WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama’s trade agenda has survived a crucial Senate vote and seems well-positioned to become law.
The Senate voted 60-37 Tuesday to begin full-blown debate on Obama’s request for “fast track” negotiating authority. That was the exact number needed to avoid a filibuster.
The vote continued a revival process that began last week when Obama’s trade allies resurrected the legislative package in the House and won a crucial vote there.
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Previous presidents have enjoyed fast track authority. It lets them propose trade pacts that Congress can reject or ratify but not change.
Unions strongly oppose it. They say free-trade deals cost U.S. jobs.
Obama and most GOP leaders say U.S. products must reach more markets
