Summary
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough has objected to parts of a large tax bill proposed by former President Donald Trump, stating some sections break Senate rules. Her decision puts billions of dollars in tax cuts at risk and is causing disagreement within Congress as they try to pass the bill by 4 July.
Key Facts
- Elizabeth MacDonough is the Senate parliamentarian who reviews if a bill follows Senate rules.
- She found some parts of Trump's tax bill violate Senate rules, which could impact large financial cuts.
- The tax bill, called the "big beautiful bill" by Trump, involves reducing spending and tax cuts.
- The bill includes cuts to Medicaid and changes to food assistance and job-related taxes.
- Republicans are trying to pass the bill by 4 July, but internal disagreements are causing delays.
- The Byrd Rule prevents unrelated items in reconciliation bills that affect budget decisions.
- Reconciliation bills only need a simple majority to pass in the Senate.
- Some Republicans want to ignore or dismiss MacDonough's rulings to proceed with the bill.
