The “abolish the filibuster” movement among Democrats has been set back by opposition from two key senators. As a result, opponents of minority rights in the US Senate have turned their attention to the Byrd Rule, an arcane, but vitally important pillar of Senate procedure that prevents non-tax, non-spending provisions from being tacked onto must pass budget reconciliation. Too complicated? Well, without the Byrd Rule, the filibuster won’t be needed, and passing into law D.C. statehood, a $15 dollar minimum wage, and Supreme Court packing will require only 50 votes.

What is the Byrd Rule? How has it become the filibuster work-around? Martin Gold joins Dany and Marc to discuss budget reconciliation, the Byrd Rule, and its significance in Senate procedure. They also dive into legislative history to better understand how we got here.

Martin B. Gold is a partner with Capitol Counsel, LLC. With over 40 years of legislative and private practice experience, he is a recognized authority and author on matters of congressional rules and parliamentary strategies, and US policy in Asia. 

Download the transcript here.