House Democratic leaders pledge healthcare progress

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday hailed "historic" progress on healthcare legislation and pledged to continue momentum to deliver on President Barack Obama's vow of reform.

"Congress has made historic progress on health insurance reform that will put patients and doctors back in charge," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told a news conference after two House committees passed legislation aimed at overhauling the country's healthcare system.

Other Democratic leaders said the House legislation, along with another version being developed in the Senate, would likely undergo changes before anything is sent to Obama for his signature but added that "failure is not an option."

"These pivotal months will finally be our chance to deliver, and we will," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said.