**The Senate parliamentarian's rulings could delay President Trump's tax bill as Republicans consider drastic measures against her authority.**
**Senate Parliamentarian Challenges Trump's Ambitious Tax Legislation**
**Senate Parliamentarian Challenges Trump's Ambitious Tax Legislation**
**Elizabeth MacDonough's Objections Spark Debate Among Republicans**
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough is in the spotlight after raising objections against parts of President Donald Trump’s vast tax reform bill, whimsically referred to as the "big beautiful bill." The extensive 1,000-page proposal aims to drive down spending and prolong tax cuts, but MacDonough has highlighted that several elements of the legislation do not align with Senate rules, casting uncertainty on billions in funding and suggesting that it might not be enacted by the July 4 deadline mandated by the President.
This multifaceted tax plan recently cleared the House of Representatives, which narrowly approved it earlier this month, yet required adjustments following the Senate's deliberations. The initial House version proposed significant cuts to federal programs like Medicaid, rescued food assistance initiatives through SNAP, and alterations to tax laws pertaining to gratuities and overtime. As it stands, the clock is ticking for Congress to finalize the bill for Trump's signature ahead of the upcoming holiday.
Despite a Republican majority in both chambers, consensus on the bill has proven elusive, particularly regarding the contentious social programs like Medicaid. MacDonough, who has upheld the role of Senate parliamentarian since 2012 and is the first woman to do so, is tasked with ensuring that legislation adheres to established budgetary guidelines. Her decisions have historically prompted fierce reactions, including calls from some Republican senators for her dismissal in light of her recent rulings against portions of the tax plan.
Under rules established by the Byrd Rule, MacDonough noted that specific provisions included in the reconciliation bill—such as limiting states' federal Medicaid funding through healthcare provider taxes—are classified as "extraneous" and cannot be implemented. The reconciliation process offers a simple majority vote in the Senate, thereby fast-tracking the bill through otherwise potentially lengthy filibuster negotiations.
Calls for her removal from both Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville and Kansas Senator Roger Marshall echo frustrations among Republicans feeling hampered by MacDonough's rulings. “The Parliamentarian is trying to UNDERMINE the President's mandate and should be fired,” Tuberville expressed on a social media platform.
Despite these tensions, Senate Minority Leader John Thune counseled against such measures, classifying MacDonough's objections as manageable hurdles rather than insurmountable obstacles. He emphasized that the Republican Party can explore alternative pathways for advancing budgetary goals without dismissing the prominent Senate official.
Next steps await as lawmakers prepare to push the bill through the Senate, followed by reconciling any proposed changes with the House, where discontent regarding the Senate’s amendments has already surfaced. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed the administration's commitment to meeting the July 4 deadline, framing the situation as a typical aspect of Senate legislative undertakings.
This multifaceted tax plan recently cleared the House of Representatives, which narrowly approved it earlier this month, yet required adjustments following the Senate's deliberations. The initial House version proposed significant cuts to federal programs like Medicaid, rescued food assistance initiatives through SNAP, and alterations to tax laws pertaining to gratuities and overtime. As it stands, the clock is ticking for Congress to finalize the bill for Trump's signature ahead of the upcoming holiday.
Despite a Republican majority in both chambers, consensus on the bill has proven elusive, particularly regarding the contentious social programs like Medicaid. MacDonough, who has upheld the role of Senate parliamentarian since 2012 and is the first woman to do so, is tasked with ensuring that legislation adheres to established budgetary guidelines. Her decisions have historically prompted fierce reactions, including calls from some Republican senators for her dismissal in light of her recent rulings against portions of the tax plan.
Under rules established by the Byrd Rule, MacDonough noted that specific provisions included in the reconciliation bill—such as limiting states' federal Medicaid funding through healthcare provider taxes—are classified as "extraneous" and cannot be implemented. The reconciliation process offers a simple majority vote in the Senate, thereby fast-tracking the bill through otherwise potentially lengthy filibuster negotiations.
Calls for her removal from both Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville and Kansas Senator Roger Marshall echo frustrations among Republicans feeling hampered by MacDonough's rulings. “The Parliamentarian is trying to UNDERMINE the President's mandate and should be fired,” Tuberville expressed on a social media platform.
Despite these tensions, Senate Minority Leader John Thune counseled against such measures, classifying MacDonough's objections as manageable hurdles rather than insurmountable obstacles. He emphasized that the Republican Party can explore alternative pathways for advancing budgetary goals without dismissing the prominent Senate official.
Next steps await as lawmakers prepare to push the bill through the Senate, followed by reconciling any proposed changes with the House, where discontent regarding the Senate’s amendments has already surfaced. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed the administration's commitment to meeting the July 4 deadline, framing the situation as a typical aspect of Senate legislative undertakings.
