DC Dictionary

The Senate is either famous or infamous, depending on whom you ask, for requiring 60 votes to end a filibuster and pass legislation. But when it comes to money, there’s one way to get things done with a simple majority: budget reconciliation. Reconciliation allows budget measures to pass with just 51 votes. It was created by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and therefore can be used only for bills that directly apply to spending, taxes, and debt limits. “It’s been used by both political parties over time. It’s complicated. And there is what’s called a vote-athon before it all…