Fast-track trade bill clears Senate hurdle
A proposed bill to give Barack Obama "fast track" trade authority cleared a crucial hurdle in the Senate on Tuesday, paving the way for a final vote
The US president is aiming to complete a 12-nation Pacific trade deal and the bill would allow him to present the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership to Congress for an up-or-down vote, without amendments.
The bill, which was approved by the House of Representatives last week, received 60 "yes" votes, the number needed to advance.