A female individual waves Trump's substantial tax document aloft.
In the halls of the United States Senate, Elizabeth MacDonough stands as an influential figure, serving as the Parliamentarian for 13 years. Known as the guardian of the Senate's rules, MacDonough wields significant power over legislative proposals and budget bills, ensuring they comply with Senate rules, particularly the Byrd Rule governing reconciliation bills [1][3].
MacDonough's rulings can make or break key provisions in major legislation. In 2025, she ruled that multiple provisions in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" violated the Byrd Rule, effectively blocking them from being included in the reconciliation budget bill that requires only 51 votes instead of 60 for passage [3][4]. Excluded items included cuts to federal agencies, repeals of environmental regulations, changes affecting defense spending, and modifications to social and healthcare programs.
Similarly, MacDonough determined that several GOP proposals affecting Medicaid funding and eligibility were ineligible for inclusion via budget reconciliation, requiring a 60-vote threshold for passage and thereby likely preventing those provisions from becoming law without bipartisan support [1][5].
As an unelected official responsible for interpreting Senate rules impartially, MacDonough's decisions can stir political controversy, particularly when they block high-profile or partisan legislative efforts. However, her role is crucial to maintaining the procedural integrity and order of the Senate's legislative process. By ruling on what can be included in budget reconciliation bills, MacDonough acts as a gatekeeper, limiting budget-related legislation to items that meet strict Senate criteria [1][3].
It's worth noting that the filibuster does not apply to the budget, where a simple majority is enough. This means that presidents often include their favourite projects in the budget bill, aiming to bypass the filibuster [2].
The American political system also allows a president to be elected without winning the most votes, a unique aspect that adds complexity to the legislative process [4].
In the territories of Puerto Rico and other islands, US citizens can vote in primaries but not in general elections. Meanwhile, the residents of Washington, D.C. have no voting representatives in the legislative chambers, further highlighting the intricacies of the American political system [5].
MacDonough, the first woman to hold the position of Parliamentarian of the Senate, established in 1930, continues to shape the legislative landscape with her unwavering commitment to upholding the Senate's rules and procedures. Her role is a testament to the importance of impartiality and adherence to rules in maintaining the order and efficiency of the Senate's legislative process.
References: 1. The New York Times: Elizabeth MacDonough, Senate Parliamentarian, Blocks G.O.P. Measures 2. CNN: Filibuster explained: What it is, why it's a big deal and how it works 3. Politico: Elizabeth MacDonough blocks key provisions in Democrats' reconciliation bill 4. The Washington Post: How the Electoral College works 5. BBC News: US territories: A guide to America's unincorporated territories
policy-and-legislation: Elizabeth MacDonough's rulings can make or break key provisions in major legislation, as demonstrated by her decision in 2025 that multiple provisions in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" violated the Byrd Rule, thereby blocking them from being included in the reconciliation budget bill.
politics: As an unelected official, MacDonough's decisions can stir political controversy, particularly when they block high-profile or partisan legislative efforts, such as her ruling on GOP proposals affecting Medicaid funding and eligibility.
