It isn't just rogue judges subverting the will of the people... The Republicans' Big Beautiful Bill was dealt a major blow on Thursday after the Senate Parliamentrian gutted nine major provisions included in GOP efforts to cut $250 billion in Medicaid and other health care spending.
Democrat parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough's latest rulings include major pieces of Medicaid policy - including a plan to reduce federal expenses by cracking down on a state provider tax, which would have had a nine-figure impact on the bill.
She also struck down;
The rulings couldn't have come at a worse time for Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other GOP leaders - who are trying to carefully handle an internal revolt from members wary of the practical and political impacts of the Medicaid changes.
Now Republicans have to try and rework the provider tax language to get it back in the Senate bill, Politico reports, citing two anonymous sources.
"We’ll continue our work and find a solution to achieve the desired results," said one of the people.
The second person described the parliamentarian's cuts as "technical," with some Republicans optimistic that they can make changes to the language that lets them keep the provisions.
Some Republicans are PISSED
"The Senate Parliamentarian is not elected. She is not accountable to the American people," Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) posted on X. "Yet she holds veto power over legislation supported by millions of voters."
.Steube called on Vice President JD Vance to 'overrule the Parliamentarian and let the will of the people, not some staffer hiding behind Senate procedure, determine the future of this country.'
The Senate parliamentarian is a nonpartisan advisor who interprets the Senate's rules, including the Byrd Rule, which limits what can be included in reconciliation bills. Their guidance is not legally binding - it's advisory, but traditionally followed to maintain Senate norms.
Senate Republicans can 'ignore' her rulings in two ways;
Option 1: The Presiding Officer Overrules
Option 2: Fire or Replace the Parliamentarian
Needless to say, America's gatekeepers are hard at work...