Hoyer blasts Republican resistance to financial reform

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) criticized Senate Republicans for blocking debate on financial reform legislation. 

"I am extremely disappointed that Republicans have once again blocked progress for middle-class Americans," he said in prepared remarks. "To a person, Senate Republicans showed that they are continuing to put the interests of Wall Street above those of Main Street, just as House Republicans did when they voted against Wall Street reform in the House." 

The Senate on Monday voted 57-41 on a motion to begin debate on financial reform legislation authored by Banking Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.). No Republican supported the motion. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) also opposed the bill.  

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) voted against the legislation for procedural reasons and later today could try for another vote on the bill.