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In Congress, what's the difference between a budget resolution, reconciliation and spending bills?

The article from CNN, published on February 13, 2025, explains the intricacies of the U.S. federal budget process, focusing on the budget resolution, reconciliation, and spending bills. It outlines how Congress is tasked with passing a budget resolution each year, which sets the framework for federal spending and revenue. This resolution, while not legally binding, guides the creation of spending bills. The piece delves into the reconciliation process, a special legislative procedure that allows for expedited consideration of certain tax, spending, and debt limit legislation, often used to bypass filibusters in the Senate. It also discusses the challenges Congress faces in passing these bills on time, often leading to continuing resolutions or omnibus bills to keep the government funded. The article highlights the political battles over spending priorities, the use of reconciliation for significant policy changes, and the implications of delays or failures in the budget process, including government shutdowns.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/13/politics/budget-resolution-reconciliation-spending-bills-explainer/index.html ]