Washington, DC [US], June 30 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Senate Republicans to override the chamber’s parliamentarian to advance key provisions of his sweeping domestic policy bill, amid rising conservative frustration, The Hill reported.
In a post on Truth Social Sunday, Trump backed Republican Representative Greg Steube’s call to bypass Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, who recently ruled against including certain Medicaid cuts in the Senate version of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
“Great Congressman Greg Steube is 100% correct. An unelected Senate Staffer (Parliamentarian) should not be allowed to hurt the Republicans’ Bill. Wants many fantastic things out. NO! DJT,” Trump wrote.
Hardline conservatives have increased pressure following MacDonough’s Thursday decision, which struck down key Medicaid provisions and led GOP lawmakers in both chambers to consider challenging her ruling directly on the Senate floor.
“The Senate Parliamentarian is not elected. She is not accountable to the American people. Yet she holds veto power over legislation supported by millions of voters,” Steube said on social media, questioning how a long-serving, unelected official could block a legislative priority backed by Trump and his base.
To overturn the parliamentarian’s guidance, a presiding senator would need to issue a contradictory ruling, which must be backed by at least 51 votes in the chamber. This would allow the disputed provisions to move forward, bypassing the traditional reconciliation process, which requires strict adherence to budgetary rules.
MacDonough, appointed Senate Parliamentarian in 2012 by then-Majority Leader Harry Reid, is the first woman to serve in the role. The parliamentarian determines whether elements of budget-related bills comply with reconciliation rules, which allow certain legislation to pass with a simple majority and avoid a filibuster.
According to The Hill, Senate Democrats are also urging Republicans to consult with the parliamentarian on whether a permanent extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts would violate reconciliation guidelines by significantly increasing future federal deficits. Democrats claim Republicans have thus far refused to engage in those talks.
The result of this procedural standoff could determine whether Republicans must revise the 940-page bill when the Senate reconvenes on Monday.
On Saturday night, the Senate narrowly advanced Trump’s bill after making modifications to address the parliamentarian’s concerns. Still, The Hill noted that Democrats are weighing whether to force a formal floor ruling on the tax cut extension—a move that could greatly influence the bill’s fate.
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