One of the most controversial outstanding issues that is likely to drop out of the discussion once the bill has to get matched up with the House version is a proposal by Arkansas Democrat Blanche Lincoln, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, to force banks to spin off their swaps trading desks.

FORBES: Swift Senate Vote Is Good For Banks

" As we worried that Sakamaki would give up her successful career in journalism, get her tongue pierced and drop out to rediscover lost youth, she quickly added: "But then, some of the youngsters made me sad.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia