Washington, June 25 (RHC)-- The U.S. Senate has given final approval to granting President Obama "fast-track" authority to advance the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal through Congress. The secretive accord involves 12 countries and nearly 40 percent of the global economy. Wednesday’s vote followed months of White House lobbying and a standoff with congressional Democrats.

Opponents say the TPP will undermine workers’ rights, public health and environmental regulations. Under the new legislation, Congress would hold an up-or-down vote on the final trade pact, without filibustering or amendments. The Senate has also approved a bill that assists workers displaced by trade accords like the TPP.