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WASHINGTON (CNNMoney.com) -- The Senate on Thursday passed the most sweeping regulatory overhaul of the financial system since the New Deal.
The bill, which passed 59-39, imposes more oversight and stronger capital cushions for the largest banks and Wall Street firms, while aiming to stop bailouts, shine a light on complex financial products and strengthen consumer protection.
The bill only needed 51 votes to pass. Four Republicans voted for it and two Democrats voted against it. Earlier in the evening, the bill cleared a tougher hurdle, a 60 vote threshold, to end debate.
"Those who wanted to protect Wall Street, it didn't work. They can no longer gamble away other people's money," said Majority Leader Harry Reid. "When this bill becomes law, the joyride on Wall Street will come to an end," he added.
Senate passage marks the last big hurdle for an effort more than a year in the making. The bill will now be reconciled with the House version in "conference" negotiations, where differences are ironed out.
Then both chambers will vote again and send the compromised bill to President Obama sometime before July 4, said the bill's main shepherd, Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn.
Senate passes its version of Wall Street reform - May. 20, 2010