Senate votes to advance key trade bill sought by Obama

Barack Obama
(Image credit: Natalie Behring/Getty Images)

The Senate on Thursday cleared a procedural hurdle on a bill that would grant President Obama "fast track" authority to push through a massive trade bill, voting 62-38 to break a filibuster and end debate on the measure.

Earlier this month, Democrats blocked the bill from advancing over objections it did not include adequate labor protections. After voting on amendments, the Senate should be on track to pass the final bill as early as Friday.

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Jon Terbush

Jon Terbush is an associate editor at TheWeek.com covering politics, sports, and other things he finds interesting. He has previously written for Talking Points Memo, Raw Story, and Business Insider.