Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce

June 28, 2010

House and Senate Conferees Reach Agreement on Financial Reform Bill
Early Friday morning, Congressional conferees agreed on a financial reform package that the Obama administration hopes will be approved before the July 4 holiday.  The bill includes new rules and regulations over banking as well as the creation of a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.  It could come up for a vote in the House as soon as Tuesday, with a Senate vote to follow, and cannot be amended from the floor.  The Wall Street Journal has put together a summary of major provisions that can be read by clicking here.

How Will You Vote in the July 20 Primary?
There are several ways you can make sure your vote will be counted in the July 20 primary election.  Early voting has opened in many counties, you can receive a ballot to vote by mail, and of course, you can go to the polls on Election Day.  For information about all of your voting options, click here.

House Passes DISCLOSE Act
Last Thursday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5175, the D.I.S.C.L.O.S.E. Act, by a vote of 219-206.  Supporters of the "Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections" Act tout the bill as a means to limit special interest influence in elections, while opponents view it as an attack on first amendment rights.  The U.S. Chamber has put together a summary of its concerns, which can be read by clicking here.

The bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate.