The debate on HR 5297 continues since...

If any Republican staff people in the Senate want to respond to this I will send it to the over 4000 small businesses and over small business associations that receive this email

Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188


CQ POLITICS NEWS
July 29, 2010 – 1:11 p.m.


Republican objections blocked progress on a small-business bill in the Senate Thursday, leaving the measure’s future in doubt.

An effort by Majority Leader Harry Reid , D-Nev., to limit debate on a substitute amendment to the bill fell short of the 60 votes needed as all 41 Republicans united against it.

The vote diminished but did not entirely extinguish prospects for passage of the bill before the August recess. Democrats and President Obama continue to urge the Senate to act quickly.

Republicans complained that they were not given a fair chance to get votes on amendments. Democrats on Wednesday night had offered them votes on three amendments, but Minority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky., wanted to consider eight amendments, including votes on the estate tax, nuclear-plant loan guarantees and border security.

“My frustration is pretty high,” Reid said after further talks with McConnell failed to produce a deal.

McConnell insisted the bill was not dead. “We’re getting closer,” he said of his negotiations with Reid. “There’s a chance of significant progress very soon.”

Reid remained skeptical. “I don’t think they want an agreement. We agreed to everything they wanted,” he said.

The measure pending before the Senate would create a $30 billion small business lending fund, extend $12 billion in tax breaks and enhance federal programs designed to help small businesses.