Long-stalled small-business bill faces crucial test Wednesday

The Senate on Wednesday will vote on whether to move forward with the Small Business Administration (SBA) funding bill, a measure that has created fits for Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). 

The legislation has attracted 187 requests for amendments from senators from both parties, of which only about two dozen pertain to the underlying bill, which — unlike some amendments — is not controversial.

Reid complained both Monday and Tuesday that some Republican senators, most notably Sen. Olympia Snowe (Maine), were holding the legislation hostage in an attempt to get votes on amendments purely for symbolic purposes. In an attempt to limit debate and force senators to come to an agreement on which amendments will see a vote, Reid filed for cloture on the bill Monday evening.

The underlying Small Business Reauthorization Act, or S. 493, would provide funding for the Small Business Innovation Research program and the Small Business Technology Transfer program, which Democrats say would create jobs. 

Reid said if the Senate failed to meet the 60-vote threshold required by Senate rules, he would be forced to move on to other legislation. 

The Senate adjourned about 5 p.m. on Tuesday and is set to return at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Another cloture vote on a controversial judicial nominee, John J. McConnell Jr. for the United States District Court of Rhode Island, will also take place Wednesday afternoon. Some Republicans are trying to block McConnell's confirmation because they believe he is a liberal ideologue.