Democrats are eager to implement President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan, as well as provide paid family and medical leave and possibly expand health care, including Medicare. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders expressed optimism that a new ruling from the parliamentarian could open up more possibilities for Democrats to advance their agenda in Congress. Sanders emphasized the importance of negotiating and understanding the details of potential legislation. The parliamentarian's decision to allow for another round of reconciliation in the budget resolution passed in February could make it easier for Democrats to pass key budgetary legislation without facing Republican opposition. The process is full of challenges, such as strict rules that restrict what can be included, and Democrats will still need to gather 50 votes for any proposal, which may be difficult for some of their more ambitious ideas. However, this new flexibility could make it easier for them to advance some of their biggest goals. They could potentially break down some of Biden's proposals, like his infrastructure plan, into smaller pieces. Activists are also pushing for Biden to explore other options, such as using reconciliation to offer a path to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants in the US. It is not yet clear how or when Democrats will take advantage of this decision. However, there is increasing pressure for them to test the limits of what the ruling party can achieve with control of both congressional chambers and the White House. In a recent interview, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, described the decision as a significant advancement and a valuable tool for their party. He did not reveal how the ruling would impact their legislative strategy moving forward, including the passage of President Biden's public-works plan. Schumer stated that the caucus would need to meet and discuss how best to utilize this new opportunity. The initial guidance from Elizabeth MacDonough, the parliamentarian, suggests that Biden and his allies in Congress may have more chances to use the reconciliation process before the fiscal year ends on Sept 30, as well as in the following fiscal year. Lawmakers may need to seek further clarification from MacDonough on how to proceed with this opportunity. However, her decision has given hope to activists who have been pushing for Biden and Democrats to be more forceful in using their power to push forward major policy changes. They are expected to increase pressure on the White House and key Democrats in the coming weeks to utilize this new tool. Democrats believe that this ruling could offer more flexibility in passing Biden's ambitious plans for up to $4 trillion in economic investments, such as rebuilding infrastructure, combating climate change, reducing poverty, and empowering women in the workforce. Since Biden's victory, his team has been focused on strategizing to advance his agenda in Congress, which includes significant government spending partially funded by tax hikes on corporations and the wealthy. The Democrats' victory in the Georgia runoff elections in January made reconciliation a key component of these plans. The Biden administration hoped to use a reconciliation process to pass pandemic aid and then move on to other economic priorities like infrastructure. However, they faced hurdles as the parliamentarian rejected a minimum wage provision for violating budget rules. There is uncertainty over whether legalizing unauthorized immigrants would be allowed in a reconciliation measure. Democratic leaders are still deciding on the best strategy for using reconciliation, with Senator Sanders acknowledging the challenge of prioritizing legislative goals. Despite these obstacles, the White House remains committed to seeking bipartisan agreement with Republicans on the infrastructure plan. Business organizations are also keen to negotiate a deal on the matter, despite their and Republicans' firm resistance to Biden's suggested tax hikes. According to White House press secretary Jen Psaki, Biden still holds the belief that there is a possibility of bipartisan agreement on the issue. However, Psaki also indicated that the bill could potentially be passed through a more partisan process, such as reconciliation, leaving the decision on the mechanisms to Congressional leaders. At the moment, the main focus is on working with both Democrats and Republicans, as well as committee staff and inviting members to the White House. Lobbyists and congressional staff anticipate that Biden will give Senate moderates a short period to try to reach a bipartisan agreement on the American Jobs Plan, and will move on if no deal is reached. Psaki mentioned that Biden is eager to see progress in Congress by May and hopes to have a package passed by the summer. Some administration officials acknowledge the challenges of passing Biden's agenda without using reconciliation, as any compromise would need to secure 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 offered a $600 billion proposal, but Democrats rejected it as inadequate. Biden proceeded with his own plan, bypassing Republican opposition to pass a $1.9 trillion bill through reconciliation.