Skip to content

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

Recent Stories

Venezuela is a lesson — Africa is a test of whether we learned from it

Photos of the week | January 9-15, 2026

Six fiscal 2026 spending bills done, six more to go

Comer wants spending bill to delay intoxicating hemp ban

Trump health plan asks Congress for drug, insurance legislation

Wrap-up: Congress leaves for MLK Day with long January to-do list