After weeks of lying dormant, legislation designed to slash the filing fees paid
to the Securities and Exchange Commission could be back on track in Congress.
Separate efforts in the House of Representatives and the Senate are leading some
congressional observers to think there is at least a slim chance that a bill
could reach President Bush's desk by year-end.

On the House side, Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) has begun drafting legislation
that would be part of a broader package to stimulate the economy in the wake of
the World Trade Center attack. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.)
crafted a letter recently that commits him to bringing the measure to the Senate
floor by the end of the year.

Congress is largely behind the measure, which earlier this year passed both
houses in slightly different forms. Before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, both
versions were slated to move into conference, where differences would be ironed
out. After being put on hold temporarily, several legislators in recent weeks
have renewed their interest in reducing SEC fees, particularly as it became
evident that the economic downturn worsened following the attacks.