Alan Frumin, who served as Senate parliamentarian for nearly two decades, publicly defended his successor Elizabeth MacDonough against calls for her removal. The former parliamentarian's comments come as the Trump administration has pressured Senate leadership to fire MacDonough over her interpretations of budget reconciliation rules.
MacDonough has ruled against several Republican proposals, most notably blocking the use of reconciliation to extend the 2017 tax cuts beyond 2025. Her decisions have frustrated GOP lawmakers seeking to advance fiscal policies without Democratic support. The Senate parliamentarian's role carries significant procedural power, as they advise senators on what legislation qualifies under reconciliation, a process requiring only 50 votes rather than 60.
Frumin's defense signals concern within the Senate institution over politicizing the parliamentarian position. The role traditionally carries nonpartisan expectations, though the office's rulings directly shape which bills can pass on partisan votes.
Republicans have suggested replacing MacDonough with someone more aligned with their legislative agenda. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other GOP leaders have faced pressure from the White House to remove her. MacDonough herself has indicated her willingness to resign if the Senate no longer wants her, though such a move would represent an unusual departure from institutional norms.
The dispute reflects broader tensions over Senate procedure and the limits of reconciliation authority. Democrats have warned that removing an independent parliamentarian would damage Senate institutions and set a precedent for politicizing procedural offices. Frumin's comments lend weight to those arguments, coming from someone with extensive experience navigating these rules.
MacDonough's tenure has proven consequential for major legislation. Her rulings have shaped debates over healthcare, taxation, and spending. The current pressure to remove her tests whether the Senate will preserve institutional independence or subordinate procedural offices to partisan goals.