An unelected Senate parliamentarian has ignited a fierce political debate after ruling against key portions of the GOP’s healthcare proposal. Republican lawmakers are pushing back, questioning her authority and demanding leadership take action.
The controversy centers on Elizabeth MacDonough, the current Senate parliamentarian. She recently ruled that several reforms in President Trump’s signature healthcare bill could not proceed under Senate rules. Her decision removed significant parts of the bill, especially reforms tied to Medicaid.
This decision outraged conservative lawmakers. Congressman Greg Steube, R-Fla., strongly criticized MacDonough. He argued an unelected Senate parliamentarian should not override decisions made by elected officials. Steube’s interview gained widespread attention, even earning a nod from President Trump on Truth Social.
“One unelected person shouldn’t control what stays in the bill that undermines democracy,” Steube said. He added, “I called for her to be fired.”According to Steube, lawmakers elected by the people not appointed bureaucrats should decide national policy.
MacDonough’s rulings drew anger from other Republicans as well. Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kan., openly called for her replacement. He questioned why the Senate Majority Leader has not acted.
Currently, Republicans hold majorities in both the House and the Senate. Despite this, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has refused to replace MacDonough. Steube expressed frustration over this decision. “We’ve asked for change,” he said. “But Thune plans to move forward without addressing the issue.”
Meanwhile, host Jon Scott noted that MacDonough sees herself as a neutral referee. According to her, she’s simply calling “balls and strikes,” not making political choices. However, Steube strongly disagrees. “What the House passed by majority vote is now being blocked by one person,” he said. “That’s not what Americans voted for.”
As a result, an unelected Senate parliamentarian now stands at the center of a political firestorm. With tensions rising, GOP leaders are pressing for accountability. Ultimately, this battle over Senate rules could shape the future of healthcare reform.
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