As President Obama marks his 100th day in office today, he enjoys high poll ratings and the support of a Democratic-controlled Congress.

But there's a storm ahead.

Obama will need consensus from Congress on one of the nation's most important priorities — healthcare reform. It's shaping up to be a contentious battle, especially with Republicans wary of Obama's efforts to expand government's role in broadening coverage.

There's no doubt the ever-expanding cost of healthcare, which continues to fuel the growing number of uninsured, is a critical problem. Clearly it's a drain on our ailing economy; Congress needs to act.

To that end, Congressional Democrats expect to adopt an expedited procedure known as "reconciliation" in the budget blueprint it will vote on today.

Reconciliation would allow Congress to approve a healthcare plan with a simple majority vote — a key weapon for Democratic senators to prevent a Republican filibuster, which would require a three-fifths vote to break.

Nonetheless, it should be a weapon of last resort. Reconciliation has its problems: Items not strictly related to specific budgetary concerns can be challenged, slowing negotiations. Reconciliation bills include expiration dates that must be explicitly renewed. President Bush's tax cuts for the rich, which passed using this procedure, is one example. And constructive, meaningful debate on this critical issue is preferable to Republicans having an excuse to adopt an unhelpful, just-say-no position.

Making healthcare less costly, more efficient and more accessible is essential public policy — it's something both parties must strive for.