Senate reaches deal on trade vote after Democratic revolt against Obama

A compromise between Republicans and Democrats would set up another procedural vote on "fast-track" trade authority crucial to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) pact, including aid for workers who lose their jobs due to trade. The first such procedural vote failed on May 12.

Two other trade bills, a customs bill including rules against currency manipulation and one extending African trade benefits, would be considered separately - but cannot be amended, and need to win 60 votes for passage in the 100-member Senate.

If procedural vote on fast-track authority on May 14 succeeds, it sets up a full debate next week on the legislation, which is a key part of President Barack Obama's pivot to counter China's rising economic and diplomatic clout in Asia.

The authority would be twinned with the relatively uncontroversial worker assistance program, designed to help those who may lose their jobs due to expanded trade.

On May 12, all but one of the Senate's 44 Democrats teamed up to block debate on the legislation, amid concerns about the impact of the proposed 12-nation TPP on US workers.

Democrats also want legislation to punish countries that artificially reduce the value of their currencies by mandating import duties to offset any boost to competitiveness. That approach has been tried several times before but never won the necessary congressional support.

The move is backed by some Republicans but opposed by the White House, which has warned that such rules could breach international trade laws and open the United States to retaliation.

The customs bill contains a second measure to bar currency manipulators from US trade deals and government procurement, which the White House supports.

Two Democratic aides said they were optimistic the customs bill could pass.