The lower chamber’s ‘budget reconciliation’ resolution is in a single bill, whereas the Senate offers a two-bill package and more defense and border spending.
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump announced on Feb. 19 that he supports the House of Representatives’ budget blueprint that would fund several of his policy initiatives, instead of a two-bill plan proffered by the Senate.
Ordinarily, to pass any legislation, at least 60 senators must vote to invoke “cloture” on a bill to limit debate and advance the bill to final passage. Without cloture, debate can continue indefinitely, and senators may “filibuster” to prevent the bill from being passed.
The Senate Republican Conference has only 53 members in the 100-member Senate, meaning that bills require the support of at least seven Democrats to pass—something that is unlikely to happen for conservative legislation.
Hence, for the past several months, “budget reconciliation” has been the focus. This process enables budgetary legislation—that is, concerning taxation, spending, and public borrowing—to be passed without minority party support.
The rules of the Senate limit debate on reconciliation-related bills. Cloture can be invoked with a simple majority. This would permit Republicans to pass partisan bills with their slim majorities in both houses of Congress.
Budget reconciliation first requires