Obama trade bill passes Senate

The Senate has handed President Barack Obama a major victory by approving “fast track” authority to negotiate trade agreements in Asia and elsewhere.

 

The 60-to-38 vote on Wednesday clears the way for Obama to seek final language on a trade agreement with Japan and 10 other Pacific-rim nations, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Congress can ratify or reject such agreements but not change them.

 

It’s a major victory for Obama, who has burnished his legacy on foreign policy just days after the overall trade deal appeared in jeopardy.

 

Read More: Obama trade bill passes Senate – Business Insider