On a conference call today, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said that the schedule for passage of an historic health care bill could drop somewhat.

The plan is to vote on the rule, vote for the substitute amendment (which is the horrific Republican health care bill) and then move to final passage, all of which could be completed by 8:00 ET tomorrow night. But Hoyer said that Republican procedural tactics, like a motion to recommit, could delay the bill. The Majority Leader said he would keep Congress in session as long as it takes until the bill passes. The House is supposed to have next week off, but if need be, Hoyer would hold a vote Sunday, Monday or Tuesday.

Hoyer claimed that House Democrats are “very close” to the 218 votes needed for passage. Today’s Rules Committee session, scheduled for 2pm ET, could tell the tale. We shall see what amendments or changed language is allowed into the bill at that time. It’s basically the last chance to make any alterations to the bill.

Anthony Weiner announced today that he would not offer his single-payer amendment as a substitute to the bill in today’s Rules Committee session.