Lessons from Past Reconciliations Wins

House Republicans are beginning to work through policy decisions for a reconciliation package with hearings this week and next. As the process kicks into gear, they would benefit from looking back at the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, for best practices and what to avoid. While these two laws came from opposite sides of the aisle, both reflect lessons in how to pass a sweeping, party-line bill under reconciliation. Here are five lessons learned from past hard-fought reconciliation battles:

Unity first, policy second. The biggest threat to reconciliation is not Democratic opposition — it’s intraparty division. Democrats spent over a year negotiating the IRA behind closed doors with many iterations before arriving at the final version. Similarly, in 2017, Republicans unified early behind the message of tax relief, as specific policies evolved. Ultimately, policy details can be ironed out in committee, but internal fractures will become the focal point and could sink the effort. 

Pick a messaging tactic and stick with it. The IRA was branded as a climate and deficit reduction bill, even when it contained drug pricing and IRS funding. The TCJA stuck to tax cuts as its core message. Republicans must choose a guiding theme that resonates with the public and keep every talking point focused on those key points. Without that unity, the bill becomes a list of disconnected priorities vulnerable to attack.

The Senate drives the timeline. In both 2017 and 2022, the Senate controlled the pace and the limitations of what could pass. Understanding what provisions can survive the Byrd Rule will save valuable time and avoid embarrassing last-minute removals.

Don’t underestimate the power of industry support.  The TCJA gained traction because business groups lined up behind it. The IRA passed in part because clean energy companies flooded the zone with support. Republicans should work now to identify and mobilize allies in key sectors (manufacturing, energy, tech) who can amplify their message and validate these policies.

Voter benefit must be obvious. Both the IRA and TCJA included components with near-term impact: rebate checks, tax cuts, and energy incentives. Voters are skeptical of promises that take years to materialize, and we saw the disconnect between IRA policies and impacts on voters. Republicans must include tangible benefits that hit people’s wallets before the next election—and ensure their messaging highlights those wins every step of the way.

Republicans have the chance to uphold the Trump Administration’s campaign promises and build out a campaign for the 2026 elections. Learning from past successes on both sides of the aisle will make the process smoother and bypass avoidable mishaps.