Using budget reconciliation would allow legislation to be moved through Congress with only a majority vote in the Senate. However, such a maneuver could create significant backlash from Republicans and could mean that Democrats may have to cut the more controversial provisions from the legislation in order to obtain a majority vote.
Under the process, the House would adopt the Senate’s bill and then a majority vote in the Senate would move the legislation to the president’s desk. While not ideal, the process could be a last-ditch effort by Democratic leaders to save reform effort. The move, however, still faces considerable challenges, including those from moderate Democrats.
Read the New York Times‘ report on possible healthcare reform budget reconciliation
.
