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The Convoluted Process for Dismantling Obamacare

Budget reconciliaton, explained

(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo )
(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo )

In the early hours of Jan. 12, the Senate took the first step in the convoluted process of dismantling and replacing the 2010 health care law. To overcome the potential filibuster power of Senate Democrats, GOP lawmakers are relying on budget reconciliation, the same procedural mechanism their counterparts across the aisle used seven years ago to implement parts of the health care overhaul.

The budget reconciliation process is filled with procedural complications — and in this case, political uncertainty — as GOP leaders and President-elect Donald Trump have signaled various ideas about the timing of changes.

The graphic below explains the budget resolution and reconciliation process and how it could play out.

Budget Resolution process-01

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