Senate parliamentarian: Who is the unelected official getting say on Trump's 'big, beautiful bill?'

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 4:00 pm

The Unsung Power Broker: The Senate Parliamentarian and Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill"

The Senate parliamentarian, a nonpartisan, unelected official, holds significant sway over the fate of major legislation, particularly bills passed through the budget reconciliation process. This process allows the party in power to bypass the 60-vote threshold typically required for Senate passage, requiring only a simple majority. However, reconciliation bills are subject to strict rules, and that's where the parliamentarian comes in.

The parliamentarian's primary role is to advise the Senate on its rules and precedents. They conduct the "Byrd bath," meticulously reviewing reconciliation bills to ensure all provisions are directly related to taxes, spending, or the national debt. Any unrelated measures are stripped out. This power can be pivotal, as demonstrated when the parliamentarian forced Democrats to remove a $15 minimum wage provision from a previous reconciliation bill.

Currently, Elizabeth MacDonough, appointed in 2012, holds the position and is the first woman to do so. She is respected by both parties. The article highlights a potential point of contention: a Republican plan to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts. The parliamentarian could scrutinize the accounting methods used to assess the cost of these cuts. Some experts suggest the parliamentarian may take a "conservative approach" to what is allowable under reconciliation, potentially impacting the bill's final form. Republicans are hoping to have a bill on Trump's desk by the Fourth of July.

BNN's Perspective: The Senate parliamentarian's role is a critical check on the power of the majority party. While the position is nonpartisan, the parliamentarian's interpretation of complex rules can significantly influence policy outcomes. It's a reminder that even in a highly polarized political environment, procedural nuances can have a profound impact on the legislative process.

Keywords: Senate parliamentarian, budget reconciliation, Trump, tax cuts, Elizabeth MacDonough, Senate rules, legislative process, Byrd bath, Republican, Democrat, policy, Congress, spending, national debt, unelected official, political news, Fox News Digital.

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