Obama urges Senate to take up healthcare after late-night House action

President Obama thanked the House today for passing healthcare reform and urged the Senate today to "take the baton" from the lower chamber.

"For year we've been told this couldn't be done," Obama said in remarks from the Rose Garden "But last night the House proved differently."

Obama acknowledged that for many Democrats last night's vote was politically difficult.

"I know this was a courageous vote for many members of congress. I'm grateful to them and the rest of their colleages for taking us this far," he said.

Obama said he was "absolutely confident" that the Senate would pass a bill as well, adding that senators will "be able to join their House colleages and say this is their finest hour in public service."