Rep. Greg Steube from Florida is speaking out against the Senate parliamentarian’s recent decision that has upset many conservatives. In an interview on Fox News, he expressed his belief that an unelected official should not have the power to determine which parts of President Trump’s proposed "Big, Beautiful Bill" should remain.
The controversy began when Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that certain changes to Medicaid included in the Senate GOP’s version of the bill did not comply with Senate rules. This decision sparked outrage among Republican lawmakers, with some, like Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas, calling for MacDonough to be replaced.
During his appearance on "Fox Report," Steube supported the idea of overruling or even firing the parliamentarian. He stated, "I don’t think that one person who’s unelected should be deciding what stays in and what doesn’t." He emphasized that lawmakers elected by the people should be the ones making these important decisions, not someone appointed years ago.
Currently, Republicans hold majorities in both the House and Senate. MacDonough was appointed by former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, which adds another layer to the debate. Steube questioned why the current Senate Majority Leader, John Thune, has not replaced MacDonough with a Republican appointee, stating that they have called for this change.
Steube’s comments reflect a broader frustration among Republicans who feel that the parliamentarian’s decisions are undermining their legislative agenda. He pointed out that provisions passed by a majority in the House are now being blocked by a single unelected official.
Trump also weighed in on the matter, praising Steube’s stance on Truth Social, agreeing that a Senate staffer should not be able to hinder Republican efforts.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Republican leaders will respond to the parliamentarian’s ruling and what impact it will have on the proposed legislation.