THE US Senate has voted 65-33 to consider Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, ending threats in the Senate to block debate on fast-tracking treaty's approval.
Under fast-track, the Congress can vote to approve or reject, but cannot move amendments to the 12-nation treaty proposal, Reuters reports.
President Barack Obama has successfully lobbied fellow Democrats in the Senate who opposed the freer trade treaty while Republicans have backed it from the start.
The Senate is expected to debate amendments to the bill this week. One likely amendment would impose tough rules against currency manipulation in trade deals.
The bill must also pass the House of Representatives, where a tougher fight is expected. Democrats with their labour union and environmentalist constituents vehemently oppose fast-track.
The TPP would create a free trade zone covering 40 per cent of the world economy, making it the biggest trade deal since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
More than two decades later, that pact is blamed by many on the left for factory closures and job losses and has soured sentiment toward the TPP.
Leftist Democrats want tough controls on foreign labour and environmental standards to slow imports.
WORLD SHIPPING
18 May 2015 - 18:49
US trade bill clears Senate hurdle in boost to Pacific trade pact
THE US Senate has voted 65-33 to consider Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, ending threats in the Senate to block debate on fast-tracking treaty's approval.
WORLD SHIPPING
18 May 2015 - 18:49
US trade bill clears Senate hurdle in boost to Pacific trade pact
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