US trade deals

The request by the United States President for congressional authorisation to negotiate new trade agreements, a top priority of his second term, cleared its first legislative hurdle. The Senate Finance Committee approved the measure by voice vote.

Bill Clinton is seeking so-called fast-track negotiating authority to expand the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico to other countries in Latin America and beyond. He has been criticised for emphasising trade agreements over worker rights and the environment. - AP