After weeks of fierce debate and party infighting, the Senate voted Wednesday to approve "fast-track" authority, making it much easier for the Obama administration to negotiate trade deals.
Voting 60-38 on the bill known as the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the Senate gave Obama the power to fast-track trade deals such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Fast-track authority allows presidents to negotiate trade deals that Congress can only vote yes or no on. Amendments will not be allowed and the Senate will not have the power to filibuster.
The expedited process lasts until 2018 and increases the president's chance of successfully finalizing TPP trade negotiations, according to The Hill.
The bill's passage was the product of rare collaboration between the White House and Republican lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. The bill now awaits Obama's signature.
"We were really pleased to see President Obama pursue an idea we've long believed in," McConnell said, according to Fox News. "We thank him for his efforts to help us pass a bill to advance it."
Obama faced strong opposition from most of his party, including Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Other prominent lawmakers, like Senators Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., have perhaps been the most outspoken over the secret agreement.
Most congressional Democrats and labor unions say free-trade deals cost U.S. jobs, reward countries that mistreat workers and pollute, and empower corporations at the expense of workers. However, Obama and his Republican allies say it will be good for the U.S. economy, as American products will reach broader markets. While most conservatives favor the free-trade aspects, concerns have been raised over immigration and the potential that the deal could supersede U.S. sovereignty.
"President Obama, and allies in Congress, have won this fast-track vote. But, in exchange, they may find that they are losing something far greater: the trust of the American people," Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., wrote upon the bill's passage. "Washington broke arms and heads to get that 60th vote - not one to spare - to impose on the American people a plan which imperils their jobs, wages and control over their own affairs."
Obama's team will now pursue a final agreement on the deal involving 12 nations which account for 40 percent of global gross domestic product. The president will almost certainly have to wage a campaign to sell the American people on the benefits of the TPP.
Once the countries involved are sure Congress won't significantly alter a deal, negotiators say it could be ready within a few weeks, according to Reuters.
Opponents are already gearing up for the next leg of their fight to stop the deal.
"We feel emboldened after this fight," Ilana Solomon, director of the Sierra Club's Responsible Trade Program, told CNN. "We see fast-track as a momentary loss and feel really confident about attacking the TPP head on. There is going to be an even bigger fight about stopping the TPP."
RoseAnn DeMoro, executive director of the National Nurses United union, says that lawmakers who support the TPP could have a tough time garnering support in an election in which economic inequality and unfettered corporate power will be key issues.
"This is a betrayal at the highest levels. These folks that voted with the president have spoken very clearly," she told CNN. "You had to choose here. This was pretty black and white. You are with us or against us. Us is the American people. They chose Wall Street."
