President Barack Obama said Friday that the health care debate is about whether the United States will accept a system "that works better for the insurance companies than it does for the American people."

Obama was making one of his final pushes for health care at George Mason University Friday, days ahead of an expected House vote on the health care overhaul plan.

The "time for reform is right now," Obama said.

Obama said he doesn't know how the health care bill, which has been the topic of staunch debate and fighting on Capitol Hill, "plays politically," but it will be "enormously important for America's future."

"We are going to do something historic this weekend," Obama said of the expected vote.

On Thursday House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also spoke out on the importance of passing the health care reform.

Pelosi said that when her members go to vote, they will have "all of the assurance they need" that the reconciliation package will be passed in the Senate.

"When we bring the bill to the floor, we will have a significant victory for the American people," Pelosi said.

House Minority Leader John Boehner, however, said the vote is "pretty tight."

Boehner said the revised health care bill is worse than the original legislation.

"The American people are going to hear about every pay off, every kickback and every sweetheart deal that comes out," he said.

Boehner reiterated his pledge to do everything he can to prevent the bill from becoming law.

"Republicans can't beat this bill, but the American people can," he said.