Murkowski and Sullivan vote to advance an African trade bill

Alaska's two U.S. senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, joined an overwhelming bipartisan majority Monday to advance a bill extending African trade benefits. The Senate voted 89-4 to move ahead with a renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and both Alaskans voted yes.

The program, in place since 2000, gives eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market for more than 1,800 products. Monday's vote was a procedural step to clear the bill for debate, not final passage.

The near-unanimous margin reflected the measure's broad support. Its renewal has been backed by African governments, trade groups and labor organizations, though some have pushed for stronger labor protections in the final bill.