House Republicans Set Trade Vote for Friday

House Republicans plan to hold a vote Friday on fast-track trade legislation, lawmakers said Wednesday after leaving a closed-door GOP conference meeting.

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R., La.) made the announcement at the meeting, lawmakers said. The vote represents something of a gamble by GOP leaders, who have been steadily accumulating support but don't for certain have the votes locked in.

"We're moving because we feel comfortable," House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) told reporters.

Republicans largely support the bill, but will still need help from a bloc of Democrats. A tally conducted by The Wall Street Journal shows 19 Democrats are on record in support of the bill, although the number remains fluid.

(By Siobhan Hughes)