Senior House Democrat sees health vote next week

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Rules Committee Chair Louise Slaughter told reporters that House leaders still intend to bring the massive healthcare overhaul bill to a vote next week.

After a House Democratic meeting, Slaughter told reporters, "I believe that to be true," that the House Democratic leadership was still aiming for a vote on the healthcare bill next week.

"We'd be prepared to do that," she said when asked whether the House might stay in session beyond the July 31 date for the start of the chamber's August recess. The Senate is scheduled to remain in session to August 7.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan)