SECURITIES

Funding Bill Mired in SEC Budget Dispute: A $25-billion bill to fund the Justice Department, the Commerce Department and other agencies is stalled due to an intense dispute over a proposal to place the Securities and Exchange Commission on a self-funding basis. Senate Republicans strongly oppose the measure, arguing it would weaken Congress’ oversight authority over the regulatory agency. Powerful House Democrats, led by Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-Mich.) have threatened to shut down the SEC unless the Senate backs the self-funding proposal. House and Senate staffers said they expect the larger bill will pass but are unsure when the SEC issue will be resolved.