Fact Check: MacDonough has become one of the most powerful figures in Washington.

Fact Check: "MacDonough has become one of the most powerful figures in Washington."

What We Know

Elizabeth MacDonough has served as the parliamentarian of the United States Senate since 2012, making her the first woman to hold this position. As parliamentarian, she plays a crucial role in interpreting Senate rules and procedures, which can significantly impact legislative outcomes. For instance, her rulings have been pivotal during major legislative efforts, including the impeachment trials of Donald Trump and various budget reconciliation processes (source-1).

MacDonough's decisions have influenced the passage of significant legislation. For example, in 2015, she ruled that a provision to repeal part of the Affordable Care Act was disqualified under the Byrd Rule, which requires that reconciliation bills must have a budgetary effect (source-1). More recently, she ruled against including a $15 minimum wage provision in President Biden's COVID-19 relief package, a decision that sparked considerable backlash from progressive Democrats (source-1).

Her influence is underscored by comments from various senators, who have acknowledged her expertise and integrity. For example, Senator John Thune remarked on her deep understanding of Senate traditions, while Senator Mark Warner expressed confidence in her ability to make the right decisions (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that MacDonough has become one of the most powerful figures in Washington can be seen as partially true. While she does not hold a traditional political office, her role as parliamentarian grants her significant influence over legislative processes. Her decisions can determine whether certain provisions can be included in bills, effectively shaping the legislative agenda (source-3).

However, it is essential to consider the nature of her power. MacDonough's authority is derived from her interpretation of Senate rules rather than from an elected position or direct political power. This distinction is crucial; while her rulings can halt or advance legislation, she operates within a framework established by elected officials. Moreover, her role is non-partisan, which means her decisions are based on rules rather than political agendas, further complicating the notion of "power" in a traditional sense (source-6).

The reliability of sources discussing her influence varies. Articles from established news organizations and political commentators tend to provide a more balanced view of her role, while some opinions may reflect partisan biases, especially when discussing contentious rulings (source-8).

Conclusion

The claim that "MacDonough has become one of the most powerful figures in Washington" is Partially True. While her role as Senate parliamentarian does grant her significant influence over legislative processes, it is important to recognize that her power is not political in nature but rather procedural. Her decisions impact the legislative landscape, but they are made within a non-partisan framework that limits her authority compared to elected officials.

Sources

1. Elizabeth MacDonough
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