Byrd Rule
The Byrd Rule is a Senate rule that limits what provisions may be included in budget reconciliation legislation. It allows senators to challenge provisions considered extraneous to the budgetary purpose of the measure. A provision found to violate the rule may be removed unless the Senate waives the rule with the required vote.
The Byrd Rule is a Senate rule that limits what provisions may be included in budget reconciliation legislation. It allows senators to challenge provisions considered extraneous to the budgetary purpose of the measure. A provision found to violate the rule may be removed unless the Senate waives the rule with the required vote.
Example: During consideration of the 2017 tax legislation, the Senate’s reconciliation process required lawmakers to account for the Byrd Rule’s limits on provisions that could remain in the bill.
Common misconception: The Byrd Rule applies to every bill in the Senate. It specifically constrains provisions in reconciliation legislation and does not govern all ordinary bills.
Sources: https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL30862; https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/filibusters-cloture.htm