WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama issued a strong plea for action today on his health care agenda, using his weekly radio and Internet address to focus on his top domestic priority even while traveling overseas.

"It's time to deliver," said Obama, in a talk timed to gatherings in living rooms and coffee shops around the country by tens of thousands of Americans organized by his campaign to talk about health care. The aim of the community gatherings beginning this morning and continuing through the weekend is to build a groundswell of support for congressional action.

"If we do nothing, everyone's health care will be put in jeopardy," Obama said.

"Fixing what's wrong with our health care system is no longer a luxury we hope to achieve — it's a necessity we cannot postpone any longer," the president said.

Obama, who's been traveling in the Middle East and Europe, spoke as the first bill containing language to implement his health care goals began circulating on Capitol Hill. Draft legislation from Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's health committee would require employers to cover their employees or pay a penalty and would guarantee coverage for all.

That parallels Obama's goals of lowering costs, ensuring choice and providing coverage to some 50 million uninsured Americans.