The Byrd Bath

Punchbowl News: “Senate Republicans need to race through time-consuming reconciliation procedures that could throw a wrench into their plans. Behind the scenes, they’ll need to hash out all the complicated political challenges plaguing the bill. And they don’t have much room to lose votes in either chamber.”

“The main procedural hurdle for Senate Republicans to clear is wrapping up the ‘Byrd Bath.’ That’s when Democratic and GOP aides each argue their case to the Senate parliamentarian about whether provisions in the bill adhere to the chamber’s Byrd Rule, which governs the reconciliation process.”

“It’s Democrats’ big moment to try to force some policies out of the bill by arguing they violate the Byrd Rule. If Democrats succeed on major provisions, that could make things even harder for Senate Republican leaders as they struggle over their vote and deficit math.”