Senate Democrats are bracing for a busy July work period as leadership presses forward on a revival of the budget reconciliation process. After releasing an updated version of the drug pricing title last week, additional pieces of the new filibuster-proof bill are expected to be released in the coming days and weeks ahead so that the Parliamentarian can begin the “Byrd bath” review to ensure compliance with the Senate’s budgetary rules. These policies include tax hikes on high-income earners to shore up the solvency of Medicare and extending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, as well as other climate, energy, and tax proposals. According to intel from Capitol Hill, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is hopeful to get the updated bill on the floor ahead of the August break. However, it remains to be seen whether the deal can garner the support of the entire Democratic caucus in both chambers.
