Harkin: Health care bill will pass by January

(AP) - Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin says his prediction that a sweeping overhaul of the country's health care system would pass this year was off a bit, but he remains confident Congress will approve the landmark changes.

Harkin has had a key role in the health care debate since becoming chairman of the Senate Health, Education and Labor Committee. He took over that position after the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Speaking Friday on the Iowa Public Television program "Iowa Press," the Democratic senator speculated that a health care bill would pass by the end of January.

Harkin predicted the bill would provide optional government-run health coverage to those who don't have insurance. He says most American support such a proposal.