Nelson likely to support small-business bill

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) on Wednesday said he would likely support the small-business jobs bill that is currently on the Senate floor. 

“I’m favorably disposed,” he told reporters. 

Nelson wants to double-check to make sure the bill does not add to the deficit before making a final decision, but the controversial $30 billion small-business lending pool does not give him pause. 

“I look at it as providing additional capital for small-business lending,” he said. 

Sen. George LeMieux (R-Fla.) also appears to be on board with the bill. 

LeMieux took to the floor urging Republicans to support the measure, saying the lending pool is nothing similar to the TARP fund that bailed out failing banks. 

“This has nothing to do with that,” he said. 

If Nelson and LeMieux continue to support the legislation, it appears Democratic leaders could have the 60 votes they need to pass the bill.