After the House of Representatives narrowly passed the Health Care Reform Act almost two weeks ago by a two-vote margin, the Senate is set to vote on the proposed bill within the week.

But a passing vote from the Senate seems unlikely, said Matthew Woessner, a Penn State professor of public policy.

"[It's] much more difficult to pass legislation than the House, which is going to give the Democrats some problems," Woessner said.

The Obama administration, along with many Democrats, has voiced support for the bill.

However, the House vote saw only one Republican supporter -- Anh "Joseph" Cao, R-La.

Woessner said the public option seems to be causing the most controversy among the voters, with liberal Democrats claiming they won't pass the bill without it and Republicans saying they won't pass the bill with it.

Proponents need 60 votes in the Senate to pass the proposed legislation.

But Woessner said history shows that approval from the Senate is unlikely.

"This kind of thing happened before in 1993 ... the whole thing collapsed," Woessner said. "The much more moderate form of health care passed."

Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, who has advocated the benefits of a reformed health care system to other politicians and citizens, supports the bill. Casey said steady health insurance coverage, especially for college-aged citizens, should be a priority.

"Extending coverage for young adults is critically important," Casey said in a recent speech to the Senate.

Casey isn't Pennsylvania's only advocate for health care reform. Sen. Arlen Specter said in an e-mail from his office he is hopeful that the Senate will go through with health care reform. He said health care reform would give young adults who are changing jobs or in between jobs more security.

If the health care reform bill passes, young people would have choices and options that allow for quality and affordable health insurance, according to an e-mail from Specter spokeswoman Kate Kelly.

Should the bill pass, the House and Senate would gather together in a conference committee to draw up legislation both bodies agree on, which would incorporate aspects of both versions of the health care bill.

If that final vote gains the majority, the legislation then moves to the president's desk for approval.

Despite all of the controversy and disagreement surrounding health care reform, Casey's hopeful something positive can be accomplished.

"We have a long way to go, lots more work to do," Casey said in his speech. "But if we are guided by that principle, we will make sure our children have the kind of health care that we all hope for and they have a right to expect."