Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd introduced a sweeping financial reform bill Monday. In response to the country’s current financial situation the bill works to increase the government’s control over the financial industry. Dodd is proposing to create a panel headed by the Treasury Department to specifically oversee the country’s biggest financial firms and ensure consumer protections. Sen. Dodd, (D-Conn) was negotiating the bill with Republican lawmakers up until late last week when negotiations broke down. Afraid the bill wouldn’t be passed this year if he delayed any further, Dodd decided to push ahead without Republican agreement.  More …