The 12 countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership account for almost 36 percent of the world's economy, which would make TPP by far the largest U.S. trade pact.
The comments came in an interview with The Atlantic. The president also discussed the nuclear talks with Iran and his often-frosty relationship with Israel's political leadership.
Lawmakers voted 62-38 to limit debate on a bill that would grant the authority to President Obama, marking a big step toward a new trade pact with 11 Asia-Pacific nations.
Golf is a sport that's been enjoyed by both Democrats and Republicans through the decades, but bipartisan golf outings may be disappearing like a shanked tee shot into a water hazard.
Eight senators, all Republicans, voted against the bill because funding has not been fully allocated for its $214 billion cost. President Obama says he will sign it.