Washington (CNN) -- The push to overhaul health care received a major boost Thursday as the American Medical Association and AARP endorsed legislation drafted by top House Democrats. The AARP, the nation's largest organization of older Americans, is a nonpartisan group that advocates for people 50 and older. The AMA, historically an opponent of health care reform, is considered one the nation's most influential doctors' advocacy groups. "I want to thank both organizations again for their support, and I urge Congress to listen to AARP, listen to the AMA and pass this reform for hundreds of millions of Americans who will benefit from it," President Obama said at the White House.
@highlight
NEW: President Obama praises American Medical Association, AARP for backing bill
@highlight
GOP leaders join "Tea Party" protesters for an opposition rally on Capitol Hill
@highlight
Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she has 218 votes needed to pass House bill
@highlight
Democrats: Bill would guarantee that 96 percent of Americans have coverage
House Democrats have rejected an alternative $60 billion @placeholder plan as inadequate for meeting the goals of expanding health coverage to most of the nation's 46 million uninsured while bringing down costs and ending controversial industry practices such as denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.