Published July 12, 2010

From Sen. Scott Brown’s news release:

I’ve spent the past week reviewing the Wall Street reform bill. I appreciate the efforts to improve the bill, especially the removal of the $19 billion bank tax. As a result, it is a better bill than it was when this whole process started. While it isn’t perfect, I expect to support the bill when it comes up for a vote. It includes safeguards to help prevent another financial meltdown, ensures that consumers are protected, and it is paid for without new taxes. That doesn’t mean our work is done. Further reforms are still needed to address the government’s role in the financial crisis, including significant changes to the way Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac operate.

He joins a handful of Republicans who will support the landmark legislation.

From AP:

Brown joins Sen. Susan Collins of Maine as two crucial Republican votes for the legislation.

Democratic leaders were still looking to secure the 60 votes needed to overcome procedural hurdles. They were awaiting word from Sens. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, and Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, who supported an earlier Senate version of the bill.