U.S. lawmakers said they have reached a deal on funding to help workers who lose their jobs due to trade, possibly clearing the way for a vote on legislation key to President Barack Obama’s signature Pacific trade pact. Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have made progress on legislation related to a controversial fast-track trade bill, House Republican leaders said. Lawmakers agreed on a new way to pay for a program important to Democrats, Trade Adjustment Assistance, which helps workers who lose their jobs as a result of trade deals. Their progress could help clear the way for a vote this week or next on fast-track trade negotiating authority that Obama, a Democrat, needs to complete the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership. Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger told Reuters lawmakers are aiming for a vote on Friday. “I think it’s going to be close,” he said. Most Democrats are expected to vote against the measure out of concern about U.S. job losses. House Republican leaders said after a closed door meeting there was movement towards support for the trade bill. “Trade votes are never an easy lift around here, but Republicans are continuing to work, and we’re seeing some positive momentum in the right direction,” said House Speaker John Boehner. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan said he was “comfortable” the measure had enough backing. Boehner said changes to the job assistance program were agreed with House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi. A congressional source, who asked not to be identified, said lawmakers would pay for the 10-year, $2.7 billion program partly by cracking down on some illegal tax activities, instead of through cuts to the Medicare health insurance program for the elderly. The savings involve better enforcement of fraudulent claims of tax deductions for higher education and raising the penalties against businesses who fail to accurately file tax returns. A House panel will consider the procedure to be used to debate four trade bills including fast-track, which would allow lawmakers to set negotiating objectives for trade deals but prevent them from amending the final agreement.