Obama lauds trade wins

President Obama on Thursday applauded Congress for passing a package of trade bills vital to his second-term agenda, saying he will sign them “as soon as they reach my desk.”

“This week’s votes represent a much-needed win for hardworking American families,” Obama said in a statement.

{mosads}After a lengthy struggle that pitted the president against his own party, the Senate on Wednesday voted to approve fast-track trade powers for Obama, handing him a major victory.

The measure clears the way for Obama to complete a 12-nation Pacific trade deal that is at the top of his economic agenda.

“I applaud the Democrats and Republicans in Congress who came together to give the United States the chance to negotiate strong, high-standard agreements for free and fair trade that protect American workers and give our businesses the opportunity to compete,” Obama said.

The House on Thursday cleared a worker aid bill intended to help Americans who lose their jobs to overseas competition.

“I’ve spent the last six and half years fighting to grow our economy and strengthen our middle class, and that remains my top priority today,” said the president.