The House this week voted to allow the use of the reconciliation process to pass health reform legislation. The procedure, which Republicans oppose, would fast-track the passage of such a bill.
The House also named its five conferees, three Democrats and two Republicans, to meet with Senate conferees to reconcile their budget resolutions into a final version. Meanwhile, the Senate has yet to appoint its conferees. It also did not include orders in its resolution to allow the use of the reconciliation process.
Reconciliation would allow Democrats to overcome Republican objections to an increase in spending and in the role of government. Those who oppose the process believe it would be a blow to bipartisanship and would ultimately push through a bill that lacks the support of Republicans and key constituencies.
