WASHINGTON — They're known as Blue Dogs and they're barking about the cost of a health care overhaul, though mostly behind closed doors.

Moderate and conservative Democrats are demanding that the current proposals include more cost savings. The chairman of the Blue Dog health care task force said negotiators are "making progress" in talks with Democratic leaders and the administration. Still, Arkansas Congressman Mike Ross said, "We have a long way to go."

First-term lawmakers have expressed unhappiness with proposed tax increases and some rank-and-file Democrats are opposed to allowing the government to sell health insurance in competition with private industry.

The Democratic resistance, along with Republican calls for slowing the process, could mean President Barack Obama's ambitious timetable slips. He's been pushing the House and Senate to hold votes on their versions of a reform plan before Congress' August recess.

Obama is expected to address the issue at a prime-time news conference Wednesday night.