Economics
The Political Economy of Budget Reconciliation Processes
Quick fact
The Affordable Care Act (2010) was passed using reconciliation for key parts, allowing it to clear the Senate with 51 votes despite the 60-vote threshold that had killed earlier attempts.
Why this is interesting
Why do some huge bills pass with just 51 votes while others die with 59? Because a powerful backdoor rule called 'budget reconciliation' lets the Senate bypass the 60-vote filibuster—but only for money bills.