Hoyer suggests delay in House vote on health care

WASHINGTON — The second-ranking Democrat in the House says lawmakers may not be able to vote on a health care bill next week but might remain in Washington in August to complete President Barack Obama’s top domestic priority.

Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland told lawmakers Friday that it might not be possible to finish the legislation, now bogged down in the Energy and Commerce Committee. Rebellious conservative-to-moderate Democrats have balked over the bill.

Hoyer suggested House leadership might keep lawmakers in Washington past their scheduled break, which is slated to begin Aug. 1.