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Friday, March 29, 2024 | Back issues
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Reid Seeks Vote Today|on Financial Reform Bill

WASHINGTON (CN) - Senate majority leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., says he'll call for a procedural vote on the financial reform bill today (Monday), betting that he can get at least one Republican vote, to avoid a filibuster.

But Republicans are resisting the quick move. Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said on the Senate floor Thursday that the bill "still contained a number of loopholes" that would allow future taxpayer bailouts.

McConnell also issued a challenge to President Obama, saying, "The administration has said it wants to end bailouts. Prove it." He said the bill still gives the administration the authority to use taxpayer funds if a financial institution is in crisis. McConnell says he wants approval to come from Congress first.

In his address at Cooper Union in New York City on Thursday, Obama countered the criticism, saying it is not legitimate "to suggest that somehow the legislation being proposed is going to encourage future taxpayer bailouts, as some have claimed. That makes for a good sound bite, but it's not factually accurate," Obama said.

"A vote for reform is a vote to put a stop to taxpayer-funded bailouts," Obama said. "That's the truth. End of story."

Republicans may adhere to the bill to avoid being painted as standing next to Wall Street.

The Senate will hold a cloture vote on a motion to proceed with the bill on Monday.

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