By formally submitting legislation to grant permanent normal trade relations to China, the Clinton Administration hopes to spur a quick Senate vote that will build momentum for the trade pact in the House of Representatives, REUTERS reported.

In the Senate, the legislation will likely need 60 votes rather than a majority of 51, because Senators opposed to China’s membership in the World Trade Organization may filibuster the bill. The Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade matters, should approve the bill easily, by most vote counts. Getting the requisite 60 votes in the full Senate is regarded as doable but not automatic.

Meanwhile, vote counts in the House are less certain, where only a majority will be needed but opposition is stronger.