“Reconciliation.” There’s got to be a better word for it. This is the euphemistically misleading, nigh-on-to-decorous term that refers to the expedience-driven, partisan-taunting tactic that a Democratic Congress could conceivably resort to in order to pre-empt Republican filibusters on health care overhaul.
In short, it would allow a simple majority to carry the day despite Congressional uncertainty and ever-ratcheting rhetoric over costs and benefits. The Dems, as concerned about their Blue Dogs as they are about GOP naysayers, could apply the “reconciliation” loophole if they see no alternative – and no hope – as the Oct. 15 legislation-filing date draws closer.
But “reconciliation”? If actually applied, its aftermath will be acrimony, more divisiveness, and more than likely diluted, piecemeal legislation. “Reconciliation”? We already have a term for this kind of outcome: “pyrrhic victory.”