WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Thursday kicked off a bipartisan health care summit in Washington, D.C., where over 30 Democratic and Republican lawmakers would discuss how to bridge their differences on the top issue of the country's political agenda.

Eighteen Democrats and 14 Republicans from Congress participated in the meeting held at the Blair House near the White House, including bipartisan leaders in the two chambers and heads of Congress committees playing roles in the process of health care legislation.

U.S. President Barack Obama Thursday hosts a bipartisan health care summit in Washington, D.C., where over 30 Democratic and Republican lawmakers would discuss how to bridge their differences on the top issue of the country's political agenda

White House officials including Vice President Joe Biden and Health and Human services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius are also at present.