Small business bill gaining momentum

Senators appeared Tuesday to be nearing a deal allowing several Republican amendments to small business lending and tax bill, that could pave its way to passage. 

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) is in talks with Republicans to provide floor time for several GOP amendments. The move will likely attract enough Republicans to the bill to ensure its passage. 

"It looks good, I'm currently very optimistic," she told The Hill today. "Looks as though we may actually have a great bill." 

Landrieu, who  said she expects two or three Republican amendments on the measure. 

"Because of the strong vote last week, the leadership on both sides was encouraged to find a way forward," she said. 

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is aiming to complete the bill by Wednesday night. 

Sens. George LeMieux (R-Fla.) and George Voinovich (R-Ohio), who provided two much-needed votes to end debate last week on an amendment providing for a $30 billion lending fund, could support the bill if amendments are allowed. 

"I believe there are going to be amendments that are going to be offered to Republicans on our side and if that's the case and if there's an agreement that's made between Leader McConnell and Leader Reid then I will vote for cloture," LeMieux said today. 

Reid may add an agriculture disaster package onto the bill that was axed from war supplemental for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan after Republican objections. 

Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) wouldn't commit to voting for the bill but indicated she would be open to supporting the measure, which came out of the Senate Small Business Committee, where she is ranking member. 

If Republican amendments are allowed it's a "good step in the right direction," she told The Hill.