60-51-50?

[falcon97]

I'm sure these topics have been covererd in other posts or as responses, but I can't seem to find them. In reference to reconciliation and HCR, does it take 51 votes or 50 + Joe Biden? Can the VP break a tie in reconciliation. The number everyone throws out is 51 and no one mentions 50 + Biden.

Secondly, on Countdown last Friday, Lawrence O'Donnell mentioned that it will still take 60 votes to clear parts of HCR in the reconciliation process. That runs counter to the holy grail of *only* needing 51.

[DaveinMD]

1. the parts of the plan

that are regulation and not government spending or taxation, can't be part of the reconciliation bill. So the regulatory aspects have to be a in a bill that need 60 votes. The reconciliation part will only need 60 votes if they are not revenue neutral. Reconciliation needs 50 votes plus Biden. That's how the Clinton reconciliation bills were passed.

[falcon97]

2. I appreciate the Biden vote help.

O'Donnell seemed to indicate that there were still 60 vote thresholds needed to overcome for the spending aspects. But perhaps I heard him wrong.

[DaveinMD]

3. that is if the plan

isn't paid for. I'm sure they'll have the funding aspects taken care of, so 60 votes won't be necessary. That the entire point.

[falcon97]

4. Ok, I can stop stressing then...

Thanks! :hi:

[liberalpragmatist]

5. 60 votes are needed to waive the "Byrd Rule"

The Byrd Rule is the rule that says reconciliation items need to be related to the budget. If the parliamentarian rules (really "advises" but by tradition, the majority leader accepts his ruling) that something violates the Byrd Rule, then it takes 60 votes to waive the Byrd rule and keep the item in the bill.

[Clio the Leo]

6. I think that may have been what Reid was referring to when he said....

If a decision is made to use reconciliation to advance health care, Senator Reid will work with the White House, the House, and members of his caucus in an effort to craft a public option that can overcome procedural obstacles and secure enough votes.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/82397-reid-hints-he-could-back-public-option-

Which *I* take to mean either "I will really try to write a proposal that we can get passed" or "we can't get this done via reconciliation because we can't get past all of the 60 vote hurdles and you all KNOW this but I'll make a symbolic effort."

We shall see.