TCR Brief: Who Is The Senate Parliamentarian, And What Exactly Does She Do?
Your Senate Parliamentarian is Elizabeth MacDonough, a lawyer who has served in that position since 2012. The best way to think of her role is as a referee at a pro football game: she doesn’t play the game, but knows the rules better than many of the players and coaches, and is extremely well versed in all the traditions and minutiae. And like a good referee, she goes out of her way to maintain a low profile.
Interestingly, since the role of the Parliamentarian is advisory, she can be overruled by the Presiding Officer of the Senate, although the last time that happened was in 1975. The Parliamentarian can be hired or fired by the Senate Majority leader. MacDonough was hired by Democrat Harry Reid, when he was Majority Leader. Mitch McConnell kept her on when Republicans took over. It is kind of remarkable with all the divisiveness in Washington right now, (and Trump’s drive to rid Executive Branch offices of career employees), how many high-ranking bureaucrats continue to be trusted by both sides in Congress, regardless of who’s in the majority.
(This story originally appeared in “The Chaos Report” Newsletter. Subscribe at https://thechaosreport.com/subscribe/?scr=Medium)
