US banking bill faces final vote this week

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama on Tuesday secured the 60 votes he needs in the Senate to pass a sweeping overhaul of US financial regulations, all but ensuring that he soon will sign into law one of the top initiatives of his presidency.

With the votes in hand to overcome Republican delaying tactics, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he hoped for final passage on Thursday. The House of Representatives already has passed the bill.

"This reform is good for families, it is good for businesses, it's good for the entire economy," Obama said as he prodded the Senate to act quickly.