BAKERSFEILD, Calif. -- Friday morning, Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez began his leg of the ongoing fast in support of a health care reform, taking the proverbial torch passed by civil rights icon Dolores Huerta.

Florez, whose district includes the UFW home base of Delano, will fast for 48 hours to show his heartfelt support and urge the House of Representatives to pass the reforms, press secretary Jennifer Hanson said.

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“I am honored to participate in this great tradition of political expression to show my support for this important legislation,” Florez said, adding, “It is thrilling that after decades of false starts, we may be just hours away from extending this most basic security to millions of Americans.”

House leaders indicate a vote on legislation to extend health coverage to millions of uninsured Americans and place new restrictions on insurance companies could come as early as Saturday evening, or be pushed back as late as Tuesday, Hanson said.

On Wednesday, Florez joined Huerta and a coalition of community activists, including clergy, labor leaders and physicians, in rallying outside the office of Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno), who has not yet committed himself to voting for the measure. The activists have pledged to continue their fast until this critical piece of legislation is passed, Hanson said.