Senate Rejects Card-Fee Delay

Retailers have won a lobbying war against banks. In a 54-to-45 vote Wednesday, the Senate rejected a delay on regulations over debit-card fees. Starting next month, the Federal Reserve will be able to cap the fees that stores pay banks when consumers swipe a debit card. The so-called swipe fees will be reined in at 12 cents per transaction, as opposed to the current average of 44 cents. An amendment from Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) would have delayed the regulation and handed a victory to the banks.