Budget Reconciliation Process

Book excerpt: This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. Reconciliation is a procedure by which Congress implements budget resolution policies affecting mainly permanent spending and revenue programs. The Byrd rule (BR) provides 6 definitions of what constitutes extraneous matter for purposes of the rule, but the term is generally described as covering provisions unrelated to achieving the goals of the reconciliation instructions. Contents of this report: (1) Intro.; (2) Legislative History of the BR; (3) Current Features of the BR; (4) Implementation of the BR: Points of Order; Waiver Motions; Instances in Which the BR was Not Invoked; (5) BR Controversies: Effects on Tax-Cut Legislation; Comprehensive Policy Changes: Health Care and Education Reform. Text of the BR. Charts and tables.