Health Care Deadline? What Deadline?

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters today that Democrats are waiting on a way forward becoming “clear” before they set a new deadline for passing health care reform. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said earlier today the ball is in the Senate’s court.

But Hoyer (D-MD) last week told reporters during his press briefing that he expected a decision by this Friday, a deadline reporters reminded him of today.

From the transcript provided by his office:

Mr. Hoyer.  I anticipate making a decision just as soon as 
the way forward is clear.
Q  Last week you did say it would be this week.  Last week 
you said by the end of this week you would make this decision.
Mr. Hoyer.  Did I say that?
Q  Yes, sir.
Mr. Hoyer.  I was in error.

The transcript doesn’t reflect this, but according to Politico Hoyer laughed twice.