Legal

A battle royale is brewing in Washington, where lawmakers say they want to empower those who want to save for their retirement, not making it more difficult.

Other industrialized nations, a White House aide's memo says, have undertaken more aggressive action, including the outright ban of commissions on all securities sales.

A memo from Obama's Council of Economic Advisors indicates the White House may support tighter oversight of brokers who handle retirement accounts.

Some of the more objectionable issues are just ending, an SEC official says.

President Barack Obama reached into his partys progressive past to deliver a robust endorsement of higher taxes for the wealthy, government intervention in the economy and an array of new benefits for lower- and middle- income Americans.

The long-awaited ruling is expected to be sent to the Office of Management and Budget for a 90-day review period at any moment.