Washington ? They are the sticking points that would gum up the Wall Street overhaul.

It only takes a few issues to upend a political equilibrium as lawmakers try to blend House and Senate bills into a single rewrite. The final measure, which President Barack Obama wants by July 4, is intended to prevent another financial crisis.

A look at the main issues:

Derivatives — complex, unregulated securities that act as a hedge against market fluctuations. For instance, an airline may try to soften the cost of a potential rise in fuel prices by betting that fuel prices will rise. But they have become instruments for risky speculation. The legislation would require that they be traded in regulated exchanges.

Volcker Rule — A Senate plan known as the Volcker rule, after former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker, would prohibit banks from betting on the markets with their own money.

Debit card fees — For every swipe, merchants pay 1 percent to 2 percent to banks and credit card networks. A proposal requires the Federal Reserve to limit those fees.

Consumer protections — The final legislation will create a government consumer financial protection entity. This development was once considered the most contentious element sought by the administration.