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Obamacare & the 115th

Today, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the Republican leadership’s intention to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, quickly into the 115th Congress. While there is no confirmation on a legislative vehicle, the most likely means for Congress to pass something will be the Budget Reconciliation process. This process is also the vehicle that has been suggested to move any tax reform policies.

The slim majority of Republicans in the Senate, which will likely be 51-53 seats, would not be able to overcome the 60 vote cloture requirement. The Budget Reconciliation process would avoid a cloture vote, since the Budget Reconciliation requires a simple majority to pass.

Created by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, Budget Reconciliation allows for expedited consideration of certain tax, spending, and debt limit legislation.  In the Senate, reconciliation bills are not subject to filibuster and the scope of amendments is limited, giving this process real advantages for enacting controversial budget and tax measures.  This paper addresses some frequently asked questions about reconciliation.