WASHINGTON, May 23 (UPI) -- The Senate cleared the fast-track trade bill that gives President Barack Obama expanded trade negotiating power, paving the way for what will likely be a contentious debate in the House.
The Senate voted 62 to 37 Friday night to give Obama and the future president trade promotion authority, ensuring lawmakers could not amend or filibuster any trade agreement in the next three to six years. It would allow Obama to submit trade agreements for an up-or-down vote without amendments. Lawmakers, however, will be able to reject them. In the immediate future, the fast-track agreement will allow Obama to move forward in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a wide-ranging trade deal with 11 Pacific Rim nations.