The U.S. Senate on Tuesday approved a measure to impose penalties on China and other countries for manipulating their currencies in order to gain a trade advantage over the United States. 

The controversial measure drew concerns from Republicans, the White House and Sen. Daniel Inouye, who warned that rebuking China could spark a trade war. House Republican leaders are avoiding action on the bill, saying the White House has to first clearly articulate its position on the matter, according to The Washington Post. 

Sen. Daniel Akaka‘s office told DC808 that the senator planned to vote in favor of the bill, which passed 63-35.

Inouye was one of five Democrats who voted agains the bill. Read a related story from Civil Beat.