Senate Majority Leader John Thune has made it clear that Republicans will not take measures to overrule Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough during the upcoming debate on President Donald Trump’s expansive megabill. This decision follows a recent incident where Republicans bypassed MacDonough’s authority during a disagreement over California’s emission standard waivers. Thune’s announcement was made during an interview with reporters where he explicitly stated, “We’re not going there,” referring to the idea of overriding MacDonough. The Senate’s parliamentarian plays a crucial role in ensuring that proposed legislation complies with the chamber’s rules, which allows Republicans to bypass a Democratic filibuster.
This current debate about the megabill’s fate is occurring in a context where the Senate is facing a significant shift in its legislative landscape. The megabill, which has been the subject of considerable debate and speculation, has already encountered challenges as it moves through the Senate. Senate staffers have been in ongoing discussions with MacDonough during the recent recess, and these talks are expected to continue in the coming weeks. The parliamentarian’s rulings on the bill’s compliance with Senate rules will be critical in determining its final form. Thune has also emphasized that the legislative process will continue as planned, with committee staffers working closely with MacDonough to refine the bill before it proceeds to the full Senate.
However, the decision not to overrule MacDonough is not without its critics within the party. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) has publicly expressed concerns about the parliamentarian’s role, suggesting that the party should be open to overriding her if she provides poor advice. This sentiment reflects a growing internal debate within the Republican ranks about the role of the parliamentarian and the extent to which the party should adhere to established procedural norms. Despite this, Thune has remained firm in his stance, stating that the process must be followed as it was designed. Thune’s position is likely to have the support of many within the party who believe that challenging the parliamentarian’s authority could set a dangerous precedent.
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have made it clear that they intend to challenge several provisions of the megabill. Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) has stated that his party is planning to remove a House provision that would limit the ability of federal judges to enforce contempt citations. This provision has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue that it could undermine the judicial system’s ability to hold individuals accountable for contempt of court. Additionally, Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has mentioned that Democrats are also examining the possibility of challenging certain immigration-related provisions in the bill. These challenges are expected to be part of a broader effort to shape the bill’s final version in a way that aligns with Democratic priorities.
As the megabill moves through the Senate, the role of the parliamentarian and the party’s commitment to following the legislative process will be key factors in determining its outcome. While Republicans have signaled their intent to proceed with the bill under the current system, the presence of significant opposition from Democrats and internal Republican debates over procedural norms suggests that the final product may undergo significant changes before it reaches the House for final approval.