{"id":2452425,"date":"2025-06-26T13:52:01","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T17:52:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/thune-rejects-gop-calls-to-sideline-senate-parliamentarian\/"},"modified":"2025-06-26T13:53:06","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T17:53:06","slug":"thune-rejects-gop-calls-to-sideline-senate-parliamentarian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/thune-rejects-gop-calls-to-sideline-senate-parliamentarian\/","title":{"rendered":"Thune rejects GOP calls to sideline Senate parliamentarian"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">16<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fthune-rejects-gop-calls-to-sideline-senate-parliamentarian%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2452425&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has pushed back against calls from some members of teh GOP to dismiss senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough. This comes after her <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >rulings negatively impacted crucial aspects<\/a> of the party&#8217;s tax reform proposal, particularly Medicaid reforms expected to save substantial funds. Thune emphasized that overruling MacDonough would be counterproductive for passing legislation, suggesting that Republicans should instead work within the reconciliation process to make compliance adjustments. While there is meaningful frustration within the party regarding MacDonough, some politicians, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have expressed their commitment to adhere to her decisions.The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/oregon-republicans-file-for-reelection-despite-possible-disqualification\/\" title=\"Oregon ... seek reelection despite potential disqualification.\">situation reflects ongoing tensions<\/a> in the senate as Republicans strive to advance their agenda while facing procedural hurdles.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Thune rejects GOP calls to sideline Senate parliamentarian<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2158837\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Senate Majority Leader <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/john-thune\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">John Thune<\/a> (R-SD) is rebuffing an upswell in anger at the Senate&rsquo;s parliamentarian after she <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/healthcare\/3454797\/gop-tax-bill-senate-parliamentarian-medicaid-savings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">dealt a blow<\/a> to major elements of Republicans&rsquo; tax bill.<\/p>\n<p>It would be a mistake to overrule Elizabeth MacDonough, Thune told reporters on Thursday after she struck <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/medicaid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Medicaid<\/a> reforms designed to recoup hundreds of billions in savings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3454811\/sanders-criticism-mamdani-radical-insists-democrats-follow-his-lead\/\">Sanders brushes off criticism of Mamdani as &#8216;radical&#8217; and insists Democrats follow his lead<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/entertainment\/3454554\/rogan-confronts-sanders-climate-change-taxes-billionaire-donations\/\">Rogan confronts Sanders on climate change, taxes, and billionaire donations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3454027\/schumer-hospitalized-dehydration-feeling-lightheaded-gym\/\">Schumer hospitalized for dehydration after feeling &#8216;lightheaded&#8217; at gym<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;That would not be a good outcome for getting a bill done,&rdquo; Thune said.<\/p>\n<p>The rulings <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/repgregsteube\/status\/1938219509124337673?s=46&amp;t=p4z4841G0T5BjMHvWHQbTQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">sparked<\/a> House GOP calls for her to be sidelined by the Senate on Thursday, a dramatic step that requires a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/blackburn-introduces-amendments-to-counter-china-and-iran\/\" title=\"Blackburn Introduces Amendments to Counter China and Iran\">simple majority vote<\/a>. Some even want her fired, with Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) accusing her of being a &ldquo;woke&rdquo; Democratic appointee.<\/p>\n<p>MacDonough was appointed by the late Democratic leader Harry Reid, but is a nonpartisan referee who has frequently sided against Senate Democrats.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, Thune said Republicans would work within the confines of reconciliation, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/ron-johnson-open-to-trump-megabill-after-vance-meeting\/\" title=\"Ron Johnson open to Trump mega... after Vance meeting\">filibuster-skirting budget process<\/a>, and rework the provisions to make them compliant.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;There are things that we can do. There are other ways of getting to that same outcome,&rdquo; he said.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3336332\/gop-senate-parliamentarian-elizabeth-macdonough-trump-tax-agenda\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"><strong>GOP COUNTS ON OBSCURE SENATE REFEREE TO PASS TRUMP&rsquo;S TAX AGENDA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The rulings come as Thune attempts to cobble together the GOP votes to pass the megabill, a hodge-podge of tax, border, and defense priorities, by this weekend.<\/p>\n<p>On Thursday, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) told reporters,  &ldquo;hope springs eternal&rdquo; that Congress can finish by July 4, while suggesting he is open to overruling MacDonough.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;If only that were our decision. The senators have to make that call,&rdquo; Johnson said. &ldquo;I mean, I can make a case for it, but no one&rsquo;s asked me for that.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The Medicaid provisions, in particular, have been controversial as Thune resists pressure to soften a new cap in the provider tax, which states use to help pay for their share of Medicaid. That cap was ruled noncompliant with reconciliation rules, as was language excluding illegal immigrants from receiving program benefits.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I mean, we may not have everything that we wanted in terms of the provider tax reforms, but if we can get most of the reforms there, get the savings that come with it, I mean, this is all about saving the taxpayers money,&rdquo; Thune said.<\/p>\n<p>Thune has been consistent that overruling MacDonough is not a step Republicans are willing to take, comparing it to a backdoor way to eliminate the filibuster &mdash; the 60-vote threshold for most Senate legislation.<\/p>\n<p>But his commitment to that view has been tested repeatedly in the new Congress as Republicans attempt to cement President Donald Trump&rsquo;s agenda, and roll back elements of former President Joe Biden&rsquo;s.<\/p>\n<p>In May, Thune undertook <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3419222\/thune-california-emissions-vote-democrats-roadblocks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">elaborate floor maneuvering<\/a> to ignore MacDonough without directly challenging her to repeal waivers Biden granted for California&rsquo;s strict emissions rules.<\/p>\n<p>Frustration with the Senate parliamentarian dates back decades, and there is precedent for the official to be ousted. In 2001, Republicans <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2001\/05\/08\/us\/rules-keeper-is-dismissed-by-senate-official-says.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">dismissed<\/a> Robert Dove over what they described as his &ldquo;inconsistent&rdquo; decision-making.<\/p>\n<p>MacDonough faced <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/IlhanMN\/status\/1365113547848634370\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">similar calls<\/a> from the Left in 2021, when she struck provisions, including a $15 minimum wage, from Biden&rsquo;s marquee legislation.<\/p>\n<p>This time, the calls are similarly limited to Thune&rsquo;s right flank. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the Budget Committee chairman, reaffirmed Wednesday that Republicans &ldquo;will abide by&rdquo; the parliamentarian&rsquo;s rulings.<\/p>\n<p>But the big question mark hanging over that commitment is a forthcoming ruling on the &ldquo;current policy baseline,&rdquo; a novel scoring method Republicans are using to treat trillions in tax extensions as cost-free.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3453622\/senate-tax-writers-15-billion-rural-hospital-fund-medicaid-moderates\/\"><strong>SENATE TAX WRITERS FLOAT $15 BILLION RURAL FUND TO APPEASE &lsquo;MEDICAID MODERATES&rsquo;<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>In April, Republicans used floor procedure to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3366654\/senate-weighs-sidestepping-parliamentarian-budget-reconciliation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">defer<\/a> to Graham on the use of a current policy baseline, though it is unclear how they would respond if MacDonough rules against the accounting method later this week.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;She&rsquo;s not gonna overrule that. That&rsquo;s my decision,&rdquo; Graham said on Wednesday.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>Ramsey Touchberry contributed to this report.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2158837\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2158837\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thune dismisses GOP demands to remove Senate parliamentarian<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2651,"featured_media":2452428,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/John-Thune-John-Barrasso-James-Lankford-Shelley-Moore-Capito-Senate-Republicans-bbnh234.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[538],"tags":[6203,48008,5009,3740,23610],"class_list":["post-2452425","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-washington-examiner","tag-gop","tag-parliamentarian","tag-rejects","tag-senate","tag-thune"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/John-Thune-John-Barrasso-James-Lankford-Shelley-Moore-Capito-Senate-Republicans-bbnh234.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2452425","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2651"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2452425"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2452425\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2452430,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2452425\/revisions\/2452430"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2452428"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2452425"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2452425"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2452425"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}