(CNN) -- A congressional tactic described as a "freight train" to run over the minority party could derail any hopes of bipartisanship with the Obama administration, some Republicans warn.
The "reconciliation" tactic would help President Obama move swiftly on his agenda but at a cost, an analyst says.
"Reconciliation" is a procedure that could put some of President Obama's major initiatives, such as overhauling health care, on the fast track to becoming law if lawmakers adopt it in their budget resolution.
The process would allow senators to cut off debate on some legislation with 51 votes -- a simple majority -- instead of the 60 usually required.
Senate Republicans said they worry the process effectively could silence any voice they have in negotiations since Democrats would not need their votes to move ahead with Obama's agenda. (The Democrats have 58 votes, including two independents, and Republicans have 41.)
The GOP did have a victory Wednesday night when the Senate overwhelmingly voted 67-31 in favor of an amendment that would prohibit using the fast-track procedure to pass Obama's "cap-and-trade" plan to combat global warming.
The "cap-and-trade" system would set limits on how much carbon emissions an industry could produce. Companies that produce more would have to buy permits to do so from ones that produce less, giving companies an incentive to reduce emissions.
All Republicans and 26 Democrats voted for the amendment, which Republican Sen. Mike Johanns of Nebraska offered. - CNN Story
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