An unprecedented situation is developing in Congress as lawmakers are confronted with not only finishing the fiscal 2017 budget but beginning work on a fiscal 2018 budget, says CQ’s senior budget reporter Paul M. Krawzak. But adding uncertainty to the work are the so-called reconciliation instructions attached to the 2017 budget resolution that spell out how Republicans can repeal Obamacare. At what point do these instructions expire and it’s game over for an easy health care repeal? Krawzak explains why this question has become so important, and offers a prediction on when President Trump will present his full budget to Congress.

Show Notes:

• Why Republicans Don’t Fear a Shutdown, But Should

• Shutdown Under GOP Control Could Be Historic

  CQ’s @PaulKrawzak asks the big question: How long do fy17 #reconciliation instrux last? https://t.co/E3wzDyNfUp #Health @CQnow

  — Jane Norman (@JaneNorman) April 18, 2017

  Very interesting YouGov/Economist Group poll shows just 19 percent of people want a shutdown over the wall 60% just want govt funded @CQnow https://t.co/vdnCfVjsoX

  — Kellie Mejdrich (@kelmej) April 14, 2017