Senate Dems To Battle Over Strength Of Wall Street Reform Bill
The Hill reports: “Democratic senators will battle among themselves this week over whether to strengthen a Wall Street reform bill that has already met stiff resistance from Republicans and industry lobbyists. Liberal Democrats will make a last-ditch effort to push the bill leftward by strengthening regulation of derivatives and banks that speculate with their own money instead of on behalf of clients.”
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama will receive the presidential daily briefing at 10 a.m. ET, and meet at 10:30 a.m. ET with senior advisers. At 11:35 a.m. ET, he will sign the Freedom of Press Act. At 1:05 p.m. ET, he will welcome the NCAA champion University of Connecticut women’s basketball team to the White House.
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden will be in Wilmington, Delaware. He will meet in the afternoon with senior advisers. In the evening, he will travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he will deliver remarks at the commencement ceremony of the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice.
Perils Lurk For GOP Beneath Expected Senate Gains
CQ says that Senate Republicans could face a new problem if they pick up a significant number of Senate seats, with a mix of hard-line conservatives and more moderate candidates from Democratic-leaning states. “Of course, diversity brings with it management issues. But it’s a nice problem to have,” said Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN). “It’s like having a corral full of new horses and they’re kicking, and they may even be biting each others’ necks, but they’re thoroughbreds and we’re really eager to get them.”
Menendez Follows Odd Path To Higher Office
Roll Call reports that Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), who is currently the head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, is following an unconventional path if he plans to seek a higher leadership post: “Instead of treading lightly on the legislative front, Menendez has been aggressive, particularly on interests affecting his state. In the process, the normally reliable and loyal Menendez has antagonized the Obama administration and fellow leaders on a few occasions.”
NAACP Endorses Kagan
The NAACP has endorsed Elena Kagan’s nomination for the Supreme Court. “We looked at her record, we spoke to people who worked with her as well as the civil rights community as a whole,” said NAACP president Benjamin Jealous. “The discussions painted a portrait of someone committed to civil rights and civil justice.”
Auto Dealers Mobilize To Fight Financial Regulation
The New York Times reports: “The financial reforms being debated in the Senate have prompted resistance from a variety of businesses, but perhaps nowhere more intensely than in the already beleaguered auto industry, where dealers find themselves pitted against Mr. Obama in their aggressive campaign to exempt themselves from the new rules. For some 18,000 auto dealers in the United States, who historically have made up a potent political force, the debate presents a critical test of their continued influence in Washington, as they push lawmakers to help them hold on to revenue.”
