Will the GOP filibuster?
The Dems have proven adept at bending or breaking the rules. All they have to do is pretend that these measures are budget-related and they can use the same reconciliation Mickey Mouse that they did with health care reform. Since cap and trade will increase government revenues, hence theoretically reduce the deficit, I don’t think it would be that hard for the energy bill. Same with VAT.
Honestly scored, I see no way they could do that with immigration reform unless they really stretch out the waiting period for eligibility for health benefits and other government programs. If so, then the new taxes being paid by illegals emerging from the underground economy again would arguably improve the deficit picture and be a candidate for a reconciliation package.