Majority of Republicans ready to move to debate

Senate Republicans tonight said they are nearly united and ready to move ahead on a financial regulatory reform bill. 

Emerging from a conference meeting, several Senators including Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) all said it was time to begin debate on the bill. 

"There is widespread sentiment that we've made substantial progress," Alexander told reporters. "We agree it's time to move the bill to the floor."

Those three votes would be enough to get to 60 if Senate Democrats decide to put the motion to reconsider up for another tally. The Senate also could just use a unanimous consent agreement to bring up the bill. 

"We'll have plenty of opportunity to debate and discuss it," Alexander said. 

Despite the willingness to move forward, several Republicans -- Sens. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) -- said they still oppose the bill and won't vote to start debate.

The Senate came to an agreement on 'too big to fail' provisions but couldn't compromise on the scope of a consumer protection agency or derivatives language.