How Congress is losing its legislative paths

This analysis from Roll Call examines how Congress is increasingly reliant on budget reconciliation—a filibuster-proof process—to pass major legislation, as traditional legislative paths close. With narrow majorities, fewer deal-makers, and power struggles with President Trump, Republicans are pursuing a third reconciliation package for a $95 billion Iran war funding, farm aid, and voter ID measures. Senate Majority Leader John Thune called it a 'very uneven path.' The article notes that both parties have used reconciliation to bypass normal appropriations, which expert Molly Reynolds says is 'buckling under political conflicts.' Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins opposes using reconciliation, advocating for normal appropriations. The House is preparing a short-term funding extension into December as fiscal 2027 deadlines loom.