HONOLULU -- The U.S. House is preparing to vote on a historic overhaul of the health care system.

Hawaii's U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat, supports the bill. She spoke to KITV-4 on Saturday about the bill's impact on the state and the rest of the country.

"For immediate relief, small business, for example, will be able to get tax credits to get insurance for their employees. Then all the part-time employees in Hawaii who are not covered under the prepaid health care law will be able to look for insurance and be able to afford insurance," Hirono said.

Hirono said the bill will also provide Hawaii's senior citizens with assistance for prescription drugs.

Republican leaders in the House continue to express strong opposition to the plan. They say it's too costly and will bankrupt the country.

The House is scheduled to meet at 7 a.m. Hawaii time on Sunday.