Definition
A special budget process allowing certain legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing the filibuster like a legislative express lane. Created to streamline budget matters, it's now weaponized for controversial policy.
Example Usage
They used reconciliation to pass the tax reform, avoiding the 60-vote threshold and three months of performative debate.
Origin
Established by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974
Fun Fact
The Byrd Rule prohibits 'extraneous' provisions in reconciliation bills, leading to bizarre determinations about what counts as budget-related, like whether immigration policy affects federal spending.
Source: Congressional Budget Office terminology and Senate procedure manuals
Related Terms
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See “reconciliation” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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