WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A committee in the U.S. Senate voted to approve aid for workers who lose their jobs due to trade, part of a package of bills key to closing a Pacific trade pact.
The Senate Finance Committee voted 17 to 9 for an extension of trade adjustment assistance, which Democrats had demanded to accompany a bill to fast track trade deals through Congress.
The White House has said passage of the fast-track bill is critical to nailing down the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade pact central to President Barack Obama's strategic "pivot" toward Asia.
(This story corrects name of committee to Senate Finance from House Ways and Means)