Free Republic

The US Senate added several amendments to S 3217, the Restoring American Financial Stability Act, that raise the deposit insurance fees levied on some banks and provide greater authority and protection in the financial markets. As Congress continues to review financial regulatory reform amendments, certain other proposals are being left on the cutting room floor. The Senate resumed consideration of the bill this week — adding a handful of amendments — after Senate Republicans blocked debate for several days. Senators passed an amendment Thursday that requires the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) to alter its definition of the assessment base...

A third of New York Democrats are urging her to run. Polls suggest that she is the only candidate capable of defeating President George W. Bush at the ballot box. Among a growing number of her supporters, only one question matters: can Hillary Clinton be persuaded to rescue her party in the 2004 presidential race?   Mrs Clinton has insisted that she intends to see out her term as New York senator, which ends in 2006, before possibly running for the presidency in 2008. But following Al Gore's announcement last week that he will not run for the presidency a...