President Barack Obama discusses the Trans-Pacific partnership agreement at Nike's world headquarters on May 8, 2015.
Alan Sylvestre / OPB
The U.S. Senate gave President Obama’s massive trade deal with Asian countries a boost Tuesday.
The Senate voted 60-37 to end debate on one part of Obama’s trade package: the portion granting him expanded negotiating power, or Trade Promotional Authority (TPA).
And while it was a procedural vote, it was an important one.
The legislation has divided Oregon’s congressional delegation, especially members of the president’s party. Oregon's Democratic senators were split on Tuesday’s vote. Sen. Jeff Merkley voted against ending debate on the fast track legislation, while Sen. Ron Wyden voted for it.
"Here’s my message on why this legislation needs to move forward: If you believe those policies of the 1990s failed to protect American workers and strengthen our economy, this is our chance to set a new course," said Wyden on the floor of the U.S. Senate.
Wyden made reference to the North American Free Trade Agreement, which many Democrats believe led to a decline in U.S. manufacturing jobs.
"This is our chance to put in place higher standards in global trade on matters like labor rights and environmental protection," Wyden said.
Merkley took to Twitter to voice his opposition to the legislation.
This morning, I voted NO on #TPA because we need trade that makes the American economy work for working people #NoFastTrack #TPP
— Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) June 23, 2015
The Senate is scheduled to take up final passage of the bill Wednesday. From there it heads to the president’s desk.
Obama has said he’ll wait to sign the bill until Congress also passes a linked piece of legislation that would protect workers affected by the trade deal.