Negotiators on Senate Fast-track Bill Swap Proposals

Senate Republicans rejected Democrats' call for packaging four U.S. trade bills together, including the controversial fast-track authority that President Barack Obama wants, a Senate aide said on Wednesday.

Democrats are now weighing a Republican counter-offer that would set up a separate vote on fast track, with a worker assistance provision. Two other trade bills having to do with currency manipulation and African trade benefits would be considered separately under the Republican plan, according to the aide.