Five Facts on the Senate 'Vote-a-Rama'

The Big Insight: An unusual Senate practice known as a “vote-a-rama” could delay the latest Democratic reconciliation package.

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After months of delay, Democrats are moving a budget reconciliation package through the Senate that features significant climate and energy, tax and healthcare provisions. But the final bill must first survive a “vote-a-rama” — a unique and recent Senate custom that requires dozens of votes on all sorts of amendments. The practice — which is often deployed by the minority party — can delay legislation by forcing senators to take difficult stands on many issues, and divide the coalition needed for passage.

Here are five facts on the vote-a-rama.