AUSTIN (March 19, 2010)—Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus sent a letter Friday to members of the state’s congressional delegation, asking the lawmakers to vote against the president’s sweeping health care overhaul bill.

“We recognize the need for true health care reform that controls rising costs and ensures hardworking Texans can afford health care for themselves and their families,” the letter said.

“But government programs should not be the first place we look to expand coverage.

“We urged you to stand with Texas taxpayers and protect the prosperity of Texas by voting against this government takeover of health care.”

President Barack Obama and Democratic leaders were striving Friday to muster enough votes in the U.S. House to pass the $940 billion health care bill Sunday.

But a last-minute dispute over Medicare is threatening to derail some of the gains.

Some lawmakers were complaining about a provision in the bill on how health providers are paid under Medicare.

Rep. Peter DeFazio D-Ore., said he's "a 'no' unless they fix it."

Democratic leaders still don't command the 216 votes they need, so every undecided lawmaker is the focus of personal attention from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the White House.

Mr. Obama, who delayed an overseas trip to help ensure passage of the legislation, plans to meet with Democratic lawmakers at the White House Saturday afternoon.