House Democratic leaders met this afternoon to discuss the status of health care reform in Congress, where Democrats in both chambers continue to negotiate a compromise both sides can agree on. There is no Republican support in either the House or Senate, where Democrats' filibuster-proof 60th vote is on the line in today's Massachusetts special election.

Congress is "on the brink" of passing health care reform, Pelosi told reporters following the meeting. "And regardless of what happens in Massachusetts, we believe that that will happen."

"Regardless of what happens in Massachusetts, we still have to resolve the difference between our two bills," continued Pelosi. "Our eye is on the ball of passing legislation. In order to do that, we have to resolve some differences, establish some priorities, make some decisions and that's what we're doing. Whatever happens in Massachusetts, we have to do that, and whatever happens in Massachusetts, we will pass quality, affordable health care for all Americans and it will be soon."

Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-S.D.), though, said today that if Democrats lose the Senate seat, "the chances would diminish significantly for achieving health care reform this year because of the Senate's inability to get anything done without 60 votes."

House GOP leadership responded to Pelosi's comments, with Boehner spokesman Michael Steel saying: "Regardless of what happens in Massachusetts, it's clear that jamming this government takeover of health care through Congress will set off a political firestorm. The American people are screaming, 'stop' at the top of their lungs, and out-of-touch Democratic leaders ignore them at their peril."

--
Follow RCP on Twitter.
Become a fan of RCP on Facebook.