“To dodge the Senate filibuster rule, which typically requires 60 votes to advance legislation, Republicans are using the fast-track reconciliation process, which forbids bills from increasing deficits beyond the 10-year budget window and needs only a simple majority.” - Richard Rubin, WSJ
The Parliamentarian reviewed whether each part of the bill met the strict rules of reconciliation, particularly the Byrd Rule, which says: • All provisions must directly impact the federal budget • Non-budgetary “policy-only” measures can’t be included
According to congressional sources: • Immigration parole reforms (like protections for certain undocumented workers) → out under the Byrd Rule • Alaska Native corporations tax carve-outs → insufficiently budget-related • Public lands language that didn’t tie clearly to spending or revenue
What Stayed • Clean energy tax credits and climate infrastructure • Broadband and road funds for rural states • Healthcare premium subsidy extensions • Modest child tax credit bump