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U.S. Trade Bill Fails Key Senate Test Vote

Protesters rally outside the hotel where Obama is participating in a Democratic National Committee (DNC) event in Portland, Oregon
Protesters rally outside the hotel where Obama is participating in a Democratic National Committee (DNC) event in Portland, Oregon / Reuters
May 12, 2015

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Legislation key to sealing a Pacific trade pact failed a key test in the Senate on Tuesday in the first broad gauge of congressional sentiment toward a deal that is central to President Barack Obama's strategic shift on Asia.

The Senate voted 52-45, missing the 60-vote threshold, to not limit debate on whether to proceed with a bill granting the White House authority to speed trade deals through Congress, which is opposed by many of Obama's fellow Democrats.

(Reporting by Krista Hughes and Richard Cowan; Editing by Chris Reese)