I came across the following article and felt that it was a good tool for those of you who might have questions on the reconciliation process and how it helps/hurts the various parties. Some of the key segments are quoted below, but I recommend that you read the Associated Press article entitled “Reconciliation bill will be hard for GOP to derail” in its entirety.
Q: Why is it called reconciliation?
A: The process was established in the 1974 law that requires Congress to pass a federal budget at the start of each year. Some years, the budget will instruct Congress to pass legislation that “reconciles” tax and spending laws with the policies laid out in that budget and triggers a process that makes it easier and quicker for lawmakers to do that.
Q: How does reconciliation make the process simpler?
A: It’s a blunt instrument that makes it easier for the majority party to win. It has little impact in the House, where the majority usually has its way. But in the Senate, it prevents the minority party from using a filibuster, which lets it block legislation with just 41 of the chamber’s 100 votes.
Q: Is that the only advantage reconciliation provides?
A: It also limits Senate debate to just 20 hours, rather than the potentially unlimited time allowed normally.
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