A Senate committee on Wednesday approved a bill aimed at reforming the derivatives market, voting to send it to the full Senate as efforts to toughen financial regulation head into the home straight.

Similar to a broader Banking Committee package that is set for a full Senate debate by next week, the bill will regulate the $450 trillion swaps market for the first time.

Its passage through the committee was a first test of how strongly Democrats are willing to push reform -- and how easily Republicans may be prepared to play ball.

(editing by Patrick Graham)