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The U.S. Senate approved legislation June 23 that would give President Obama enhanced authority to complete free-trade deals, including a landmark agreement with Pacific nations.

The House late last week approved a bill intended to speed free trade deals, legislation that is backed by business groups and the Obama administration.

The House plans to vote June 18 on a bill to revive President Obama’s fast-track trade proposal, members were told June 17.

The Obama administration and Republican leaders don’t have a clear plan to resurrect the president’s trade agenda and are giving themselves until the end of July to find a way to overcome resistance from congressional Democrats.

The trade deficit in the United States narrowed more than forecast in April as imports receded, signaling merchandise flows were returning to normal after a port-related surge.

The trade deficit in the U.S. shrank in February to the lowest level in more than five years as a labor dispute at West Coast ports contributed to the weakest reading on purchases from abroad since 2011.

Record imports and a slowdown in shipments to overseas customers pushed the U.S. trade deficit to a two-year high in December.

The trade deficit narrowed in November as U.S. petroleum imports sank to the lowest level in more than five years.

The trade deficit was little changed in October as an improving U.S. economy caused imports to climb to a record while exports also rose.