Senate parliamentarian: Who is the unelected official getting say on Trump's 'big, beautiful bill?'
The Senate parliamentarian plays a crucial role in determining which proposals can be included in budget reconciliation bills, which require only a simple majority for passage. This position, currently held by Elizabeth MacDonough, is nonpartisan and appointed by the Senate majority leader. MacDonough, the first woman to hold the role, advises on Senate rules and has been involved in key legislative decisions, such as blocking a minimum wage increase in 2021. Her role is especially significant in the context of President Trump's major legislative agenda, which Republicans are attempting to pass through reconciliation. The process involves a detailed examination of the bill, ensuring compliance with rules related to taxes, spending, or national debt, and often involves tough judgment calls on legislative precedent.
Context:
The Senate parliamentarian plays a crucial role in determining which proposals can be included in budget reconciliation bills, which require only a simple majority for passage. This position, currently held by Elizabeth MacDonough, is nonpartisan and appointed by the Senate majority leader. MacDonough, the first woman to hold the role, advises on Senate rules and has been involved in key legislative decisions, such as blocking a minimum wage increase in 2021. Her role is especially significant in the context of President Trump's major legislative agenda, which Republicans are attempting to pass through reconciliation. The process involves a detailed examination of the bill, ensuring compliance with rules related to taxes, spending, or national debt, and often involves tough judgment calls on legislative precedent.
Dive Deeper:
The Senate parliamentarian is an unelected official who advises on Senate rules and precedents, with significant influence in the reconciliation process, which allows certain legislation to pass with a simple majority.
Elizabeth MacDonough, the current parliamentarian, is the first woman in this position, appointed in 2012, and has been recognized for her conservative approach to legislative interpretation.
MacDonough's role involves adjudicating which parts of proposed legislation adhere to the reconciliation rules, crucial for President Trump's expansive legislative agenda being pushed by Republicans.
The reconciliation process limits bills to matters concerning taxes, spending, or national debt, and MacDonough's decisions can significantly impact which provisions remain in a bill.
MacDonough's past decisions, such as blocking a proposed minimum wage increase, have drawn attention and controversy, highlighting the substantial power and influence of the parliamentarian's role.
The current legislative focus includes potentially extending Trump's 2017 tax cuts, with Republicans prepared to use accounting strategies to comply with reconciliation rules, but still subject to MacDonough's review.
Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, are optimistic about navigating these legislative challenges and aim to have the bill ready for Trump's approval by July Fourth.