Democrats are hoping to pass President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan, as well as initiatives for paid family and medical leave and expanded health care, potentially including Medicare. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sanders expressed optimism about the possibility of new ruling from the parliamentarian opening up more opportunities for Democrats to advance their priorities in Congress. This could include multiple pieces of legislation protected from filibusters through reconciliation, making it easier for Democrats to pass significant budgetary measures despite Republican opposition. The process is filled with challenges, such as strict rules that limit what can be included. Democrats will still need to gather 50 votes for any proposal, which may be difficult for some of their more ambitious ideas. However, this newfound flexibility could make it easier for them to advance their most ambitious goals. It could allow them to break down President Biden's proposals, such as his infrastructure plan, into smaller, more manageable pieces. Activists are also pushing Biden to explore other options, like using reconciliation to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants living in the United States. It is unclear when and how Democrats will take advantage of this opportunity. However, there is increasing pressure on them to test the limits of what the ruling party can achieve with control of both congressional chambers and the White House. In an interview on Tuesday, Sen Chuck Schumer, the majority leader from New York, described the decision as a significant development that strengthens their position. He did not reveal how this ruling would affect their legislative strategy moving forward, including the passage of President Biden's recent public-works plan. Schumer stated that the caucus would need to come together to discuss the best way to utilize this new opportunity. The initial guidance from parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough suggests that Biden and his allies in Congress may have another chance to use the reconciliation process before the end of the fiscal year on Sept 30, as well as in the following fiscal year. Lawmakers may need to seek further clarification from MacDonough on how to proceed. However, her choice has lifted the spirits of some activists who have been advocating for Biden and Democrats to be more forceful in using their power to push through significant policy changes. These activists are expected to increase the pressure on the White House and prominent Democrats in the coming weeks to utilize this new tool. Democrats believe that the ruling could immediately offer more flexibility in passing Biden's proposed $4 trillion economic investment plans, which include initiatives such as rebuilding electric grids, combatting climate change, reducing poverty, and supporting women in the workforce. Since Biden's election, his team has been focused on preparing for various scenarios to advance his agenda in Congress, which includes trillions of dollars in new government spending partially funded by tax hikes on corporations and wealthy individuals. Following the Democrats' victory in the Georgia runoff elections in January, reconciliation has become a central component of many of these plans. The Biden administration initially saw using reconciliation as a way to avoid Republican opposition to pandemic aid and to further his economic agenda. However, the process has not worked for all priorities, as the parliamentarian removed a provision to raise the minimum wage. Activists argue that legalizing some unauthorized immigrants could impact the budget, but it is uncertain if the parliamentarian would allow it. Schumer and Sanders have not decided on a strategy for reusing reconciliation, and Sanders acknowledges that prioritizing legislative goals is a challenging task. Despite this, White House officials maintain that Biden is dedicated to reaching a bipartisan agreement with Republicans on his infrastructure plan. Business organizations are also keen to negotiate an agreement on the matter, despite their and Republicans' firm opposition to Biden's suggested tax hikes. The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, informed reporters on Tuesday that Biden still believes there is a possibility for a bipartisan solution. However, she did not rule out the option of moving the bill through a more partisan process, such as reconciliation, leaving the decision to Congressional leaders. Currently, less than a week after unveiling the American Jobs Plan, the focus is on engaging with both Democrats and Republicans, as well as staff and committee members, and inviting lawmakers to the White House next week. Lobbyists and congressional staff members anticipate that Biden will give Senate moderates a brief opportunity to try to reach a bipartisan agreement on the plan, with the understanding that if no deal is reached quickly, he will move on. Psaki stated that Biden hopes to see progress on Capitol Hill by May and a finalized package by the summer. Some administration officials privately acknowledge the challenges of passing Biden's agenda without using reconciliation, as any compromise would require at least 10 Republican votes to overcome a Senate filibuster. A group of that size has already begun negotiations with Biden on his proposed $1.9 trillion economic aid package. The Republicans responded with a $600 billion proposal, but Democrats rejected it as inadequate. Biden proceeded with his own plan, bypassing Republican resistance to pass a $1.9 trillion bill through reconciliation.