Whoa. The Hill calls this an "obscure" tool? Isn't budget reconciliation the SAME method used by Demon Rats to pass the Death Panel Law?!
Why yes, funny you should remember that, this being an obscure budget tool.
It's labeled "obscure" when the GOP uses it.
Read Senate passes historic healthcare reform legislation in 60-39 vote | TheHill, By Jeffrey Young - 12/24/09. No mention of reconciliation being used to bypass cloture. That article has a bit of a giddy feel to it, in my opinion.