The Senate just voted 50-49 to proceed with debate for the budget resolution. Now we get 50 hours of debate, and then a "vote-a-rama" where senators vote on a bunch of amendments. This was a key step in using budget reconciliation to pass Biden's $1.9 trillion relief bill.

Why are they using budget reconciliation? There are only 50 Dems in the Senate. Most legislation requires 60 votes to end debate. Democrats don't expect to get support from 10 Republicans for the $1.9 trillion bill. Budget reconciliation lets them pass it with a simple majority.

Meanwhile, a group of 10 Republicans - none of which are in leadership - have proposed a $600 billion relief bill. They met with Biden last night for two hours, but didn't reach a deal. Biden and Dems believe that a larger package is needed, given the level of need.

Republicans argue that the bill is too big, and object to provisions they say are unrelated, such as one to implement a $15 minimum wage.

This is important, because that provision may violate what's known as the Byrd rule.

What's the Byrd rule? Basically, it limits what can be included in legislation considered under budget reconciliation. During the vote-a-rama for a budget reconciliation bill, senators can raise a point of order challenging the inclusion of "extraneous" provisions.

However, senators can vote to waive the Byrd rule by a simple majority. We've heard a couple of Republicans argue that violating the Byrd rule would be tantamount to eliminating the filibuster.

Ok, back to the budget resolution. Once that passes (after the 50 hour debate and vote-a-rama), House and Senate committees write up the budget reconciliation bill. There will be up to 20 hours of debate on this final reconciliation bill, followed by another vote-a-rama.

Yet another complicating factor: the impeachment trial. The Senate can't do any other business during the impeachment trial. Depending on how long the trial lasts, this means that the final vote on budget reconciliation may be a few weeks from now.

So, if you're wondering when you get that next stimmy check, know that it might take a while, and will involve a lot of complicated procedure in between.