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Momentum is building in Congress for a proposal that would abolish Medicare cuts, top Republicans said Thursday, despite the emerging battle over the $174 billion price tag. Optimism has been growing this week that Congress could finally reach its long-sought goal of ending the automatic cuts to doctors under Medicare, which come through what is known as the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). The package being discussed by House leaders in both parties would partially pay for the cost of the $174 billion fix, sources say. (Sullivan and Ferris, 3/12)

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) filed cloture Thursday on an anti-trafficking bill that has stalled in the Senate amid an abortion fight. It's the latest step, as senators try to find a way forward on the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which boosts resources for law enforcement and trafficking victims. McConnell's move likely sets up a procedural vote next week. Democrats have balked over the legislation's inclusion of the Hyde Amendment, which blocks federal funding for abortions. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) blocked McConnell's attempt Thursday to allow for an up-or-down vote on removing the abortion provision. (Carney, 3/12)

It’s a cause any politician would have a hard time opposing: cracking down on human trafficking. Instead, in a breakdown sensational even by Senate standards, a bill to address the issue is set to go down in a partisan firefight. The cause of the row? Democrats didn’t read the 68-page bill to discover its provisions dealing with abortion, and Republicans didn’t disclose the abortion language when Democratic staffers asked them for a summary of the legislation. (Everett and Kim, 3/12)