Overview

• Under Elizabeth MacDonough’s guidance, lawmakers removed or amended provisions deemed extraneous under the Senate’s Byrd Rule to preserve reconciliation eligibility.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other GOP leaders have ruled out overruling the parliamentarian and will instead adhere to her advisories.
• Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Markwayne Mullin publicly demanded MacDonough’s dismissal after she advised against including certain Medicaid and tax measures.
• Republican stalwarts including Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Lindsey Graham defended the parliamentarian’s nonpartisan role and urged colleagues to respect Senate traditions.
• Lawmakers say overruling the parliamentarian risks eroding the filibuster and could invite reciprocal changes when the opposing party gains control.