Rep. Steube slams Senate parliamentarian for gutting Trump's legislative agenda
Context:
Rep. Greg Steube criticized the decision of Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough to eliminate key conservative provisions from President Trump's legislative agenda, arguing that unelected officials should not wield such power. Conservatives expressed outrage as MacDonough's rulings blocked important reforms and Medicaid tweaks in the Senate GOP's version of the bill. Steube, supported by President Trump, called for MacDonough's removal, questioning why Senate Majority Leader John Thune did not replace her with a Republican appointee. The controversy highlights a broader debate over the influence of non-elected officials in legislative processes, with Steube asserting that decisions should reflect the will of elected lawmakers. Trump publicly endorsed Steube's stance, emphasizing that the parliamentarian's actions undermine the bill's intent and the will of the American electorate.
Dive Deeper:
Rep. Greg Steube argued against the authority of unelected Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, who struck down key elements of President Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' and called for her removal, emphasizing the need for elected lawmakers to make legislative decisions.
The parliamentarian ruled that several significant reforms and Medicaid modifications in the Senate GOP's bill did not comply with Senate Rules, triggering anger among conservatives and prompting calls for her replacement by Kansas Senator Roger Marshall.
Steube, appearing on FOX Report, expressed alignment with Marshall's stance and criticized the decision of Senate Majority Leader John Thune for not appointing a Republican parliamentarian, asserting that the current parliamentarian's decisions do not reflect the choices of the American people.
President Trump supported Steube's position through a social media post, condemning the parliamentarian's influence as detrimental to the Republican bill and indicating that her actions were not aligned with the electorate's desires.
The incident underscores a broader controversy over the role of non-elected officials in legislative procedures, with Steube and other conservatives advocating for a process that prioritizes the decisions of elected representatives.
MacDonough, appointed by former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, has been criticized by Republicans for potentially partisan decision-making, although she claims her role is to remain impartial, acting as a 'scorekeeper' rather than a political figure.
The debate over the parliamentarian's influence highlights tensions between legislative branches and raises questions about the balance of power in the U.S. political system, as reflected in the differing views on the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' and its legislative journey.