Collins, McConnell: ‘Safe to conclude’ third reconciliation bill not happening

Two senior Republican senators on Tuesday agreed Congress is unlikely to pass a third reconciliation bill, cautioning against relying on the possibility for defense funding.

During a hearing Tuesday morning about next year’s budget for the Air Force, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) questioned Air Force Secretary Troy Meink about a low request for certain programs, which she said the administration intended to supplement using funding in a third reconciliation bill.

Reconciliation is a special legislative procedure that bypasses the Senate filibuster to allow the majority party to pass legislation with a 50-vote threshold, but it is a lengthy and difficult process.

“I would just suggest that it is taking a terrible risk and creates instability when you’re counting on a third reconciliation bill for the bulk of the money........

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