Senate votes to begin debate on trade bill

Just two days after Democratic senators blocked it, the Senate has voted 65-33 to begin debating legislation that would give President Obama authority to fast-track a 12-nation Asia-Pacific trade deal.

The Senate has compromised on the bill's currency provision, which is now addressed in a separate bill. The other proposal would crack down on countries the U.S. believes "manipulate their currency rates," The New York Times reports. However, the Times also notes that the White House has "expressed opposition" to the separate bill.

The Senate plans to consider amendments to the fast-track proposal next week, though the bill on currency manipulation may also face opposition in the House.

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