Senate Parliamentarian Rules Democrats Can Pass 2 More Reconciliation Bills, Bypassing Filibuster

The Senate Parliamentarian has ruled that Chuck Schumer may be able to use budget reconciliation rules to pass two additional amendments to the 2021 budget bill that was used in enacting Biden’s Covid relief law. Reconciliation, though complicated, allows bills to pass the Senate with a 51 to 50 vote.
The ruling is a key step for Democrats as they weigh their options for moving infrastructure legislation, potentially giving them a route to pass new legislation without Republican votes. It’s important to note, however, that some details are still going to have to be worked out with the parliamentarian, and it was not immediately clear whether it could be used to pass President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan.