Washington

US LAWMAKERS approved legislation that is key to securing a hallmark Pacific trade deal by a comfortable margin on Wednesday, advancing President Barack Obama's efforts to strengthen US economic ties with Asia.

After a six-week congressional battle including two brushes with failure, some fancy legislative footwork and myriad backroom deals to keep the legislation alive, the Senate voted 60 to 38 to grant Mr Obama the power to negotiate trade deals and send them on a fast track through Congress. The bill next goes to Mr Obama for his signature.