WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Parliamentarian, who acts as a nonpartisan “referee” on legislation, has recently outlined certain provisions in the bill are not compliant with the reconciliation rules. Republican committee leaders said they will re-work some of the provisions but overall, Republicans are confident they will still be able to deliver on the President’s agenda.
“Everything gets scrubbed by the parliamentarian to make sure its consistent with that and that’s part of the negotiation,” said Sen. Dave McCormick (R- PA). “So, we’re in the process of that negotiation.”
The process of reconciliation comes with a certain set of rules designed to keep the bill focused on spending and taxes. The Senate Parliamentarian, usually has a low-key role but has been thrust into the spotlight after she ruled some provisions in the bill do not comply with reconciliation rules. She ruled some of those provisions including Medicaid, food benefits, state and local authority to arrest noncitizens and other provisions, do not fall in line with the rules.
Senators must now rewrite the provisions, gut it from the bill or keep it. If Senators decide to keep those non-compliant provisions in the bill, this is where it can get difficult for Senate Republicans. They would no longer be able to fast track the reconciliation process and would need 60 votes to overrule the parliamentarian’s decision, instead of a simple majority vote, which would be 51 votes.
Some Senators have aired their frustrations with the parliamentarian’s rulings. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R- AL) even called for her firing.
“The parliamentarian has a job- I’m not involved in the back-and-forth negotiations I’m the new guy in town but I certainly think big picture we are going to deliver on the President’s promises and get the country moving in the right direction,” said Sen. McCormick.
Even the President weighed in:
“The parliamentarian has been a little difficult and I would say I disagree with the parliamentarian on somethings but in other ways she’s been fine, but we’ll have to see,” said President Donald Trump.
Despite these rulings, Senators are confident they will still be able to pass the bill. “I’m optimistic we will deliver on the president’s agenda and get moving,” said Sen. McCormick.
