(VOVworld) – With a 217-212 vote, the US House of Representatives has agreed to vote on granting US President Barack Obama the Trade Promotion Authority on Friday.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 19, 2015. The TPA bill was approved at the US Senate last month.

The House also voted 62-37 in favour of providing financial assistance to American citizens, who could lose their jobs because of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), without cutting budget of the Medicare program.
President Barack Obama regards the completion of TPP negotiations as one of his top priorities during his second term at the White House. Once the TPA was granted, the Obama administration will be authorised to negotiate the TPP with other nations. The US Congress can approve or veto the agreement, but will not be able to change its terms. The TPA bill was approved at the US Senate last month.