmakers - who spontaneously erupted in Obama campaign chant ``fired up, ready to go'' - he preferred to sign a health overhaul bill by year's end, Burton said.

Obama later planned to talk to reporters in the White House's Rose Garden.

11/07/09 13:36 © 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 The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.