By Lisa Mascaro
Tribune Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- A bipartisan bill to make it easier for small businesses to raise investment cash by easing federal regulations cleared the Senate, despite warnings from opponents that it could open the door to a new era of fraud.
Senators voted 73-26 to approve the legislation, after adding a provision that would bolster investor protections on the emerging practice of “crowd funding” — soliciting pools of investors online and through social media.
The measure now returns to the House, which is expected next week to pass the bill and send it to President Barack Obama, who supports the legislation.
The bipartisan support for the legislation reflects the desire of both parties to show voters that they are trying to bolster the economy.
Republicans, in particular, have insisted that the Jumpstart Our Business Start-ups, or JOBS, Act would help smaller companies expand and lead to job growth.
Read the rest of the story here.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/22/2708644/jobs-act-clears-senate-back-to.html#storylink=cpy