WASHINGTON, D.C. (MCT) — The Senate overwhelmingly approved provisions from President Barack Obama’s jobs plan that found rare bipartisan appeal, including a proposal to give companies tax credits for hiring unemployed veterans.

Senators vote to repeal a business tax and to give companies tax credits for hiring unemployed military veterans. The House is likely to approve the provisions. The Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly approved provisions of President Obama's jobs plan that found rare bipartisan appeal, including a proposal to give companies tax credits for hiring unemployed military veterans.

New York Senator Charles Schumer is hopeful that a government shutdown can be avoided -- telling reporters that letting it happen would be a disaster.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk faced pressure on Monday to come up with a plan to win approval for long-delayed free trade agreements with Panama and Colombia by the time he testifies before the Senate Finance Committee on March 9.

* Business leader optimistic deals will be done by summer