GOP Pushes for Senate Parliamentarian’s Ouster Following Rulings Against Healthcare Bill

Republican members of Congress are intensifying their calls for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to dismiss Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate parliamentarian, after her recent rulings hindered key provisions of President Trump’s proposed healthcare legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The role of the parliamentarian is crucial for determining which legislative measures require a 60-vote threshold to pass, impacting the passage of this significant bill.

Who is Elizabeth MacDonough?

Elizabeth MacDonough has been a part of the Senate Parliamentarian’s office since 1999 and has held her current title since 2012. Appointed by former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, MacDonough was praised for her comprehensive understanding of Senate traditions and operations, even receiving commendations from Thune and her predecessor, Alan Frumin.

The Byrd Bath Process

MacDonough is currently navigating the "Byrd Bath," a process where she reviews challenges to specific provisions of reconciliation bills. Reconciliation processes are particularly vital because they allow certain measures to bypass the typical 60-vote requirement if they pertain primarily to revenue or spending.

Recent Rulings and Their Impact

MacDonough has recently ruled that several elements of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act require a 60-vote threshold to advance, including:

• A provision limiting federal judges’ ability to enforce injunctions and temporary restraining orders.
• Measures aimed at empowering Attorney General Pam Bondi to defund sanctuary cities.
• Reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Provisions regarding presidential authority to reorganize executive agencies.

Most notably, she has ruled against changes to cost-sharing ratios for states providing Medicaid services to non-citizens and prevented Republicans from including a measure barring Medicaid and CHIP funding for gender transition procedures.

Reactions from Lawmakers

Following her ruling on healthcare provisions, several Republican senators took to social media to express their discontent. Senator Tommy Tuberville tweeted:

“The WOKE Senate Parliamentarian… just STRUCK DOWN a provision BANNING illegals from stealing Medicaid from American citizens. This is a perfect example of why Americans hate THE SWAMP.”

Calls for Dismissal

Despite the frustration expressed by some Republicans, Thune has publicly stated he does not intend to overrule or fire MacDonough. Nonetheless, calls for her dismissal have emerged from various corners, including conservative House members. Congressman Dan Crenshaw stated:

“It is time to FIRE the Senate Parliamentarian… She has failed to apply the rules of reconciliation accurately on multiple occasions.”

Other lawmakers echoing similar sentiments include Congressmen Greg Steube and Randy Fine. Interestingly, MacDonough has previously faced criticism from both sides of the political aisle; notably, her 2021 rejection of key parts of the Democratic “Build Back Better” agenda led to backlash from progressive lawmakers.

Historical Context

Calls for the parliamentarian’s ouster aren’t without precedent. In 2001, then-Majority Leader Trent Lott made headlines by firing the parliamentarian during reconciliation proceedings. The evolving dynamics around MacDonough’s rulings underscore the intense political maneuvering that often surrounds significant legislative proposals.

Conclusion

As the debate continues, the future of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act hangs in the balance, contingent on the interpretations of the Senate parliamentarian. The Republican push for MacDonough’s dismissal reflects the deep-seated frustrations within Congress when it comes to reconciliation and legislative strategy. For ongoing updates, be sure to keep an eye on developments in the Senate and the responses from both parties.

For more on the role of the Senate parliamentarian and its impact on legislation, check out the official Senate website.