If there was ever a perfect candidate for the use of the reconciliation process, it would seem to me to be the jobs bill the Republicans recently filibustered. This is a bill with broad bipartisan support which is being held hostage to political and procedural obstructionism. The Republicans showed their hand when they voted to continue the filibuster. Fine, bring the bill up under reconciliation and make them vote against the actual bill. My guess is many will support the actual legislation, since it is loaded with tax cuts for small businesses, and they will be shown to be the obstructionists they are, a lesson that needs to be repeatedly reinforced for the electorate.
I am not an expert on Senate rules, so if the bill in question is does not meet the criteria for consideration under the rules of reconciliation, I have my answer. But my understanding is that if the bill affects the deficit it would be eligible to be considered under reconciliation. And this bill proposes setting up a 30 billion dollar treasury fund for business loans, as well as providing 12 billion in tax cuts, which certainly would affect the deficit.
So my question remains, why isn't this the perfect candidate for the Democrats to play hard ball with, and ask the bill be considered under the rules of reconciliation. It addresses what everybody agrees is the nations most pressing need, job creation. It does it in a bipartisan fashion by making the bill a small business bill which includes significant tax cuts for entrepeneurs. It could provide an object lesson in exactly who is stalling economic progress at this time.
It seems like this could be a win-win situation for Harry Reid and the Democrats. They could get something done which the electorate wants, act tough in doing so, and show the Republicans for what they are, whining obstructionists. Therefore I am somewhat curious why I have heard nothing relating to reconciliation regarding this legislation. It seems to be always mentioned, even when the legislation does not lend itself to the rules of reconciliation. Am I missing something?