NEW : ` ` Now is the time to make a decision '' about health care reform , president says . NEW : ` The American people are ready for change and they want it now -- not later.'' But GOP says reconciliation never meant to be used for such a major policy change . Top GOP leaders have reiterated calls for president to scrap his plan , start over .
NEW : `` Now is the time to make a decision '' about health care reform , president says . NEW : Obama backs reconciliation , controversial tactic that requires only 51 votes . But GOP says reconciliation never meant to be used for such a major policy change . Top GOP leaders have reiterated calls for president to scrap his plan , start over .